2 wheelin': September 2015

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

MotoGP stories after Aragon

We look into stories, post-race, and beyond, after the MotoGP race in Aragon, Spain, in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3.

Espargaro: "I felt comfortable"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/espargaro-i-felt-comfortable/185873

The next story, has a video attached. But, you must be subscribed, in order to see it.

MotoGP riders complete final Michelin tyre test before 2016

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/motogp-riders-complete-final-michelin-tyre-test-before-2016/185871

Hernandez: "We have to continue in this direction"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/hernandez-we-have-to-continue-in-this-direction/185773

Bautista: "I was shut out on the first turn"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/bautista-i-was-shut-out-on-the-first-turn/185814

Miller: "I was happy with about 90% of our race"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/miller-i-was-happy-with-about-90-of-our-race/185862

Vinales: "The machine has more potential"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/vinales-the-machine-has-more-potential/185875

Hayden: "I felt good for a couple of laps"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/hayden-i-felt-good-for-a-couple-of-laps/185870

Espargaro: "My gear didn't engage and I was in neutral"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/espargaro-my-gear-didn-t-engage-and-i-was-in-neutral/185839

Dovizioso: "I am pleased and not pleased"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/dovizioso-i-am-pleased-and-not-pleased/185823

Marc Marquez's post race blog entry.

Marquez Blog: We keep learning
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/29/marquez-blog-we-keep-learning/185934

Rabat wins after excellent duel with Rins
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/rabat-wins-after-excellent-duel-with-rins/185552

Rabat: "I am so happy to win here at home"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/rabat-i-am-so-happy-to-win-here-at-home/185625

Rins: "I've tried everything"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/rins-i-ve-tried-everything/185640

Lowes: "I pushed all the way through"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/lowes-i-pushed-all-the-way-through/185642

Zarco: "It's been a tough weekend"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/zarco-it-s-been-a-tough-weekend/185759

Oliveira wins in dramatic Moto3 race
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/oliveira-wins-in-dramatic-moto3-race/185523

Oliveira: "I was confident and I gave everything"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/oliveira-i-was-confident-and-i-gave-everything/185593

Navarro: "It was what we needed"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/navarro-it-was-what-we-needed/185606

Fenati: "The race was beautiful!"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/27/fenati-the-race-was-beautiful/185617

Bastianini: "It was not an easy race"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/bastianini-it-was-not-an-easy-race/185748

Kent: "I'm sorry to report this crash"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/28/kent-i-m-sorry-to-report-this-crash/185763

Monday, September 28, 2015

Moto 2 & Moto 3: Aragon

Here's what happened in the junior class races at Motorland Aragon.

In Moto 2, Tito Rabat held off the challenges of Alex Rins and Sam Lowes, to score the victory. The aforementioned Rins and Lowes, rounded out the podium places, while Jonas Folger and Tom Luthi completed the top five. In sixth through tenth, the finishing riders were Johann Zarco (who appears to be on his way to a Moto 2 championship), Hafizh Syahrin, Takaaki Nakagami, Simone Corsi, and Lorenzo Baldassari.

#1 Tito Rabat ESP. Kalex

23 riders in total were classified at the finish of the Moto2 race. Unlucky retirees from the event included Federico Fuligni, Alex Marquez, Julian Simon, Edgar Pons, Xavier Simeon, Luis Salom, and Dominique Aegerter (someone who is a lot farther up the order, usually), was caboose on the field.

In the Moto 3 race, Miguel Oliveira wins his second career Moto3 event, and his second race of 2015. Oliveira was joined on the podium in the entry level class by his fellow Spaniard, the rapidly improving Jorge Navarro, and Romano Fenati. Efren Vazquez and Philipp Oettl round out the top five. Niccolo Antonelli headed up the back half of the top ten, in sixth, followed by Jorge Martin, Alexis Masbou, Andrea Migno and Hiroki Ono.

#44 Miguel Oliveira ESP. KTM

27 riders in the large Moto3 field were classified finishers. Retirements were significant, including Brad Binder, Danny Kent (who is all but crowned this year's Moto3 champ, and will move to MotoGP next year, bypassing Moto2 altogether), Enea Bastianini (another really competitive rider as of late), Karel Hanika, Manuel Pagliani, Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Isaac Vinales, and, caboose on the field was Brad Binder's brother, Darryn Binder. Not a good race in Aragon, for the Binder brothers.

Next up for Moto2 and Moto3, along with their MotoGP counterparts, are the flyaway races, to close out the 2015 season. They begin, with Japan, at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, in two weeks.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

MotoGP Round 14: Aragon, Spain

Motorland Aragon in Aragon, Spain, brings us to the final European race of the 2015 MotoGP season, before the flyaway races begin, that usher in the last leg before a champion will be crowned.

hat does a champion do when he's down? He fights. Jorge Lorenzo must fight and ride flawlessly, to finish ahead of team mate Valentino Rossi. One more mistake, and his championship dreams will vanish before his very eyes. Just five races now remain. We head to Spain for the third and final time this season. This is round fourteen of the championship. Five steps to take for Valentino Rossi to get his tenth title, and eighth championship in the premier division.

In motorcycle racing, crashing is part of life. Low side crashes are dangerous. But, high sides, are even more, when they lose the rear tire. There are those who have crashed, and those who will, whether racing professionally, or, at a track day. There are two kinds of crashes. If the bike brakes straight, the rear tire loses grip, losing the front end. The other, is, bike on an angle, with no brake, and no throttle. You are on the limit, lose the front end, and fall off. This can happen, when you have a new front and rear tire.

The rear tire, pushes the front. Engine braking helps. The high side, happens, at the exit of the turn, when you open the throttle, and are playing with rear grip. If you open the throttle earlier or too much, you create a loss of rear grip, the suspension compresses, the rear tire loses grip, the suspension expands, and the rider gets thrown off the motorcycle, like an ejection seat. Escape a high side, by letting the rear tire spin, and then, let the traction control kick in, and save the motorcycle. Keep yourself on the bike, and keep racing.

The bike, can detect if you as the rider, are over the limit, so it cuts the power. But, if you lose grip and hit the throttle, you are still going to crash. Marc Marquez crushes his own lap record. He slid through the gravel trying to better it. Andrea Ianonne charged in qualifying to third, despite his separated shoulder. Ducati had three straight top finishes in the first three races. But, Ducati, has had bad luck, since then.

Has the Ducati GP15 tailed off? Andrea Dovizioso had three second place finishes in Qatar, Austin, Texas, and Argentina. The team has not solved all the problems with the bike. They can't find enough grip at the maximum angle of the bike, in corners. It's a big step, and hopes are that the problems are reduced and eventually solved. Ducati only has had one podium since the sixth event of the season. In Britain, they had a good result, in the rain. But, the results have just not been there, in dry conditions.

Motorland Aragon is a newer track on the calendar. It is 3.16 miles with 17 corners. Ten lefts and seven rights, with a 2/3 mile straight. 23 laps are scheduled. Down the front straight, overtake into turn one. Around turn two, uphill. Keep climbing, go right, into Carlos Checa corner. Turn four, is hard, because you have to brake and stand the bike up. Turns five, six, and seven, and it's tight. Go up hill. Hit third gear so you don't lose speed. Go through the reverse corkscrew, opposite of Laguna Seca.

Then, you flow through turns eleven through fourteen. You have to slow down into the final corner, but you can still pass around your rivals, onto the back straight. Go full speed. Then, come through the final corner, and fly down the straight. In qualifying, Marc Marquez set a new record at 1:46.635. H crashed in his third run, and didn't back up the time. Jorge Lorenzo could not push how he wanted. Andrea Ianonne was in good form despite his separated shoulder. Pol Espargaro did well. Valentino Rossi is sixth. He didn't have the run he wanted.

Marc Marquez has his seventh pole of 2015. Tire choice is big. Tire life should be extended. Go to the soft tire, or play it safe on hard tires. Take off, and hang with Lorenzo and Marquez. Be smart, and collect points, if you are out of contention, for the win. We are ready, for 23 laps of MotoGP action, at Aragon. It's live, and, it's... next!

The riders are on the formation lap. You can cut the atmosphere with a knife as race. We wait, poised, for the start. This is round fourteen. It's go time in northeast Spain. Go! At the start, MJarc Marquez drops down the order and Jorge Lorenzo leads. He can break, now. Andrea Ianonne is second. Marc Marquez tries inside Ianonne. Dani Pedrosa is up to fourth ahead of Pol Espargaro. Through turns eight and nine. Marquez is now second, and he's going to try to stop Lorenzo from moving ahead and whistling into the distance.

Lorenzo wants to make it six wins this year. They fly at 215 miles an hour into turn sixteen. Lorenzo leads as Valentino Rossi is two seconds behind, down in fifth place. Andrea Ianonne and Dani Pedrosa battle for third. Rossi wants by Dani Pedrosa. Oh no! Marc Marquez has crashed out of thye race for the second yar in a row! He was just closing in on Lorenzo. He loses it in turn 12! That's the fifth race crash for Marquez in 2015! Ugh! Jorge Lorenzo is now in the lad, and will likely dominate.

But, watch out for Valentino Rossi. Rossi will push. He knows he has a chance. Pedrosa tries Ianonne through turn seven. Andrea Ianonne is still having shoulder problems. This is Jorge Lorenzo's race to lose, in the meantime. Marc Marquez has crashed five times this year. Rossi moves by Ianonne. These guys are buddies off track. But, rivals, on it. Rossi is right behind Dani Pedrosa now. Marc Marquez has made some big mistakes, and he's obviously furious with himself.

They run into turn sixteen. Valentino Rossi is minimizing the damage. He needs to pass Dani Pedrosa. Pol Espargaro runs tenth, but, he's slowing somewhat. Rossi is biding his time. Rossi still pushes Pedrosa. Dani Pedrosa has won here and had a few podiums. Rossi has only had one podium here at Motorland Aragon. Five laps now done and dusted. Pol Espargaro has sunk from fourth to tenth, after running off the road and missing his braking point.

Rossi continues chasing Pedrosa. The last thing Rossi needs is Andrea Ianonne coming back into this fight. "Maniac Joe" as he is called, will go for it. All five crashes Marc Marquez has had, have been of his own making. Alex de Angelis crashes. He tries to go by Loris Baz, and falls off. Game over. Good fight between Stefan Bradl, Eugene Laverty, and others. The second half of the race, beckons. It looks like Jorge Lorenzo, could win it.

Valentino Rossi has closed in on Dani Pedrosa, as Jorge Lorenzo has gapped these riders significantly. Keep an eye on the time gap. Dani Pedrosa runs his personal best lap at 1:48.451. Pedrosa is pushing. But, Rossi is there. When it comes down to crunch time, Rossi is going to push. Valentino Rossi can bide his time and does not have to take unnecessary risks. Bradley Smith and Aleix Espargaro are battling, and closing on Andrea Ianonne. Espargaro on the Suzuki is running well. Cal Crutchlow is eighth, a second behind Espargaro.

Danilo Petrucci is behind him, on the Pramac Ducati. Cal Crutchlow got a podium here last year, in the rain on a Ducati. Oh no. Danilo Petrucci crashes, losing th bike. He trailed th brake into turn fourteen and had the front end wash away. He can finish this race, though. The last time Petrucci had a DNF was almost a year ago in Malaysia. The concentration level running on your own, must be really hard. It is easier, to run in groups, battling, and pushing.

Valentino Rossi does not want to take risks. He needs to finish. It's not the end of the world if he doesn't win. But, he still needs a good haul of points. Ten laps now done. Andrea Ianonne may be feeling fatigue and pain, due to his shoulder, and also, he might be getting tired. Game over for Karel Abraham. He has had a nightmare season. Abraham hurt his foot, about four months ago. It could be six months to a year before he's fully fit again. Rossi is sizing up Dani Pedrosa. Meanwhile, Andrea Ianonne is still going for it. A brave, brave rider indeed.

Bradley Smith is sixth. He ran wide a while ago, and was caught out by Andrea Dovizioso sliding wide. Smith is now down to eighth, being passed. The Honda has the power down the straightaway compared to the Yamaha. The gap is 3.3 seconds. Jorge Lorenzo still leads with ten laps now remaining. Yonny Hernandez and Scott Redding run tenth and eleventh. Redding fights for the top ten. Hernandez came through both qualifying sessions yesterday. Jorge Lorenzo has been running consistent laps in the 1:48 range.

Marc Marquez admits that his crash was an unforced error. If Rossi makes it to second, he will only be ten points behind Jorge Lorenzo in the championship. He is now, fourteen points behind. A great battle for the last part of the top ten. These bikes fly at 210 miles an hour. If Rossi passes Pedrosa, he gains back points. Dani Pedrosa is still motoring through these corners. He's going for it. So is a battle between Eugene Laverty, Nicky Hayden, Jack Miller, and Loris Baz, for the Open class motorcycles.

Rossi, flat out at 340 kilometers an hour (215 miles an hour), closes on Dani Pedrosa. Just six laps left. No attack yet. Pedrosa knows Rossi is right there. He hears the motor of the Yamaha. Trust me. Dani Pedrosa picks up the bike and is on the fatter part of the tire, to gain more grip. If Rossi passes Pedrosa, he could gain eighteen points on Jorge Lorenzo. Body weight is also a factor. Pedrosa is a lot lighter than Rossi is. Five laps to go, with Lorenzo leading by three seconds. Rossi flies up the inside! He tries to get second.

Pedrosa has second now. Rossi retaliates, and they fly into the reverse corkscrew. Rossi is close. He is trying to get ahead of Dani Pedrosa, and he wants to make a break for it. Rossi is going to dive inside Pedrosa, and he makes it, but, no, he doesn't. Rossi now goes inside, and Pedrosa swings back inside. This is a real hot battle for second! Rossi tries to overtake, down the reverse corkscrew. Rossi is pushing. Who has the best tires for the last three laps? Manage the left hand side of the tire. Pedrosa has more power.

Rossi closes into turn sxitreen. Rossi is going to try again. Pedrosa is too strong. Andrea Ianonne is still fourth. Two and a half laps left. Jorge Lorenzo is going to win this race. Pedrosa is putting hup a great fight. Vamos! Come on! This is a crucial last two laps. What will the points be, headed into the next race in Japan? Two laps to go. He has three seconds in hand. Rossi tries to pass, gets in too hot, and cannot hold off Pedrosa. He can't lunge by the Honda. A lap and a half left. This is the battle. No quarter asked, and no quarter given.

Rossi tries Pedrosa again. He's still not close enough. Pedrosa pulls away on the one kilometer back straight. Rossi runs wide again, as Jorge Lorenzo starts his final lap. A fifth win for Lorenzo beckons. Now, Rossi is lining up Pedrosa, and he does it! There's no place for Pedrosa to go. Pedrosa has the power. Here he comes, and he gets by! Rossi loses ground again! Pedorsa is charging. The second half of the lap is where Pedrosa is strong. This is as good a performance we've seen from Pedrosa in a long time.

Rosssi tries again. He passes. Honda has more power. Rossi can't get by. Pedrosa surely will finish second. Jorge Lorenzo wins at Aragon! Pedrosa second, and Rossi, third. Andrea Ianonne is fourth. Andrea Dovizioso is fifth. Rossi does not gain those points back. We now head to the flyaway races.

#99 Jorge Lorenzo ESP. Yamaha

The next race is in Japan, in two weeks, starting a streak of three straight flyaway races. Japan, Australia, and Malaysia, will be run, before the season finale, in Spain. These last races are going to be exciting. Follow all the action, here, on 2 Wheelin'. We'll see you, in Japan, in two weeks. So long for now, everyone.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

more news headed into the Aragon MotoGP races tomorrow

Saturday's news stories going into the MotoGP races at Motorland Aragon, tomorrow.

Marquez destroys his own record on way to pole

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/marquez-destroys-his-own-record-on-way-to-pole/185336

Redding: "The lap time just isn't there"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/redding-the-lap-time-just-isn-t-there/185422

Smith: "We still don't know exactly what happened"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/smith-we-still-don-t-know-exactly-what-happened/185427

Iannone: "Today was rather a difficult day for me"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/iannone-today-was-rather-a-difficult-day-for-me/185414

Marquez: "It was a nice surprise!"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/marquez-it-was-a-nice-surprise/185415

Rossi: "I slid too much"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/rossi-i-slid-too-much/185403

Crutchlow: "We need to improve in sector one"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/crutchlow-we-need-to-improve-in-sector-one/185484

Laverty: "It means we have a nice decision to make tomorrow"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/laverty-it-means-we-have-a-nice-decision-to-make-tomorrow/185490

The 1:46 club
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/the-1-46-club/185391

Lorenzo: "To be in the 1:46.7 is unbelievable"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/lorenzo-to-be-in-the-1-46-7-is-unbelievable/185447

Rabat remains on top in Moto 2 FP3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/rabat-remains-on-top-in-moto2-fp3/185295

Rabat rules Moto 2 qualifying
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/rabat-rules-moto2-qualifying/185366

Lowes: "I am disappointed not to be on the front row"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/lowes-i-am-disappointed-not-to-be-on-the-front-row/185465

Zarco: "Rabat and Rins are a step ahead with their pace"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/zarco-rabat-and-rins-are-a-step-ahead-with-their-pace/185468

Rabat: "I put all my effort into that record lap"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/rabat-i-put-all-my-effort-into-that-record-lap/185470

Rins: "I'm losing a lot in the third sector"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/rins-i-m-losing-a-lot-in-the-third-sector/185482

Vazquez sets fastest time of weekend in Moto 3 FP3

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/vazquez-sets-fastest-time-of-weekend-in-moto3-fp3/185263

Leopard Racing signs Quartararo for 2016
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/leopard-racing-signs-quartararo-for-2016/185291

Bastianini makes it back-to-back Moto 3 pole positions

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/bastianini-makes-it-back-to-back-moto3-pole-positions/185301

Kent: "This front row start did not come easy"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/kent-this-front-row-start-did-not-came-easy/185381

Bastianini: "It will be a group race"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/bastianini-it-will-be-a-group-race/185397

Oliveira: "We'll try to break away"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/oliveira-we-ll-try-to-break-away/185400

Martin: "It's a pity we couldn't get closer to pole"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/26/martin-it-s-a-pity-we-couldn-t-get-closer-to-pole/185485

Friday, September 25, 2015

Friday MotoGP headlines from Aragon

Stories and headlines from the Friday practice sessions etc. at Motorland Aragon in Aragon, Spain.

Lorenzo sets blistering pace in FP1
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/lorenzo-sets-blistering-pace-in-fp1/185115

Lorenzo enjoys perfect opening day at Aragon

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/lorenzo-enjoys-perfect-opening-day-at-aragon/185148

Redding: "I was baulked a bit on my fastest lap"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/redding-i-was-baulked-a-bit-on-my-fastest-lap/185187

Lorenzo: "The improvement is thanks to the engineers"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/lorenzo-the-improvement-is-thanks-to-the-engineers/185208

Smith: "We made some steps forward"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/smith-we-made-some-steps-forward/185196

Pedrosa: "I had to stay in the garage"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/pedrosa-i-had-to-stay-in-the-garage/185215

Marquez: "Jorge is riding at a high level"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/marquez-jorge-is-riding-at-a-high-level/185213

Crutchlow: "It was a terrible day position-wise"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/crutchlow-it-was-a-terrible-day-position-wise/185223

A repetitive beat
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/a-repetitive-beat/185181

Rossi: "Jorge was a little bit faster"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/rossi-jorge-was-a-little-bit-faster/185212

Vierge to continue with the Tech3 Racing Team for 2016

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/vierge-to-continue-with-the-tech3-racing-team-for-2016/185101

Lowes leads the way in Moto 2 FP1
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/lowes-leads-the-way-in-moto2-fp1/185121

Baldassarri confirmed with Forward Racing for 2016

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/baldassarri-confirmed-with-forward-racing-for-2016/185140

Record-breaking Rabat rules opening day in Moto 2

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/record-breaking-rabat-rules-opening-day-in-moto2/185166

Lowes: "I felt really good on the bike"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/lowes-i-felt-really-good-on-the-bike/185246

In Moto 3, so far, it seems to be all about Enea Bastianini.

Bastianini out of the blocks quickest in Moto 3 FP1

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/bastianini-out-of-the-blocks-quickest-in-moto3-fp1/185107

Bastianini dominates Friday in Moto 3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/bastianini-dominates-friday-in-moto3/185132

Kent: "We know our problems"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/kent-we-know-our-problems/185177

Bastianini: "We can still improve in several areas"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/25/bastianini-we-can-still-improve-in-several-areas/185219

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Pre-Aragon MotoGP headlines (continued)

More headlines, headed into this weekend's MotoGP action at Motorland Aragon in Aragon, Spain, mainly from MotoGP and Moto 2.

Dani Pedrosa's latest blog entry.

Pedrosa Blog: Eager to arrive at Motorland

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/23/pedrosa-blog-eager-to-arrive-at-motorland/184931

Valentino Rossi makes a great point, in this next story, and it is illustrated, every time a blog entry on a race, is published here.

Rossi: "Every race has its own story"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/23/rossi-every-race-has-its-own-story/185013

Vinales: "We know what we lack"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/24/vinales-we-know-what-we-lack/185033

Espargaro: "We need some more acceleration"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/24/espargaro-we-need-some-more-acceleration/185046

Maverick Vinales, in an F-18 fighter jet

Maverick feels the need, the need for speed!

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/24/maverick-feels-the-need-the-need-for-speed/184981

Crutchlow: "Hopefully we can go better"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/24/crutchlow-hopefully-we-can-go-better/185083

Miller: "The track can get quite dirty"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/24/miller-the-track-can-get-quite-dirty/185092

Zarco: "I will try to be calm"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/23/zarco-i-will-try-to-be-calm/185010

Dunlop's 100 Moto2 races in numbers
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/24/dunlop-s-100-moto2-races-in-numbers/185049

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

More MotoGP headlines

A brief bloc of headlines and features from MotoGP.

Marquez - the man to beat at Aragon
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/23/marquez-the-man-to-beat-at-aragon/184949

Hayden: "I had a little accident and broke my thumb"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/23/hayden-i-had-a-little-accident-and-broke-my-thumb/184972

Lorenzo: "The fight for the title will be tight"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/23/lorenzo-the-fight-for-title-will-be-tight/184970

Vinales feels the need, the need for speed

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/23/vinales-feels-the-need-the-need-for-speed/184981

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

MotoGP news update

The latest stories from MotoGP, in all three divisions.

Smith: "The podium finish really motivates me"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/smith-the-podium-finish-really-motivates-me/184909

Bradl & Bautista remain with Aprilia for 2016

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/bradl-bautista-remain-with-aprilia-for-2016/184918

Iannone: "A sudden movement caused my shoulder to pop out"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/iannone-a-sudden-movement-caused-my-shoulder-to-pop-out/184923

Marquez: "This is my favourite track of the year"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/marquez-this-is-my-favourite-track-of-the-year/184919

Espargaro: "I am certain we can turn everything around"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/espargaro-i-am-certain-that-we-can-turn-everything-around/184926

Bridgestone announces tyre compounds for Aragon

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/bridgestone-announce-tyre-compounds-for-aragon/184929

A blog entry, from Marc Marquez.

Marquez Blog: First basketball, now it's our turn

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/marquez-blog-first-basketball-now-it-s-our-turn/184930

Redding: "We need to be realistic about what we achieved"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/redding-we-need-to-be-realistic-about-what-we-achieved/184932

Pedrosa: "Let's see how the weather is"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/pedrosa-let-s-see-how-the-weather-is/184935

Dovizioso: "It's a very unusual circuit"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/dovizioso-it-s-a-very-unusual-circuit/184940

#StatAttack: Which Current Moto2 riders have won at Aragon?

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/21/statattack-which-current-moto2-riders-have-won-at-aragon/184807

Zarco given first title chance at Aragon GP

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/21/zarco-given-first-title-chance-at-aragon-gp/184793

Lowes joins Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 for 2016

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/lowes-joins-federal-oil-gresini-moto2-for-2016/184915

Rabat: "We're getting there"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/rabat-we-re-getting-there/184921

Sarron: "Rossi is ahead now, but the season is not over..."

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/22/sarron-rossi-is-ahead-now-but-the-season-is-not-over/184905

#StatAttack: Who won the 2014 Moto3 race at Aragon?

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/21/statattack-who-won-the-2014-moto3-race-at-aragon/184809

Moto3 ready for heated battle
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/21/moto3-ready-for-heated-battle/184799

Monday, September 21, 2015

FIM World Superbike Round 11: Spain, & 2015 FIM World Superbike champion

FIM World Superbike and it's associated support divisions competed in Jerez, Spain this past weekend at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit. In World Superbike race one, it was Tom Sykes and Kawasaki taking the win. Then, in race two, Chaz Davies (who finished second in the first race) emerged as the winner.

World Superbike Race 1: #66 Tom Sykes     GBR.     Kawasaki Racing Team Kawasaki ZX10R

World Superbike Race 2: #7 Chaz Davies    GBR.     Aruba.it Racing Ducati SBK Team

Ducati Panigale R

World Supersport Race: #54 Kenan Sofuoglu TUR. Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX6R

Superstock 1000 Race: #2 Roberto Tamburini ITA.   Team MotoXRacing BMW S1000RR

Superstock 600 Race: #21 Michael Ruben Rinaldi ITA. San Carlo Team Italia Kawasaki ZX6R

It should be noted, that, the 2015 World Superbike Champion, has also, been crowned! Johnny Rea, for Kawasaki Racing Team, is that champion! Congratulations, Johnny Rea!

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/champion/sbk

Two races remain on the 2015 FIM World Superbike calendar. The penultimate round of the championship is in two weeks, in France, at the Circuit de Nevers in Magny Cours.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

MotoGP news update

The latest news and features from MotoGP and Moto 2.

Strong year for satellites
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/17/strong-year-for-satellites/184770

Biaggi: "It's not just luck, Rossi deserves the title"

http://www.motogp.com/en/in%20the%20media/2015/09/17/biaggi-it-s-not-just-luck-rossi-deserves-the-title/184819

Andrea Ianonne dislocates left shoulder
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/17/andrea-iannone-dislocates-left-shoulder/184842

Marquez approaches milestone
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/20/marquez-approaches-milestone/184815

Baz interview: "The last lap seemed to last forever!"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/19/baz-interview-the-last-lap-seemed-to-last-forever/184822

Misano madness leads to record-breaking podium

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/20/misano-madness-leads-to-record-breaking-podium/184816

#AragonGP in numbers
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/20/aragongp-in-numbers/184810

What role do pit boards play in MotoGP?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/20/what-role-do-pit-boards-play-in-motogp/184828

Aragon to host 100th Moto2 race
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/20/aragon-to-host-100th-moto2-race/184813

How Zarco can win the title at Aragon
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/20/how-zarco-can-win-the-title-at-aragon/184811

Saturday, September 19, 2015

2009 Daytona 200

Another classic Daytona 200. This one is from 2009 featuring the 600cc class, which back then, was called Daytona Sportbike.

Friday, September 18, 2015

2003 Daytona 200

Another classic version of the Daytona 200. This is the 2003 race.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

MotoAmerica Round 9: New Jersey Motorsports Park (season finale)

Subtitle this article, Beaubier takes Superbike title.

Cameron Beaubier takes the inaugural MotoAmerica Superbike championship title, and Jake Gagne takes the Superstock 1000 title. Josh Hayes, did the double in both Superbike races at the season finale.

http://www.motoamerica.com/beaubier-takes-superbike-title

We will see what happens, next year, and look forward to season two of MotoAmerica competition, in 2016.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

MotoGP news after Misano

News stories and race reactions after the Misano MotoGP race, from all three classes.

The Rossi factor
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/14/the-rossi-factor/184438

Espargaro: "We don't deserve to be where we are"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/14/espargaro-we-don-t-deserve-to-be-where-we-are/184625

Bradl: "I could still see drops of rain on my top fairing"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/14/bradl-i-could-still-see-drops-of-rain-on-my-top-fairing/184640

Miller: "The thing started losing power"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/miller-the-thing-started-losing-power/184703

Laverty: "Anything you do in this situation is a gamble"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/laverty-anything-you-do-in-this-situation-is-a-gamble/184710

Vinales: "I couldn't find a proper feeling"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/vinales-i-couldn-t-find-a-proper-feeling/184712

Dovizioso: "I will take the blame"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/dovizioso-i-will-take-the-blame/184715

Espargaro: "I can't hide my disappointment"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/espargaro-i-can-t-hide-my-disappointment/184717

A blog entry, from Marc Marquez.

Marquez blog: Keeping on track
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/marquez-blog-keeping-on-track/184718

Lorenzo: "The title is still possible"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/lorenzo-the-title-is-still-possible/184730

Miguel Oliveira to Moto2 with Leopard Racing

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/miguel-oliveira-to-moto2-with-leopard-racing/184303

Italtrans & Kallio part ways
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/14/italtrans-kallio-part-ways/184324

Zarco has one hand on title after Moto2 win

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/15/zarco-has-one-hand-on-title-after-moto2-win/184333

Rabat: "In the first laps I had no feeling with the front"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/rabat-in-the-first-laps-i-had-no-feeling-with-the-front/184405

Zarco: "Conditions changed so much"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/zarco-conditions-changed-so-much/184442

Nakagami: "This is dedicated to Shoya Tomizawa"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/nakagami-this-is-dedicated-to-shoya-tomizawa/184564

Battling Bastianini takes maiden Moto3 victory

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/battling-bastianini-takes-maiden-moto3-victory/184314

Oliveira: "It has been a long time off the podium for me"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/oliveira-it-has-been-a-long-time-off-the-podium-for-me/184422

Bastianini: "It was the greatest thrill of my life!"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/bastianini-it-was-the-greatest-thrill-of-my-life/184437

Antonelli: "I did some mistakes"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/13/antonelli-i-did-some-mistakes/184453

Kent: "It is a really bad outcome"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/14/kent-it-is-a-really-bad-outcome/184598

Monday, September 14, 2015

Moto 2 & Moto 3: San Marino

The Moto 2 race, for the 600cc intermediate motorcycles, at Misano, saw Johann Zarco chalk up yet another victory in the division, leading Tito Rabat across the line. Rounding out the podium, it was Japan's Takaaki Nakagami, who has had his best result, in some time. Completing the top five were Simone Corsi and Julian Simon. In positions six through ten, were Jonas Folger, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Sandro Cortese, Luis Salom, and Tom Luthi.

24 bikes were classified at the finish. Unclassified finishers, (who likely were retirements from the event, included at least one wildcard rider, and a few big names in Moto2. Federico Caricasulo, Sam Lowes, Jesko Raffin, Alex Marquez, Robin Mulhauser, Mika Kallio, Ricard Cardus, and, Alex Rins.

#5 Johann Zarco FRA. Kalex

In Moto 3, it was not Danny Kent winning this one, folks. Kent, finished sixth. It was Enea Bastianini, taking the checkered flag first, ahead of Miguel Oliveira and Niccolo Antonelli. Romano Fenati and Brad Binder, rounded out the top five. In sixth through tenth position, riders included the aforementioned Danny Kent, Alexis Masbou, Francesco Bagnaia, Isaac Vinales, and Philipp Oettl.

#33 Enea Bastianini ITA. Honda

26 of 32 starters, were classified at the end. Hungarian wildcard rider Adrian Guytai was the last classified motorcycle. Retirements included Juanfran Guevara, Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Tatsuki Suzuki, Efren Vazquez, Remy Gardner, and Jules Danilo. The next race for the junior classes, will of course precede MotoGP, and that will be the penultimate European race of the season, before the flyaway events. It will be in Aragon, Spain, at MotorLand Aragon, coming up in two weeks.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

MotoGP Round 13: San Marino

Valentino Rossi. Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, and Valentino Rossi, were the top three in qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix. The official name is, (take a deep breath), the GP TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. Lorenzo has his third pole of 2015, and his thirty third career pole. Ducati’s riders are running well, including wildcard Michele Pirro, and he is also a test rider for Ducati. There is a new surface on the track, and the corners are handled by mid-range power. This track, is territory for Valentino Rossi. This race, is scheduled for 28 laps.

Jorge Lorenzo's objective, is to beat his team mate, Valentino Rossi. This, is Rossi's house. From the Circuit Marco Simoncelli, we are ready to race in front of a record crowd. Go! At the start, Jorge Lorenzo leads into turn one. Marc Marquez is second. Bradley Smith and Dani Pedrosa have also had a good start. Jorge Lorenzo launches off the starting blocks. Bradley Smith falls behind Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Ianonne. Dani Pedrosa tries the inside around Valentino Rossi, coming through the Curvone corner.

Jorge Lorenzo is going for it, and Marc Marquez is only 6/10ths of a second behind. If there is a flag to flag situation and the weather changes, riders can change to their spare bikes with wet tires. Michele Pirro is on his wet setup bike, as the dry bike, was having issues. Jorge Lorenzo stretches his lead at the end of lap two. Michele Pirro qualified well, even though he is only the test rider for Ducati. Lorenzo and Marquez are a half a second apart. The rain is actually easing up right now, as Marc Marquez is still pushing Jorge Lorenzo.

Marquez closes the gap under 3/10ths of a second. Valentino Rossi is also close. Rossi sets fast lap at 1:33.894. Game on. This could be the race of the year, folks. They fly through turn seven. Dani Pedrosa is fourth, into the double right hander of turns nine and ten. Michele Pirro, will have to keep his current bike. His spare motorcycle, has a wiring problem. Pirro is shredding his rear rain tire. Scott Redding is up to eighth taking the spot from Aleix Espargaro. Fast lap for Lorenzo at 1:33.273. Now, the rain is getting heavier once more.

These blokes are flat out, and it's raining, into the Curvone corner. Keep the heat in the tires. Push, push, push. A marshal waves the rain flag. A white flag, with a red cross, on it. Jorge Lorenzo's pit crew prepped his spare bike, and the top three are into the pits. Dani Pedrosa has crashed, as it's the seventh lap of the race. The riders are changing to their wet weather bikes. Rossi was desperate to get onto the track, and he almost lost the bike exiting pit lane! He has to find a way by Michele Pirro.

It has started to rain. If these guys have switched to their wet bike, it's a good thing. Andrea Dovizioso leads along with Bradley Smith and Cal Crutchlow. But, the three of them, need rain tires, now. They have to swap to their spare bikes. The teams have fired up the spare motorcycles. Marc Marquez is now into the lead. Bradley Smith has stayed out. There is some lighter sky. Smith is running in the two minute bracket. The rain is getting worse going into turn eight.

Can Rossi repeat his win from Silverstone, two weeks ago? That race was also in the rain. This track has a new surface. So, there is an unknown quantity these blokes are dealing with. Rossi has dropped his pace a little bit. Marquez, Lorenzo, Rossi, and Danilo Petrucci are the top four. Other riders are also having good rides so far. Marquez runs wide at turn eight, and Jorge Lorenzo gets the lead back. Marquez was just stretching his lead, and he gor in a bit hot. It is back to a light drizzle. Conditions are all over the place.

Ouch! There has been a fall. Yonny Hernandez and Alex de Angelis have both crashed into turn six. That's a fast crash, even in the rain. Marc Marquez is catching the Yamaha's. Check that. Rossi is close. Yonny Hernandez crashed, and Alex de Angelis, was an innocent victim with no place to go. Is Valentino Rossi a weather man? He knows what's going on here. It was totally dry at the end of the Moto 2 race. But now, it's wet. It's coming down, again! All the time! This is crazy! Valentino Rossi is pushing. We're only ten laps into the race.

There's no rain in the pits. Rossi is closing, fast. He is right near Lorenzo and Marquez. Everyone in the crowd is going berserk, urging on Rossi. Rossi is the rainmeister here. Lorenzo and Marquez are pulling a gap out on Rossi, but Rossi is within striking distance. He's pouring on the steam. Sixteen laps remain now. Two laps to halfway. Can Rossi make a move? Rain falls into turn eight. Down the back straight, into the massively quick turn eleven. No dry line. But, it's not raining in the pits or down the main straight.

Will the riders have to make a second pit stop for their primary bikes? Yes. The two Yamah's are set up, for the dry, and they'll be getting back to the primary bikes. We are halfway into this event. Claudio Corti has switched from wets to slick tires. Loris Baz has followed suit and gone onto slicks. This has not happened before, that your struly can remember. Marc Marquez goes inside Lorenzo. Rossi passes Marquez, up to second. Rossi tries to get up the inside, but no. Lorenzo leads. Did Marc Marquez miss a shift?

They go around for another lap on wet tires. Fourteen laps done. Fourteen left to run. The pits are busy. Marc Marquez's bike still has the tire warmers on. Yamaha is first in pitting order. Scott Redding is pitting for the spare bike, and so are a fw of the other riders. What will Lorenzo do? No pit stops. These boys are playing the waiting game. It's ultimately a rider's decision. They are running decent lap times. In a couple more laps, these boys, might get into the pits. There are only twelve laps left now.

As the track dries, the wet weather tires will turn to jelly and become useless. Pol Espargaro is falling behind. Bradley Smith is having tire trouble, but now, there's more drizzle, too. The track is already damp. Valentino Rossi takes the lead from Lorenzo and Lorenzo tries to fight back, but no. The fans cheering, drown out the sound of the monstrous engines of these motorcycles. Rossi is now pulling away from Lorenzo. Are they going to come in? A theory with the wet tire, is, get rid of the profile of the tire, and make it a semi-slick, to make the performance improve.

Loris Baz is back out on the road, with slick tires. He is much faster. Loris Baz is booking it right now. Baz has the softer option tire on the rear. Lorenzo is being told to come in on the next lap. Roll the dice. Riders are headed for the lane. Marc Marquez pitted for his dry setup bike. Valentino Rossi's front Bridgestone tire, has been shredded. Rossi needs to be clear of Lorenzo. He is building a lead over Lorenzo. Lorenzo will wait. Marquez is out on slicks. The lap times indicate you should come in. Danilo Petrucci also pits.

Valentino Rossi is running away from Lorenzo. We see Andrea Dovizioso pit. Bradley Smith is flying, and is up to seventh. Rossi wants to come in, but he does not want to risk being overtaken. Will he change to his spare bike? They cannot carry on on the wets on a drying speedway. Lorenzo is in now. I've got to go for it. He swaps back to the slick tired motorcycle, and they have switched to the medium front tire. Valentino Rossi just has to come in. Dani Pedrosa switches as well. Has Valentino Rossi left it too late? Bradley Smith is now into second.

Rossi is giving up too much time. Box, box, box. He has to come in. Through Curvone, he knows that the tires are shredding. Rossi finally pits. Is it one lap too late? Rossi in, and switches to his other bike. Marc Marquez now leads. Oh no! Jorge Lorenzo has crashed! He's crashed out of the Grand Premio Riviera de Rimini! He has a huge wreck out of turn 15! Where will Rossi be now? Marc Marquez could win, and Bradley Smith and Loris Baz, could finish second and third! This could be the moment of the world championship! Bradley Smith is second behind Marc Marquez, and Loris Baz is on the podium!

He has had podium places in World Superbike before. Scott Redding is up to fourth. But, it's game over for Lorenzo. Rossi is vindicated, as Lorenzo was on slicks, when he crashed. His world championship hopes are hanging by a thread. Calm down now, Marc Marquez. Keep focused to try to win this. Lorenzo wiggled and got pitched off the bike, and he rolls through the gravel. Yamaha management, are beside themselves, as far as Lorenzo. Rossi is still in the race.

Bradley Smith stayed out for a long time on slicks. Scott Redding is closing on Loris Baz. Redding crashed earlier on, and now, he's back in it. What a wacky race this has been! Redding is trying Baz right now. Redding passes Loris Baz on the inside at turn two. Redding finished sixth in his home race at Silverstone last time out. Marquez has six seconds in hand. It's dry now. When Jorge Lorenzo crashed, he lost the rear end of the bike. Three laps left for Marc Marquez. Bradley Smith will get his second podium in MotoGP. Valentino Rossi and Danilo Petrucci battle for fifth.

We've had a season's worth of drama in one race, here at Misano. Aleix Espargaro on the Suzuki, switched back to slicks early. Marc Marquez is running away with ta possible race win. The Ducati's are running well with Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Ianonne. Now, Scott Redding has gotten by Loris Baz. It is now the last lap. Marc Marquez has had a fabulous race. The riders make the decisions. There are no radios in MotoGP. Scott Redding is 5.3 seconds clear of Loris Baz. Valentino Rossi won't get a podium. But he'll still get points.

Marc Marquez will dominate, and take the win here at Misano. It will be his first win at Misano in MotoGP. He's won here in 125cc and in Moto 2. Marc Marquez wins at Misano! Bradley Smith has his second podium, and his career best finish.

#93 Marc Marquez ESP. Honda

Marc Marquez takes his 23rd career race victory. The next race is in Spain, at the MotorLand Aragon, in Aragon, Spain, in two weeks. It will be the final race in Europe, until the season finale, also in Spain. We'll see you then, folks.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

more pre-race news from Misano

The latest headlines, going into the three championship events at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli tomorrow, including, the big one, for MotoGP.

Espargaro & Crutchlow through to Q2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/espargaro-crutchlow-through-to-q2/184108

Dominant Lorenzo takes sensational pole

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/dominant-lorenzo-takes-sensational-pole/184120

Lorenzo: "Interesting to see how the rear tyre drops off"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/lorenzo-interesting-to-see-how-the-rear-tyre-drops-off/184142

Marquez: "I'm not happy"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/marquez-i-m-not-happy/184200

Rossi: "Everybody wants to beat me"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/rossi-everybody-wants-to-beat-me/184210

Smith: "It will be crucial to get a good start"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/smith-it-will-be-crucial-to-get-a-good-start/184230

Crutchlow: "We had a tough day"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/crutchlow-we-had-a-tough-day/184238

Redding: "We've been getting better and better"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/redding-we-ve-been-getting-better-and-better/184242

The sharks and the fish
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/the-sharks-and-the-fish/184245

Misano sold out for the San Marino GP
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/misano-sold-out-for-the-san-marino-gp/184154

Rabat sets blistering pace in Moto2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/rabat-sets-blistering-pace-in-moto2/183969

Rabat: "We have to remember it is only Friday"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/rabat-we-have-to-remember-it-is-only-friday/184002

Lowes: "Really happy with the opening day!"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/lowes-really-happy-with-the-opening-day/184030

Rabat on top in tight Moto2 FP3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/rabat-on-top-in-tight-moto2-fp3/184084

Zarco snatches Moto2 pole from Rins' grasp

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/zarco-snatches-moto2-pole-from-rins-grasp/184141

Rins: "I felt comfortable, safe and strong"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/rins-i-felt-comfortable-safe-and-strong/184223

Zarco: "I want to fight"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/zarco-i-want-to-fight/184233

Rabat: "I wasn't quite fast enough"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/rabat-i-wasn-t-quite-fast-enough/184227

Kent stamps authority on Moto3 FP3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/kent-stamps-authority-on-moto3-fp3/184060

Bastianini claims third Moto3 pole of 2015

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/bastianini-claims-third-moto3-pole-of-2015/184096

Kent: "We have to expect a big fight during tomorrow's race"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/kent-we-have-to-expect-a-big-fight-during-tomorrow-s-race/184122

Binder: "I have finally managed to qualify on the front row"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/binder-i-have-finally-managed-to-qualify-on-the-front-row/184125

Bastianini: "Pole in our home Grand Prix is fantastic"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/12/bastianini-pole-in-our-home-grand-prix-is-fantastic/184183

Friday, September 11, 2015

Moto 2 & Moto 3 news going into Misano & free practice 1 stories

We examine the news of the lower level classes, headed into Misano this weekend. Moto 2, and Moto 3.

Zarco to remain in Moto2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/04/zarco-to-remain-in-moto2/183561

Firm advantage for Zarco in title battle
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/07/firm-advantage-for-zarco-in-title-battle/183493

#StatAttack: What is Zarco's best result at Misano?

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/08/statattack-what-is-zarco-s-best-result-at-misano/183503

Rabat: "We have many new things to test on the bike"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/08/rabat-we-have-many-new-things-to-test-on-the-bike/183680

Zarco: "We have to start thinking about the title"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/zarco-we-have-to-start-thinking-about-the-title/183760

Corsi quickest in Moto2 FP1
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/corsi-quickest-in-moto2-fp1/183929

Fight for top three tightens in Moto3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/07/fight-for-top-three-tightens-in-moto3/183487

How many current Moto3 riders have won at Misano before?

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/08/how-many-current-moto3-riders-have-won-at-misano-before/183504

Kornfeil: "We are coming stronger and stronger"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/08/kornfeil-we-are-coming-stronger-and-stronger/183662

Bagnaia: "This is like my home circuit"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/08/bagnaia-this-is-like-my-home-circuit/183684

Bastianini leads the way in Moto3 FP1
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/bastianini-leads-the-way-in-moto3-fp1/183917

Last-gasp Kent tops Friday's Moto3 practice

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/11/last-gasp-kent-tops-friday-s-moto3-practice/183938

P.S. Lots more news to come, including, a shocking announcement in MotoGP. Stay tuned.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

MotoGP news headed to Misano

Lots of news items to catch up on as MotoGP is headed to the Italian riviera this weekend, and the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Hayden: "The feedback I have heard has been positive"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/08/hayden-the-feedback-i-have-heard-has-been-positive/183691

Espargaro: "I will definitely try my very best"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/08/espargaro-i-will-definitely-try-my-very-best/183658

Pedrosa: "Let's hope the sun comes out"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/pedrosa-let-s-hope-the-sun-comes-out/183687

Smith: "I'm only five points from Dovizioso"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/smith-i-am-only-five-points-from-dovizioso/183660

Marc Marquez's latest blog entry.

Marquez Blog: A clear objective
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/marquez-blog-a-clear-objective/183714

Takumi Takahashi to wildcard at Motegi
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/takumi-takahashi-to-wildcard-at-motegi/183715

Laverty: "Silverstone was hugely positive for us"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/laverty-silverstone-was-hugely-positive-for-us/183725

Lorenzo: "There are still enough points up for grabs"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/lorenzo-there-are-still-enough-points-up-for-grabs/183746

Dovizioso: "Our Tifosi will provide us with an extra gear!"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/dovizioso-our-tifosi-will-provide-us-with-an-extra-gear/183749

Espargaro: "My performances haven't been as I expected"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/espargaro-my-performances-haven-t-been-as-i-expected/183754

MotoGP riders celebrate Simoncelli in the Spurtelda58

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/09/motogp-riders-celebrate-simoncelli-in-the-spurtleda58/183828

Another blog entry from Dani Pedrosa.

Pedrosa Blog: A very fun weekend
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/10/pedrosa-blog-a-very-fun-weekend/183718

Iannone: "It's a positive track for me"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/10/iannone-it-s-a-positive-track-for-me/183753

Vinales: "My confidence with the machine has increased"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/10/vinales-my-confidence-with-the-machine-has-increased/183755

Rossi: "There will be a lot of pressure on me"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/10/rossi-there-will-be-a-lot-of-pressure-on-me/183750

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

2001 Daytona 200

Check out another retro motorcycle race. Have not posted one of these in a while. This is the 2001 Daytona 200.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Superbike Showdown Set For New Jersey Motorsports Park

The finale of the inaugural MotoAmerica season, at New Jersey Motorsports Park, will see a mano e mano battle, between Monster Energy Graves Yamaha team mates Josh Hayes, and Cameron Beaubier, for the championship title.

http://www.motoamerica.com/superbike-showdown-set-for-new-jersey-motorsports-park

Monday, September 7, 2015

Eslick Set for NJMP Return with Aprilia HSBK

Two-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick, is set to return to professional motorcycle racing, competing in the MotoAmerica season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, next weekend, aboard a second Aprilia HSBK Racing Aprilia RSV4 as team mate to regular Aprilia rider, Sheridan Morais.

http://www.motoamerica.com/eslick-set-for-njmp-return-with-aprilia

Sunday, September 6, 2015

more MotoGP news

A brief update on MotoGP.

Italian Riders enjoying a great year in MotoGP

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/05/italian-riders-enjoying-a-great-year-in-motogp/183500

Rossi conquers another circuit
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/06/rossi-conquers-another-circuit/183499

...and

#SanMarinoGP in numbers
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/06/sanmarinogp-in-numbers/183501

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Rossi closing in on Read

Valentino Rossi, is catching up (statistically) with another MotoGP legend... (Phil Read), and if Rossi wins another race this year, he would pass or tie Read on the list of oldest riders to win MotoGP races. But, Rossi, and Read (at that point in his career), would be the younger riders. Britain's Fergus Anderson, was 44 years 237 days, at the time of his final MotoGP win in the 500cc class in Spain in 1953. So the list is really comparing riders, with their ages at the time they did win their final races of their career. However, even at 36 years, 195 days, Valentino Rossi isn't ready to slow down yet, whatsoever.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/05/rossi-closing-in-on-read/183498

Friday, September 4, 2015

Private testing concludes at Aragon

More MotoGP stories to follow, from the other divisions, on this off week for the championship. But there is news, about private test sessions that went on at Motorland Aragon, in Spain, in preparation for the next race on the calendar. Actually, riders and teams, from all three divisions (and not just MotoGP), took part, in the testing.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/04/private-testing-concludes-at-aragon/183564

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Still more MotoGP news

Updates from MotoGP and Moto 2.

"Iannone will win the MotoGP title in three years"

http://www.motogp.com/en/in%20the%20media/2015/09/03/iannone-will-win-the-motogp-title-in-three-years/183479

A blog entry, from Bradley Smith.

#Bradley38Blog: Determined to fight back
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/03/bradley38blog-determined-to-fight-back/183407

Rain or shine, Rossi delivers
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/03/rain-or-shine-rossi-delivers/183485

Brad Pitt: "They're gladiators to us"

http://www.motogp.com/en/in%20the%20media/2015/09/03/brad-pitt-they-re-gladiators-to-us/183494

Jonas Folger joins Dynavolt Intact GP in 2016

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/03/jonas-folger-joins-dynavolt-intact-gp-in-2016/183496

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

MotoGP news, features, interviews

A smattering of updates, from MotoGP, as we continue to look back on the wet round at Silverstone in England, and look forward to the next race in Italy, at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, on the Adriatic coast.

#BritishGP: Bridgestone tyre review
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/02/britishgp-bridgestone-tyre-review/183423

A blog entry, from Dani Pedrosa

Pedrosa Blog: Training hard for Misano
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/02/pedrosa-blog-training-hard-for-misano/183425

Doohan: Age hasn't hindered Rossi
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/02/doohan-age-hasn-t-hindered-rossi/183406

Win a VIP trip to the Valencia GP and meet Rossi

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/02/win-a-vip-trip-to-the-valencia-gp-and-meet-rossi/183463

Rossi & Lorenzo's two-day test at Aragon
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/02/rossi-lorenzo-s-two-day-test-at-aragon/183462

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Post-race reaction & news after Silverstone

We examine the post-race reactions, and news stories, after the British round of the World Championship, for all three divisions.

Espargaro: "I can't say I'm happy"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/31/espargaro-i-can-t-say-i-m-happy/183388

Bautista: "I'd like to compliment whoever stopped the start"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/bautista-i-d-like-to-compliment-whoever-stopped-the-start/183397

Pedrosa: "I had a strange feeling with the bike"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/pedrosa-i-had-a-strange-feeling-with-the-bike/183398

Vinales: "The first corner affected my whole race"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/vinales-the-first-corner-affected-my-whole-race/183403

Iannone: "My bike was not easy to manage"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/iannone-my-bike-was-not-easy-to-manage/183405

Marquez blog: This isn't over yet
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/marquez-blog-this-isn-t-over-yet/183417

Laverty: "We need to find more grip"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/laverty-we-need-to-find-more-grip/183426

Espargaro: "I made a mistake"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/espargaro-i-made-a-mistake/183433

Marquez's title hopes over?
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/marquez-s-title-hopes-over/183428

Petrucci: "You arrive in MotoGP with one dream - to win"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/petrucci-you-arrive-in-motogp-with-one-dream-to-win/183434

Zarco takes fifth win of season in Moto2
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/zarco-takes-fifth-win-of-season-in-moto2/183081

Zarco: "The goal was to finish the race"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/zarco-the-goal-was-to-finish-the-race/183160

Rabat: "I thought it was a little bit dangerous"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/rabat-i-thought-it-was-a-little-bit-dangerous/183169

Rins: "I thought I was fourth!"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/rins-i-thought-i-was-fourth/183176

Lowes: "I struggled for feeling in the mixed conditions"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/09/01/lowes-i-struggled-for-feeling-in-the-mixed-conditions/183400

Courageous Kent victorious in Moto3
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/courageous-kent-victorious-in-moto3/183093

Kent: "It's an amazing feeling to win your home GP!"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/kent-it-s-an-amazing-feeling-to-win-your-home-gp/183195

Kornfeil: "After six years it really is incredible!"

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/kornfeil-after-six-years-it-really-is-incredible/183198

Antonelli: "In this race I risked a lot"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/08/30/antonelli-in-the-race-i-risked-a-lot/183234