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MotoGP Valencia: The Final Battles Of 2023!

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PB
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With Martin out, no matter what Bagnaia did, he would be the 2023 World Champion. ‘MARTIN OUT’ was signalled on his pit board as the two KTMs of Binder and Miller were now first and second, with Zarco and Viñales chasing Pecco.

Martin heads Binder and Marc Marquez on the Tissot Sprint podium as it all comes down to Sunday. It wasn’t meant to be as tension, drama, heartbreak, glory, history, and happiness: Valencia delivers a season finale to remember. Pecco seals back-to-back championships… Report: MotoGP.

Tension, drama, heartbreak, glory, history, and happiness: Valencia delivers a season finale to remember.
Tension, drama, heartbreak, glory, history, and happiness: Valencia delivers a season finale to remember.

Tissot Sprint Race
Bagnaia got a dream launch from P2 to grab the holeshot into Turn 1 as Martin also got away well. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) immediately bit back at Turn 2 with a late lunge on Pecco though as Binder nearly slipped up the inside of Martin.

Lap 1, Turn 11 was where Martin made his move on Pecco. Binder, on the cutback, managed to squeeze up the inside of the pair of them and heading into Turn 12, so did the fast-starting Marc Marquez. Suddenly, Bagnaia went from P2 to P5 in the space of two corners.

Bagnaia got a dream launch from P2 to grab the holeshot into Turn 1 as Martin also got away well. Maverick Viñales immediately bit back at Turn 2 with a late lunge on Pecco though as Binder nearly slipped up the inside of Martin.
Bagnaia got a dream launch from P2 to grab the holeshot into Turn 1 as Martin also got away well. Maverick Viñales immediately bit back at Turn 2 with a late lunge on Pecco though as Binder nearly slipped up the inside of Martin.

Martin soon got back past Marquez as we watched Bagnaia drop into the clutches of the group behind that included Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – the Frenchman making a phenomenal start. With nine to go though, Quartararo’s Sprint was over as he attempted to overtake Pecco at Turn 6. The front of his Yamaha let go and that was all she wrote for El Diablo on Saturday.

Up front, the top four were locked together – Viñales, Binder, Martin and Marc Marquez. Binder and Viñales were getting very busy with eight laps left and lurking just behind was Martin. At this stage, Bagnaia was 1.6s off the fight – and the Italian had Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) climbing all over his tailpipes.

Martin soon got back past Marquez as we watched Bagnaia drop into the clutches of the group behind that included Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – the Frenchman making a phenomenal start.
Martin soon got back past Marquez as we watched Bagnaia drop into the clutches of the group behind that included Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – the Frenchman making a phenomenal start.

Seven to go. Now, Binder was leading. Marquez showed a wheel to Martin at Turn 6 as the two made slight contact. Unfazed, Martin then carved his way past Viñales for P2 at Turn 1 with six laps to go and as expected, Marquez wasted little time in following Binder and Martin through. With five and a half laps to go, a huge moment occurred – Martin was P1. Binder went wide at Turn 10 and left the door wide open, with Martin walking through with ease.

Five to go. As things stood, the gap in the Championship was 14 points between Sprint leader Martin and fifth place Pecco. Di Giannantonio had passed Bezzecchi and was looking menacing behind Bagnaia, with Martin still holding Binder at bay.

Five to go. The gap in the Championship was 14 points between Sprint leader Martin and fifth place Pecco
Five to go. The gap in the Championship was 14 points between Sprint leader Martin and fifth place Pecco.

Three to go. Binder wasn’t close enough to make a move on Martin but he was still too close for comfort. Marquez was half a second further back, and Viñales was being caught by Bagnaia, Di Giannantonio and Bezzecchi.

LAST LAP! Martin led Binder by 0.3s, with Bagnaia still holding Di Giannantonio behind him. Halfway around the lap, Binder still wasn’t close enough. Turn 10 passed by with Martin still leading and the KTM wasn’t close enough into the final corner either. Martin rode brilliantly to secure the most important 12 points of his career, as Binder and the impressive Marc Marquez bagged Valencia Sprint rostrums.

Martin led Binder, with Bagnaia still holding Diggia behind him. Halfway around the lap, Binder still wasn’t close enough.
Martin led Binder, with Bagnaia still holding Diggia behind him. Halfway around the lap, Binder still wasn’t close enough.

Viñales had to settle for P4 after setting the early pace, as Bagnaia came home P5 to collect five points. Not the result the Italian was searching for as the Championship chase goes down to the final day, but it could still yet prove to be a huge five points.

Di Giannantonio couldn’t find a way past Pecco and claimed P6, with Bezzecchi, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) picking up the final points-paying positions in the Sprint.

Tissot Sprint Race Results…

Sunday
Following a highly dramatic Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, the 2023 MotoGP World Champion is Francesco Bagnaia  after Jorge Martin  crashed out of the race following an incident at Turn 4 with Marc Marquez. Pecco went on to claim victory as a phenomenal fight for P1 played out, with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Johann Zarco locked onto the Italian’s rear wheel. ‘Diggia’ crossed the line in 2nd with Zarco 3rd. However, a post-race sanction for Di Giannantonio due to wrong pressures demoted the Italian to P4 with Zarco being promoted to P2 and Brad Binder  inheriting the final podium position.

Following a highly dramatic Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, the 2023 MotoGP World Champion is Francesco Bagnaia  after Jorge Martin  crashed out of the race following an incident at Turn 4 with Marc Marquez.
Following a highly dramatic Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, the 2023 MotoGP World Champion is Francesco Bagnaia  after Jorge Martin  crashed out of the race following an incident at Turn 4 with Marc Marquez.

Because of a Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) three-place grid penalty for ignoring the black and orange flags in Warm Up, Pecco was promoted to pole position for the final showdown, with Martin still launching from P6.

For the final and most important time in 2023 it was time to race. Bagnaia got the dream getaway from pole to grab a crucial holeshot, with Martin also making a fantastic launch to grab an early P2. Pecco P1, Martin P2 – that’s how it was after the opening lap, with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing pair of Binder and Jack Miller P3 and P4.

For the final and most important time in 2023 it was time to race. Bagnaia got the dream getaway from pole to grab a crucial holeshot, with Martin also making a fantastic launch to grab an early P2.
For the final and most important time in 2023 it was time to race. Bagnaia got the dream getaway from pole to grab a crucial holeshot, with Martin also making a fantastic launch to grab an early P2.

Between the title fighting duo, it was as you were after the second lap but a monumental moment then took place at Turn 1 at the start of Lap 3. Martin was right in the slipstream of Pecco and as the duo chucked the anchors on into Turn 1, Martin got sucked in and made slight contact with Pecco. Martin was wide – well wide – and dropped to P8, with Pecco unhindered by the incident. Huge drama early on. The fightback began on Lap 4 for Martin. P8 became P7 as the Spaniard got the better of Alex Marquez. Martin tried to do the same to Viñales a lap later but the latter bit straight back – and a repeat played out at Turn 11.

Up front, Binder was crawling all over the back of Pecco but focus was elsewhere. A battle was raging between Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), with that enabling Viñales and Martin to close in.

With Martin out, no matter what Bagnaia did, he would be the 2023 World Champion. ‘MARTIN OUT’ was signalled on his pit board as the two KTMs of Binder and Miller were now first and second, with Zarco and Viñales chasing Pecco.
With Martin out, no matter what Bagnaia did, he would be the 2023 World Champion. ‘MARTIN OUT’ was signalled on his pit board as the two KTMs of Binder and Miller were now first and second, with Zarco and Viñales chasing Pecco.

What happened next ultimately decided the Championship. Martin was getting visibly frustrated and on Lap 6, having finally got through on Viñales, Marc Marquez was next in line. At Turn 4, Martin lunged up the inside of the eight-time World Champion but contact was made. So much so, the pair were tangled together. Martin ran straight into the gravel as Marquez was thrown into a vicious highside, as two of the home crowd favourites were down and out. Marquez’s final race with Honda ended in huge disappointment, with Martin’s title hopes vanishing. A painful end to a wonderful campaign for the Prima Pramac star.

With Martin out, no matter what Bagnaia did, he would be the 2023 MotoGP World Champion. ‘MARTIN OUT’ was signalled on his pit board as the two KTMs of Binder and Miller were now first and second, with Zarco and Viñales chasing Pecco. 12 laps to go though, Binder made a mistake. A big one too. Just as he did in the Tissot Sprint, the South African was wide at Turn 11, and that dropped him from P1 to P6. Miller now led Pecco by just over a second.

With three laps left, 0.3s was still the gap between Pecco and Zarco. But Di Giannantonio was on a mission.
With three laps left, 0.3s was still the gap between Pecco and Zarco. But Di Giannantonio was on a mission.

Binder’s comeback began with an aggressive move on Alex Marquez at Turn 4, and it was one that saw him handed a drop one position penalty. With nine laps left, Miller’s race then ended. The Aussie crashed at Turn 10 which handed the lead back to Bagnaia, who had Zarco just 0.3s behind him. A disastrous few laps for KTM.

The Championship might have been decided, but the race certainly wasn’t. Binder was just 1.5s away from the lead again and Diggia tagged himself onto the rear wheel of the KTM. Soon, the Italian was into P3 with five laps to go.

With three laps left, 0.3s was still the gap between Pecco and Zarco. But cue the jaws music – Di Giannantonio was on a mission. On Lap 25 of 27, the top trio were split by 0.3s over the line. At Turn 4, Di Giannantonio shoved his Ducati up the inside of Zarco’s and made a move stick for P2. Next: the World Champion elect.

LAST LAP OF THE SEASON: Three riders, only one could win. Would Bagnaia claim the title with a win or would it be Di Giannantonio or Zarco standing on the top step? Halfway around the lap, there was no way through. A head shake from Di Giannantonio told us frustrations were there, but Pecco rode superbly to fend off both his compatriot and Zarco to win the World Championship in the best way possible: victory. A classy ride from your top three. The podium result would later change however with Di Giannantonio’s three-second penalty demoting him to P4 and promoting Binder onto the podium. 

Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) earned his best result of the season with a fantastic P5. Alex Marquez was P6 with Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) capping off his Yamaha career with a solid P7, as Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Luca Marini in his final Mooney VR46 Racing Team appearance and Viñales rounded out the top 10.

An unwell Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) finished P11 after feeling ill, with Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), Lorenzo Savadori (CryptoDATA RNF Team) and Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) the other finishers, as the latter ends his full-time MotoGP™ career – for now – in P14 after a crash and remount.

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) were the other riders to DNF, Bezzecchi after an early race crash with Marc Marquez. And just like that, 2023 draws to a dramatic close. Bagnaia is now a three-time World Champion as Martin gets set to come back even stronger in 2024. What a season it’s been. 

MotoGP Valencia Results…

Moto2
That’s a wrap for 2023 in the FIM Moto2 World Championship and Fermin Aldeguer (CAG SpeedUp) stole the limelight yet again as he took his fifth victory of the season and fourth in a row. The Spaniard was untouchable as Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) had to settle for P2, with Alonso Lopez (CAG SpeedUp) coming out on top in the battle for the final podium spot in P3. 

The Boscoscuro rider stretched the field right from the beginning as he had Canet clinging onto his coattails in second place. With 20 laps to go they already had a substantial gap to Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) in third as the hot pace from Aldeguer stretched out the top five. 

That's a wrap for 2023 in the FIM Moto2 World Championship and Fermin Aldeguer (CAG SpeedUp) stole the limelight yet again as he took his fifth victory of the season and fourth in a row.
That’s a wrap for 2023 in the FIM Moto2 World Championship and Fermin Aldeguer (CAG SpeedUp) stole the limelight yet again as he took his fifth victory of the season and fourth in a row.

Ramirez was out of touch to threaten the top two and had Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) for company as the Brit was desperate to find his way through with the prospect of a third overall in the Championship still tangible.  However, at the front Canet was confidently responding to Aldeguer’s pace, and the two were Dixon’s rivals in the fight for third overall. With 17 laps to go Canet was the fastest rider on the circuit too as he set the quickest lap of the race so far and bettered it one lap later. 

The battle for 3rd then began to hot up even more as a flying Lopez caught Ramirez and Dixon as he brought Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) to join the party with him. But Lopez made his way through on Dixon with 14 laps remaining. The Spaniard was on a charge after fighting his way up from 14th on the grid to sit in fourth place with his sights set on Ramirez ahead of him. 

Canet was confidently responding to Aldeguer's pace, and the two were Dixon's rivals in the fight for third overall.
Canet was confidently responding to Aldeguer’s pace, and the two were Dixon’s rivals in the fight for third overall.

12 laps to go and Aldeguer was able to extend the gap to 1.5s. The Spaniard continued to put down his relentless pace and took victory in Valencia by 3.982s, with Canet bringing home second. The fight for the final place on the podium went absolutely to the wire as Lopez got through on Ramirez but the American Racing rider then went for a lunge at the final corner on the final lap. It was a well-judged one, but Lopez got the cutback and won the drag to the line.

Behind Ramirez in P4, Chantra got the better of Dixon in the end as the Thai rider capped off his 2023 season with a 5th place as he pulled eight tenths on the Brit in P6. Dixon ends 2023 fourth overall, with his compatriot Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS) completing his final Grand Prix race in seventh as he gets set for a move to the WorldSBK paddock. 

Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) took eighth ahead of his teammate Dennis Foggia, with Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completing the top 10. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) claimed P11 ahead of World Champion Acosta, who ended his season with a P12 after a fraught start and tougher race. The Spaniard’s attentions now turn to Tuesday’s Valencia Test. 

The final point scorers were Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp), Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP) and Jeremy Alcoba (Gresini Racing Moto2™) who took 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively. 

Moto2 Race Results

Moto3
Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) has done it. He is a Grand Prix victor in 2023 – and he did in style! The Japanese rider put on quite some show as he fought tooth and nail in a five-rider scrap for victory at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana. The final race of 2023 went down the wire in typical Moto3™ fashion as David Alonso (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) left everything he had out on the Circuit Ricardo Tormo as he pushed Sasaki right until the final corner. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) was very much in the mix as well. The Spaniard came home in P3 after getting his elbows firmly out on the last lap, almost snatching second from Alonso in a close drag to the line. 

Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) has done it. He is a Grand Prix victor in 2023 – and he did in style!
Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) has done it. He is a Grand Prix victor in 2023 – and he did in style!

The riders lined up on the grid for the final race of the 2023 Moto3™ season, and with the Championship decided it promised to deliver barnstorming lightweight action. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) started from pole position but it was Sasaki who took the hole shot down in Turn 1 as the Moto3™ bikes barrelled in.

The Japanese rider had Veijer and Öncü for company as the riders scrapped for position in the opening sector. We lost a couple at Turn 2 as Vicente Perez (BOE Motorsports) and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) went down and out of the race. Xavi Artigas (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP) was later awarded a double long lap penalty after causing the incident.

The Japanese rider put on quite some show as he fought tooth and nail in a five-rider scrap for victory in Valencia.
The Japanese rider put on quite some show as he fought tooth and nail in a five-rider scrap for victory in Valencia.

The top three remained line astern throughout the first lap as Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP) and Ortola looked keen to threaten the podium spots. Veijer then took over the lead from his teammate one lap later as he dived up the inside at Turn 2. Veijer, Sasaki, Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Kelso, Ortola was the order as the race began to settle with 17 laps still remaining. 

As the laps ticked away a leading group began to form as Alonso and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) put themselves in contention in a seven-bike battle for the lead – Alonso getting his elbows out as he got firmly stuck into the battle for victory.  The pace was hot as they were consistently putting times under the race lap record with Veijer leading the way lap after lap. With 10 laps to go it became it a battle of five as Kelso and Rueda began to fall off the back of the group.

A big move came from Alonso with seven to go as the Colombian chucked it up the inside of Öncü at the final corner with very little room to come through. The two made contact as they both ran wide and lost time to Sasaki and Veijer ahead.  Alonso quickly recovered the time in a matter of corners and one lap later he made his move on Sasaki to put himself into P2. Veijer, Alonso, Sasaki, Ortola, Öncü was now the order in the top five with Öncü finding himself almost a second back. 

Veijer cracked for the first time with five to go as he finally lost the lead with a small mistake seeing him run wide and drop to fourth, promoting Sasaki to the lead with Ortola and Alonso hot on his tail.  Sasaki led the way on the penultimate lap as Deniz Öncü was now back in the mix and joined onto the back of the group. The heat was turned up as Veijer shot up the inside of Ortola to take third. Ortola bit back at the beginning of the last lap and it was now or never on the final lap.

Sasaki led the way as they barrelled through the first two sectors for the final time. Alonso was all over his rearwheel with Ortola shadowing Alonso’s every move. It came down to the final corner in the end as the Colombian tried all he could to throw it up the inside but had couldn’t find his way past the Japanese rider as he took his first Grand Prix victory ahead with Alonso fending off Ortola in close drag to the line. 

It was heartbreak for Veijer after he led the majority to end up having to settle for fourth, and Öncü did recover to catch the leading group but didn’t manage to make any moves as he brought home P5. Rueda finished in a lonely sixth place with Kelso a further second back in P7. 1.5 seconds back from the Aussie was a 3-rider scrap for eighth place which was won by Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) who got the better of David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) and Ryusei Yamanaka (GASGAS Aspar Team) in ninth and 10th. 

Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) finished his 2023 campaign with P11 ahead of Fillipo Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing). The newly crowned Champion had a steady end to his title-winning season as he took 13th with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) taking the final point-scoring positions. 

Moto3 Race Results

Aussies Racing Abroad: November 2023

By
PB
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Our homegrown talent has been battling it out on track and making us proud! Check out our monthly column that follows all things Aussies racing Internationally on and off-road, from MotoGP to AMA Motocross. See what our future and current champions are up to…

Miller took third place and that's now premier class podiums with three different bikes, as well as his first GP rostrum visit with KTM.
It’s been a massive month for our Aussie talent racing internationally. Check out what Edward has for us this month…

Jack Miller – MotoGP
Australian Red Bull KTM star Jack Miller ended his 2023 MotoGP campaign in mixed fashion, with some solid efforts in Malaysia and Qatar before closing out his campaign with a DNF at Valencia in the finale.

Beginning the month of November with a strong display at Sepang, where his highlights included a third in Friday practice, a handy sixth in the Sprint and a crafty eighth in the race. Miller was, however, concerned with his lack of speed and how he couldn’t find any specific reasons as to why he was way back from the frontrunners.

Having started his season off positive with a seventh in the opener in Portugal, Miller's continued to make solid progress.
Australian Red Bull KTM star Jack Miller ended his 2023 MotoGP campaign in mixed fashion, with some solid efforts in Malaysia and Qatar before closing out his campaign with a DNF at Valencia in the finale.

Moving on to Qatar for the penultimate round of the campaign, a ninth in the race was actually a decent result considering he struggled throughout the weekend and was 12th in the Sprint. Then for the last stop on the calendar at Valencia, Miller showcased good speed all weekend, with him notably securing fourth in qualifying and scorching into the lead in the race before disappointingly crashing out with nine laps to go.

“Not much to say. I didn’t do much different compared to the previous lap. I’d had a few moments with the front so decided to take it easy and not do anything too savage and, yeah, she just got away from me. It could have been an amazing result, but we’ll take stock and bounce back,” he reflected.

Miller and Binder were ragged perfection in the lead though, sliding their way around in a two-man show for a few laps.
Ending the season 11th in the final MotoGP championship standings on his first year with Red Bull KTM, he’ll now enjoy a well-deserved break and then get straight back to work in his quest to enjoy an even better 2024.

“It has been a year of firsts in many ways and a bittersweet way to end because it’s nice to know we have pace and we’re heading in the right direction. We have been working our butts off. The rider is just one small part because there is so much going on behind the scenes. Everyone has worked tirelessly, so I thank them all for that.”

Ending the season 11th in the final MotoGP championship standings on his first year with Red Bull KTM, he’ll now enjoy a well-deserved break and then get straight back to work in his quest to enjoy an even better 2024 and get back up the front.

Concluding his 2023 term at Valencia, it was great to see Joel Kelso finding his form in the early stages of the event, for he was third quickest on Friday and qualified fourth by virtue of his rapidity on the Saturday.
Concluding his 2023 term at Valencia, it was great to see Joel Kelso finding his form in the early stages of the event, for he was third quickest on Friday and qualified fourth by virtue of his rapidity on the Saturday. Photo: Kelso Racing.

Joel Kelso – Moto3
Starting off his November in fine style, Joel Kelso bagged an excellent seventh in Sepang, with him thankfully surviving the carnage around him to finish where he began the race. Venturing to Qatar, there were many positives to be extracted from his output here despite enduring an untimely mistake during the main bout while in the top five. The Darwinian admirably recovered to 13th to still salvage some points, as he was ultimately left to rue what could have been at Losail.

Concluding his 2023 term at Valencia, it was great to see him finding his form in the early stages of the event, for he was third quickest on Friday and qualified fourth by virtue of his rapidity on the Saturday. Enjoying a successful body of work in his Pruestel GP team’s last race in Moto3 as the CFMOTO factory squad, Kelso transferred his speed over nicely into the main event and handled the occasion smartly to claim a credible seventh – crossing the line less than five seconds behind the winner.

Kelso will now look to carry his momentum into 2024, where he'll be lining up in Moto3 under the BOE Motorsports awning.
Kelso will now be lining up in Moto3 under the BOE Motorsports awning in 2024. Photo: Joel Kelso Racing…

“The second half of the season has been good; we moved up six places in the standings and were on the front row of the grid five times, almost six yesterday! Happy enough. This is motorsport so it can go anyway and I started off with a broken leg! Thankfully the second half of the year has been better and I hope I did the team proud. I always gave my maximum and I think they appreciated that. An emotional time,” Kelso explained.

The young Aussie sensation on the rise will now look to carry his momentum into 2024, where he’ll be lining up in Moto3 under the BOE Motorsports awning.

Remy Gardner – World Superbike
In what’s been an up and down debut season in WorldSBK, it was positive to see Remy Gardner end his crusade on a high. Looking the goods at Jerez from the outset, grabbing a fifth in Superpole was a nice way to kick things off. Frustratingly, while in podium contention in race one, a nasty crash not only dashed his chances but also saw him suffer a painful wrist contusion and a deep cut on his right elbow.

Looking for an improved effort at Imola, frustratingly this wasn't to be, as the Yamaha pilot struggled to adapt to another unfamiliar circuit in the sweltering heat. Photo Via: Remy Gardner Racing.
In what’s been an up and down 2023 in WorldSBK, it was positive to see Remy Gardner end his crusade on a high.

Bravely opting to fight through the pain to suit up, his decision paid off emphatically, for he got the ball rolling with a sixth in the Superpole race even though he had issues with rear grip. Coming out swinging for the finale, the #87 put in an outstanding shift aboard his GYTR GRT Yamaha to equal his season-best finish to secure fourth.

“To be honest, today I wasn’t even sure about racing due to the crash I suffered yesterday. After warm-up I felt I could do the races, but it was painful, I’m not going to lie. The Superpole race was a decent one, unfortunately due to the red flag our rear tyre was quite used, and I struggled with grip in the latter stages of the race,” he told the Yamaha Racing website.

Back on the grid for the WorldSBK stop at Assen, there was much room for upside to be gained from Remy Gardner's weekend, as he continued making headway in his rookie term in the class.
It also warrants mention that Gardner impressively recorded the fastest lap time on both days of the post-season test at Jerez, which will certainly give him some crucial confidence heading into next year.

“Then, in race two I could smell the podium, we finished so close, and I could catch the group fighting for the victory. Unfortunately, I missed a bit of pace in the end as I pushed a lot to close the gap and I felt a bit of pain as well, which maybe prevented me from doing more. Anyway, it’s not a bad way to finish the year, we’re aware we have good potential and that we can have a strong 2024. To finish on the top of the Independent Teams is also nice, and I would like to dedicate this win to Mirko (Giansanti), who sadly passed away a few months ago.”

It also warrants mention that Gardner impressively recorded the fastest lap time on both days of the post-season test at Jerez, which will certainly give him some crucial confidence heading into next year.

Oli Bayliss – World Supersport
Having been out since July when he tried to ride at Imola following a shoulder injury that he initially suffered at Donington Park, Oli Bayliss made his long-awaited return to action for D34G Racing at the season closer at Jerez.

Having been out since July when he tried to ride at Imola following a shoulder injury that he initially suffered at Donington Park, Oli Bayliss made his long-awaited return to action for D34G Racing at the season closer at Jerez.
Having been out since July when he tried to ride at Imola following a shoulder injury that he initially suffered at Donington Park, Oli Bayliss made his return to action at the season closer at Jerez. Photo: Bayliss Facebook.

While he inherently had a difficult time getting comfortable with the bike and the track, plus had to adapt to being back in the heat of the battle, concluding his 2023 with a pair of 18th place finishes wasn’t too bad at all considering the circumstances.

“That’s a wrap on the 2023 World Supersport Championship. Struggled a fair bit this weekend. Wasn’t exactly what I was after, but I have to remember that I have not been on a bike for quite some time due to my shoulder. So, looking at the bigger picture, it was nice to be able to just get back to racing and finish the year out with the D34G Racing team and build into the 2024 season from here,” he stated.

While he inherently had a difficult time getting comfortable with the bike and the track concluding his 2023 with a pair of 18th place finishes wasn't too bad at all considering the circumstances. Photo: Bayliss Facebook.
While he inherently had a difficult time getting comfortable with the bike and the track concluding his 2023 with a pair of 18th place finishes wasn’t too bad at all considering the circumstances. Photo: Bayliss Facebook.

“Massive thanks to my team, sponsors and everyone who supports me. We’ll regroup, and now turn our attention to next year. Hopefully I can give you guys some news soon, but it’s looking like I’ll see you at round one at the end of February.”

Senna Agius – European Moto2 Championship and Moto2
Senna Agius rounded out his scintillating championship winning European Moto2 crusade in the best way possible by powering to an exceptional victory. His incredible feat was made all the more magnificent due to the fact he was forced to start from 17th courtesy of being handed a penalty for slow riding in qualifying two. Relishing the challenge ahead, the gifted hotshot rose to the occasion masterfully, as he carved through the field after a searing start that saw him launch up to eighth by the conclusion of lap one.

The Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact team won’t be forgetting October in a hurry, for not only did Agius secure the European Moto2 Championship, but he also signed with his current team to step up to Moto2. Photo: Senna Agius Racing.
Having already inked a deal to move up to the Moto2 in 2024, exciting times are on the horizon for the 18-year-old ace.

From there, he went from strength to strength to steadily pick up positions as the race progressed. Agius eventually propelled himself to within striking distance of leader Alberto Surra in the dying embers of the race before incisively getting past his rival to claim a phenomenal triumph against the odds.Having already inked a deal to move up to the Moto2 World Championship next term, more exciting times appear to be on the horizon for the 18-year-old ace.

Jacob Roulstone – Red Bull Rookies Cup & JuniorGP Moto3
Talented youngster Jacob Roulstone wrapped up his season with another accomplished performance in the JuniorGP series to bag upside-filled finishes of ninth and sixth to supplement his fifth in qualifying in the challenging cold and windy conditions.

"Overall it was a very productive race and with a big change from my side in my approach to the whole weekend. I have seen the benefits and know more rewards are coming." Said Roulstone. Photo: Jacob Roulstone Racing Facebook.
Jacob Roulstone wrapped up his season with another accomplished performance in the JuniorGP series to bag upside-filled finishes of ninth and sixth to supplement his fifth in qualifying in the challenging cold and windy conditions.

“It has been a great year in the JuniorGP Championship, taking two podiums and front row starts. My goals going into the season were to be fighting at the front consistently and hard as well as to secure a Moto3 World Championship ride. I have achieved both,” he said.

“I would like to thank the Aspar Team for the past two years. It has been an honour to ride in these colours and for this successful team. I have come a long way as a racer and they have helped me develop. Thank you to Nico and Sergio for all you have done, as well as Amadeo and Pula for everything you do to get us there as a team. And the whole Aspar crew.”

Continuing to make impressive strides forward, Jacob Roulstone's July has been littered with upside. Photo: Jacob Roulstone Racing Facebook.
“It has been a great year in the JuniorGP Championship, My goals going into the season were to be fighting at the front consistently and hard as well as to secure a Moto3 World Championship ride. I have achieved both,” said Roulstone.

“But most of all thank you to Santi and Fran for being two great mechanics and Antonio for all the hard work in the data area, and all three for being great mates. We made a fantastic team this year. As well thank you to my Dad, Mum and Sister who work their ass off to support me and make my dreams come true. Thank you to NHK Helmets and Furygan for supplying me with the best gear to wear. Can’t thank them, the rest of my family, my sponsors and everyone behind the scenes enough for everything that they do to contribute to my racing.”

With a hugely bright future ahead of him, it’ll be captivating watching how Roulstone fares in 2024, where he’ll be making the step up to the Moto3 World Championship with Red Bull KTM Tech3.

MotoGP Qatar: Diggia Takes A Maiden MotoGP Win!

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The leading duo were locked together at the start of the final lap, with Diggia shadowing Martin’s every move.

Sprint fireworks as Martin wins to take the title fight to Valencia. It’s down to seven points as the Pramac rider holds off Diggia and Marini completes the podium, with Bagnaia down in P5. Diggia then takes his maiden win on Sunday as Bagnaia takes a 21-point lead to the final round. Release: MotoGP. 

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac) made super Saturday into statement Saturday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar.
Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac) made super Saturday into statement Saturday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar.

Sprint
Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) made super Saturday into statement Saturday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. With a potential match point on the line on Sunday for title rival Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) depending on the Tissot Sprint, the pressure was absolutely on, and the number 89 soaked it up and then some. After battling Bagnaia early in the race as the two started in P4 and P5, Martin made his way into the lead and then held off a charging Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP) over a tense final lap, halving Pecco’s points lead in the process as the Championship leader came home only fifth.

Diggia took a stunning second and from second on the grid, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) taking third after leading much of the Sprint from pole. Then came Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP), and then Bagnaia after a fascinating showdown in the desert.

It was an immediate shot of adrenaline in the title fight in Turn 1 too, with Marini getting the holeshot as Alex Marquez slotted into second – but there was contact right behind the two between Martin and Bagnaia.
It was an immediate shot of adrenaline in the title fight in Turn 1 too, with Marini getting the holeshot as Alex Marquez slotted into second – but there was contact right behind the two between Martin and Bagnaia.

It was an immediate shot of adrenaline in the title fight in Turn 1 too, with Marini getting the holeshot as Alex Marquez slotted into second – but there was contact right behind the two between Martin and Bagnaia. Martin, the rider on the inside, just kept third, with Bagnaia left with a few metres to make up. Later round the lap both Alex Marquez and Martin were slightly wide though, and Pecco shot back past Martin as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) also attacked and got through.

Martin hit back not long after, putting him right back on the rear wheel of Bagnaia. On Lap 2, it got seriously close again as the number 89 opened the door for himself and made it through, with Diggia trying to do the same. A few corners later, he did.

Martin hit back not long after, putting him right back on the rear wheel of Bagnaia. On Lap 2, it got seriously close again as the number 89 opened the door for himself and made it through, with Diggia trying to do the same.
Martin hit back not long after, putting him right back on the rear wheel of Bagnaia. On Lap 2, it got seriously close again as the number 89 opened the door for himself and made it through, with Diggia trying to do the same.

Meanwhile in the lead, Marini was under attack. Alex Marquez got through but the Italian answered straight back, holding on to it as Martin got the hammer down just behind and set the fastest lap.

Over the line for seven laps to go, Alex Marquez had reloaded and was ready to try again. He once again made it through too, but Martini was even quicker to respond with an immediate cutback. That gave Martin a few more metres too as they squabbled, and the number 89 struck as soon as he had the chance to take over in second, homing in on Marini as Alex Marquez was left to defend against Diggia.

The next move saw Diggia attack Marini for second, and from there the number 49 set off after Martin.
The next move saw Diggia attack Marini for second, and from there the number 49 set off after Martin.

The move from Martin came at the final corner, taking over in the lead and able to hold Marini off into Turn 1. Alex Marquez couldn’t say the same, with Diggia able to get through at Turn 1 and set off after the battle ahead. Bagnaia, meanwhile, was in fifth and just off the back of the gaggle at the front, but with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) charging on, around half a second back. 

The next move saw Diggia attack Marini for second, and from there the number 49 set off after Martin. Or more, the mission began to keep up with the title contender as the hammer went absolutely down. Lap by lap, they both pulled away, with Marini holding a safe third and Alex Marquez able to gather up a bit of breathing space ahead of Bagnaia. 

Alex Marquez held on to fourth as Bagnaia was only able to take fifth, and under some late pressure from Viñales.
Alex Marquez held on to fourth as Bagnaia was only able to take fifth, and under some late pressure from Viñales.

The leading duo were locked together at the start of the final lap, with Diggia shadowing Martin’s every move. But the number 89 just kept turning the screw and the Gresini machine lost a few metres here and a few there, unable to quite get back on terms with the race leader. Martin crossed the line 0.391s clear to take a valuable 12-point haul from the Tissot Sprint, with Diggia impressing once again after an incredible weekend so far. 

Alex Marquez held on to fourth as Bagnaia was only able to take fifth, and under some late pressure from Viñales, who got past Binder and was on the march. But the number #1 was just about able to respond and keep a two to three tenth buffer, defending P5 but seeing his lead cut to just seven points.

The leading duo were locked together at the start of the final lap, with Diggia shadowing Martin’s every move.
The leading duo were locked together at the start of the final lap, with Diggia shadowing Martin’s every move.

Binder came home in P7, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) putting in an even bigger charge up from P14 on the grid. The Frenchman was able to get past Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), who was forced to settle for 10th as Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) – now officially Rookie of the Year – grabbed P9 and the last point on Saturday too.

An early, multi-rider crash saw Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) make contact with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was also caught up. Oliveira was declared unfit due to a scapula fracture, and Aleix Espargaro has to be passed fit in a review on Sunday morning – with that penalty from Fp2 pending as well…

Check out the full Tissot Sprint results here…

Sunday
It was tense. It was awesome. And it was won in style – defeating the reigning Champion over 22 laps of the Lusail International Circuit. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) trailed Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) for much of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, picked his moment, made a decisive move for the lead, and then kept it together to become a MotoGP race winner. 

Fabio Di Giannantonio trailed Francesco Bagnaia for much of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, picked his moment, made a decisive move for the lead, and then kept it together to become a MotoGP race winner.
Fabio Di Giannantonio trailed Francesco Bagnaia for much of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, picked his moment, made a decisive move for the lead, and then kept it together to become a MotoGP race winner.

That context and tension was Bagnaia leading the way for much of the race and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) facing a comeback after a bad start, before then losing more positions too as he faded down to tenth. Bagnaia didn’t seem to know that either, as the #1 nearly opened the goal for himself as he tried to attack Diggia in return and sailed into the run off at Turn 1. With the gap behind enough for him to get back on track in second, it was a heart in mouth moment but only a moment.

Third went to Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as the number 10 got his elbows out in the fight at the front and then found enough in the locker to hold off a charge from Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) over the final few laps. But let’s rewind.

As the lights went out, everything changed in an instant. Split by just 0.022 and one position on the grid, by the exit of Turn 1 Bagnaia had shot through to steal the holeshot from Marini as Martin suffered a difficult start.
As the lights went out, everything changed in an instant. Split by just 0.022 and one position on the grid, by the exit of Turn 1 Bagnaia had shot through to steal the holeshot from Marini as Martin suffered a difficult start.

As the lights went out, everything changed in an instant. Split by just 0.022 and one position on the grid, by the exit of Turn 1 Bagnaia had shot through to steal the holeshot from Marini as Martin suffered a difficult start and dropped back to eight, behind teammate Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing). Not long after that the team showed the Frenchman who was behind him too, and he either had a moment and dropped back or heeded a message and let Martin through. With the added complication of Viñales glued to the rear wheel of the number 89 and getting past as well.

Right at the front though, Bagnaia held firm with a few tenths in hand – ahead of quite a squabble too. Diggia got through on Marini and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) tried to follow suit, but had to wait a few corners before he got through. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) needed no invitation to slice past the number 10 either, before also attacking Alex Marquez. Unhindered by the battle, Bagnaia marched on. And so did Diggia – able to unleash his pace and start to reel in the Ducati Lenovo machine ahead.

Right at the front though, Bagnaia held firm with a few tenths in hand – ahead of quite a squabble too. Diggia got through on Marini and Alex Marquez tried to follow suit, but had to wait a few corners before he got through.
Right at the front though, Bagnaia held firm with a few tenths in hand – ahead of quite a squabble too. Diggia got through on Marini and Alex Marquez tried to follow suit, but had to wait a few corners before he got through.

Martin had his hands full too. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) was right on his tail and Viñales right behind the number 93, with Zarco watching on and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha) catching the group as well.

At the front, Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio still had Binder for company, but the gap would start to increase from there on out as the KTM was left to battle Alex Marquez and Marini instead. The gaps behind Martin, however, were even smaller as a queue was forming behind the number 89.

At the front, Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio still had Binder for company, but the gap would start to increase from there on out as the KTM was left to battle Alex Marquez and Marini instead.
At the front, Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio still had Binder for company, but the gap would start to increase from there on out as the KTM was left to battle Alex Marquez and Marini instead.

Viñales was the first mover in the group to get past Marc Marquez and then stalk Martin before making a move. Once past, the Aprilia was gone. The Repsol Honda then attacked and took over before heading wide, letting Martin and Quartararo back through. El Diablo wasted no time in then dispatching Martin, leaving Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) next up as the number 89 was down to eighth again. Miller was through with 10 to go, and next up was Zarco. What would the Frenchman do?

The battle for victory, however, was now a duel: Bagnaia vs Diggia. The laps ticked down and the gap went out to a few tenths then back down, but no move was made in a tense game of chess. Lap by lap, the two marched on round Lusail. Plenty of moves were made in the podium fight though as Viñales arrived at Binder, Alex Marquez and Marini, with too many headlines to choose as the elbows came out.

The battle for victory, however, was now a duel: Bagnaia vs Diggia. The laps ticked down and the gap went out to a few tenths then back down, but no move was made in a tense game of chess.
The battle for victory, however, was now a duel: Bagnaia vs Diggia. The laps ticked down and the gap went out to a few tenths then back down, but no move was made in a tense game of chess.

By five to go, “Mapping 8” appeared on Diggia’s dashboard, before “0000000” appeared on his pit board. Everyone was left wondering what that exactly meant. Regardless, as Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) also made his way through on Martin, more points in the title fight were on the line at the front as Diggia decided to make his move.

It was a pretty perfect one at that, squeezing through at Turn 12. And Bagnaia tried to reply on the cutback but Diggia shut the door. From there they headed round the final sector and then corner before blasting onto the main straight, and then hearts went into mouths in the Ducati Lenovo box.

Crossing the line with 2.7 seconds in hand, the Italian becomes the eighth different winner of the season.
Crossing the line with 2.7 seconds in hand, the Italian becomes the eighth different winner of the season.

Bagnaia tucked in and gained down the straight before pulling out to try and take the lead back – and couldn’t get it stopped. He managed to pull up enough to avoid clattering into the Gresini and headed into the run off, then able to scrub off the speed and rejoin in second. Own goal avoided for the Championship leader, but that was that if Di Giannantonio could do three more clean laps of Lusail. And he could!

Crossing the line with 2.7 seconds in hand, the Italian becomes the eighth different winner of the season and takes an emotional maiden MotoGP™ victory. Bagnaia takes those 20 points to extend the gap to 21 over Martin, with the Spaniard crossing the line in tenth after a dramatic weekend of contact in the Tissot Sprint, a little glory and disappointment for both riders, everything on the line… and the title fight definitively to be decided in the final round.

Marini completed the podium as he pulled enough out late on to stay out of range of Viñales, with the Aprilia rider still charging up to fourth. Fifth went to Binder, ahead of Alex Marquez and Quartararo, who got extremely close to that fight in the final laps. Bastianini also charged up the order, setting a scorcher late on and finishing eighth ahead of Miller.

Behind Martin, a final frisson of stress hovered in the form of Marc Marquez over the final lap, but the number 93 couldn’t find a way through. Zarco, right behind both the number 93 and his own teammate Martin, tried a move though – and made some contact with Marquez, the Honda staying up but Zarco barely, dropping back a few seconds to take P12 only tenths ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) and Rookie of the Year Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) completed the points.

See all the race results from Qatar here…

Moto2
Thailand, Malaysia, and now Qatar. It’s three wins in the last three races for Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) as the Spaniard lights up the Lusail International Circuit to bag another 25-point haul in 2023, as Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46) and Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) finish just 0.009s apart in the battle for the podium – the former clinching a debut rostrum with P2.

Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) got a good launch from pole position to grab the holeshot ahead of Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) and Aldeguer, with Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) grabbing P4 from P6 on the grid. Canet went backwards at the start but a great recovery ride on Lap 1 saw the Spaniard climb back up to P2 by the time the field crossed the line for the first time.

Thailand, Malaysia, and now Qatar. It’s three wins in the last three races for Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) as the Spaniard lights up the Lusail International Circuit to bag another 25-point haul in 2023.
Thailand, Malaysia, and now Qatar. It’s three wins in the last three races for Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) as the Spaniard lights up the Lusail International Circuit to bag another 25-point haul in 2023.

At the start of Lap 2, Aldeguer was well wide going into Turn 1 – a mistake that saw the #54 drop to P9. Canet then pounced on Roberts for the lead on Lap 2, with Dixon passing Vietti for P3 on the same lap. The Italian then dropped behind Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) with 15 laps to go, as Aldeguer began to pick his way back through the pack.

With 12 laps left, the top nine were split by 1.9s. Vietti had slipped to P10, just ahead of World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) who were only two seconds adrift of P1 themselves. On Lap 7 of 18, Dixon made a move stick for P2 on Roberts and soon after, Aldeguer followed the #96 through – and then got the better of him.

Aldeguer then led with 10 to go and on Lap 8, the Spaniard slammed home a 1:57.725 – over half a second quicker than anyone else could muster up. A couple of laps later, Aldeguer was 1.1s up the road from Canet and Gonzalez, with Dixon dropping to just over a second away from the podium fight in P4.

A run of three 1:57.6s saw Aldeguer’s lead climb to two seconds despite the best efforts of Gonzalez, who had got the better of Canet for P2. A comfortable final couple of laps came for Aldeguer as Gonzalez and Canet went head-to-head for P2. It was Dixon vs Ogura for P4 as we enjoyed two great battles unfold, but for a third straight race it was all about Aldeguer – another stunning ride from the SpeedUp star as he hunts down P3 in the Championship heading to Valencia.

Canet was pipped to P2 by Gonzalez who celebrates a first podium in Moto2™, while Ogura’s last corner move on Dixon saw the Japanese rider claim P4 from P12 on the grid. Vietti claimed P6, 1.2s off Dixon, with Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Acosta completing the top eight. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Arbolino rounded out the top 10.

Roberts slipped to P11 by the chequered flag as Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – who set the fastest lap of the race on the final lap – was left to rue a poor start to finish P12. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing), Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), and Jeremy Alcoba (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) were the final points scorers in Qatar.

Moto2 Race Results…

Moto3
The 2023 FIM Moto3™  World Championship has been decided in dramatic fashion after an action-packed Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar saw Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) fight his way to victory in one of the most eventful races of the season. The Spaniard did not have it easy by any means as rookie sensation David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) was snapping at his heels on the final lap, but the Colombian couldn’t quite find a way through and neither could Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who came third the hard way: fighting his way through the pack after a jump start for the Turk saw him serve a double Long Lap penalty.

Tensions were high as the Moto3™ riders lined up on the grid ahead of the first match point of 2022. The pressure was weighing down on the shoulders of Masia as he prepared for his first chance to become a World Champion, and with Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) six places ahead on the grid,

The 2023 FIM Moto3™  World Championship has been decided in dramatic fashion after an action-packed Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar saw Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) fight his way to victory.
The 2023 FIM Moto3™  World Championship has been decided in dramatic fashion after an action-packed Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar saw Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) fight his way to victory.

The lights went out and it was Öncü took the holeshot but an obvious jump start for the Turk would come back to haunt him later on. The elbows were firmly out on the first lap as Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) led across the line the first time around. The Spaniard had Öncü,  Sasaki, Alonso, and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets -MSI) for company. Öncü was then awarded a double long lap penalty for that Jump Start, serving his first straight away as he dropped down the order. But he would be back.

Meanwhile, Masia was on a charge from 10th place on the grid and put himself well within the mix. The chaos continued to unfold as positions were swapping and changing from corner to corner. A harsh move came from Masia early on as he forced himself and Sasaki wide, with both losing out but the latter most definitely more.

It was deja vu with 10 laps remaining as Masia made the same move again on Sasaki as he tried to stuff it up the inside but sent the pair of them wide once again as they dropped down the order to fifth and seventh. For that, the #5 got a conduct warning too. Still, it didn’t take long for the pair to climb their way back to the front before Sasaki reaped his revenge and pushed Masia wide to line up behind the now-leading Holgado.

As the laps ticked the bar-bashing continued as Holgado, Masia, Sasaki, and Alonso swapped and changed positions.  David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) joined the party ahead of the final six laps with 15 bikes still in contention for victory. 

Masia hit the front with four laps to go as Sasaki made sure to put himself just behind the Spaniard. They came across the line one lap later and Sasaki made his move with Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) now up into the top three. It didn’t last long for Sasaki as the Japanese rider got swallowed up by the chasing pack and dropped like a stone down to eighth, however.

It went from bad for worse for Sasaki then, with as the front five broke away with the number 71 stuck battling with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Masia’s teammate, with Masia still leading the way.  The final lap came around and Öncü was the rider on the march, joining the top three with Alonso and Rossi still in podium contention.  No one could touch Masia on the final lap though, with the Leopard rider sealing it with a win as Sasaki tried everything he could to recover positions. Then, a big moment halted his progress to P6 and that was that: Masia was crowned the 2023 FIM Moto3™ World Champion. 

Alonso tried everything he could to get the better of the Leopard machine ahead of him, but it wasn’t meant to be for the Colombian as he was forced to settle for second ahead of Öncü. Despite his efforts in the latter stages, Rossi just missed out on a podium position as he came across the line just behind Öncu in P4. Over a second further back was Vicente Perez (BOE Motorsports) who got the better of Sasaki following the Japanese rider’s last-lap moment.

Moto3 Race Results…

MotoGP Sepang: Pecco VS Martin – The Only Title Contenders

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PB
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Pecco vs Martin. The fight for the 2023 MotoGP World Championship is now a duel, and it’s a duel split by just 14 points.

Alex Marquez takes to the top step for the first time ever in MotoGP during the Sprint Race at Sepang! The title fight then heated up as Bastianini blasts back to glory on Sunday. Pecco vs Martin: it’s official. The fight for the 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship is now a duel. Race Reports: MotoGP.

Alex Marquez takes to the top step for the first time ever in MotoGP during the Sprint Race at Sepang!
Alex Marquez takes to the top step for the first time ever in MotoGP during the Sprint Race at Sepang!

Tissot Sprint Race
The final chapter of the 2023 Championship story is underway and the momentum swung a little more in the direction of the purple corner in Saturday’s Tissot Sprint. With Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) taking a classy, dominant victory and absolutely charging through to it too, that left Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to battle it out. And the former claimed P2, with polesitter Pecco having to settle for P3. Now, the gap ahead of Sunday’s race is just 11 points. 

The rider who got the best start on the front row was actually Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), but the Beast played it to perfection for teammate Bagnaia (spoiler alert) as the Championship leader didn’t come under attack as he grabbed the holeshot and the number 23 slotted in behind. Alex Marquez struck soon after to take second though, with Martin shuffled down to fourth early doors.

The rider who got the best start on the front row was actually Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). the Beast played it to perfection for teammate Bagnaia as the Championship leader didn't come under attack as he grabbed the holeshot.
The rider who got the best start on the front row was actually Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). the Beast played it to perfection for teammate Bagnaia as the Championship leader didn’t come under attack as he grabbed the holeshot.

Bagnaia led Alex Marquez led Martin as the number 89 hit back against Bastianini on Lap 1, and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was past the second factory Ducati not long after. Heartrates then hit the roof at the end of Lap 2 as Alex Marquez went for a dive on Bagnaia for the lead at the final corner. The reigning Champion let the Gresini machine steam past and head wide, taking back the lead, and that left Alex Marquez nearly side by side with Martin instead, squabbling for second. The Gresini decisively grabbed it at Turn 1, however,  and from there was able to start reeling Bagnaia in.

He did just that, with Martin able to stay close and Bastainini coming back at them too, back past Miller, and with five to go Alex Marquez struck with a brutal, clean move for the lead. And then came Martin, the number 89 attacking Bagnaia almost immediately. The hammer went down.

With five to go Alex Marquez struck with a brutal, clean move for the lead. And then came Martin attacking Bagnaia.
With five to go Alex Marquez struck with a brutal, clean move for the lead. And then came Martin attacking Bagnaia.

That left Bastianini with some decisions, right on the tail of his teammate and Pecco looking to recover after losing two positions in fairly quick succession. There was another twist in the tale too as something white then appeared on the front fairing of the #1 Ducati, some debris stuck on the bike. But it didn’t last too long as the battle for third was allowed to continue regardless.

Bagnaia held on, and Bastianini may not have attacked, but he definitely put on some pressure and proved two points at once – his speed and a little team spirit, certainly in terms of avoiding too much risk. It almost cost him fourth too, with a late charge from Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) saw the South African and the Beast nearly side-by-side over the line after a last corner squabble.

One second back from that battle was Miller as the Aussie kept himself within the mix for most of the Sprint to bring home a solid 6th-place finish. Another second back was Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), who fended off Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) to take 7th place. The Italian’s teammate Luca Marini took the final Sprint point in 9th ahead of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) who rounded out the top 10.

Check out all the results from the Sprint Race here…

Sunday Race Day
Pecco vs Martin: it’s official. The fight for the 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship is now a duel, and it’s a duel split by just 14 points as we head into the final two race weekends. It was also an early race duel at Sepang as the two went toe-to-toe in the fight for the podium, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) defending with everything he had against now sole challenger, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). But that was the fight for third!

Pecco vs Martin. The fight for the 2023 MotoGP World Championship is now a duel, and it’s a duel split by just 14 points.
Pecco vs Martin. The fight for the 2023 MotoGP World Championship is now a duel, and it’s a duel split by just 14 points.

Up ahead, Enea Bastianini’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) fantastic return to form continued as the number 23 moved through to the lead, set some absolutely searing pace, and wasn’t to be seen again. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) kept him honest enough, however, with the number 73 following up his Sprint win with another Grand Prix podium.

It was almost three abreast into Turn 1 once the lights went out, with the front row side-by-side. Bastianini played it safe, Bagnaia was on the outside, and it was Martin who let the brakes off – diving up the inside to very briefly take the holeshot. But he was deep and Bagnaia took the chance to try and cut back in, but the #1 wasn’t in the postcode of the apex either. He got back past Martin but Bastianini was already through, as was Alex Marquez.

Pecco held on to third against Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) but Martin wasn’t so lucky, getting shuffled back behind the Italian and left with a little more work to do from fifth.
Pecco held on to third against Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) but Martin wasn’t so lucky, getting shuffled back behind the Italian and left with a little more work to do from fifth.

And so Bastianini led Alex Marquez, with a small but increasing gap back to some stunning early race fireworks. Once Martin was able to get back past Bezzecchi, he was right on the tail of Bagnaia and the teams, factory and grandstands held their breath as the show began.

The number 89 was all over the number 1 but he attacked and was denied, attacked and was denied as the two scythed round Sepang near side-by-side. It was stunning, and it could prove important in terms of more than just points. On Sundays when they’ve both seen the flag, the reigning Champion has only finished ahead of Martin once since the Red Bull Ring – on the day of Johann Zarco’s history-making win in Australia. Bagnaia hasn’t beaten Martin in a Sprint since Catalunya. But at Sepang, the reigning Champion also turned the tables in qualifying, nabbing pole from Martin and outqualifying the number 89 for the first time since Barcelona.

The number 89 was all over the number 1 but he attacked and was denied, attacked and was denied as the two scythed round Sepang near side-by-side. It was stunning, and it could prove important in terms of more than just points.
The number 89 was all over the number 1 but he attacked and was denied, attacked and was denied as the two scythed round Sepang near side-by-side. It was stunning, and it could prove important in terms of more than just points.

From that huge shot of adrenaline though, it became an ebb of tension as the laps ticked down. Bastianini led Marquez, both in clear air. Bagnaia was in a “safe” third, and Martin a “safe fourth” as the battle behind was the next.

By five laps to go, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had arrived at Bezzecchi, and this time the Yamaha rider struck quickly, slicing through almost immediately. The he was left trying to hold off the mighty power of the Ducati out the final corner and down the main straight into Turn 1, but it was mission accomplished – Quartararo was up into the top five as Bezzecchi officially dropped out on title contention.

At the front, Bastianini pounded on. With just over a second in hand, the Beast was keeping very calm as he carried on.
At the front, Bastianini pounded on. With just over a second in hand, the Beast was keeping very calm as he carried on.

At the front, Bastianini pounded on. With just over a second in hand, sometimes up to 1.5, the Beast was keeping very calm as he carried on – and very, very fast. He crossed the line for his first win since Aragon last year with a second and a half in hand, becoming the seventh different winner this season. Alex Marquez returned to the Grand Prix podium in second, Bagnaia took that vital third, and Martin was forced to settle for fourth to end the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 14 points adrift. Still, there are 74 left in play.

Quartararo took fifth from Bezzecchi, with Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Franco Morbidelli putting on a charge into seventh and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) P8. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was hot on the heels on the Australian, and they had Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) for company too as he completed the top ten.

Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and his teammate Pol Espargaro completed the points – with one notable name missing out on some being Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he crashed out of the battle with Miller and Diggia, rider ok.

Read all of the Sepang race results here…

Moto2
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is the 2023 Moto2 World Champion thanks to a P2 finish at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. The Spaniard becomes the youngest Moto2 title winner – taking that accolade off Marc Marquez – as Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) strode to a commanding third win of the campaign. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) kept his composure to secure a hard-earned debut Moto2 rostrum in P3.

Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) strode to a commanding third win of the campaign.
Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) strode to a commanding third win of the campaign.

There was drama from the off as polesitter Aldeguer and Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) made contact on the exit of Turn 1 which saw the latter crash out. Thankfully everyone managed to avoid the Spaniard but one rider who had to take evading action was Arbolino. The Italian lost ground and was down to P7, with Acosta capitalising on Gonzalez’s misfortunes to climb up to P2.

On Lap 2, desperate to pick off the riders ahead of him, Arbolino’s slim title hopes then all but vanished. The #14 made small contact with Ai Ogura’s (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) rear wheel at Turn 9, then made more contact with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40), as Arbolino ran onto the grass. That dropped him outside the top 20.

Aldeguer’s lead kept growing and with seven laps left, six seconds split him and Acosta.
Aldeguer’s lead kept growing and with seven laps left, six seconds split him and Acosta.

Back at the front, Aldeguer was operating on another level. By Lap 4, the Spaniard was over two seconds clear of Acosta, who in turn was over a second up the road from third place Ramirez. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) was P4 and had Ogura and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) for company, with Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) just slightly adrift of the fight for P4.

Aldeguer’s lead kept growing and with seven laps left, six seconds split him and Acosta. Ramirez was holding Lopez, Ogura and Dixon a second behind him, with Ogura beginning to climb all over the back of Lopez’s rear wheel. With six to go, Ogura was through and then set about chasing Ramirez for the final spot on the podium.

With three to go, Ramirez was coming under increasing pressure. Ogura was taking two or three tenths a second a lap out of the Spaniard’s advantage but up the road, there were no issues whatsoever for Aldeguer and the Champion elect Acosta. Aldeguer took the chequered flag a sensational 7.1s clear of anyone to claim a dominant victory, but it was all eyes on the rider in P2 as Acosta crossed the line to become the 2023 Moto2™ World Champion and a two-time Grand Prix Champion after his 2021 Moto3™ success. Take a bow Pedro, what a season!

Just behind, Ramirez did manage to fend off Ogura to claim a first Moto2™ podium, with the latter coming from P13 on the grid to challenge for a podium, as Dixon rounded out the top five. Chantra and Lowes take home P6 and P7, with Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and the recovering Arbolino rounding out the top 10. A disappointing day for the #14 sees his title hopes disappear for 2023, but he’ll be back stronger in 2024

Moto2 Sepang Results…

Moto3
The Netherlands has a new Grand Prix winner, and the first since 1990 as Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) defeated teammate – and title challenger – Ayumu Sasaki in the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. Championship leader Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) completed the podium in a close race to the finish that went right to the final corner. It’s now likely a two-horse race for the crown too, with some big drama for three of the five contenders on the way into the weekend at Sepang.

The Netherlands has a new Grand Prix winner, and the first since 1990 as Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) defeated teammate – and title challenger – Ayumu Sasaki in the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia.
The Netherlands has a new Grand Prix winner, and the first since 1990 as Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) defeated teammate – and title challenger – Ayumu Sasaki in the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia.

Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) got the best start from Row 2 and looked like he was going to take the holeshot before Veijer shot through and somehow kept it nicely in line, with Masia then able to grab second too. It didn’t take long for the Leopard rider to grab the lead though, and the number 5 then started to seriously push. Who could go with him? Initially the answer was Sasaki, Veijer and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), but the small group couldn’t break away. It quickly became a freight train once again, but there was drama coming.

After a dramatic weekend before the lights went out, with the Buriram winner suffering some crashes including in qualifying, David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) started well down the order. By 13 laps to go, he was already into the top ten. But then came the drama as he suddenly crashed out in the group, taking, among others, fellow contender Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) out of the race – all riders ok, but the group split and two key members of the Championship fight out of the race.

The group became Masia, Sasaki, Veijer, Öncü, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team). As the laps ticked down the tension was high but no one was able to make a difference – until a difference was made for some. Rueda got it wrong at the final corner when going for a move on Bertelle, making contact with the Italian then unable to save it and going down – in a nightmare, also tagging and taking down his teammate Öncü just ahead. Again, all riders ok – Bertelle staying upright and Öncü getting back in it, but that left a trio fighting for victory: Masia, Sasaki… and Sasaki’s teammate, Veijer.

This wasn’t a team game though. Veijer passed Sasaki for the lead as the final lap began, and he then got the hammer very much down as he gunned for his first Grand Prix win to follow up his maiden podium. But still, it all went down to the final corner.

Sasaki looked for a way through and it looked like he couldn’t find one, but Veijer was wider than his teammate – leaving them gassing it away from the apex almost in unison and the number 71 very close behind. But the drag to the line wasn’t enough and Veijer kept it, taking his first win and first Grand Prix victory for the Netherlands since the 1990 Czech GP! Sasaki took second on a day that saw so many contenders find bad fortune, Masia also took a podium and 16 points. The Spaniard is therefore now 13 clear of Sasaki in the title fight, with Alonso and Holgado both now at a deficit of 41 points.

Ortola ultimately came home fourth ahead of David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) and Joel Kelso completing the second group down to P8. Filippo Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) beat Ryusei Yamanaka (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) to ninth, with Bertelle ending up P11 after his involuntary excursion. Öncü impressively got back on and took P12. But not so, with a time penalty equivalent to a Ride Through later given to Muñoz for causing a crash, moving all up a position behind where he’d crossed the line and that just enough to technically keep Öncü in the fight for the crown…

Moto3 Sepang Results…

New Product: ACE STEADYSTAND motorcycle stand 15in – 19in

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PitBoard
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Front wheel bike stands are invaluable in workshops, trailers, or anywhere you want to keep your bike upright, and they can be placed against walls or in corners to maximise space too. We use them to help store our press bikes here at BikeReview HQ, plus use them on our trailer. Here is the new Acebikes stand.

New from Pro Accessories Australia is this Acebikes SteadyStand. With the Acebikes SteadyStand your motorbike is firmly anchored in seconds. The SteadyStand is suitable for 15 to 19 inch tyres, with a tyre width of 90 up to 130mm. This makes the SteadyStand ideal for home use for a wide variety of bikes. Because you can put your motorbike upright, it doesn’t take much space in your garage. The SteadyStand is designed for total ease of use and is high quality…

The unique rubber feet prevent the SteadyStand from sliding as you roll your machine forward onto the stand, and it is easy to move (when there is no bike on it) because of the convenient handle. The SteadyStand is easy to store because of the small size and lightweight materials as well. Designed in the Netherlands, its dimensions are 61 x 52 x 35cm and it weighs 7kg.

Unique features:

  • Durable, high quality powder-coated frame and cups
  • Special rubber feet to prevent sliding
  • Easy to move when unloaded because of the convenient handle
  • Maximum stability because of the total secure-system of the front wheel
  • Suitable for wheel sizes from 15 to 19 inches, tyre width from 90 to 130mm

The Acebikes SteadyStand is available for $269.95 RRP from most local bike shops (just ask), and to find out more or help locate one, visit Pro Accessories Australia here or call them on (07) 3277 0675, or email here.

Bike Test: 2023 BMW S 1000 RR, Road & Track

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In January we published the World launch report of the new S 1000 RR, where AC praised the BMW for the new refinements on track. This time we get out hands on the same M Sport version to put it to the test on Aussie roads, plus cut some wet and dry laps at SMSP…. Test: Jeff Ware Photography: HMC Photography, SD Pics

The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR M Sport edition in traditional BMW Motorsport colours is one good looking bike.
The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR M Sport edition in traditional BMW Motorsport colours is one good looking bike…

To say we’ve been looking forward to getting the S 1000 RR on the road is an understatement. The last time we were able to get one in for testing here at BikeReview was way back, six years ago, with the S 1000 RR Race 2017 edition. We attended the world launch of the heavily updated 2019 model, and we have had other track test opportunities and launches, but then we were never able to get out hands on once for road testing. Covid-19 didn’t help… and the S 1000 RR eluded us, until now!

Fortunately I had ridden a friend’s 2020 S 1000 RR. So after my track testing of the model in Estoril, Portugal, I was able to sample it on road, but not for a review for you guys. However, at least I can compare the old and new here… The first bike I picked up on a rainy afternoon was fitted with Michelin Power Cup 2 tyres, which have to be the most track serious street OEM rubber I’ve ever seen.

Jeff refused to review the bike with the Michelin Pilot Power Cup 2 tyres fitted, citing they are not suitable for all-weather road and track use. He rode on them in the rain and decided they were simply too dangerous for public roads.
Jeff declined to review the bike with the Michelin Pilot Power Cup 2 tyres fitted, citing they were not suitable for all-weather road and track use. He rode on them in the rain and decided they were unsuitable for our test requirements.

I rode home on them in the wet, and with 30-years racing experience and 22-years full time bike and tyre testing experience, I am qualified when it comes to riding! These tyres were like slicks off centre, I only just got home… anything off centre and they crab walked… Great on track in the dry, I am sure…

The next day another S 1000 RR was delivered, this time with alternative tyres. And just as well, as the track test the following day was half wet and I was still able to get the job done and test wet and dry. Those Michelins might be great on a dry track day but I would not want to be caught out on the streets in the rain… and on a wet track you may have to miss sessions and sit it out in the pits…

For the full technical updates on the new model, check out the tech release below, and be sure to click on the link to Alan Cathcart’s World launch report where he details more of the changes and why BMW engineers made them… I’ll stick to the testing and ride impression, the fun stuff! I usually road test first, then head to the track, but this time I had to do the opposite, and headed out to SMSP…

The new S 1000 RR in M Sport configuration is 193.5kg, over 10kg under the previous model S 1000 RR.
The new S 1000 RR in M Sport configuration is 193.5kg, over 10kg under the previous model S 1000 RR.

My track testing history of the S 1000 RR is extensive, going way back to the very first World launch in Portugal back in 2009, plus every model since bar the 2023 launch, lots of domestic testing. Plenty of racebikes too, from Glenn Allerton’s ASBK superbike to Troy Corser’s WorldSBK, and our long term project bikes back in the Rapid Bikes days. I’ve enjoyed every model, and BMW continue to impress.

“I was surprised to be able to lap in the 1:39s bracket on the S 1000 RR”…

For 2023 BMW have really upped the game in the name of gaining that elusive WorldSBK title winner, something that has been just out of reach for so long, despite successes in road racing, domestic series and showroom sales. Even bringing in Scott Redding didn’t do the job, but the improvements on track this year seem to be showing… Let’s see what Toprak can do next year. Can he help Redding?

"I was surprised to be able to lap in the 1:39s bracket on the S 1000 RR, despite a year away from racetracks. I shows how far the electronics have been developed"...
“I was surprised to be able to lap in the 1:39s bracket on the S 1000 RR on street tyres, despite a year away from racetracks. I shows how far the electronics have been developed”…

With standard tyre pressures and cold tyres, I head out onto SMSP with the S 1000 RR in Rain mode. It’s my first ride back since I broke my hands and I am still waiting on surgery for my right hand, so I am not sure what to expect having been off the track for almost two years. With 207hp on hand, it would be natural to feel a bit nervous, and I am. But, within a few laps, I realise that all I need to focus on is edge grip and relaxing. The throttle is so soft and controllable, the ABS there for me and DTC.

Modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and optional Pro modes and the choice to display the ones you use the most.
Modes include Rain, Road, Dynamic, Race and optional Pro modes and the choice to shortcut the most used ones.

It’s not fully wet, just that annoying period when the track still has water flowing over it in places and has a very faint dry line appearing. I begin to relax and just use the session to loosen up and get comfy in my leathers again, get a feel for the ergonomics and try to get a bit of heat in the tyres and scrub them in. The track starts to dry up and by the time I pit, I’m using every bit of Rain mode power.

Initial impression, if I am honest, is I can’t tell any difference between this and the previous one, so I think I really need some fast, dry laps! Thankfully that is what I get and as I return to the track in clear sunshine, with three sessions after my first to dry the surface, I have the M Sport in Race mode and I have my brain in race mode too. Now just to get the old body in race mode… Beer belly and all…

Race mode. Now we are talking. Straight out of the pit exit, the S 1000 RR feels much faster and more responsive than it did this morning, the way it should feel, angry! A lap to warm the tyres and brakes, and I get into it. The bar is set high for BMW, as they mistakenly let me loose here on a HP4 Race once (Video review here), the $115, 215hp, 145kg dream weapon, so I always think of that amazing bike!

Over the years, the S 1000 RR is catching up and now makes the same power, has the same amount of grip, more advance electronics than the HP4 but like me, carries a bit of weight! Still, at 193.5kg ready to go this is one of the lighter 1000cc sportsbikes on the market now. It shares a lot of geometry and set-up from the $64k M RR, and is closer to a factory superbike than ever before, with a fair price!

The top end power delivery, throttle smoothness and braking were the stand out improvements we felt on track.
The top end power delivery, throttle smoothness and braking were the stand out improvements we felt on track.

Head down, bum up, into it. The S 1000 RR fits me perfectly in attack mode, with the rearsets well placed (they are adjustable on this one), and the rider triangle spacious. The handlebars feel closer and wider, but I may be wrong. It’s easy to tuck in behind the screen on the chute, and the RR feels really small and narrow yet as I brake hard for the first time, into T2, there is plenty of lock-on area.

This is where my smile starts. The front brakes feel much better than the previous one I tested, in which I ended up with the lever all the way back to the ‘bars. I really have nothing great to say about those Hayes calipers on the 2019 model, so I was happy to see and feel these new ones. The RR now stops as well as it accelerates, although the intimate feel and modulation of top Brembo is missing.

Initial bite is not racebike strong and instant, and a fair squeeze is needed to pull the bike up into hairpins, but as I brake hard lap after lap, the fade of the previous brakes is not rearing its head thankfully. If my hands were stronger, I could brake a little harder, then we would find out more. At the back, I burn a lot of rear brake, and this one is great, giving good support and control mid turn.

The forks are doing whatever they do, and are giving good support under heavy braking, while tracking through a turn well and there is loads of front feedback for what I recall from an S 1000 RR, which must be the increase in trail combined with the frame flex and longer wheelbase. The bike is so settled, so planted, even through T1 over the apex bumps, at close to 200km/h, it’s rock solid. Very balanced.

Front-end feedback is improved, in fact, overall feel from the bike is better than it was previously.
Front-end feedback is improved, in fact, overall feel from the bike is better than it was previously.

Equally, the rear of the bike is very good, no squat under acceleration, no surprises mid corner, complete stability on the brakes and plenty of rear grip while carrying corner speed. Even a heavy rider like me can pull the bike in and keep it tight on the apex, as I find out time and time again in SMSP’s tight, tricky, downhill T9. With EBC and other electronics, the S 1000 RR is just so easy to ride now…

I am opening the throttle here earlier than I normally would on a street bike on street tyres, yet I am only just clipping the outside paint on exit. This proves how good that shock hardware (and software) is. And with the fat 200-section rear tyre, wow, there is some speed going into T10, I tell you! Here, I notice that the S 1000 RR steers slightly slower and heavier than the previous model, noticeably so.

Also, the T4 to T5 change of direction, although faster and more flowing than a traditional flick side to side, has me working harder to get the S 1000 RR hard lean right, to hard lean left, than I recall previously and certainly more than other superbike models there. Whether it is the winglet downforce, the steering damper, the 200-section rear tyre or the more stable rake, or all of the above, I don’t know.

“Whether it is the winglet downforce, the steering damper, the 200-section rear tyre or the more stable rake, or all of the above, I don’t know”…

It’s nothing hanging onto the end of the ‘bars (or fitting wider ones for a racer) won’t sort out and the planted feel and the front grip are by far for me more appreciated, so I would not change a thing for track day use, only for racing when getting through traffic swiftly on lap one is so important! I like the old school riding style of big sweeping lines, so it suits me and I’m loving every lap on the S 1000 RR.

"Acceleration off this turn, full throttle in third gear, is another experience! "...
“Acceleration off this turn, full throttle in third gear, is another experience! “…

Head down, tucked in for the chute, I’m seeing 285km/h before braking and flicking the bike right into T1, shifting rapidly to fourth via the excellent two-way quickshifter. Crack the throttle before the apex to balance the bike for the mid-corner bumps, then wind it progressively to full throttle for a 200km/h run to T2, where the hard braking and rapid backshifting starts. A tightening line is held, no problems.

“It is just a very flattering, 207hp, machine, so I was feeling good but it was the bike making me feel so confident and flowing”…

Hard on the gas out of T2, let the electronics do all the hard work, and the S 1000 RR absolutely launches over the crest into T4, where I run it in very very deep and hard on the brake momentarily, before easing back on the throttle, then changing direction for T5. This uphill exit is a great test of grunt, and the RR absolutely screams up and over the hill into T6. It’s fast, yet so controllable and smooth.

The S 1000 RR is more refined on track than ever before. It would be nice to try one with a 190-section rear tyre.
The S 1000 RR is more refined on track than ever before. It would be nice to try one with a 190-section rear tyre.

I do four dry sessions on the S 1000 RR, and I lap in the 1:39 to 1:42 lap time, which is above what I normally would do, because it is just a very flattering, 207hp, machine, so I was feeling good but it was the bike making me feel so confident and flowing. I did not play with the Pro modes or modify anything outside of the factory presets, there was no need, and I didn’t feel the electronics doing too much to be honest – I definitely didn’t try the slide control into corners! Overall, and excellent track day package…

On the streets, the S 1000 RR continues to be what it always has been, a very capable road sportsbike that is easy to live with and offers some nice BMW luxury that most others do not. Cruise control, heated grips, and well over 200 ponies, just crazy. But like it is on the track, the S 1000 RR feels so, so less intimidating than it should be, thanks to BMW engineers containing all of that power and torque.

The BMW S 1000 RR has always been a really good street going sportsbike and the 2023 model continues that trend.
The BMW S 1000 RR has always been a really good street going sportsbike and the 2023 model continues that trend.

The throttle is smooth, it is really docile in the lower gears, has compliant suspension, and to ride it around town or in the wet, on your commute, you really wouldn’t know you were on a fire breathing track weapon. The ride position is not too extreme even by sportsbike standards, the seat is firm but supportive enough and you can even connect your iPhone to the TFT dash of course…

I spent most of the week in Road mode, where the beast was well and truly tamed. Having ridden plenty of 200-plus horsepower bikes in the old days before electronics, it is hard to believe how tame they all are now and the BMW is the smoothest and tamest of all 200 + club bikes. Don’t get me wrong, open it up and get it in the high gears and revving and you will see God, but in a less fighting way!

I’m going to be completely open and honest with you here, aside from feeling the more stable steering, brakes and engine character/power curve from the new M 1000 RR head/Shift Cam and other changes, I could not place an enormous amount of difference between the outgoing the 2023 on the streets. That is not a criticism, more a compliment, as the 2019 model is an incredibly good bike.

Also having the carbon wheels on the test bike means I don’t have a comment on the steering and handling of the standard model with the alloy wheels. Still, I can say that this particular S 1000 RR M Sport edition is a bloody good road sportsbike. I did some long freeway cruise control runs of a few hundred kilometres, a day on fast flowing bumpy country roads and time in the local twisties…

"I did some long freeway cruise control runs of a few hundred kilometres, a day on fast flowing bumpy country roads and time in the local twisties"...
“I did some long freeway cruise control runs of a few hundred kilometres, a day on fast flowing bumpy country roads and time in the local twisties”…

Typical BMW easy controls, with the scroll wheel and the best TFT display and menu navigation in the business as far as we are concerned… The quality is top notch, and the price is very competitive. we know that BMW servicing and dealer support for the customer is second to none, so the S 1000 RR is definitely a good option if you are after a sportsbike, with track days as the main priority to take advantage of the new updates and the technology in the bike. You really won’t use it all on the road.

Check out Alan Cathcart’s 2023 S 1000 RR M Sport World Launch Report here…

"What a lovely bike it is to ride hard, with such well-mapped, responsive fuelling that lets you wind the throttle open progressively as the corner you’re taking opens up, feeling the rear Bridgestone hook up beneath you as you do so."
“What a lovely bike it is to ride hard, with such well-mapped, responsive fuelling that lets you wind the throttle open progressively as the corner you’re taking opens up, feeling the rear Bridgestone hook up beneath you as you do so.”


TECH TALK, 2023 BMW S 1000 RR

The 2023 BMW RR features a four-cylinder in-line engine based on the power unit of the previous S 1000 RR but with key updates. Peak power is now 154kW@13,500rpm – which is a 2kW increase on over the 2022 model – while the torque figures are now 113Nm@11,000rpm. Not only this, BMW engineers have made changes to the mapping to compliment the change in power figures, the redline is now set at a whopping 14,600rpm.

The heart of the chassis of the 2023 RR remains the aluminium bridge frame – a welded construction of four gravity die-cast elements. It uses the engine, which is inclined forward by 32 degrees as before, as a supporting element. With the aim of optimising flexibility laterally, the main frame of the new RR has been given several openings in the side areas.

BMW Motorrad say the focus during development was also on further increasing riding precision for the chassis of the new RR. The steering-head angle has been flattened out by 0.5 degrees and the offset of the triple-clamps reduced by 3mm. This all translates into a changed riding position, which is better in theory, and allows for more feedback from the front wheel compared to the 2022 model.

"The new feature of the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system is the Slide Control function. It allows the rider to select two preset drift angles for the traction control system when accelerating out of bends."
“The new feature of the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system is the Slide Control function. It allows the rider to select two preset drift angles for the traction control system when accelerating out of bends.”

New for 2023 with the epic electronics suite is the Slide Control function. Slide Control allows the rider to select two pre-set drift angles for the traction control system when accelerating out of bends. In terms of hardware, this is achieved using a steering angle sensor. Depending on where you set the traction control system, it allows for some slippage at the rear wheel when accelerating out of a bend, allowing for a drift. When the preset steering angle value is reached, traction control intervenes, reduces slip and stabilises the motorcycle.

Also new in terms of tech is the Brake Slide Assist function. As with the new DTC Slide Control function, this new system is also based on steering angle sensors and allows the rider to set a specific drift angle for so-called braking drifts while sliding into corners at a maintained speed. 

Same as what’s on the M 1000 RR model, winglets on the new RR aren’t just for looks but generate downforce and additional load on the wheels. All of this translates to the faster you go, the more grip up the front and assists in reducing the bike’s tendency to do a wheelie.

Design of the new edition RR benefits from a redesigned front section including winglets, a new, lighter and sportier-looking rear section and three new colour schemes: Blackstorm metallic; Style Passion in Racingred non-metallic and the racing-oriented Lightwhite non-metallic/BMW M. The new BMW S 1000 RR is priced at $25,750*.

Highlights of the new BMW S 1000 RR:

  • Increased output and torque: 154kW (210hp) at 13,500rpm and 113Nm at 11,000rpm
  • Shorter secondary gear ratio for more traction at the rear wheel
  • Advanced “Flex Frame” with additional flex
  • Chassis geometry with new values for steering head angle, offset, caster and wheelbase
  • M Chassis Kit as standard with adjustable swinging arm pivot point and raised rear end
  • Dynamic Traction Control DTC with new Slide Control function for drifts while accelerating using steering angle sensor
  • ABS Pro with new Brake Slide Assist function using steering angle sensor for braking drifts when approaching corners
  • ABS Pro Setting “Slick”
  • Optimised aerodynamics with new front section, winglets and high windshield
  • M lightweight battery as standard
  • USB charging port in the rear section
  • Redesigned rear section and shorter number plate holder
  • Optimised wiring harness for removing the number plate holder
  • Clutch and generator cover in black
  • Easier rear wheel assembly due to loss-proof axle bushings and chamfered brake pads and brake anchor plate
  • M GPS Mouse Adapter as part of the BMW Motorrad original accessory range
  • New GoPro holder as part of the BMW Motorrad original accessory range

2023 BMW S 1000 RR M Sport Specifications

Price: From $25,750 (+ORC)
Warranty: Five-years unlimited km
Colours: Blackstorm metallic, Racingred non-metallic and Lightwhite non-metallic/BMW M
Claimed Power: 154kW@13,750rpm
Claimed Torque: 113Nm@11,000rpm
Kerb Weight: 193.5kg (M Sport)
Fuel capacity: 16.5L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: N/A
Fuel Consumption (measured): N/A

Engine: Water-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine four-valves per cylinder DOHC, Valve actuation via single cam followers and variable intake camshaft control system BMW ShiftCam, 80mm x 49.7mm bore x stroke, 999cc, 13.3:1 compression, Electronic fuel injection system, Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter Gearbox: Six speed, constant mesh Clutch: Self-reinforcing multi-plate anti-hopping oil bath clutch, mechanically operated

Chassis: Frame: Aluminium composite bridge
Rake: 23.6 degrees Trail: 99mm
Suspension: Upside-down telescopic fork, slide tube diameter 45mm, spring preload, compression and rebound stage adjustable, 120mm travel (f) Aluminium underslung double-sided swinging arm with central spring strut, spring preload, adjustable compression and rebound stage, 117mm travel (r)
Brakes: 2 x 320mm floating discs, radially mounted four-piston calipers (f), 220mm disc, single piston floating caliper (r)
Wheels & Tyres: Die-cast aluminium wheels, 120/70R17 (f) 190/55 ZR17 (r)

Dimensions:
Seat height: 824mm
Ground clearance: N/A
Overall width: 846mm
Overall Length: 2073mm
Overall height: N/A
Wheelbase: 1458mm

Instruments & Electronics: Full-colour TFT dash, Riding Modes, Power Modes, Dynamic Traction Control DTC with new Slide Control, ABS Pro with new Brake Slide Assist function, full six-axis assist system…

Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.

WorldSBK Jerez: Bautista Claims Back To Back Titles

By
PB
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The Spanish rider needed just two points to become a back-to-back WorldSBK Champion and he duly did so in Race 1 with victory.  Bautista is now a back-to-back WorldSBK Champion, sealing a new historical mark for Ducati. Read all the race reports from Jerez below… Race Reports: WorldSBK. 

The Spanish rider needed just two points to become a back-to-back WorldSBK Champion and he duly did so in Race 1.
The Spanish rider needed just two points to become a back-to-back WorldSBK Champion and he duly did so in Race 1.

Race One
Alvaro Bautista’s (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) record-breaking campaign culminated in securing his second MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto after he won Race 1. The reigning Champion needed to score only two points to become a back-to-back Champion and he did just that to add his name to an exclusive club as he fended off Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) to end his hopes of taking the title fight until the last day of the season.

Bautista got the holeshot when the 20-lap race got underway and immediately looked to pull out a gap over his rivals, while Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) started from seventh but made his way into second by the end of Lap 2 knowing he had to win the race to have any chance of delaying Bautista’s coronation. With the #1 a few tenths clear, the #54 set about closing the gap and was faster in some sectors, while the Ducati was faster in others.

Bautista got the holeshot when the 20-lap race got underway and immediately looked to pull out a gap over his rivals.
Bautista got the holeshot when the 20-lap race got underway and immediately looked to pull out a gap over his rivals.

However, despite the Turkish rider’s pressure in the first half of the race, the reigning Champion was able to start edging clear with the gap reaching just under a second by the start of Lap 11. As the margin increased, so did his grip on the Championship. Needing just two points to win his second title, the #1’s victory by just over a second, after backing off on the final lap, meant he wrapped up the World Championship, to become the first Ducati rider to retain his title since Carl Fogarty in 1998 and 1999.

Razgatlioglu came home in second despite his valiant efforts in the early stages of Race 1, with the Turk finishing just over a second behind the now double WorldSBK Champion, with the #54 immediately congratulating his rival on the cool-down lap. The win was Bautista’s 25th win of the season, while it was his 87th podium in his WorldSBK career. For Razgatlioglu, it was his 114th rostrum to move him level with Tom Sykes as he took his 19th second place of the year.

Razgatlioglu came home in second despite his valiant efforts in the early stages of Race 1, with the Turk finishing just over a second behind the now double WorldSBK Champion, with the #54 immediately congratulating his rival.
Razgatlioglu came home in second despite his valiant efforts in the early stages of Race 1, with the Turk finishing just over a second behind the now double WorldSBK Champion, with the #54 immediately congratulating his rival.

The fight for the final spot on the podium was a three-way fight between Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), who started from the fourth row, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in the early stages before the #22 dropped down in the closing stages. ‘Loka’ came through on Lowes at Turn 13 for P4 on Lap 12, before making the same move on future teammate Rea two laps later to claim third and his 14th career podium. Rea finished in fourth, just under a second back from the Pata Yamaha rider.

With Lowes dropping down the order, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) battled for fifth, with the #9 taking P5 by just 0.887s. Petrucci was able to close in on Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) in the Independent Riders’ battle as the #47 crashed out after an incident with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) at Turn 9 on Lap 14. The #21 was given a Long Lap Penalty for the incident and finished in eighth; six seconds behind Lowes who was able to stem his drop down the field for seventh. In the fight to be the second Ducati rider in the standings, Bassani’s non-score and Rinaldi’s eight points have allowed the latter to close the gap to just three points. For the Independent Riders’ battle, Petrucci now trails Kawasaki-bound Bassani by 28 points.

The #77 tumbled down the order in the opening stages after suffering a technical problem...
The #77 tumbled down the order in the opening stages after suffering a technical problem…

Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) claimed ninth after being unable to take advantage of Rinaldi’s penalty with the Italian coming out ahead of the #7 after serving his Long Lap Penalty. He was three seconds clear of teammate Xavi Vierge, while Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 11th. With Kawasaki Puccetti using a factory ZX-10RR this weekend, the Spaniard was able to equal his best result in WorldSBK. He was two seconds clear of Lorenzo Baldassarri (GMT94 Yamaha) in 12th, while Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) was the lead BMW rider in 13th. He fended off teammate Garrett Gerloff as he recovered from a Turn 2 crash on Lap 10, with the American able to battle back for two points. Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin (PETRONAS MIE Honda) rounded out the points scoring positions.

Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing MOVISIO) narrowly missed out on his first point of the year in 16th, as he finished less than a tenth away from the Malaysian. Late substitute Leandro Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team) was 17th, just a few seconds away from his teammate, while Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 18th. The #77 tumbled down the order in the opening stages after suffering a technical problem but was able to finish ahead of wildcard Florian Alt (Holzhauer Racing Promotion) in 19th.

After an impressive Tissot Superpole performance, Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) crashed out at Turn 8, after making contact with the back of Bassani’s Panigale V4 R, with the #47 able to stay on his bike despite the contact. The Australian was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following his crash and he will be reassessed tomorrow morning before Warm Up after suffering a deep abrasion on his right elbow. Gabriele Ruiu (Bmax Racing) had been fighting for top BMW honours but a technical issue around the halfway stage forced him into the pits. ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team riders also retired. Scott Redding brought his bike into the pits after completing seven laps, while Michael van der Mark crashed at Turn 13 a few laps later.

Check out the results from Race One here…

Tissot Superpole Race
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed his second victory of the Prometeon Spanish Round in the penultimate race of the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season, while Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) stormed to a maiden podium after he finished 1.5 seconds away from the two-time Champion. The fight for third went to the final stages of the red-flagged Tissot Superpole Race at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto in a race that’ll live long in the memory.

The two-time Champion continued his stunning form with victory in the 8-lap race...
The two-time Champion continued his stunning form with victory in the 8-lap race…

The first two laps were action-packed with changes everywhere you looked. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) got the holeshot but his lead only lasted until Turn 5 when Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) came bundling through for the lead. The lead group featured about six riders fighting for the lead, including Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK). However, towards the end of Lap 2, the race was red flagged due to track conditions. Aegerter’s engine had smoke pouring out of it, and he pulled off at the side of the track, while Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) crashed at Turn 5; the Spaniard went to the medical centre for a check-up and declared fit.

Dominique Aegerter stormed to a maiden podium after he finished 1.5 seconds away from the two-time Champion.
Dominique Aegerter stormed to a maiden podium after he finished 1.5 seconds away from the two-time Champion.

As three laps hadn’t been completed, the restarted eight-lap race got underway with the original grid; giving Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) a second chance after he crashed on the opening lap of the original race at Turn 6, while Aegerter and Lecuona were also able to restart. The restart was similar to the first one, with the #77 getting the holeshot again and this time leading for longer. Despite Lowes going through on the opening lap, Aegerter came through again at Turn 13, although Bautista passed him on the run into Turn 6 on Lap 2. On Lap 3, Lowes went down at Turn 1 and made contact with the bike of the Turkish rider’s bike, and the Brit went to the medical centre for a check-up. He was later declared unfit with a facial trauma and eyelid wounds.

While the battle for second ignited between Aegerter, Razgatlioglu and Rea, Bautista was able to pull out a gap to make it two from two at Jerez, an take his 58th WorldSBK win. He also secured the Tissot Award for 2023. In the second half of the race, the Swiss star did close in but fell back to claim second and his first WorldSBK rostrum, and the first Swiss rider on the podium; taking full advantage of Rea and Razgatlioglu squabbling behind. The #65 got ahead of the Turk on Lap 6 for second, and he was able to resist any further challenges to claim his 263rd career podium. It means the Race 2 front row will be comprised of Bautista, Aegerter and Rea.

Razgatlioglu will line up from fourth, with his P4 the first time he’s finished a race off the podium this season, climbing a full row forward from his Race 1 starting position, and he’ll be joined by teammate Locatelli on the second row. ‘Loka’ started from tenth but fought his way up to fifth place to give him a better starting position than he had in the first two races of the round despite his crash before the red flag. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) took sixth, and the team’s results meant they confirmed the Independent Teams’ title with one race to go.

German rider Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) continued his strong weekend with seventh, just three tenths behind Gardner. He will be joined on the third row by Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who finished eighth, three tenths back, and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in ninth. The #9 was in contention to snatch the Top Independent Riders’ title from Axel Bassani (Barni Spark Racing Team) but his single point wasn’t enough to keep the fight going into Race 2 despite the #47 not scoring; he was involved in an incident with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) at Turn 1 on Lap 6, which will be investigated by the FIM Stewards. Bassani therefore leaves Motocorsa Racing as a two-time Independent Riders’ title winner.

Check out all the results from the Tissot Superpole race here…

Race Two
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed a Prometeon Spanish Round hat-trick but he was made to work very hard for it as Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) did everything he could to bid farewell to Yamaha with one more victory. Nothing could separate the top two in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship standings at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, with the #54 demoted one place for a track limits infringement despite crossing the line in first after he and Bautista scrapped it out in Spain with an incredible 38 passes across their battle across the second half of the race, and 39 in total including the early laps.

A race that will live long in the memory: Bautista victorious in unbelievable Razgatlioglu fight with 38 passes for the lead in the final 10 laps, Rea tumbles on Kawasaki farewell.
A race that will live long in the memory: Bautista victorious in unbelievable Razgatlioglu fight with 38 passes for the lead in the final 10 laps, Rea tumbles on Kawasaki farewell.

Bautista initially got away well when the 20-lap race got underway, but his lead lasted only five corners as six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) forced his way through into the lead, looking to end his Kawasaki career on a high note. The #1 was in second but he ran wide at Turn 2 on Lap 2 which allowed Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) into P2 in the early stages.

However, Rea’s fairytale ended turned into a nightmare on Lap 5. He lost the front of his ZX-10RR into Turn 2 and crashed, dropping all the way down to 23rd and last; handing the lead to the #54 with double Champion Bautista, using a special yellow livery on his Panigale V4 R, into second. The 2021 Champion held a lead of just over a second although the #1 was hunting him down towards the end of the first half of the race.

At Turn 13, Bautista looked for a move on the inside before the Yamaha cut back to stay ahead on the straight.
At Turn 13, Bautista looked for a move on the inside before the Yamaha cut back to stay ahead on the straight.

From Lap 11, the gap between them was consistently reducing before one of the best races ever. On Lap 12, Bautista attempted a move on the inside of Turn 13 but the #54 was able to cut back and keep his lead before the Ducati rider claimed the lead on Lap 13 with a series of passes between the pair. The #1 got ahead on the back straight before his rival responded under braking at the Turn 6 hairpin, before Turns 9, 10 and 11 had three position changes: Bautista holding onto to lead at the end of the lap. On Lap 14, Razgatlioglu got through at Turn 1 but ran wide at the Turn 2 right-hander, allowing the Spaniard back through. Through the right-handers towards the end of the lap, the two rivals were exchanging positions, with Bautista finishing the lap ahead. On this lap alone, there were six changes of position at Turns 1, 2, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

The race continued to ignite with the pair fighting into Turn 6, Bautista getting the run on the straight with the Turkish star responding on the brakes. Later on that lap, at Turn 13, Bautista looked for a move on the inside before the Yamaha cut back to stay ahead on the start-finish straight, before a similar move on Lap 17. A lap later and the Spaniard tried a different move. He looked to outbrake the 2021 Champion at Turn 1, but ran wide which allowed third-placed Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) to close in. It was a similar move on Lap 19 but again, he ran wide, setting up a last-lap showdown.

Rea’s fairytale ended turned into a nightmare on Lap 5. He lost the front of his ZX-10RR into Turn 2 and crashed.
Rea’s fairytale ended turned into a nightmare on Lap 5. He lost the front of his ZX-10RR into Turn 2 and crashed.

The Yamaha rider was leading throughout the final lap but his rival, once again, tried a move up the inside of the final corner. Razgatlioglu cut back to retake the lead and crossed the line in first, but he was demoted one place for exceeding track limits on the final lap, on the exit of Turn 13, which allowed Bautista to take his 59th win in WorldSBK, moving him level with Carl Fogarty. In total, the pair passed each other a scarcely believable 38 times from Lap 10 to Lap 20, with all but three corners on the Jerez circuit used to make a move. Razgatlioglu’s second place gave him his 100th podium for Yamaha in his final race with the manufacturer in his 131st race. In third was Swiss rookie was Aegerter, who was just three tenths away from victory, but still took his second podium of the season with third.

GRT Yamaha ended the season on a massive high. Two podiums on the final day of 2023 season kept their podium streak going since they joined WorldSBK, while teammate Remy Gardner missed out on his first podium by just a second behind his teammate in Race 2. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was fifth ahead of Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in sixth. The #21 had been in the podium fight but dropped down the order in the second half of the race, eventually finishing more than three seconds down on ‘Petrux’.

Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) was seventh and only eight seconds away from Bautista after 20 laps after completing yet another strong weekend as he searches for a 2024 seat. The German was ahead of Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in eighth while stablemate Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) took ninth. The American had crossed the line in tenth, but a post-race penalty for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) meant the Italian was demoted to P10. The penalty proved crucial in the outcome of the Teams’ Championship. Both Aruba.it Ducati and Pata Yamaha finished tied on 879 points, but the title went to the Ducati team due to having more feature-length wins.

Check out all the results from Race two here…

Round Preview: ASBK Heads To Phillip Island This Weekend!

By
PB
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The championship is still delicately poised, with Herfoss 14pts (262 to 248) in front of Waters, followed by Jones (202), three-time champion Allerton (196) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1M, 177).

After a mid-season hiatus, the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, thunders back into life at the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this weekend (October 27-29). Check out what to expect this weekend Press Release: Motorcycling Australia.

After a mid-season hiatus, the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, thunders back into life at the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this weekend (October 27-29)!
After a mid-season hiatus, the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, thunders back into life at the famed Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this weekend (October 27-29)!

With brilliant weather on the horizon for both competitors and spectators, it will be a packed 16-race program featuring not only the five regular ASBK classes – Alpinestars Superbike, Michelin Supersport, Supersport 300, Yamaha Finance R3 Cup and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – but also the return of the bullocking Sureflight Superbike Masters category for immaculately prepared machines manufactured between 1973 and 1990 – some which became instant classics.

Grab the official programme here…

There will also be a static display of ex-racing exotica over the last five decades, and some of them – such as an RC30 in the hands of multiple Aussie Superbike champion Malcolm Campbell – will be wheeled out for parade laps on Saturday and Sunday, too. Yep, a massive amount to see and do…

Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda) holds all the championship momentum after winning six of the last seven races and gaining the ascendancy from early-season pacesetter Josh Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati).
Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda) holds all the championship momentum after winning six of the last seven races and gaining the ascendancy from early-season pacesetter Josh Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati).

Michelin Superbike
Intrigue abounds across all the classes, including in the premier Alpinestars Superbike where Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda CBR1000RR-R SP) holds all the championship momentum after winning six of the last seven races and gaining the ascendancy from early-season pacesetter Josh Waters (McMartin Racing with K-Tech Ducati V4R).

However, Herfoss’ recent successes certainly haven’t been about putting the opposition to the sword, with the last Morgan Park Raceway round a case-in-point where he was involved in two towering battles with Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1M) before greeting the chequered flag in both races, with Glenn Allerton (GT Racing M 1000 RR) completing the trifectas.

Jones, the defending champion, is now primed for a last-ditch tilt at the title over the final two rounds...
Jones, the defending champion, is now primed for a last-ditch tilt at the title over the final two rounds…

Jones, the defending champion, is now primed for a last-ditch tilt at the title over the final two rounds – The Bend Motorsport Park (SA) hosts the grand final from December 1-3 – while Waters has won the last eight national-level Superbike races at the Victorian circuit but has had some injury concerns to overcome since Morgan Park after being caught up as collateral damage in practice for the Suzuka 8 Hours world endurance race. Could that bring Waters back to the field?

Max Stauffer (GTR MotoStars YZF-R1M) and fellow Yamaha riders Anthony West (Addicted to Track), Bryan Staring (MotoGo) and Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing) will also be in the mix at Phillip Island, as well as Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati V4R) and Ted Collins (Livson Racing M 1000 RR).

The championship is still delicately poised, with Herfoss 14pts (262 to 248) in front of Waters, followed by Jones (202), three-time champion Allerton (196) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1M, 177).
The championship is still delicately poised, with Herfoss 14pts (262 to 248) in front of Waters, followed by Jones (202), three-time champion Allerton (196) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1M, 177).

There’s also extra spice with Goulburn’s Tom Toparis (Cube Racing YZF-R1M) back from a stellar season in the UK to contest Superbike (and Michelin Supersport) at Phillip Island. Toparis finished third in the 2023 British Supersport Championship, while also back from the UK is Jacob Hatch who finished ninth in the British Junior Superstock Championship. He will partner West in the Addicted to Track Superbike team. The Alpinestars Superbike category will have three unofficial practice sessions on Friday followed by timed practice and qualifying on Saturday and two 12-lap races on Sunday.

Michelin Supersport
In 2023, the Michelin Supersport Championship has boasted the largest number of entries in several years and the on-track intensity has reflected how much the level has lifted. Heading into the penultimate round, South Australian Oli Simpson (Simpson Crash Yamaha YZF-R6) has a 13pt lead over rapidly emerging 15-year-old Cameron Dunker from Kurri Kurri (NSW).

Heading into the penultimate round, Oli Simpson has a 13pt lead over rapidly emerging 15-year-old Cameron Dunker.
Heading into the penultimate round, Oli Simpson has a 13pt lead over rapidly emerging 15-year-old Cameron Dunker.

In only his second meeting on the GTR MotoStars YZF-R6, at SMSP, Dunker created history by becoming the youngest race winner in the 30-year history of the class. He backed that up with another win and pole position at Queensland Raceway and added another victory at Morgan Park in July. Early season points leader Ty Lynch (Unitech YZF-R6) is just 4pts adrift from Dunker in third spot, and he’s returning to a happy hunting ground after winning the opening round at Phillip Island in late February.

The fly in the ointment could be Toparis, who has no championship considerations to worry about and knows the fast way around Phillip Island. There could be some pyrotechnics coming our way!

In only his second meeting on the GTR MotoStars YZF-R6, at Sydney Motorsport Park for round two of 2023, Cameron Dunker created history by becoming the youngest race winner in the 30-year history of the class.
In only his second meeting on the GTR MotoStars YZF-R6, at Sydney Motorsport Park for round two of 2023, Cameron Dunker created history by becoming the youngest race winner in the 30-year history of the class.

Supersport 300
The Supersport 300 class will, as usual, produce three crackerjack races with a 99 per cent chance that all races will be decided by less than a second and the winner won’t be known until the final few metres of the race. Brandon Demmery (Race DNA YZF-R3) leads Cameron Swain (Caboolture YZF-R3) by just 2pts with Marcus Hamod (Motocity YZF-R3) a further 9pts behind in third.

Swain was peerless at the last round, taking pole position and three from three. And after his recent ‘school’ excursion to Europe which saw him finish on the podium during an R3 Cup cameo, he will take a vast load of confidence out of that learning into the round. 

The Supersport 300 class will, as usual, produce three crackerjack races with a 99 per cent chance that all races will be decided by less than a second and the winner won’t be known until the final few metres of the race.
The Supersport 300 class will, as usual, produce three crackerjack races with a 99 per cent chance that all races will be decided by less than a second and the winner won’t be known until the final few metres of the race.

Demmery has been extremely consistent, finishing in the top three at the past three rounds, while Hamod has also freshly returned from an R3 excursion in Europe. He broke through for his first wins at Queensland Raceway and is keen to add to his tally. Fast fact: Since 2018, the average winning margin across 25 Supersport 300 races at Phillip Island is just 1.13sec. Yep, the racing is bonkers!

Yamaha Finance R3 Cup
The two leading protagonists in the Australian Supersport 300 Championship – Brandon Demmery and Cameron Swain – also are on top of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup but the positions are reversed as Swain leads Demmery by 10pts with Brodie Gawith 7pts away in third.

Extremely tight finishes are a theme at every round. It’s pulsating to the extreme, with riders often relegated from first to 10th in one corner and visa-versa at the next. It’s a case of blink and you’ll miss it.
Extremely tight finishes are a theme at every round. It’s pulsating to the extreme, with riders often relegated from first to 10th in one corner and visa-versa at the next. It’s a case of blink and you’ll miss it.

Extremely tight finishes are a theme at every round. It’s pulsating to the extreme, with riders often relegated from first to 10th in one corner and visa-versa at the next. It’s a case of blink and you’ll miss it. This weekend’s triple race treat will produce more of the same.

bLU cRU Oceana Junior Cup preview
After last weekend’s Phillip Island MotoGP where the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup was the support class, the youngsters who range in age from 11-16 years old will be well primed to continue their on-track antics. The GP crowd was enthralled with the talents of these rising stars. 

After last weekend’s Phillip Island MotoGP where the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup was the support class, the youngsters who range in age from 11-16 years old will be well primed to continue their on-track antics.
After last weekend’s Phillip Island MotoGP where the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup was the support class, the youngsters who range in age from 11-16 years old will be well primed to continue their on-track antics.

As we head into the penultimate round, Bodie Paige has a handy 20pt lead over Archie Schmidt, while the battle for third place heading has 10pts covering Haydn Fordyce from John Pelgrave.

The OJC is the nursery of the future and, like junior programs in the past, has produced riders that are now on the world stage. In the vein of all sports that if you start ‘em young, the world is your oyster. Many of these kids will find pearls instead of oysters. 

Sureflight Superbike Masters preview
The Sureflight Superbike Masters will also make a welcome return to the fold for the first time since round two at Sydney Motorsport Park. And the response from the classic racing community has been emphatic, with a total of 42 riders making the Island pilgrimage to compete across the four Period 5 (bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1982) and Period 6 (1983-1990) classes.

Keo Watson dominated the two Superbike Masters races at Sydney Motorsport Park on his FZR1000.
Keo Watson dominated the two Superbike Masters races at Sydney Motorsport Park on his FZR1000.

Brad Phelan (Katana, P5 Unlimited), Troy Corser (TZ750, P5 F1), Robert Young (Ducati 888 P6 Formula 750) and Keo Watson (Yamaha FZR1000, P6 Formula 1300) lead the respective Superbike Masters classes. The level of intensity will then ratchet up at Phillip Island, with South Aussie international David Johnson (Suzuki Katana), Scott Campbell (RC30), Denis Ackland (Z1000), the evergreen Albert Tehennepe (Kawaski Harris) and Ryan Taylor (GSX-R1100) among the new additions from the round two protagonists.

Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.

Aussies Racing Abroad: October 2023

By
PB
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Experienced campaigner Dean Ferris headed to Ernee fresh from winning the Australian ProMX MX1 crown, eager to impress in what was his seventh MXoN. Ferris will be returning back to Australia to defend his title...

Our homegrown talent has been battling it out on track and making us proud! Check out our monthly column that follows all things Aussies racing Internationally on and off-road, from MotoGP to AMA Motocross. See what our future and current champions are up to…

It's been a massive month for our Aussie talent racing internationally. Check out what Edward has for us this month...
It’s been a massive month for our Aussie talent racing internationally. Check out what Edward has for us this month…

On-Track

Jack Miller – MotoGP
The month of October has been a consistent one for Aussie MotoGP star Jack Miller. Bagging an impressive fourth in the Sprint and a sixth in the red-flagged race in Japan due to the brutal wet conditions, he backed this up with a solid ninth and a seventh in Indonesia to ensure he headed into his home GP with some handy momentum.

Venturing to the famed Phillip Island track in front of his adoring fans, there was much reason for positivity from his weekend in an event where the main race was run on Saturday due to the impending severe wind and rain on Sunday.

Miller hopeful to show off in front of a home crowd.
The month of October has been a consistent one for Aussie MotoGP star Jack Miller on-board his factory KTM…

Banking eighth in qualifying ahead of the main race, this gave him a decent grid position to enjoy a strong body of work, where he finished seventh after engaging in some pulsating battles throughout.

“It was a decent Grand Prix. I had a bit of fun with the guys there. The bike was working good, and I cannot complain. I felt I was losing a bit too much time in the last sector but then also struggling a bit with the front tire. I had to try and nurse it. We learned from that today. We didn’t really want that result at our home GP but it was a solid finish and we were not too far away from the front guys. Happy enough and happy with the bike. We have a bit more work to do, but things are going good.”

Joel Kelso marked his home race at Phillip Island in memorable style by bagging his first-ever Moto3 podium.
Joel Kelso marked his home race at Phillip Island in memorable style by bagging his first-ever Moto3 podium.

Joel Kelso – Moto3
Joel Kelso marked his home race in memorable style by bagging his first-ever Moto3 podium. Having earned himself second on the grid, the Darwinian immediately got down to business in the race, displaying excellent speed and race-craft to keep pace with the frontrunners.

Putting on a wicked show for the supporters to eventually bag third despite a late moment, Kelso rightfully cut a delighted figure afterwards, stating: “Bloody brilliant! I’m over the moon. It was tricky conditions, but I just had to go for it at my home GP. I wanted the win but then made a little mistake, so I thought ‘Just put it in the bag’ and get it home safely. There was a lot of pressure, but now we’ll finish the year and try to bring the best results to CFMOTO,” he gleamed.

The future is looking very promising for the Darwinian. The rain proved he has the skill to be a front-runner when he's not held back by his equipment, and hopefully he proved himself to future teams for a Moto2 move.
The future is looking very promising for the Darwinian. The rain proved he has the skill to be a front-runner when he’s not held back by his equipment, and hopefully he proved himself to future teams for a Moto2 move.

In another exciting piece of news for the ambitious Kelso, it’s been confirmed he’s signed with BOE Motorsports in Moto3 for 2024. “I am very happy to be able to join a great team like BOE Motorsports for another year in Moto3. I am very grateful for this opportunity; my goal will be to fight at the front and show everyone what we are capable of.”

Senna Agius – European Moto2 Championship and Moto2
The Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact team ace won’t be forgetting October in a hurry, for not only did Agius secure the European Moto2 Championship, but he also signed on the dotted line with his current team to step up to Moto2 on a full-time basis.

The Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact team won’t be forgetting October in a hurry, for not only did Agius secure the European Moto2 Championship, but he also signed with his current team to step up to Moto2. Photo: Senna Agius Racing.
The Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact team won’t be forgetting October in a hurry, for not only did Agius secure the European Moto2 Championship, but he also signed with his current team to step up to Moto2. Photo: Senna Agius Racing.

“I am feeling super-grateful to have the opportunity to step up with this team. I just have to say thank you for this incredible chance and thanks to everyone involved for believing in me,” he expressed. “It will be my rookie season, and I have so much to learn, but it’s already been a good time riding in Moto2, and I am so happy to be jumping up to Grand Prix now. I am just so excited.”

To shift the attention back to his title triumph, the way the 18-year-old handled the pressure and weight of expectation expertly to get the job done was nothing short of impressive, as he triumphed at Aragon after logging the quickest time in qualifying to underline his tremendous talent emphatically.

Harrison Voight – European Moto2 Championship
Back in action at Aragon, Harrison Voight once again showcased many glimpses of his undeniable class. Starting the opening race all the way back in 20th, it was eye-catching how he embarked on a scintillating charge through the field to work his way up to sixth. Disappointingly, though, while running close to the group of riders up to second, a mistake from a rival forced a collision, which saw him pull out courtesy of some subsequent pain in his leg that meant he was unable to change gears.

Making vital progress with every passing outing, there's been much to admire about Harrison Voight's latest offerings. Photo Via Harrison Voight Racing.
Making vital progress with every passing outing, there’s been much to admire about Harrison Voight’s latest offerings. Despite battling some bad luck this year, he’s looking to prove himself at the finale. Photo Via Harrison Voight Racing.

Bravely lining up for the second race, 13th was the best he could manage in a bout that saw him toil on valiantly following a rough start. With one round left in the series, all eyes will be on the finale, where the Stylobike hotshot will be eager to close out his season in an uplifting fashion.

Josh Brookes – British Superbike
Josh Brookes ended his 2023 crusade with commendable efforts at the final two rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch. To start with the former, his 7-8-3 finishes were a tidy return, considering he qualified back in 17th. Although he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his output at the rain-interrupted round due to him posting great results and rides at the same venue earlier in the term, Brookes remained upbeat with his podium placing.

Brookes ended 2023 with commendable efforts at the final two rounds: Donington Park and Brands Hatch. Photo: BSB.
Brookes ended 2023 with commendable efforts at the final two rounds: Donington Park and Brands Hatch. Photo: BSB.

Even though a nasty spill in first practice and a bike issue in qualifying ensured he had to line up for the opening bout in 18th. It was an unsatisfactory way to begin the finale, but the way he salvaged his weekend was notable. Struggling with bike setup all weekend and never feeling comfortable, much credit must go to Brookes, who fought on doggedly to claim a seventh, an eighth and a ninth to conclude his campaign in a credible seventh in the standings.

“I’d like to thank everyone; all the supporters, the team, sponsors, the fans – everyone who has put something into the team and hopefully next year we can get some better results and fight for the championship,” he told the team’s website.

Jason O’Halloran –  British Superbike
Jason O’Halloran closed out his season with an outstanding showing on his way to a terrific victory at Donington before wrapping up his 2023 with a mixed weekend at Brands Hatch. Despite blasting out of the blocks to bank pole position with the fastest-ever BSB time at the circuit, the opener didn’t go to plan, for tyre issues ensured 17th was all he could muster.

A man on a mission in race two, the ‘O’Show’ scorched his way from 21st to fourth before the race was red-flagged just as a podium beckoned for the Aussie. The third duel was all about the McAMS Yamaha star, as he shot off the line to then ride to an accomplished win in what was a statement body of work ahead of Brands Hatch.

Jason O’Halloran closed out his season with an outstanding showing on his way to a terrific victory at Donington before wrapping up his 2023 with a mixed weekend at Brands Hatch. He now moves to Kawasaki for 2024. Photo via BSB.
Jason O’Halloran closed out his season with an outstanding showing on his way to a terrific victory at Donington before wrapping up his 2023 with a mixed weekend at Brands Hatch. He now moves to Kawasaki for 2024. Photo via BSB.

While this last stop on the calendar wasn’t one to remember, even if he bagged pole and was second in the opener, as a crash and a seventh scuppered any hopes he had of challenging for the title. Ultimately obtaining sixth in the standings to close his tenure with the team, who will no longer be running a BSB outfit, an emotional O’Halloran expressed his gratitude for all they’ve done for him and stated what a fantastic time he’s had under the awning over the years.

“I think together with the team, we can look back on what we’ve achieved with great pride. We’ve had an incredible journey over the last five years, and I wish everyone all the success in their next steps. A huge thanks to Steve Rodgers, Wendy, Tina and all the other people who make this happen,” 

Now moving to the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki, it’ll be intriguing to see how he fares with his new squad in 2024.

Off-Road

Jett Lawrence – MXoN for Australia
Flexing his muscles on the world stage on French soil, Jett Lawrence shone brightly for Team Australian at the prestigious Motocross of Nations. Playing an instrumental role in propelling his nation to their best-ever finish at the event in second!

Flexing his muscles on the world stage on French soil, Jett Lawrence shone brightly for Team Australian at the prestigious Motocross of Nations. Bringing Australia to their best ever finish of Second. Photo: MA.
Flexing his muscles on the world stage on French soil, Jett Lawrence shone brightly for Team Australian at the prestigious Motocross of Nations. Bringing Australia to their best ever finish of Second. Photo: MA.

After constructing some exceptional rides in the qualifying race and in his first moto to carve through the park on the rutty, hard surface, his final moto masterclass was a joy to behold, with him rising to the occasion to outfox the legendary Ken Roczen with aplomb to secure a magnificent victory.

“The first race, the start wasn’t too bad, I was there. I was in the top 10, and I thought I had a good chance of winning it, but I made an aggressive pass on the outside and went down. Starting dead last wasn’t ideal, but I had a pretty good flow around the track and felt fit, and didn’t get tired at all. My last six laps were the fastest, so I was happy with that,” 

“The second moto I wanted to go out and win… I had a decent start, around third, then I made a quick move for second and was chasing Kenny again like back in America. I felt at home, although he had a lot better lines than I did at the start, so I was following him for a bit, but once I was able to get around him, I put my head down and flowed just like home. It was good to get the win and finish on a high.”

Hunter Lawrence – MXoN for Australia
Coming into the showpiece dealing with a nerve issue in his back, Hunter Lawrence deserved plenty of praise for putting his body on the line for his country. Kicking things off with a third in his qualification race, it was impressive how he adjusted to the rugged conditions at Ernee. He then carried his form into the Sunday by securing a 10th and a fifth to bag second in the MX2 class behind Tom Vialle, with him overcoming the pain barrier strikingly to play a pivotal part in his team’s score.

Coming into the showpiece dealing with a nerve issue in his back, Hunter Lawrence deserved plenty of praise for putting his body on the line for his country. it was impressive how he adjusted to the rugged conditions at Ernee.
Coming into the showpiece dealing with a nerve issue in his back, Hunter Lawrence deserved plenty of praise for putting his body on the line for his country. it was impressive how he adjusted to the rugged conditions at Ernee.

“It was the best result ever for Australia, so it’s awesome, but I’m already looking forward to next year. It was a wild day, the track was super gnarly, it was brutal so we’re happy that everyone was able to do their best, and the boys gave their all, and left everything on the track. If everyone gives their 100% effort, you can’t ask for much more,” reflected the Honda wizard.

Dean Ferris – MXoN for Australia
Experienced campaigner Dean Ferris headed to Ernee fresh from winning the ProMX MX1 crown, eager to impress in what was his seventh MXoN. Surviving a savage crash on the Saturday unscathed, the aim for him was to produce just one sound ride to accompany the Lawrence brothers. And that’s exactly what he did by getting a 12th to stand up and be counted when his country needed him.

Experienced campaigner Dean Ferris headed to Ernee fresh from winning the Australian ProMX MX1 crown, eager to impress in what was his seventh MXoN. Ferris will be returning back to Australia to defend his title...
Experienced campaigner Dean Ferris headed to Ernee fresh from winning the Australian ProMX MX1 crown, eager to impress in what was his seventh MXoN. Ferris will be returning back to Australia to defend his title…

Relishing the opportunity and loving coming back to Europe, all eyes will now be on the 2024 season back home, which sees Ferris return to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy in his quest for further glory.

Review: 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR & R, Track Test!

By
PB
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The lack of torque helps you learn how to smoothy exit a corner and keep your speed up...

There is no denying that a non-lams approved, small capacity, high revving four-cylinder sportsbike is an incredibly niche market. But, goodness, we are glad Kawasaki brought the new Ninja ZX-4RR & ZX-4R to Australia. How does it handle hitting the track though? Words: Zane Dobie

There is no denying that a non-lams approved, small capacity, high revving four-cylinder sportsbike is an incredibly niche market in Australia. But, goodness, we are glad Kawasaki brought the new Ninja ZX-4RR & ZX-4R to Australia.
There is no denying that a non-lams approved, small capacity, high revving four-cylinder sportsbike is an incredibly niche market in Australia. But, goodness, we are glad Kawasaki brought the new Ninja ZX-4RR & ZX-4R to Australia.

We haven’t seen the likes of a bike like this since the ZXR400 production stopped in 1999; sure, you could buy a CB400 in Australia up until 2012, but nothing could compare to the fully-faired high-revving machines of the ’90s.

Even when the ZXR400 finished production, it was pumping out 48kW@13,000rpm (homologation model) and a top speed of 225km/h! In 1999! The inline-four 398cc wasn’t a popular choice. Many people opted for the larger counterparts, but if you owned a 400, the chances are you knew how to really extract the most amount of performance a motorcycle can give.

Back then, the mini supersport models got all the cool bits. The ZXR400 had a 16v head with tiny 32mm flatslides, adjustable cams and a rev limit of 15,200rpm on the homologation models. The frame was fitted with adjustable front and rear suspension, a single seat and a lighter rear sub-frame.

Mini supersport is finally back thanks to Kawasaki with the new Ninja ZX-4RR...
Mini supersport is finally back thanks to Kawasaki with the new Ninja ZX-4RR…

They didn’t make these bikes as an affordable entry into the brand; they were a race bike with premium equipment for the road. In a world where the lower capacity motorcycles get some average, low-spec suspension and dismal powerplant, Kawasaki has said “screw that” and made the Ninja ZX-4RR.

” In a world where the lower capacity motorcycles get some average, low-spec suspension and dismal powerplant, Kawasaki have said “screw that” and made the Ninja ZX-4RR.”

I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for these bikes, having raced in the PCRA on multiple CBR250RR MC22s. There’s just something so rewarding about keeping a low-powered bike up around the 20,000rpm mark that forces you to carry some outrageous corning speed.

We haven’t seen the likes of a bike like this since the ZXR400 stopped production in 1999; sure, you could buy a CB400 in Australia up until 2012, but nothing could compare to the fully-faired high-revving machines of the ‘90s.
We haven’t seen the likes of a bike like this since the ZXR400 stopped production in 1999; sure, you could buy a CB400 in Australia up until 2012, but nothing could compare to the fully-faired high-revving machines of the ‘90s.

Not only would I be able to embarrass litre bikes (who think that just because their bike makes 200hp, it qualifies them for the race group) through the corners, but I would also be able to give the Supersport 300 riders a run for their money.

These bikes are simply the best sort of bikes to learn how to be early on the brakes and then quickly off them, diving the bike into the corner and not relying on torque to correct your mistakes, at least since the demise of two-stroke 250s. When Kawasaki released the ZX-25RR in 2020, I was distraught at the fact it wasn’t coming to Australia, so I held my breath with the announcement of the Ninja ZX-4RR.

These bikes are simply the best sort of bikes to learn how to be early on the brakes and then quickly off them, diving the bike into the corner and not relying on torque to correct your mistakes.
These bikes are simply the best sort of bikes to learn how to be early on the brakes and then quickly off them, diving the bike into the corner and not relying on torque to correct your mistakes.

But here we are at Morgan Park with a green machine in front of me that surely promises to be one of my favourite bikes of the year, and what better place to see if it stacks up to its ’90s predecessors than on a race track.

Let’s chat styling first. The Ninja ZX-4RR is just a slightly scaled-down ZX-6R; it’s the opposite of a sleeper, which is what we so desperately need in this category. For those who don’t know what a sleeper is, it’s something that looks slow but is extremely quick. The headlights have been enlarged over the ZX-6R, but it still features that gorgeous and sharp fairing with the Kwaka ram-air intake.

The single R features all the same styling as the RR but comes in this sleek black colour scheme...
The single R features all the same styling as the RR but comes in this sleek black colour scheme…

The Ninja ZX-4RR comes in the KRT livery, while the ZX-4R will land in Australia in a sleek black. The KRT livery is the only thing that separates the RR from the R in terms of styling. LED lighting all around and a surprisingly solid tail section with no aero, sturdy mirrors mounted to the fairing and integrated indicators round out the look.

The Ninja ZX-4RR is deceptively small; it looks like a big bike from the outside, and my 183cm frame feels cramped almost instantly after throwing a leg over the bike for the first time. The bike is made to feel smaller than it is due to the choice of seat position; the bike feels a lot shorter and doesn’t have that typical tail rake that the 600cc Supersport and 1000cc bikes have. It’s actually a lot closer to a nakedbike rider triangle.

"The ZX-4RR is deceptively small; it looks like a big bike from the outside, and my 183cm frame feels cramped almost instantly after throwing a leg over the bike for the first time."
“The ZX-4RR is deceptively small; it looks like a big bike from the outside, and my 183cm frame feels cramped almost instantly after throwing a leg over the bike for the first time.”

What’s the difference between the RR and the R? The RR gets a quick-shifter, preload adjustability on its SFF-BP Showa USD Forks (both models get SFF-BP forks), and a fully adjustable BFRC shock over the preload adjustable only on the single R. Other than that, the bikes are identical.

You’re met with a gorgeous 4.3in full-colour TFT dash that can be connected via Bluetooth to your phone for the typical Kawasaki Rideology app. You can access the two power modes (Full and Low), KTRC levels and rider profiles. The TFT can also be switched into a track mode, which includes a lap-timer and only shows you the tacho above 10,000rpm.

“Making its peak torque of 37.6Nm@12,500rpm, you can bet it has a seriously forgiving nature if you accidentally give it too many revs while releasing the clutch.”

The closest chance I have to testing how the ZX-4RR handles daily road riding is how well it takes off from a standing start in the pits. Making its peak torque of 37.6Nm@12,500rpm, you can bet it has a seriously forgiving nature if you accidentally give it too many revs while releasing the clutch. Riding through the pits proves the new Ninja easy to ride at slow speeds, and the throttle input is plenty smooth at speeds of 40km/h and lower!

Within half a lap, Zane had enough confidence in the Ninja ZX-4RR to put the hammer down...
Within half a lap, Zane had enough confidence in the Ninja ZX-4RR to put the hammer down…

Exiting the pits for my first ever time at Morgan Park, and the ZX-4RR is set on Full Power and KRTC set on 1 (the lowest intervention), it’s time to hear this thing scream. Winding the throttle on, there’s that familiar feeling that reminds me of my first ever time on a racetrack on my MC22, zero feeling of torque and a smooth application of power as the tacho climbs until it reaches a whopping 16,000rpm.

Half a lap scrubbing in the tyres, I already have the Ninja cranked with my knee on the ground. There have been very few bikes in recent years that have inspired me with so much confidence to instantly put the hammer down and start pushing the bike to its limit. In fact, the last bike that did this to me was the little Yamaha YZF-R15M.

“There have been very few bikes in recent years that have inspired me with this much confidence to instantly put the hammer down and start pushing it to the limit.”

This bike isn’t scary by any standards. The four-cylinder 399cc powerplant is more than happy to be ridden way below the redline or bouncing off its max rpm. Early on, I realise that the ZX-4RR does feel like it’s lacking a few ponies compared to its claimed 56.7kW@14,500rpm, this most likely due to the deceptive nature of a high rpm torque and power peak, but it’s further away in feeling to a 600 Supersport than initially thought.

"Bouncing it off the limiter, the bike feels like it has more to give in terms of power. I’m interested to see what can be done with these on the dyno if the limiter was raised another 1000rpm and the timing changed."
“Bouncing it off the limiter, the bike feels like it has more to give in terms of power. I’m interested to see what can be done with these on the dyno if the limiter was raised another 1000rpm and the timing changed.”

Bouncing it off the limiter, the bike feels like it has more to give in terms of power. I’m interested to see what can be done with these on the dyno if the limiter was raised another 1000rpm and the timing changed. I can’t wait to hear one of these with an aftermarket exhaust.

There are glimmers of that four-cylinder symphony, but that Euro-regulated muffler heavily muffles it. It whispers one of the loveliest sounds of a sub-700cc bike on the market at the moment.

The ZX-4RRs were fitted with Dunlop Sportsmart TT and had tyre warmers thrown on in between sessions as opposed to the Dunlop Sportmax’s that are fitted from factory. I’d say this is an essential upgrade for anyone looking to extract the most performance out of the RR on the track; it helps keep up with that sporty suspension and get the most out of that side grip.

After a few more sessions, I begin to get my eye in and push the Ninja ZX-4RR to its limit; this is when I find a few things on the suspension that need to be changed to suit my riding style. The factory settings compressed far too quickly under hard braking, which causes the bike to lift the rear wheel and become unstable into the corner.

We click the front preload up two steps harder, then four more after that when I begin to see some further stability whilst entering the corner.

The lack of torque helps you learn how to smoothy exit a corner and keep your speed up...
The lack of torque helps you learn how to smoothy exit a corner and keep your speed up…

On the RR, the rear shock felt suitable for my 85kg frame. A lack of torque helped limit the corner exit squat coming back onto the throttle. With these small, high-revving machines, you need to be on the throttle as soon as possible when you reach the other side of the corner.

I notice the TCS light flashing on corner exits, so some changes to the shock settings to help that rear tyre grip up better may have helped me get on the throttle earlier.

“You can tell they’ve taken some design queues from the ZX-10RR with the frame; it’s just excellent. Everything feels so planted, the ZX-4RR just goes precisely where you tell it to go.”

As the day heated up, I’m still pushing the RR as much as my body will let me. I find the bike getting unsettled while lifting slightly through the long turn three sweeper. A possible revision of the rebound setting helps with the rear tyre losing grip while releasing some of the weight off.

A top speed of 187km/h in fourth on the short Morgan Park front chute saw Zane get the quickest of the day, not that us journo's get competitive! Independent tests have seen top speeds around 210km/h with stock gearing and mapping.
A top speed of 187km/h in fourth on the short Morgan Park front chute saw Zane get the quickest of the day, not that us journo’s get competitive! Independent tests have seen top speeds around 210km/h with stock gearing and mapping.

You can tell they’ve taken some design queues from the ZX-10RR with the frame; it’s just excellent. Everything feels so planted, and the ZX-4RR just goes precisely where you tell it to go. The side changes are lightning fast thanks to a wheelbase of just 1380mm, but it also maintains its mid-corner stability well with some of those 170km/h corners at Morgan Park.

The brakes are excellent. After riding those ’90s 250s for so long, I’ve become accustomed to squeezing the brakes as hard as possible, coming into a corner to try and slow up a little. The ZX-4RR, on the other hand, encouraged me to use fewer brakes and come off them much earlier than I would with other bikes.

They’ve matched the weight and size of these bikes with an excellent brake package that isn’t going to send you over the ‘bars when you grab them.
They’ve matched the weight and size of these bikes with an excellent brake package that isn’t going to send you over the ‘bars when you grab them.

The initial bite is plentiful, I feel more confident to squeeze them on all the way than I would on other bikes. They’ve matched the weight and size of these with an excellent brake package that isn’t going to send you over the ‘bars when you grab them. It should also be worth noting that at no time did I feel the brakes begin to fade or lose any braking power throughout the day; this is on factory brake pads!

The quick-shifter is excellent on the upshift with the RR; it helps you focus on your line and stay in that top-end powerband. The downshift is average in terms of an up-and-down quick-shifter; it needs a slight blip to really smooth out the shift.

These could be a great step up from a Ninja 400 for LAMS riders who don't want to go for 600 or 1000cc sportsbikes.
These could be a great step up from a Ninja 400 for LAMS riders who don’t want to go for 600 or 1000cc sportsbikes.

In terms of gearing, I didn’t find my way above fourth gear on the Morgan Park circuit. I feel like it’s much of a location thing if you’re taking one of these on track, across the board, it could use an extra tooth on the front and rear sprockets; the acceleration feels a little lazy with someone like me on board.

While in a slipstream position, my elbows do touch my knees, making me feel claustrophobic on the bike.
While in a slipstream position, my elbows do touch my knees, making me feel claustrophobic on the bike.

Just quickly touching back on those ergonomics, while in a slipstream position, my elbows do touch my knees, making me feel claustrophobic on the bike and out in the breeze. I could have hit 195/200km/h if I could have tucked in properly. The seat height and footpeg location would be the first on my list to change, but for people under 177cm, it would work really well. I can see this rider triangle working really well for street riding.

Ninja ZX-4R
After a few sessions on the RR, I decide to try the single R for a few laps. The single R was fitted with the standard Dunlop Sportmax hoops, so I ride with a little more caution than I was with the RR. It turns out there’s no need, as the R provides just as much instant confidence to put the hammer down.

After a few sessions on the RR, I decide to try the single R for a few laps. The single R was fitted with the standard Dunlop Sportmax hoops, so I ride with a little more caution than I was with the RR.
After a few sessions on the RR, I decide to try the single R for a few laps. The single R was fitted with the standard Dunlop Sportmax hoops, so I ride with a little more caution than I was with the RR.

I almost feel like the stiff nature of the non-adjustable SFF-BP forks and the simple shock suit my weight and riding style better than what the RR was set to. There’s less dive in the front, and the rear feels planted despite not having the same grip level with the road bias tyres.

"The road bias tyres make the R even twitchier and easier to change direction than the RR with the TTs. Off the showroom floor, this thing is ready to boogie through your local twisties."
“The road bias tyres make the R even twitchier and easier to change direction than the RR with the TTs. Off the showroom floor, this thing is ready to boogie through your local twisties.”

The road tyres make the R even twitchier and easier to change direction on than the RR on the TTs. Off the showroom floor, this thing is ready to boogie through your local twisties. The lack of a quick-shifter on the R is enough to make me want to throw myself back on the RR though. You can’t extract that same level of smoothness out of this engine without having those lightning-fast gear shifts.

ZX-4RR vs ZX-4R
I would opt for the Ninja ZX-4RR every time. You get an excellent level of equipment straight out of the factory for a price of $13,194 + ORC, but the single R is undoubtedly worth considering at $11,794 + ORC if you can’t get your hands on a RR or just don’t like the green. If it comes down to it, you can always add the quick-shifter as an accessory and possibly even buy that fully-adjustable shock later.

"I would opt for the ZX-4RR every time. You get an excellent level of equipment straight out of the factory for a price of $13,194(+orc), but the single R is undoubtedly worth considering at $11,794 (+orc) if you can’t get your hands on a RR."
“I would opt for the ZX-4RR every time. You get an excellent level of equipment straight out of the factory for a price of $13,194(+orc), but the single R is undoubtedly worth considering at $11,794 (+orc) if you can’t get your hands on a RR.”

Kawasaki Australia have said they’ve only bringing in 80 of the RR and R combined for their first MY. You’re going to want to hit your local dealership before people realise they don’t need 200hp to have fun on Australian roads. But be quick! 

Kawasaki Australia have said they’ve only bringing in 80 of the RR and R combined for their first MY. You’re going to want to hit your local dealership before people realise they don’t need 200hp to have fun on Australian roads.
Kawasaki Australia have said they’ve only bringing in 80 of the RR and R combined for their first MY. You’re going to want to hit your local dealership before people realise they don’t need 200hp to have fun on Australian roads.

This has been one of the only bikes in 2023 that I have seriously considered buying. The engine is so much fun and easy to ride, I see potential in the suspension being set up to my liking, and it’s a future classic. Kawasaki has done a fantastic job providing a base for a pocket rocket, and I’m praying that we will get to see an Australian race series for these. I’m also hoping that the other major manufacturers will soon follow this path of bringing back high-revving, low-capacity sportsbike for the general public.

For our full Tech Talk Details on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, head here…

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR [ZX-4R] Specifications

kawasaki.com.au/en-au/

Price: $13,194(+orc) [$11,794 (+orc)]
Warranty: Two-years unlimited km
Colours: KRT Lime Green [Spark Black]
Claimed Power: 55kW[75hp]@14,500rpm
Claimed Torque: 37.6Nm[43ft-lbs]@12,500rpm
Claimed Fuel Consumption: N/A
Wet Weight: 188kg
Fuel capacity: 15L

Engine: Liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder, four-stroke, 16-valve, DOHC, 399cc, 12.3:1 compression, 57 x 39.1mm bore x stroke, 4x34mm throttle bodies, wet sump.
Gearbox: Six speed with Kawasaki QS
Clutch: Wet, multiple disc slipper

Chassis: Trelis frame
Rake: 23.5°
Trail: 97mm
Suspension: 37mm USD Showa SFF-BP top out springs, preload adjustable [not adjustable on R] (f), Horizontal Back-link, BFRC lite gas-charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring [Horizontal Back-link, gas-charged shock with spring preload adjustability] (r)
Brakes: Dual semi-floating 290mm discs, radial-mount, monobloc, opposed four-piston calipers (f) Single piston caliper, 220mm disc (r)
Wheels & Tyres: 120/70ZR17M/C (f) 160/60ZR17M/C (r) Dunlop Sportmax

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1990mm
Seat height: 800mm
Ground clearance: 135mm
Overall width: 765mm
Overall Length: 1990mm
Overall height: 1110mm

Instruments & Equipment: 4.3in TFT Dash, KRTC, Power Modes, LED Lighting, Kawasaki QS, ABS.

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