Crew Chief, Who Assaulted Moto3 Rider, Sacked

By

-

October 6, 2022

Video of an ex CIP Green Power team Crew Chief assaulting Tom Booth-Amos, who is no longer in the Moto3 paddock, has arisen. The Crew Chief, who has yet to be officially named, has been sacked by his current Moto3 team and had his contract revoked by Dorna. Read the FIM/Dorna statement below…

Next time our rider says it’s the bike not him!! 😬🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/LADQ53Ad9H

— Steve Brogan (@steve17brogan) September 30, 2022

Statement from the FIM, IRTA and Dorna following the recently published images regarding an incident that occurred at the 2019 Thai GP involving a dispute between a Moto3™ rider and a member of his team, who is seen physically assaulting him:

“The video of this incident was widely shared on social media and the actions of the team member in question raised immediate and serious concerns. The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports strongly condemn this behaviour. Furthermore, it was learned that the person in question continues to work in the paddock and is now employed by a different team, which was unaware of this incident.”

Regarding the video that’s gone around today. I’m happy to be out that place, that’s just one of the things that happened in 2019. pic.twitter.com/td4IKCNnrg

— Tom Booth-Amos (@TomBoothAmos) September 30, 2022

“The team has decided to terminate the employment of this staff member, who will not be returning to work for them after the Malaysian Grand Prix. The FIM, alongside IRTA and Dorna Sports, considers this to be the correct decision and fully supports the action taken by the team in terminating this person’s contract. Abusive behaviour must not and will not be tolerated. All parties will continue to work to make the MotoGP™ Paddock the safest possible working environment.”

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.

MotoGP Reports: All The Action From Thailand

By

PB

-

October 6, 2022

0

Buriram, Thailand changes everything as Oliveira wins, Pecco takes a podium and Quartararo fails to score. The KTM rider defeated Miller to the win, with Bagnaia third, Aleix Espargaro 11th after a Long Lap penalty… and Quartararo just not taking any points. Read all the action from the weekend below.

Friday
After two sessions back in business in Buriram, it’s incredibly close at the top at the OR Thailand Grand Prix. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) just took it by 0.018, with Championship challenger Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) the rider just denied the top spot but taking second. Jorge Martin completed an all-Ducati top three, and made it both Pramacs in the upper echelons.

World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had a solid day on the timesheets in fifth, right behind one rider with a little fighting talk on Friday: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). The number 93 rated his chances of a podium highly if we raced on Day 1, and was fastest in FP1 despite a slide off. Quartararo and Marquez both set their best laps in FP1, too.

On the other side of the coin, both the riders third and fourth in the standings are currently heading for Q1 and outside the top ten. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was 13th and teammate Maverick Viñales 15th as the new RS-GP tackles Thailand for the first time, and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was 11th on Friday – missing out by just 0.025.

While it rained on and off during Friday, the track was well and truly dry for MotoGP FP2. That gave competitors the opportunity to work on their race pace and while Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was top for the session on a 1:31.088 with 10 minutes to go, there still had been no change to the combined top 10. That would change once the time attacks started, but even then, only half the 24-strong field improved on their FP1 pace. Martin was first to shift the benchmark, then Bagnaia and finally Zarco.

Japanese GP winner Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) is sixth-fastest overall. He was frustrated with himself at a mistake while going underneath Tetsuta Nagashima (LCR Honda Idemitsu) in the closing minutes, but his FP1 effort was good enough to provisionally book a spot in Q2. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) took seventh on combined times, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Rins, and a much improved Friday position for Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha).

Cal Crutchlow (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was one crasher at Turn 7, and that also triggered a relatively long yellow flag in Sector 3 near the end of FP2, affecting some. Crutchlow walked away in some pain after losing the rear and being flicked from his YZR-M1 in what was his second crash of the session, ut rider given the all clear at the Medical Centre. Also hitting the floor during the afternoon were Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) at Turn 3, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) also at Turn 3 in a separate incident, and Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) at Turn 7 – riders okay.

MotoGP Thailand Friday Top Three (Full Results Here)

1 Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 1’30.281
2 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.018
3 Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – +0.190

Saturday
The last time two or more MotoGP rookies started from pole in a single season was 2006, and Marco Bezzecchi’s stunning new all-time lap record at Buriram ensures 2022 enters the history books as another such year. The Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider took it by just 0.021 from old Moto3™ sparring partner Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) completing the Ducati front row lockout.

The fight went down to the final few seconds as Martin’s provisional pole was snatched away by Bezzecchi, but the number 89 had one last shot at it. And it was close, but he couldn’t quite snatch it back, leaving it as just 0.021 splitting the two.

Bagnaia was first to put in a serious challenge for pole as he headed out earlier than many for a second run, and the Italian made up a huge chunk of time late in the lap. In the end, however, it gives him third – and he is the top qualifier of the Championship challengers.

Remy rode really well in Thailand and looked a decent shout for a top 10 finish before his crash.

It’s close, however, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) next up at the head of the second row, and that second row is completed by Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The contrasting fortunes were for Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), with both Aprilias failing to make it out of Q1 at a track the new RS-GP is taking on for the first time. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) splits Quartararo and Bastianini on Row 2, with Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) at the head of Row 3 – but the same place he qualified at Motegi as he blasted away to a dominant win.

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) came through Q1 and was challenging for the front row on his final lap of Q2, but the number 93 then lost over four tenths in the final sector as the final corner proved the lap’s undoing. Still, Marquez will likely prove one to watch on Sunday as the only rider to win at Buriram so far. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) starts alongside the eight-time World Champion.

Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) completes the top ten ahead of both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines of Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, with the Austrian factory looking for more in that final push of qualifying.

MotoGP Thailand Front Row (Full Results Here)

1 Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Ducati – 1’55.214
2 Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – +0.021
3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.104

Sunday
After two mistakes in Japan looked to have changed the fabric of the title fight, an even more dramatic day at the OR Thailand Grand Prix turned everything back on its head. At the front, a stunning wet weather win from Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) saw him impress in difficult conditions once again, with Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) for close company and just seven tenths off at the flag. Behind the two came the first fully wet premier class podium for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and those 16 points may well be the biggest scored for some time.

Oliveira may have had flashbacks of Lombok, but Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) didn’t. That podium pace was nowhere to be found on a tough day in Thailand, with the Championship leader simply failing to score as he crossed the line in 17th place. An 18-point advantage accrued after Japan is now just two points – and Quartararo’s race was also a saving grace for Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing).

A tough qualifying made way for a tough start to the race, and then the number 41 also made contact with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and sent the number 33 well wide. For his trouble, Espargaro was given a Long Lap, compounding a tougher Sunday afternoon as he managed to come back to 11th. Still, with Quartararo’s struggles, the number 41 is closer – it’s only 20 points covering the top three riders.

Kicking things off with a wonderful second in Thailand to bag his seventh podium of the season, Miller handled the wet, treacherous conditions masterfully, as he jumped to the lead early on.

The race itself saw polesitter Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) start well from pole and then head wide with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), and from there on it became the Miller show for some time. Slowly but surely, however, Oliveira was making progress – and around half distance the Portuguese rider struck and made it stick.

Miller wasn’t dropped, but the Australian couldn’t quite find a way back through and was forced to settle for second as Bagnaia dug deep just behind. First holding off Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and then a late-charging Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), Pecco’s first fully wet podium couldn’t have come at a better time.

Zarco played it safe with the factory’s fate in mind and took less risk to take fourth, with Marquez completing the top five. Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was next up but a little way back from the breakaway top five, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) taking seventh ahead of a solid Sunday for Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol). Martin faded back to ninth, with Brad Binder completing the top ten after that early excursion, and finishing just ahead of Aleix Espargaro.

Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) is classified ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha) after the latter was given a +3 second penalty for track limits without the time to take the Long Lap, with Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) completing the points. Bezzecchi faded from a fabulous start to miss out on scoring by the end of play, coming home just ahead of Quartararo.

Ultimately ending the campaign fifth in the standings having bagged one win and five podiums, the 27-year-old will now immediately recalibrate his focus to 2023.

And so a dramatic, pivotal and adjective-heavy day at Buriram comes to a close, and with it the triple-header. With only three races to go there are two riders in two points, three riders within 20 and five within 40 points… the last of those being Miller as the man in form heads back onto home turf. What will Phillip Island bring? We’ll find out in just under two weeks as the paddock heads Down Under!

Miguel Oliveira: “It was a long race but I can’t complain! Every time we have the chance to in the wet I’m always fast and when it started raining I had flashbacks to Indonesia but I tried to keep my feet on the ground, make a good start, not make mistakes and carry the bike to the end. I’m super happy with this end of season win, although if it’s in the wet it’s not the conditions where we prefer to win, but anyway I’ll take a win in any conditions!”

MotoGP Thailand Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory) – KTM – 41’44.503
2 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.730
3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +1.968

Moto2
Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) pitched it to perfection in torrential conditions in Thailand, with an eight-lap race Red Flagged and half points awarded. The Italian just got past Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™) after the Cezch rider ran wide when the race was called, giving victory after an impressive charge. Salač still takes his first Moto2™ podium in second, with Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) completing the podium after an absolute stormer of a first lap.

There was early heartbreak for polesitter and home hero Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) as he crashed out of the lead, but there were no such dramas for teammate and Championship challenger Ai Ogura. The Japanese rider finished a solid sixth and right ahead of points leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo), making the gap between the two now just 1.5 points.

Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) took fourth, close on the chase behind Canet, with Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) in a little space in fifth ahead of the top two in the 2022 title fight.

Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), passed fit after his Saturday crash, took an impressive eighth, with home hero Keminth Kubo (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp) in P9 for his best ever result. Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) completes the top ten.

After that dramatic short, sharp shot at glory in Thailand, there’s now a week to recharge before we’re back in action at Phillip Island… and just 1.5 points in it!

Moto2 Thailand Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – 15’10.854
2 Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2) – Kalex – +0.251
3 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – +3.112

Moto3
The OR Thailand Grand Prix belongs to Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) as the Italian put in another impressive and imperious performance at the front, eventually taking the flag with a little breathing space as the rain held off for the lightweight class at Buriram.

Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) came home second as he and Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) duelled it out for the podium, with the Italian going for a final corner lunge and overcooking it, but overjoyed to take back to the Grand Prix rostrum.

Championship leader Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) remains so with a 49-point gap over second place now, but it was a more muted race for the number 28. Foggia is now the rider in second too, as Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) hit bad luck early on as contact from Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech3) saw him crash out.

Foggia led from early doors, with Sasaki trying to get on the chase but initially needing a little time to get through into, and keep, second. Once he did, he and Foggia were joined by Rossi in a breakaway at the front, with the second group left to fight it out for fourth.

That fight was won by Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) from his best qualifying, with Guevara forced to settle for fifth but that enough to extend the lead, just. Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) and Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) completed the second group and the top ten.

The field now has a weekend off before the paddock heads to Phillip Island, with Guevara facing down his first match points. 49 clear, if it’s over 50 he’s wrapped it up!

Moto3 Thailand Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 37’52.331
2 Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) – Husqvarna – +1.524
3 Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) – Honda – +2.804

CDR Yamaha Goes Global

By

PB

-

October 6, 2022

0

For the Australian based riders in Luke Clout and Aaron Tanti, both a set for a big finish to the year with plenty of challenges still to face.

Australia’s CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team will take their team and talents to the world as they pursuit the newly formed World Supercross Championship with two Australian riders spearheading the effort.

Craig Dack Racing, the longest and most successful dirt bike racing team in Australia, are set and ready to contest the opening round of the World Supercross Championship on October 7 and 8 with Luke Clout and Aaron Tanti headlining the team and riding alongside US based riders of Kyle Chisholm and Josh Hill. Clout and Hill will form the SX1 combination on board their YZ450F’s while Tanti and Chisholm make up the SX2 component of the team on the YZ250F.

2022 represents the inaugural running of the FIM World Supercross Championship with a two round championship in Cardiff, UK to get them under way, followed up with round two at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on October 20 and 21. The championship is then set to expand for the 2023 season taking in many more countries and destinations.

For team owner, Craig Dack, the opportunity to take his successful domestic team and star riders to an international platform was the motivation for taking on the World Supercross challenge and one that he believes will help show case Australian riders to the world.

“I’m a firm believer in the ability for Australia to produce world level talent as we have in the past with riders like Chad Reed and Jett Lawrence, so this is the perfect way to continue that by having an Australian team tackle a world championship and allow our riders to perform at the highest level. We also pride ourselves on our dedication and desire to win, so we will continue to look abroad when required to find the right riders that fit the CDR mould.”

Clout and Hill will form the SX1 combination on board their YZ450F’s while Tanti and Chisholm make up the SX2 component of the team on the YZ250F.

“Contesting this championship exposes our team, riders and sponsors to a new audience and provides experiences and opportunities that were previously difficult to attain. We are proudly Australian, proud to keep our Australian riders at the forefront and look forward to working with all our members and partners for the 2022 championship,” Dack continues.

For the Australian based riders in Luke Clout and Aaron Tanti, both a set for a big finish to the year with plenty of challenges still to face. Clout is returning to racing after being side-lined for nearly four months with a broken leg. Through a dedicated rehabilitation process, Clout is nearing 100% and feeling good on the bike.

“When I first started riding after the leg injury, it was a slow process to get back up to speed and regain some confidence in my body. But, I have worked hard with the my recovery, the team has been super supportive and it feels like the last couple of weeks that things are starting to gel and the work is paying off on the track. I felt great at a recent test session and the team have the bike working well, so for me, I’m just desperate to get back to the starting gate again and race as its been far too long between events for me,” Clout expresses.

For Tanti, his 2022 season has been a remarkable one that has seen him claim the MX1 ProMX championship, his very first national crown. His challenge now comes in the form that he will trade his trusty YZ450F for a YZ250F when contesting the Global SX rounds but then return to the 450 when racing at the Australian Supercross championship.

“The last time I raced a 250 was in 2020, so it took a few rides to really get back into the swing of it. I now have a 250 and 450 at home with me and quite often bounce between the two to get used to the feeling of each bike and adjust to the different amounts of power and their delivery. So far, it’s actually been a lot of fun and I feel like I’m riding the 250 pretty well. The team haven’t had to build a 250 for a long time but they have done a great job in development a motor and suspension package I’m comfortable with and I’m ready to go,” Tanti said.

The team will also consist of US based riders, Kyle Chisholm and Josh Hill. Both are experienced racers who have raced at every level all around the world. Hill is no stranger to the CDR team having raced with CDR Yamaha in 2019 and the relationship has continued from there, while the super popular Kyle Chisholm is a long time Yamaha support rider that continues to produce good results week in, week out in the US Supercross championship.

“Having Kyle and Josh on the team is a bonus for us as they have plenty of racing knowledge as well as the connections to make it all work as dealing with riders based in other countries does have its challenges. Both Kyle and Josh have been great to deal with and are enthusiastic to represent CDR, so we look forward to a successful championship with them. We have clicked with Kyle, and he is a true Yamaha rider and person. He is passionate about the brand, his racing and works closely with Yamaha US on testing and promotional activities. Josh is a long-time friend of CDR so joining forces again is easy and seamless.” Dack said

“I would also like to take this time to thank many of our long-term partners who have stepped up and come on this Global SX journey with us. Yamaha Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Australia, FOX and Monster Energy have all pulled together with the CDR staff in a very short time and overcome many of the new obstacles we had to face.”

The Aussie Flat Track Nationals Have Arrived

By

PB

-

September 29, 2022

0

The Aussie Flat Track Nationals (AFTN) is set to launch on October 29 & 30, 2022 as Australia’s best flat track racers battle it out for cash and prizes over both TT and Flat Track layouts at Appin, south-west of Sydney.

The two-round, two-day inaugural AFTN has been designed to give riders and spectators alike an opportunity to understand what the series is about before heading into a larger scale multi-state series in 2023.

Each AFTN race day will consist of practice, qualifying and five races per class, varying in length from six to fifteen laps. The format has been carefully considered to offer competitors not only great track time, but also a point-score style tally where the points earned in each race count for not only the round results but the overall championship, giving riders the opportunity to chase their championship down if they have a bad race.

Classes of Competition:

Pro 450 – 450cc 4-stroke | MX Frame | 19-inch flat track tyre | 16+
Pro Street – 499cc 4-stroke and above | Street Frame – multi cylinder* Any wheel combination (in line with dirt track rules) | 16+
Pro Twins – 499cc 4-stroke and above | Street Frame – Twin cylinder* | 19-inch flat track tyre | 16+
Pro Open – 451cc – 691cc 2 or 4-stroke | MX Frame | Any wheel combination (in line with dirt track rules) | 16+
Clubman 250 – 250cc 2 or 4-stroke | MX Frame | Any wheel combination (in line with dirt track rules) | 16+
Clubman 450 – 251cc – 450cc 2 or 4-stroke | MX Frame | Any wheel combination (in line with dirt track rules) | 16+
Junior Lites – 150cc 2-stroke or 250cc 4-stroke | MX Frame | 19-inch flat track tyre | 13 – U16 years

Designed with clear intentions to lift the profile of the discipline and the riders that participate, while also giving those that succeed a path that aligns with similar style racing in the US and Europe on 19″ flat track tyres. Entries for the AFTN Appin double-header are set to open later this week. Stay tuned to AFTN social channels, supporting media and www.AFTN.com.au for details when entries open.

Triumph Announce 2024 MXGP Factory Team

By

PB

-

September 29, 2022

0

This landmark new Triumph Racing Team has been set-up in partnership with Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, who will field two of Triumph's all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX bikes in the 2024 MX2 class.

Triumph Motorcycles confirms plans to compete in the prestigious FIM Motocross World Championship in 2024, with a factory-supported race programme under an all-new Triumph Racing banner. Details are still very scarce, but here is what Triumph have released about the new Motocross team!

This landmark new Triumph Racing Team has been set-up in partnership with Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, one of the sport’s most experienced and successful team owners, who will field two of Triumph’s all-new 250cc 4-stroke MX bikes in the 2024 MX2 class and will add an entry into the 450cc MXGP class in 2025.

Under the new Triumph Racing banner, which will now cover all of Triumph’s racing-related activities including Moto2 and Supersport racing, the partnership between Triumph and Thierry will encompass his well-established and highly successful team structure and facilities. Triumph also say they’re pleased announce that his long-standing Team Manager, Vincent Bereni, will continue leading the team with a full crew of highly experienced technical staff all focused on bringing Triumph to the pinnacle of motocross racing performance.

Triumph say new long-term partnership between the brand and Thierry reflects a shared goal and commitment to build depth and success into Triumph Racing’s approach to competition. As a part of Triumph Racing’s portfolio of commitments, Thierry and Vincent’s team will focus on the FIM Motocross World Championship – in MX2 and MXGP, together with development of technology and talent to build Triumph’s future strength in international motocross racing.

Thierry and Vincent’s past racing record speaks for itself – with over 80 MXGP World Championship victories and a huge reputation for technical and preparation excellence. Backed by Triumph’s in-house motocross design engineering department, which is responsible for the concept and development of its all-new MX and Enduro motorcycle range, Triumph Racing is committed to building its resources and performance capability with world-class knowledge and experience.

Triumph Racing is based at Triumph’s Global Headquarters in Hinckley, UK, where the brand’s research, design, engineering development and prototype build are located, and the Motocross World Championship team will be based at Thierry’s race facility near Eindhoven in Holland, where race team personnel, operations and competition development will be housed. Engineering groups at the Triumph factory and the race team are working closely together on continuously enhancing chassis and engine performance through an intensive testing schedule underway in the US, UK and mainland Europe, building towards the first MX2 Grand Prix of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Testing of the new Triumph motocross and enduro bikes is well underway and information on the specifications, performance characteristics and components of each model will be released in due course, along with more news on Triumph Racing’s entry into further top-tier Championships.

Nick Bloor – CEO, Triumph: “Our new partnership with Thierry demonstrates Triumph’s long-term commitment to competing at the highest levels of racing. We share a passion for delivering world-class performance, and the experience Thierry and his team bring will prove invaluable in our ambition to make our mark on a very competitive championship. Our entry into the FIM Motocross World Championship with a Factory supported Triumph Racing team signifies a landmark moment at the beginning of our new top-tier off-road racing campaign”.

Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni – Triumph Racing Team Owner (MX2 and MXGP): “Triumph have made a major commitment to build an MX bike and go racing in the FIM World Motocross Championship. I am happy that my team is going to be the official Triumph Racing Team in MX2 and MXGP. Nick Bloor and the Triumph Board of Directors have made their long-term ambitions for the project very clear and I see a huge amount of passion from everyone at the Factory. I am happy with progress on the bike, it looks great, has speed on the track and Vincent and my staff are working with the engineers at Hinckley on building it into a competitive package for entry into the MX2 Championship in 2024. MXGP continues to grow around the world, I am very happy to be back and looking forward to going racing with Triumph”.

David Luongo – CEO, Infront Moto Racing: “It is a great news! Probably one the most important in recent years. Infront Moto Racing will welcome a new manufacturer in the MX2 and MXGP World Championship. We are talking about one of the most emblematic motorcycle brands in the world. Triumph will join our championship from 2024 with a full program in MX2 and MXGP categories. This is a very important announcement and is a fantastic sign about the interest and the importance of MXGP in the international motorsport scene. During the last 20 years, MXGP has been growing and has established globally. With an average of 19 events per year, it gives the best platform for manufacturers to develop their bikes, components and to advertise them worldwide. From Asia to South America, going through Europe, MXGP is covering all the different markets and is touching most of the off-road fans in the world. It is with a great pride and excitement that we welcome Triumph to MXGP and we wish them a lot of success in the years to come and a great competition with the other Factory Teams already present!”

Jeremy Appleton – Global Racing Manager, Triumph: “The launch of Triumph Racing is a pivotal step in our journey to bring Triumph to the pinnacle of racing across an even wider range of disciplines. Building on Triumph’s success as the sole engine supplier to the Moto2 World Championship and our participation in Supersport racing, the move into MX2 and MXGP opens the door on a strategically important new chapter in top-tier off-road racing. We well know the demands of World Championship competition and that is the reason for forming the partnership with Thierry. Together with Vincent, their approach to racing and development of performance is impressive and we are looking forward to building the project together and adding to the success that they have already achieved in the Motocross World Championship”

Ricky Carmichael – Global Off-Road Ambassador, Triumph: “I’m really excited about today’s news. It’s been a long time coming. Since the start of this project with Triumph, I have been amazed at just how hard everyone has been working. It must not go without mentioning, the whole R&D and engineering group that have been a part of the development of the motorcycles have done an absolutely incredible job. From the first stages of the prototypes, I was really taken back at how well the performance was, since then, being in the UK testing the newest developments, I can tell you that it has the capabilities of winning at the highest level and I personally believe the riders, from professional to amateur, across the entire range of off-road models, will really like what has been developed!”

Remy Gardner To Race In WorldSBK 2023 Season

By

PB

-

September 29, 2022

0

As the 2022 WorldSBK Championship continues to deliver title twists, the 2023 grid is forming and a big name is coming to join the WSBK family. Remy Gardner will switch from the MotoGP Championship, where he’s been aboard the Tech 3 KTM RC16 and join the GYTR GRT Yamaha WSBK Team.

The 2021 Moto2 World Champion will switch paddocks after his rookie season in MotoGP, and bringing Australian representation to the World Superbike family for 2023.

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager, welcomed Gardner into the family: “Remy is an exciting young talent, who boasts an impressive career inside the Grand Prix paddock. We are obviously delighted to have a rider on board who’s not only shown great progression but has experience at the top level of motorcycle racing. We believe that he is the perfect fit for Yamaha’s WorldSBK programme and are keen to see what he can do on one of our R1 WorldSBK machines. We’d also like to thank Garrett Gerloff for his commitment to Yamaha these past three seasons and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Team manager Filippo Conti likewise welcomed Gardner, and paid respect to Gerloff, who leaves the team at the end of the year: “We are delighted to welcome Remy to our team. He fits perfectly with our programme and is a top rider who has proven his abilities as a World Champion in the Grand Prix paddock. We strongly believe he will be a great asset for Yamaha and the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. At the same time, we would like to thank Garrett for the three years we have spent together. We are parting ways at the end of the season but highly respect him, so wish him all the best.”

Jack Miller Announces Team Mates For ASBK Finale

By

PB

-

September 29, 2022

0

It was always unlikely that Jack Miller would be the sole rider in the Thriller Motorsport garage, ASBK have now announced some additional riders set to descend upon The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia as part of the 2022 finale from 25-27 November. Check out the international lineup!

The Bend Motorsport Park, Adelaide, Australia. 4 December, 2021. Autograph signing session. Jack Miller Photo: Optikal — It was always unlikely that Jack Miller would be the sole rider in the Thriller Motorsport garage, ASBK have now announced some additional riders set to descend upon The Bend Motorsport Park.

Josh Hook: The newly crowned 2022 Endurance World Champion was at The Bend in 2021 and will be back again, this time alongside good friend Jack Miller. “Hooky” will race in Alpinestars Superbikes.

Marcel Schrötter: The Twenty-nine-year-old German motorcycle racer is currently with Liqui Moly Intact GP competing in Moto2 where he is a regular top ten finisher. Marcel will also compete in the Alpinestars Superbike class at The Bend finale.

With teammate Gino Rea suffering a horrific head injury following a frightening crash, Hook and Mike de Meglio were forced to compete as a two man team while their colleague was in intensive care. — The newly crowned 2022 Endurance World Champion was at The Bend in 2021 and will be back again, this time alongside good friend Jack Miller. “Hooky” will race in Alpinestars Superbikes.

Harrison Voight: The sixteen-year-old Queenslander recently raced in Moto3 at the San Marino GP event, finishing 23rd. His regular race category is the Red Bull Rookies Cup where he is a top ten contender. Harry will compete in the Michelin Supersport 600 class at The Bend Finale.

For Peter Doyle, CEO of Motorcycling Australia, the growing numbers in the Thriller Motorsport team is a boost to the event and the finale: “Last year Jack came back to- as he put it; have some fun with his mates, and the three riders announced today shows he’s really continuing that commitment to the event and to having fun..! It will be great to welcome back Josh (Hook) and Harrison (Voight) to the ASBK paddock and for Marcel (Schrötter) I am sure it will be an interesting debut in both the Championship and a first time at the world-class Bend circuit”

Harrison Voight will be back in Australia racing a Supersport 600 machine at The Bend for the ASBK Finale... — Harrison Voight will be back in Australia racing a Supersport 600 machine at The Bend for the ASBK Finale…

“I want to commend Jack for his efforts to bring these quality riders to our event and for fans of Australian motorsport, there’s no better reason to come along or tune in to see what will be an epic finale to season 2022!”

Tickets to the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) finale at The Bend are on sale now via Outix.com.au, thebend.com.au or asbk.com.au.

Tickets On Sale Now For The ASBK Finale At The Bend!

By

PB

-

September 29, 2022

0

Headlined by the premier class Alpinestars Superbikes, the nation’s fastest riders will battle it out at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) as the riders and their machines return to the fast and challenging 4.9km Circuit at The Bend.

ASBK Talem Bend — This year, seven spectacular national classes will compete for supremacy and glory across the 3-day-event showcasing Australia’s top two-wheeled warriors, alongside the stars of the future.

This year, seven spectacular national classes will compete for supremacy and glory across the 3-day-event showcasing Australia’s top two-wheeled warriors, alongside the stars of the future.

Read last year’s ASBK Finale reports here…

Classes at the ASBK finale will include:

Alpinestars Superbike
Michelin SuperSport
Dunlop SuperSport 300
Yamaha Finance R3 Cup
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup
Superbike Masters
Australian Sidecar Championship

After battling it out all season long, nearly every class will have to wait until their final race on Sunday to crown their champion for season 2022.

For the first time ever, the Superbike Masters and Australian Sidecar Championship will leave their mark on The Bend’s world-class 4.95km International circuit. The amazing sidecars and classic class of Superbike Masters will return to the ASBK line-up, the first occasion that these historic race bikes from the 70s, 80s and 90s will race at the venue.

Miller will be back again, giving Australia's top riders a run for their money on an unfamiliar machine! — Miller will be back again, giving Australia’s top riders a run for their money on an unfamiliar machine!

The finale offers ASBK fans from across Australia the opportunity to kick-start their summer adventures with all GA tickets enjoying a free upgrade to access prime ride ‘n’ view spectator areas. Additionally, all ticket holders will have access to the paddock area where you get up close to the riders and machines.

Tickets are on sale now via Outix.com.au, thebend.com.au or asbk.com.au.

Dr Sam Shahin, Managing Director, The Bend Motorsport Park: “The Bend is thrilled to welcome the Australian Superbike Championship back to South Australia this November. Interest in Superbike racing is at all-time high driven by the wonderful spectacle the category always offers. Intense racing in previous visits to The Bend has already created some memorable highlights, and the 2022 finale promises to be another exciting event for motorcycle fans.”

With all 2022 final broadcast agreements now locked in, ASBK Management say they are pleased to confirm SBS once again as the Official free-to-air TV broadcaster for ASBK for 2022. — The finale offers ASBK fans from across Australia the opportunity to kick-start their summer adventures with all GA tickets enjoying a free upgrade to access prime ride ‘n’ view spectator areas.

Peter Doyle, Motorcycling Australia CEO: “After the runaway success that was last year’s event, the ASBK paddock is very much looking forward to returning to the internationally renowned circuit for what promises to be a fitting finale to season 2022 for all of our categories.’’

Zoe Bettison MP, South Australian Minister for Tourism: “Events like the Superbike Championships provide huge opportunities to showcase once again how South Australia loves an event, and in particular loves motorsport. Not only will the weekend be terrific for race fans, but it will also be a terrific for the region. Historically, visitors tend to explore parts of the stunning Murray River, Lakes & Coorong throughout their time at The Bend – that is great for both the local economy and for our tourism sector.”

MotoGP Gallery: All The Best Shots From Motegi, Japan

By

PB

-

September 29, 2022

0

The Australian flag flew last weekend in Japan for the Motegi round of MotoGP. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) took a scintillating win at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, hitting the front and never looking back.

Read the race reports here…

MotoGP Reports: All The Action At Motegi, Japan

By

PB

-

September 29, 2022

0

The Australian flag flew last weekend in Japan for the Motegi round of MotoGP. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) took a scintillating win at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, hitting the front and never looking back.

Jack Miller set the pace in a Ducati Lenovo Team one-two in an extended opening practice session at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, but it could hardly have been closer at the top as Miller headed the three closest in the title fight: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) – and all four were split by just 0.068. Aragon GP winner Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), on the other hand, was just 14th-fastest after a late crash and he’ll be looking for more on Saturday.

With a special timetable in place for the Japanese GP, the premier class’s sole Friday practice session was an extended, 75-minute affair. While that gave teams and riders plenty of flexibility to work on race runs, the threat of rain in Saturday morning’s FP2 session, the only other running before the starting order for Q1 is set, meant that there was always going to be a big emphasis on single-lap pace. Even the appearance of the rain flag, 30 minutes in, for some very light showers was not enough to dissuade anyone, with riders coming on for fresh Michelin slicks at regular intervals.

Miller had a very brief spell at the top inside the first quarter-hour of the session, but it was not until his final run that he really laid down a marker. The ‘Thriller’ leapt from 17th to first with a 1:44.660 as he lapped Motegi with a brand-new soft front tyre and soft rear. Then, despite seemingly being held up by Team Suzuki Ecstar replacement Takuya Tsuda through the Hairpin, he went quicker again with the 1:44.509 which would not be beaten. Just for good measure, Miller clocked a 1:44.549 next time through which would be bettered only by Bagnaia.

By the time everyone had completed their time attacks, Miller was back on top, Bagnaia just behind, and Quartararo moved up with a 1:44.558. Aleix Espargaro, who was only 14th with a minute to go before the chequered flag came out, then pulled out a great lap to end the session fourth and just 0.068 seconds off the very best pace.

Fifth was also a fair bit to write home about as Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), who has never ridden around Motegi on a MotoGP™ bike before, rounded out the top five on a 1:44.645 and was top Independent Team rider to boot.

Then comes Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). At Honda’s home track, the number 93 claimed sixth with a 1:44.656 after also proving the initial pace-setter very early in the session. It was an encouraging result for the eight-time World Champion despite displaying obvious shoulder soreness when he got off his RC213V at the end of one run, in what is his second round back following surgery on his right arm. There was one mishap for MM93 though, when he got his leathers snagged on the onboard camera as a crew member wheeled his bike back into the Honda box. Teammate Pol Espargaro finished seventh with a time of 1:44.678.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira took eighth and ninth, respectively, while Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) rounded out the top 10.

Those who will be hoping weather forecasts of rain on Saturday morning don’t come true include Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) in 11th and Bastianini in 14th. Both had late crashes, Zarco at Turn 7 after Bastianini had gone down at Turn 5, and for the latter it could prove to be a big blow to the title hopes which he had breathed life back into with his win just five days ago at Aragon. Splitting them in 13th was Alex Rins, who debuted some eye-catching new aerodynamic pieces (pictured below) on the tail unit of his Team Suzuki Ecstar entry.

MotoGP Motegi Friday Top Three (Full Results Here)

1 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 1’44.509
2 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.028
3 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Yamaha – +0.049

Saturday
1071 days is a little less than three years; it’s 50 MotoGP™ races and 25 starts for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). It’s also the time that’s passed since the eight-time World Champion started from pole and what a stage to do it on: the very same Mobility Resort Motegi. After a tough, tough run for Honda, the number 93 gave the factory plenty of reasons to smile on home turf as he danced through the rain to head the grid with a couple of tenths in hand. What will a likely dry race on Sunday bring? We don’t know yet, and Marquez says he doesn’t either. But Saturday was a statement.

The headlines overflowed behind the number 93, too. The highest starting title challenger is Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) on the outside of the second row. Points leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) starts ninth, on the edge of the third. And completing the perfect straight line of the top three title hopefuls all hurrying into Turn 1 in a row comes Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) down in 12th.

Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), meanwhile, crashed on Friday to dent his place on the combined timesheets and then slid out in Q1, so he’ll start P15. One may need to buckle up for quite a Sunday afternoon…

It was certainly a dramatic Saturday. After FP3 was cancelled due to adverse weather and limited daylight time, qualifying got underway for the premier class a little later than scheduled, but the show did not disappoint as the rain abated just enough. Marquez’ display was a stunner, and the last challenger keeping the fight going to the flag was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he put in a couple of red sectors. In the end, the South African couldn’t quite complete the deposition and he lines up in P3, but he takes his first MotoGP™ front row. Given the charge we saw only seven days ago, that promises much once the lights go out.

Between Marquez’ goosebump-inducer and BB33’s little piece of history made in third, Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) went from Q1 to second on the grid and ensures Ducati’s roll of 36 races in a row with a bike on the front row keeps going.

Aprilia Racing emerged as the factory team with the best positions on aggregate, with Maverick Viñales in P4 ahead of Q1 graduate Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Aleix Espargaro in P6. Viñales was another whose first couple of sectors looked to be on to ruin Marquez’ Honda fairytale, but it just came up short.

Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) had an uncharacteristic run in Q2 to end up P7, aiming higher on race day, and the man of the wet weather masterclass in Lombok, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), had a tip off that stopped his pace converting into more than P8 on the grid. Then comes Quartararo, who is top Yamaha but will want to remain top title contender by the flag – and with his closest rivals in a straight line right behind.

Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) completes the top ten, ahead of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), who has taken a step forward this weekend, and Bagnaia in that lowly 12th. In the dry, however, what’s the biggest bet anyone would make against Pecco of late…?

MotoGP Motegi Front Row (Full Results Here)

1 Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) – Honda – 1’55.214
2 Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – +0.208
3 Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – KTM – +0.323

Motegi Sunday
Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) took a scintillating win at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, hitting the front and never looking back. Behind him, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder came home in a stunning second after a last lap attack on Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), with the former taking a second podium of the season from his first ever premier class front row and the latter back on the box for the first time since Barcelona.

Elsewhere for the title contenders there was drama of differing measures, leaving the top three to take home only eight points between them – and they were all scored by Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) despite the fact that he could only manage eighth. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) suffered the first drama as he found his first machine stuck in fuel saving mode and dived into the pits after the Sighting Lap to change, only able to make it up to P16 thereafter, and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) created the second as he made a last lap blunder in the battle with Quartararo and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – taking home nil points in the process as he slid out.

The duel into Turn 1 saw Binder move into the lead courtesy of the inside line, as Martin passed Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) for second through Turn 3. Miller’s charge started early though, and he made a forceful move for fifth on Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) at Turn 5 and then passed both Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Marc Marquez in one fell swoop at the 90 Degree Corner. He then dispatched Binder at the same place before also pinching the lead from Martin not long after, free in the lead and the hammer immediately down. From there, he didn’t look back and only extended the gap – crossing the line three and a half seconds clear for a stunning Thriller of a win.

In classic Binder style, the South African was chipping away at the gap to Martin ahead of him and by the last few laps was within striking distance. But he waited, and Binder vs Martin was decided on the last lap as the KTM rider chose his moment, making it stick and able to pull out a few tenths. Marquez vs Oliveira vs Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was similarly decided late, with Marquez dispatching the Portuguese rider late on and the number 88 then left to defend against Marini. That he did, repelling an attack on the final lap.

Marquez’ fourth place from pole is another step in the right direction as the number 93 begins to remind the grid, if they needed it, that he really is back, and Oliveira’s fifth wasn’t quite a podium but it makes two KTMs in the top five. Marini, meanwhile, continues his impressive consistency and points hauls in sixth.

Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) took seventh, and the number 12 was just to the front of a title fight in miniature: Quartararo, Bagnaia and Bastianini, all in a row and battling for eighth. Bagnaia snatched ninth back from Bastianini through Turn 12/Turn 13 on Lap 20 after an earlier shuffle, and that gave him a clear shot at Quartararo. Could he or even would he? The three were incredibly close together and Pecco misjudged it as the front tyre said no more, and he slid out. Quartararo continued to take those eight points, Bagnaia took a 0 after his overambitious move – his words, to accompany his sarcastic applause at himself as he walked away – and Bastianini inherited ninth. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top 10.

So what of Aleix Espargaro? The Aprilia rider had a different tyre than his race choice on the second bike, and that hampered an already difficult comeback task. He took P16, finishing but just missing out on points.

That’s a wrap on the paddock’s return to Japan. After mayhem in Motegi, Quartararo’s World Championship lead has grown to 18 over Bagnaia, while Aleix Espargaro is another seven behind, but there are still four rounds to go. The next is already on the horizon as the OR Thailand Grand Prix beckons and the paddock returns to Chang International Circuit, with action back underway on Friday!

Jack Miller: “I can ride a motorcycle sometimes. [Laughs] I mean, I felt amazing all weekend, to be honest, since I rolled out in the first Free Practice. It feels so awesome to be back racing on this side of the world and the Japanese fans have been incredible all weekend, sitting there through the miserable rain yesterday. These guys are some of the best fans we have, so thank you to them, thank you to the team. What an amazing day. It’s awesome; we’ve got a home Grand Prix coming up shortly, wedding coming up in a couple of weeks, it’s amazing points. So, over the moon, can’t thank everybody enough.

“It was an emotional one that’s for certain, as it always is with me, I don’t know why. I was crying like a baby on the in lap. It was awesome, I didn’t know I had that in me, it was amazing to lead from almost start to finish. When you’re riding or racing like that, the biggest opponent you’ve got is the man inside your head – so I was just trying to not listen to him too much, and it was relatively easy to not listen to him today when the bike’s working as well as it was, it was just a case of hitting my marks and not making any silly mistakes, which is quite easy to do here, to outbrake yourself or whatever – it can cost you a lot of time.”

MotoGP Motegi Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 42’29.174
2 Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory) – KTM – +3.409
3 Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – +4.136

Moto2 Motegi
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) became the first Japanese rider to win on home turf since 2006 at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, holding off key Championship rival Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) to the flag after both had to pick their way through from outside the top ten on the grid. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) made life difficult at times for both with another stellar ride, ultimately forced to settle for third but taking another impressive podium finish in his rookie season.

With Ogura’s historic win in front of the home crowd, he cuts the gap in the Championship to just two points behind Fernandez with four races to go. Polesitter Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40), meanwhile, crashed out and falls to 57 points off the top in third overall. Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) also crashed out, now 72 behind and facing a last stand to stay in it at Buriram.

Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) made a late run at the podium but couldn’t get close enough to Lopez to attack, but he came home ahead of early race leader Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) as the Thai rider ultimately took home a top five ahead of his home round next time out.

Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) made an early challenge for the podium before going wide and slotting back in just behind, taking sixth with a few tenths in hand over Aragon winner Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) and Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™) completed the top ten.

Next up it’s Buriram as the intermediate class arrives with just two points in it between what looks like it could be the last two riders standing in the title fight. Will there be a twist in Thailand? We’ll find out next weekend.

Moto2 Motegi Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – 40’56.269
2 Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – +1.192
3 Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpedUp) – Boscoscuro- +7.168

Moto3 Motegi
Izan Guevara (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) has done it again! Despite never riding at the Mobility Resort Motegi before, the number 28 took another impressive win as he was able to hold off Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan. The last lap was a showcase in precision and pushing to the limit for all three, with no one quite able to make a decisive move before the flag flew.

The win for Guevara puts him a whopping 45 points clear of teammate Sergio Garcia in the standings. Foggia closes to within 18 points of the second place held by Garcia for the moment, with Sasaki still fourth but also gaining ground on the number 11.

Garcia started well before fading from the podium fight, eventually beating David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) to fourth place.

Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had been in the battle for the win before a late highside out of second place, putting a dent in his place in the standings, and polesitter Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) fought at the front in the early stages before his race came to an early end with a crash.

Now the title fight goes down to the OR Thailand Grand Prix, with Guevara not yet able to take his first shot at the crown but getting ever closer to it. What will Buriram bring? We’ll find out next weekend!

Moto3 Motegi Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Izan Guevara (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 39:26.526
2 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – +0.593
3 Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) – Husqvarna – +1.741

Crew Chief, Who Assaulted Moto3 Rider, Sacked

MotoGP Reports: All The Action From Thailand

CDR Yamaha Goes Global

The Aussie Flat Track Nationals Have Arrived

Triumph Announce 2024 MXGP Factory Team

Remy Gardner To Race In WorldSBK 2023 Season

Jack Miller Announces Team Mates For ASBK Finale

Tickets On Sale Now For The ASBK Finale At The Bend!

MotoGP Gallery: All The Best Shots From Motegi, Japan

MotoGP Reports: All The Action At Motegi, Japan

Latest Posts

Yamaha WR250F | 2025 Model Full Test

Max Stauffer joins three-time ASBK champion, Mike Jones, at YRT

New Book | Fabio Taglioni, Designer of Ducati Legends, Alan Cathcart

Most Popular

Racer Test: CFMoto 650NK-TT, Chinese-Built Supertwin

Track Guide: Phillip Island, Victoria

Racer Test: 2009 Yamaha TZ250 GP Bike

Fast Access