In a ceremony on Saturday, Turn 4 of Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit was officially named ‘Miller Corner’. The Thriller and home hero himself, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team), was of course in attendance, along with his parents and wife, Ruby and a crowd of excited fans.
Two Aussie legends! Jack Miller and Mick Doohan at the newly renamed Miller Corner…
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta and IRTA CEO Mike Trimby joined the ceremony to congratulate the Australian, and another home hero was on hand in MotoGP™ Legend Mick Doohan. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit owner Andrew Fox presented Miller with the plaque, alongside Australian Grand Prix Commission CEO Andrew Westacott.
Jack with with Carlos Ezpeleta and Mike Trimby.
The Miller family with Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta (L), circuit owner Andrew Fox and AGPC CEO Andrew Westacott.
The lap at Phillip Island now starts down the Gardner Straight, heads through Doohan, tackles the Southern Loop and then slides through Stoner before arriving into Miller. Awesome to see so many Aussie legends being recognised at one of the most stunning tracks on the MotoGP calendar.
Make sure you tune in to see how the Aussies hold up this weekend!
Since 2013, MotoGP Legend Jorge Lorenzo has been the fastest rider ever to lap Phillip Island, but no more. Jorge Martin is the new all-time lap record holder at the track, and by a mere smidge as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) missed out by just 0.013: Jack 8th Remy 19th. MotoGP Press
The number 93 also had a helping tow from Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the two lapped in tandem, with Pecco just pipped to it but still completing the front row. It was a big day at the Aus MotoGP…
Martin had been on the pace as soon as Q2 started, punching out a 1:28.112 out the gate – the fastest lap of the weekend to that point. He would hold onto that honour for just a lap as Bagnaia clocked a 1:28.054 next time through, and they were the top two at the end of the opening runs, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) third on a 1:28.174. Marc Marquez sat fifth on a 1:28.313, having been forced into one of his trademark front-end saves exiting ‘MG’ on his second flying lap which saw him veer onto the grass.
With the second runs on in earnest, Johann Zarco jumped to the top with a 1:28.007 before Martin made it a Prima Pramac Racing one-two with the first lap of Phillip Island that was quicker than Lorenzo’s 1:27.899 in 2013.
Marquez then tagged on behind Bagnaia for the final few minutes of the session, and with the chequered flag about to come out, the number 63 moved up to second on a 1:27.953 but was beaten almost immediately by the Honda rider in his slipstream, who set a 1:27.780. That made for a top four of Martin, Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia), with Quartararo edging back up to fifth thanks to a 1:27.973 on his final lap.
When all’s said and done, Bagnaia is the first of the title contenders as a few stack up from third back, with Aleix Espargaro heading Row 2 in fourth and Championship leader Quartararo right alongside. Quartararo was the final rider in the 1:27s, with Zarco just into the 1:28 bracket. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) slots into seventh.
It was a tougher session for Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) as he’ll start eighth – although he did win from seventh at Motegi. For fellow challenger Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) it was an even tougher one, however, as the number 23 was in Q1 and then failed to make the cut – after also getting held up by Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Portuguese rider did a practice start too early and then was slow on the line, gaining a three-place grid penalty and a Long Lap.
Zarco was the quickest in Q1 and moved through alongside Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) as the two pipped Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) late in the session. The latter duo therefore line up P13 and P14.
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) starts ninth as he joins Marini and Miller on an all-Ducati Row 3, with Rins forced to settle for tenth ahead of automatic Q2 graduate Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol).
Qualifying didn’t go to plan for Maverick Viñales and he’ll start P12. After topping the timesheets in FP4, ‘Top Gun’ will certainly be ready to move forward on race day.
Jorge Martin:“For sure, Lorenzo won’t be super-happy today now, but for sure, it’s time to beat those records because the bikes are much faster now. Yesterday, I was a bit lost because this track is so fast – it’s my first time here so I had to take the measurements – but finally today, I had good pace. I feel strong for the race also, and for time attack, I thought I could also be competitive – not that much, for sure. Making a 27, it’s amazing, but I’m feeling good and I think we can fight to the end tomorrow.”
With five riders in 40 points, there’s more and more at stake as the time to make a comeback gets shorter and shorter. Just three races now remain, and the first of those is sure to be a stunner as Phillip Island hosts for the first time since 2019. Make sure to tune in at 14:00 (GMT +11) to see who can tame the Island!
MotoGP Phillip Island Saturday Top Three (Full results here) 1 Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 1’27.767
2 Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) – Honda – +0.013
3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.186
Moto2 Saturday Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) set a stunning new lap record at Phillip Island on Saturday as a 1:32.233 puts him on pole for the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Championship leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) missed out by just 0.073, with Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) in third making it both Boscoscuros on the front row.
Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), who trails Fernandez by just 1.5 points in the Championship, has qualified 13th after a tougher weekend so far, although the Japanese rider won from the same position at Motegi.
Buriram winner Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing) heads the second row ahead of Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40), with Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) in sixth. Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp) is an impressive seventh on an all-rookie Row 3, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) alongside.
The remaining riders between Fernandez and Ogura are Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™), in 10th fresh from his first intermediate class podium, Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) in a solid P11 and Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in P12. Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) is just behind Ogura, in P14 after a tougher Saturday.
Fermin Aldeguer:“I’m so happy with my whole qualifying, because I pushed so much. It was a very good lap all the way round and I made the pole position, so it’s incredible to be here. Thank you to my team for their support in all the past races and my family and all the sponsors.”
After 17 races in the intermediate class, just 1.5 points separate Fernandez and Ogura with three rounds remaining. Another 25 are up for grabs on Sunday, so tune in from 12:20 (GMT +11) to see another chapter of incredible Moto2™ competition.
Moto2 Phillip Island Top Three (Full results here) 1 Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) – Boscoscuro – 1’32.233
2 Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – +0.073
3 Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) – Boscoscuro – +0.310
Moto3 Saturday
Another week, another new lap record! This time it’s Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) as the number 71 backed up his fastest lap on Friday with the fastest lap of Phillip Island ever, taking pole by nearly two tenths and putting in the only 1:35. Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) is the only other rider in Sasaki’s postcode, and he has a half-second gap behind him back to Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) as the rookie completes the front row.
Championship leader Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) heads up Row 3 in seventh place, giving him a reasonable launch position ahead of his first match point in the fight for the crown. He has an advantage of 49 points and needs more than 50 by the flag on Sunday to secure the Championship. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing), now his closest challenger, lines up in P12 on Row 4 – his equal worst result of the season as he failed to improve late on.
Row 2 is Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team). Between Guevara in seventh and Foggia in 12th are Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) – for whom it’s a best ever qualifying – and David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports). In the session, one dash of spice saw Muñoz get a behaviour warning for getting a little close to Masia, too.
Ayumu Sasaki: “Well, before qualifying, I knew that it’s going to be a group, as always, in Moto3™. So, my target was to put a new tyre on at the beginning and try to make a lap time. I went out quite far from the group, but I guess that group was slowing down in our out laps, so I could catch them perfectly in two laps, so that helped me a lot as well. But, a good two laps, I felt good on the bike, and after that, I thought there was no point using another tyre. I wanted to keep it for tomorrow. So, that was the plan, and I had good enough laps, so it went as a plan and it was good lap.
“As you can see, the last three races have been very good for me; we have consistency. I came here, the bike was working very well admittedly, so I didn’t change the set-up so much as well. I just felt good on the bike. Here, it’s always a big group in the race, but this year, top riders in Moto3™ seem to be at a higher level than the rest, so that’s why you can see may times this year that if someone gets to the front, we can separate the group. Here, I feel like I have the pace to pull the group, so that’s my plan. Last race, it was Foggia and we can see four or five riders every time that are competitive, can pull from the group, and I guess that I have the chance to do that, so hopefully we can make it a small group and fight for the win.”
The first Championship of the season is on the line on Sunday, and the grid sets us up for a stunner. Tune in for Guevara’s first match point at 11:00 (GMT +11)!
Moto3 Phillip Island Top Three (Full results here) 1 Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) – Husqvarna – 1’35.854
2 Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – +0.187
3 Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) – Husqvarna – +0.725
Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) doubled up on Friday Down Under, fastest in both FP1 and FP2 – but it was incredibly close by the end of play. The Frenchman leads on the combined timesheets by just 0.038 from rookie Marco Bezzecchi. From: MotoGP Press
So where are the title challengers at the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix? Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was fourth and within a tenth of the 44, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) seventh, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) eighth and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP) ninth. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was P13 on Day 1 and will be the first looking for a lot more from a flier on Saturday.
Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was P13 on Day 1 and will be the first looking for a lot more from a flier on Saturday…
There were four different manufacturers in the top five as Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was just behind Quartararo, the number 12 starting off strong at a venue he’s ruled before. The gap between Quartararo and Viñales, 0.131, is the only gap in the top 18 that’s bigger than a single tenth.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in P6 makes a pair of Hondas in the top ten for MotoGP, and the number 93 was also seen out on track trying out some new aero – a new add-on to the tail unit in FP1 and then a new aero body in the afternoon.
Marc Marquez, Viñales, Quartararo was how the top three sat ahead of the time attacks, with Aleix Espargaro in the danger zone in 10th and Bagnaia one position outside the provisional Q2 cut-off. With cool conditions expected on Saturday morning, the stakes were high and lap times started to tumble again, with Bezzecchi, Viñales and Quartararo all taking turns at the top. Bezzecchi had been shuffled back to sixth when he fired in a 1:29.513 to go fastest again in the final minute, but that was bettered by Zarco by 0.038 seconds just before the chequered flag.
As it stands, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is the first to miss the Q2 cut in P11, just ahead of the returning Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) – just meaning 0.021. Will FP3 allow the field to improve?
MotoGP Friday Top Three (Full results here)
1 Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 1’29.475
2 Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Ducati – +0.038
3 Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) – Honda – +0.052
Moto2 Friday
Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) dominated Friday in Australia, pulling out nearly four tenths ahead of Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp), with the Boscoscuro duo completing the top three. Lopez, however, was also given a Long Lap for the race after causing a crash in FP1 with Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team).
Championship leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) topped FP1, and he ends the day in P7 overall – with key rival Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) struggling to P17 on Friday.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) was fourth quickest, ahead of a fast Friday for Sam Lowe (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) as the Brit continues his comeback from injury. Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) slots into sixth ahead of Fernandez. Buriram podium finisher Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™) was eighth, with Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) completing the top ten, the former despite a crash in FP2, rider ok.
Moto3 Friday
It was a Japanese 1-2 on Friday last time out and it’s the same as the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix gets in gear. Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) was quickest by 0.189 ahead of Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing), with rookie Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) impressing in third on his debut at The Island – after also topping FP1.
As conditions improved, in FP2 every single rider also improved their time significantly by the end of the session. Behind Sasaki and Suzuki there were a few tenths back to Moreira, but then it tightened up again and it’s Championship leader Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) who ends the day in fourth – despite a crash in FP1.
Still, he’s only 0.025 ahead of teammate Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), and Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) is close behind in sixth as they, and Sasaki, look to stop Guevara taking the crown. The number 28 is 49 points clear and needs more than 50 in hand by the flag to secure the title.
Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech3) complete the top ten… and Fernandez has a double Long Lap to take this weekend for his part in a crash in Buriram.
The Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is now really in gear! Nearly 250 fans and riders joined Jack Miller, Brad Binder and Remy Gardner to ride a lap of the unique Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on Wednesday, finishing a parade that began at the bridge to the island at San Remo.
Back where we belong! Miller leads a parade to Phillip Island, 250 riders saddle up from San Remo to the circuit after an arty pitstop in Melbourne.
Festivities began earlier in Melbourne, with Miller and Gardner riding down the famous AC/DC lane and checking out the graffiti, as well as enjoying some special artwork ahead of the GP. Local artists Justine Millsom, aka Juzpop, and Marco Pennacchia created a stunning piece of the riders and track, with Miller and Gardner adding their own finishing touches.
After an arty start, it was next stop: San Remo. There, Miller was joined by Brad Binder to hit the road from the bridge to the island to the Grand Prix track, with the fans saddling up for the ride. Nearly 250 bikes joined the parade, and on arrival at the circuit Gardner headed back out to join them.
Miller and Gardner took a pit-stop in the middle of Melbourne.
Penacchia (L) and Juzpop (centre right) pose with Miller and Gardner.
Riding Phillip Island is one of life’s great experiences, and doing it with three MotoGP™ riders leading the way added something even more special for the hundreds of fans. Coming to a stop on the main straight for a final photo opp and some interviews – and autographs – the parade concluded in style as the fans now get ready to watch the action from the stands!
Jack Miller: “It’s awesome to be able to do this here in Australia, it’s something I’ve seen done throughout the world and to be able to do it with the Aussie fans is awesome. We’ve always got a massive bunch of people who come down here and travel far and wide, massive distances on motorcycles, braving the cold and rain. It was awesome to finish most of their journeys off today on the track! There’s nothing like coming back to Phillip Island and doing a lap, especially when you can go a little slower and take it all in!”
With plenty of burnouts and a few stoppies for good measure, the lap was most definitely a Thriller.With plenty of burnouts and a few stoppies for good measure, the lap was most definitely a Thriller.
“It’s unreal, heading back into a home GP after not being able to have one for three years. It’s a fantastic feeling to be racing back at home, especially in factory colours after I thought it wasn’t going to be possible to be able to ride in front of my fans wearing these colours. Some big expectations this weekend but I’m super excited for it!”
Brad Binder:“There were a lot more people than I expected and we were lucky it didn’t rain too much on the way here. So far, so good! It was a good way to start off the weekend and looking forward to really getting started.”
Phillip Island MotoGP Parade.
Phillip Island MotoGP Parade.
Phillip Island MotoGP Parade.
Phillip Island MotoGP Parade.
“I did wonder how I got roped into this haha! But it was cool to have the opportunity to join the Aussies on the ride today and let’s see, maybe it’ll bring a bit of luck for the weekend! I really enjoy coming here, it’s my favourite track, and past results have always been good. I hope the future’s the same.”
Remy Gardner: “It was pretty special, you can definitely feel the energy. I really enjoyed it! It’s been three years since we’ve been back here so the first laps we did, I think it’s extra special for us that we were able to do it with the fans here on the track with us.”
Following a serious incident in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship’s Race 1 during the Pirelli Portuguese Round at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, it is with great sadness that we report the passing of rider Victor Steeman (MTM Kawasaki). BikeReview pass on our condolences…
Promising WorldSSP 300 rider, Victor Steeman, has passed away following a serious accident at the Algarve.
Steeman was involved in a multi-rider incident at Turn 14, with the race immediately red flagged. Medical personnel and vehicles arrived at the site immediately and the rider was attended to trackside and at the circuit medical centre before being transferred by helicopter to Faro Hospital. Despite the best efforts of the circuit’s medical staff, marshals and hospital staff, Steeman has sadly succumbed to his injuries.
A statement from the family read:“Something you have always been afraid of as a parent of a motorcycle racer has now happened. Our Victor could not win this last race. Despite the unbearable loss and grief, we are extremely proud to share with you that our hero, through his passing, was able to save 5 other people by donating his organs. We would like to thank everyone for the way you have lived with us over the past few days. We will miss our Victor enormously.”
Steeman was enjoying a superb 2022 FIM Supersport 300 Championship campaign and came into the Pirelli Portuguese Round with a mathematical chance of clinching the World Championship.
Steeman was enjoying a superb 2022 FIM Supersport 300 Championship campaign and came into the Pirelli Portuguese Round with a mathematical chance of clinching the World Championship. With four wins, five podiums and three pole positions to his name this season, he took 12 points-scoring finishes out of 14 races. He also signed his name in the history books with pole position at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, becoming the rider with the most pole positions in the WorldSSP 300 class.
Steeman brought an infectious personality to the paddock but was also a strong competitor on the track, consistently fighting at the front of the field in WorldSSP300 as well in other championships that he competed in prior and during his World Championship successes.
Victor Steeman.
Victor Steeman.
Steeman, 22, made his WorldSSP300 debut in 2018, after two seasons in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, when competing for the KTM Fortron Junior Team, completing two races at Portimao and Magny-Cours; scoring a point on his debut in Portugal to show the leading talent he would become over his time in WorldSSP300.
A first full season followed in 2019, for the Freudenberg KTM Junior Team, with Steeman taking points in all but one race throughout the season including four top-six finishes. It was a sign of things to come as his incredible talent continued to develop. 2019 was also the year he claimed his first pole position, at Jerez, showing his one-lap pace, which he’d continue to demonstrate in the Championship, with him being the all-time pole positions record holder with six at the time of his passing.
A first full season followed in 2019, for the Freudenberg KTM Junior Team, with Steeman taking points in all but one race throughout the season including four top-six finishes.
Steeman’s 2020 season was spent in the German IDM championship, a return to where he had experienced so much success previously. In 2018, he claimed two wins, eight podiums and two pole positions on his way to third in the standings, whilst he finished fifth in 2020 as he focused solely on competing in Germany and the Netherlands, where he was Supersport Champion. Another win and two pole positions came in 2020, whilst he also made a one-off appearance in IDM in 2021 and took victory.
2021 also heralded a return to WorldSSP300 on a full-time basis, again running KTM machinery but for the Freudenberg KTM WorldSSP Team, and both his one-lap speed and race management skills were shining by this point. Two pole positions, on home soil at the TT Circuit Assen and on the Championship’s first visit to the Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic. He was able to convert the pole position at Most into victory to take his first of five in the Championship and KTM’s last win to date.
Victor Steeman.
Victor Steeman.
For the 2022 season, Steeman made the switch to MTM Kawasaki, and his talent and personality shone brighter than ever before. Four more wins followed as he mounted a title challenge against Alvaro Diaz (Arco Motor University Team) and Marc Garcia (Yamaha MS Racing), with his switch to Kawasaki rewarding him straight away. He took victory on home soil at Assen in Race 1 as well as at Most, Magny-Cours and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Often at the front of the field during 2022, Steeman was a shining star on both the world stage and in domestic championships.
Always optimistic about his chances, in races and in Championships, Steeman kept the 2022 title fight going until the last round despite the odds being stacked against him with the points difference to Diaz. Steeman’s presence and character within the paddock will be greatly missed. Charismatic, polite and always with a sense of humour, Steeman brought success to his teams, a fierce competitive nature to the track but, above all else, pride, warmth and charm to all those within the WorldSBK paddock.
Rieju Australia congratulated Sam Rogers for his hard fought third position on the MR300 Pro at the recent ‘Toodyay Terror 2.0’, part of the WA Hard Enduro Series! Check out how the Spanish brand held up again the seasoned veterans!
Entered in the Gold Class and up against some of Australia’s top Hard Enduro riders, Sam travelled all the way from the Gold Coast to compete. Supported by his sponsors including Rieju Australia and WA Rieju Dealer, MotoMax Motorcycles, he fought hard and showed just what the Rieju MR300 Pro can do in some of the harshest conditions around.
Sam was only just pipped at the post by Neil Price and Darren Rudling. Neil and Darren placed first and second respectively with Neil applying a severe amount of pressure, who only stopped to rest twice during the event.
Rieju Australia congratulated Sam Rogers for his hard fought third position on the MR300 Pro at the recent ‘Toodyay Terror 2.0’.
Entered in the Gold Class and up against some of Australia’s top Hard Enduro riders, Sam travelled all the way from the Gold Coast to compete.
Marketing Manager for Rieju Australia, Mal Jarrett, commented “We are thrilled with Sam’s result in W.A and the overall development of the Rieju MR300 Pro. Sam is starting to feel comfortable on the Rieju and is really coming to grips with the bike. We are looking forward to the rest of the season unfolding and more podium finishes for Sam.”
Sam was only just pipped at the post by Neil Price and Darren Rudling on GasGas machines…
“The bike rode perfect all weekend and super stoked to be on the podium! Excited to bring more to the table next season!” – Sam Rogers.
The FIM MotoGP World Championship is heading to Kazakhstan! 2023 marks the start of a new five-year deal that sees MotoGP touch down in a new region of the world as the stunning Sokol International Racetrack joins the calendar.
Located just outside Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, Sokol is a brand-new motorsport complex constructed in the heart of Central Asia. The region will be a new pitstop for MotoGP as the sport continues to expand around the world, engaging with new markets and fanbases.
Located just outside Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, Sokol is a brand-new motorsport complex constructed in the heart of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan will also become the 30th country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix since 1949, a perfect landmark number to celebrate the ever-expanding history of the world’s first motorsport World Championship, and Sokol International Racetrack will be the 74th venue to host a premier class Grand Prix.
Kazakhstan will also become the 30th country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix since 1949. Sokol International Racetrack will be the 74th venue to host a premier class Grand Prix.
Dates for the Kazakhstan round are still TBA so keep an ear out! It’ll be the first time an MotoGP round has been held in the country and the track looks absolutely stunning!
The FIM MotoGP World Championship is heading to India! The country will make its debut on the MotoGP calendar in 2023 as MotoGP gets ready to take on Buddh International Circuit. Check out the first look at the track layout and lead up to the Indian GP below! Dates are still TBA.
India is a true economic and cultural powerhouse, with a population of over 1.4 billion people and more than 200 million motorcycles on its roads. Two-wheeled transportation counts for nearly 75% of the total number of vehicles used daily, making India one of the biggest motorcycle markets in the world and a key focus for the manufacturers in the MotoGP paddock.
Racing at Buddh International Circuit, located in Uttar Pradesh to the south of New Delhi, will bring the sport into the heart of this key market and make the sport more accessible than ever to the MotoGP fanbase across the region. As MotoGP continues to expand, the Indian Grand Prix marks an important milestone in the sport’s mission to open the doors of motorcycle racing to all – writing a new chapter in the story of the world’s first motorsport Championship and welcoming new audiences and fans from every corner of the world.
As MotoGP continues to expand, the Indian Grand Prix marks an important milestone in the sport’s mission to open the doors of motorcycle racing to all.
Mr. Anurag Thakur, Union Sports Minister, Government of India:“It’s a historical day for sporting industry and tribute to 75th year of India’s celebration.”
Mr. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh:“It’s a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a global event. Our government will provide full support to MotoGP Bharat.”
Mr. Nand Gopal “Nandi”, Cabinet Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh:“This event will provide a major impetus to the economy by generating an influx of foreign investment in the state.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta:“We’re very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar. We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them. India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world. We very much look forward to racing at Buddh International Circuit and can’t wait to welcome the fans through the gates to see this incredible sport in person.”
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.
Video of an ex CIP Green Power team Crew Chief assaultingTom 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…
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
“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.
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.
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!”
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!
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!
