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Race Reports: All The Action From MotoE Rd3 At Mugello

By
PB
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0
It was another tight race in MotoE. It's great to see the field battling elbow to elbow.

The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup produced a thriller in its first race at Mugello, with Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) taking victory despite starting the final lap in fifth. Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini) was back on top in Race two, taking victory with a small margin over another huge group battle.

Some late shuffles and even later drama see the Swiss rider head Ferrari and Granado on Saturday...
Some late shuffles and even later drama see the Swiss rider head Ferrari and Granado on Saturday…

Race One
Home fans watching on at Mugello also had reason to cheer with Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) finishing second and fellow Italian Andrea Mantovani (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) pinching third at the chequered flag. However, more late drama hit as Mantovani was then disqualified for low tyre pressures, promoting Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) to the podium. There is a single tyre pressure monitoring system in MotoE™.

The intrigue began before the race had even started, with riders arriving on the grid on wet tyres before changing to slicks as the rain at Mugello abated. When the lights went out, Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta Sic58 Squadracorse) got the jump from the middle of the front row and led the field up the hill to San Donato, with Ferrari emerging second from the opening corners and pole-sitter Aegerter third.

Ferrari then went underneath Zannoni as they ran through the Arrabbiata corners, as Aegerter and Niccolo Canepa (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) duelled over third. When they arrived at Scarperia, Aegerter headed down the inside of both Ferrari and Zannoni to take the lead, while a bit of bodywork was sent flying due to some contact behind between Granado and Canepa.

For his trouble, Aegerter was swamped as his rivals slipstreamed him as they ran back up the main straight to start Lap 2, but he reclaimed first on the brakes at San Donato. Granado was slicing his way through the pack too, and he would hit the front when he went underneath the Swiss rider as they turned into Materassi, just down the hill.

Ferrari found some home turf magic. Taking second place in Race One, improving on that further in Race Two...
Ferrari found some home turf magic. Taking second place in Race One, improving on that further in Race Two…

It looked like they might form something of a breakaway, but their battle for position mean that Ferrari was back in touch as Aegerter hit back for the lead on Lap 3 at Scarperia. Marc Alcoba (Openbank Aspar Team) emerged as a contender for victory and, astonishingly, he made it a four-wide run up the hill towards San Donato at the start of Lap 4 too. Ferrari emerged in front after all that, from Granado and Alcoba, with Aegerter dropping from first to fourth in a matter of corners.

Despite looking to have made an on-the-run adjustment to his brake lever, and then ceding fourth position to Mantovani, Aegerter refused to give in. He made a big lunge under brakes at San Donato on the fifth and final lap of the race and that put him all the way back into the race lead, with Ferrari in second place.

Mantovani was disqualified after MotoE officials found his tyre pressures to be too low, Eric Granado to the podium.
Mantovani was disqualified after MotoE officials found his tyre pressures to be too low, Eric Granado to the podium.

On the drag to the finish line, Aegerter beat Ferrari to another MotoE™ victory by only 0.033 seconds, with Mantovani, who is only riding this weekend as an injury replacement for Bradley Smith, slipstreaming Granado for third as they reached the finish line, the gap between them just 0.007 seconds. But with his DSQ after the fact, it’s the Brazilian who takes 16 points. A final-lap pass helped Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) to fifth, now fourth, and consigned Alcoba to P5 but the latter was still only 0.983 seconds from the win.

Canepa was next up ahead of Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team), and Zannoni is classified ninth after losing touch with the leading group on Lap 2. Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing) rounded out the top 10 on track, now P9. Another race win means the Swiss rider has increased his lead atop the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup standings, to 17 points over Granado after the Brazilian takes third. What awaits on Sunday? Race 2 kicks off at 15:30 (GMT +2) so tune in to find out!

MotoE Mugello Race One Podium (Full Results Here) 

1 Dominique Aegerter – Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™ – Energica – 10’10.913
2 Matteo Ferrari – Felo Gresini MotoE™ – Energica – +0.033
3 Eric Granado – LCR E-Team – Energica – +0.245

Race Two
The win was a classic: Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) was back on top in Race 2 of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup at Mugello, taking victory with a small margin over another huge group battle as the Italian played his cards to perfection on home turf. Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) took second, crossing the line at exactly the same time as Marc Alcoba (Openbank Aspar Team) but taking P2 thanks to setting the fastest lap. And the eagle-eyed Swiss rider spotted something else: passes under Yellow Flags earlier in the race.

Ferrari wins another classic MotoE™ race at Mugello. The Italian took to the top step on home turf after a masterclass in MotoE™ tactics...
Ferrari wins another classic MotoE™ race at Mugello. The Italian took to the top step on home turf after a masterclass in MotoE™ tactics…

After a thorough review from the FIM Stewards, changes of position were applied. For Alcoba it was three positions, demoting him from the podium and meaning Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) takes third place. For Niccolo Canepa (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) and Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) it was one position each, so Canepa is classified sixth and Granado eighth. But let’s rewind…

Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) made the best start and it was he who led the field out of San Donato for the first time, from Aegerter and Ferrari. Just behind that trio, Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) fell as he exited the corner, while Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE™) was also on the deck later on the opening lap. He would be taken to the medical centre with pain in his right leg, but was passed Unfit for showing he’d sustained an impact to his head, so he’ll need a check up to be passed fit for the next round.

Meanwhile at the front, Zannoni continued to lead into the second lap, but Aegerter was swamped as they all slipstreamed towards San Donato and the Swiss rider dropped back to sixth. Ferrari had taken over second spot while Pons was up to third and Alcoba fourth, a rise of six positions relative to where each had qualified. Ferrari gained one more position – the most important one – when he outbraked Zannoni at San Donato on Lap 3, as Alcoba rode around the outside of Pons just behind them. Canepa was fifth at that point while Aegerter would soon have a battle for sixth position on his hands with closest rival in the standings, Granado.

The end of the main straight was clearly the prime overtaking zone but Zannoni found resistance when he tried to go around Ferrari in a bid to reclaim first position at the start of Lap 4. Pons and Canepa, on the other hand, were able to slip underneath Alcoba and push him back to fifth spot. Of course, San Donato was not the only place where overtaking was coming thick and fast in MotoE™, and Pons proved that when he moved ahead of Zannoni through Scarperia/Palagio on Lap 5. That promoted the Spaniard to second, and it also allowed Ferrari to stretch his advantage slightly.

It was another tight race in MotoE. It's great to see the field battling elbow to elbow.
It was another tight race in MotoE. It’s great to see the field battling elbow to elbow.

Then Alcoba, who was already back in front of Canepa, passed Zannoni at Bucine. That much was straightforward, but they nearly touched on exit and the Italian had to pick up his bike, which caused him to drop yet more positions. Zannoni was fifth when the crossed the stripe to start the final lap, and eighth by the time they were on their way out of San Donato and back down the hill.

In all of that, Aegerter had risen from seventh to fourth, but the previous day’s race winner was not done. He nabbed third from Alcoba as they went through Bucine for the final time, but it would still come down to a drag to the finish line. Ferrari won by 0.529 seconds, but it was astonishingly close in terms of who would be declared second. Aegerter and Alcoba were separated by 0.001 seconds according to timing, then that was revised to a dead heat for second and the former was officially given second using fastest lap times as tie-break. For Alcoba, it still seemed like his first MotoE™ podium, but later came the heartbreak and the position penalties, giving Pons third although the Spaniard didn’t make it to parc ferme.

Despite his win in Race Two, Ferrari has some catching up to do with his rivals, Aegerter and Granado...
Despite his win in Race Two, Ferrari has some catching up to do with his rivals, Aegerter and Granado…

WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team rider Andrea Mantovani is now classified fourth after again pipping Granado on track, but with the shuffle on Saturday the Italian gains instead of losing out after the DSQ in Race 1 for low tyre pressure. Zannoni takes P5 ahead of Canepa, with Alcoba classified seventh. Granado is classified eighth, ahead of Kevin Manfredi (Octo Pramac MotoE™), and Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing).

With a win and a second placing at Mugello, Aegerter’s lead at the top of the World Cup standings is now 29 points over Granado and 30 over Ferrari. After six hectic races to start the season, it is time for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup field to take a break before their fourth round of the season at the Motul TT Assen on June 24-26, so join us then for more!

MotoE Mugello Race Two Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Matteo Ferrari – Felo Gresini MotoE™ – Energica – 12’04.368
2 Dominique Aegerter – Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™ – Energica – 10.529
3 Miquel Pons – LCR E-Team – Energica – +0.566

Racer Test: Steve Martin’s #99 TBR Suzuki Katana

By
PB
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0
"The steering is quick, ultra quick in initial turn, but a bit of muscle is required to get the bike over on its side for the run through the apex."

A chance to ride the TBR D&D QBE Suzuki Katana that Steve Martin has made so famous at the Phillip Island Classic a few years ago, along with the Giles and Roberts Katanas, was a blast. These things are so trick that we thought it was time to revisit them with a series of posts, particularly with the current hype around the new KATANA. First off, here’s the #99 bike…

"A chance to ride the TBR D&D QBE Suzuki Katana that Steve Martin has made so famous at the Phillip Island Classic a few years ago, along with the Giles and Roberts Katanas, was a blast."
“A chance to ride the TBR D&D QBE Suzuki Katana that Steve Martin has made so famous at the Phillip Island Classic a few years ago, along with the Giles and Roberts Katanas, was a blast.”

Not only have I always been a fan of the Katana and all classic era Japanese fours, I’ve always admired the drag racing engineering brilliance and huge list of achievements Trevor Birrell and Dale Gilbert have collectively amassed over the past 30-years. Then of course, there’s the pure awe of watching Steve Martin reeling off insanely fast laps on this bike, like his 1:38.373 on the Saturday of the Classic. What a lap…

Check out our other racer tests here…

The Trevor Birrell Racing/D&D Industries/QBE/Suzuki team came together when Trevor and Dale were looking for a new challenge from a life of drag racing. They all visited the Phillip Island Classic in 2009, along with friend the late Peter Kerr of Racebike Services. Dale and Trevor were introduced to Steve Martin via Peter, who was an original sponsor and mate of South Australian Steve.

There’s the pure awe of watching Steve Martin reeling off insanely fast laps on this bike, like his 1:38.373 on the Saturday of the Classic. What a lap…
There’s the pure awe of watching Steve Martin reeling off insanely fast laps on this bike, like his 1:38.373 on the Saturday of the Classic. What a lap…

12 months later Steve blew everyone away on a Katana built by the guys and things went from there, the team winning the Phillip Island Classic in 2010, 2013 and 2014 and BSFS 2012. Dale and Trevor brought in their long time drag racing supporters, Castrol and Serco, while Steve brought in Pirelli tyres and QBE Insurance to form their team along with other team sponsors Suzuki Australia, Bendix, Venhill, Light Alloy Engineering, Race Bike Services, MCR, Springwood Suzuki and Dunlop.

Steve’s #99 TBR Katana
The #99 is the most famous bike in classic racing and for good reason. When it arrived on the scene back in 2010 at the Phillip Island Classic, Steve smashed everyone taking pole position and four wins from four starts! Not bad for a bunch of drag racers with a gun rider!

"The #99 is the most famous bike in classic racing and for good reason. When it arrived on the scene back in 2010 at the Phillip Island Classic, Steve smashed everyone taking pole position and four wins from four starts!"
“The #99 is the most famous bike in classic racing and for good reason. When it arrived on the scene back in 2010 at the Phillip Island Classic, Steve smashed everyone taking pole position and four wins from four starts!”

Trevor Birrell is famous for his big four-stroke air-cooled engines, particularly Suzukis. He started drag racing in 1982 and earned Nine Australian Championships and 17 National Records between 1982 and 2011. Dale started drag racing in 1984 and soon started building bodywork and chassis for drag bikes and has won over 10 National Championships.

After the previously mentioned hook up at PI, the guys realised they had enough parts to have a go. Initially using a braced standard frame then moving to chrome-moly in 2011. The engine is based on the mighty GSX1100 and was built to a tight budget using TBR’s 30-years worth of spares and plenty of know-how from Trevor.

The barrels are bored and sleeved to take the 79mm JE custom order forged pistons, which are decompressed slightly. With a 66mm stroke the bike is 1296cc. There are two types of head used by Trevor, a big port head and a CNC ported head. Gilesey’s bike runs the CNC head as he likes the aggressive punch, while Steve uses the smaller port head but more aggressive cams, Steve prefers this type of power delivery than the more aggressive initial throttle opening of the other engine set-ups.

Valves are stainless steel and oversize and Trevor currently gets two race meetings before the head needs a service. Titanium valves and brass alloy seats are high on the priority list but at $150 a valve versus $30 a valve, budget prohibits this for now. Springs are APE and titanium retainers are used. The camshafts Steve runs are TBR units and quite aggressive, while Giles and Roberts run Yoshimura Stage III and cam timing is secret!

The #99 bike runs Pirellis and the rear tyre is not able to sit on the narrow 5.5in rim correctly, contributing to grip issues. The gentler mid range allows Steve to open the throttle earlier but the thing still spins up a lot once the tacho hits 6000rpm, as it is quite a peaky power delivery.

The standard crankcases are used, although EFE are slightly stronger internally than GSX/Katana cases, they are identical externally. The team have a few sets of EFE cases but Steve’s bike runs Katana cases.

The crankshaft is GSX1000S, a special edition Katana built for endurance racing homologation, such as the Castrol 6 Hour. The cranks were stronger and had bigger conrods and are still available as an OEM part. Trevor uses these after welding and balancing. He also bronze bushes the small ends as they get extremely hot and gudgeon pins turn orange so need to be replaced regularly!

The gearbox is standard GSX with heavily undercut gear dogs and a modified detent mechanism, however, the biggest upgrade is the GSX-R1000K6 slipper clutch and Light Alloy Engineering clutch cover. Some challenges have arisen with the gearbox autoshifting when the clutch releases into turns, as it was not designed to be unloaded, but Trevor is working on an improved detent setup between races.

The awesome Yoshimura period replica titanium four-into-one exhaust system sticks out amongst all the blue...
The awesome Yoshimura period replica titanium four-into-one exhaust system sticks out amongst all the blue…

The exhaust system is a sexy Yoshimura period replica titanium four-into-one and fuelling is via Keihin 35mm smoothbore carburettors. The team have extensively tested with 37mm and even 39mm but the 35mm items offer the most controllable power.

Ignition is by MSD MC-4 using a single ignition curve. The MSD ignition has a huge range of capabilities and in future could be used to help some traction problems, with programmable gear specific ignition curves on hand, multiple switchable maps and rev limits the MSD system could help Steve with tyre life and traction via switchable maps, particularly towards the end of a race. It’s a great system used a lot in drag racing.

Spark plugs are NGK J10A items. The engine is wet sump, runs Castrol 10w40 oil and a Lockheed oil cooler and fuel is Avgas. Starting is via remote external starter. A trick addition are quick-release engine mounts, another trick from the drag racing world.

The chassis is a work of art. Dale Gilbert is a renowned drag racing chassis engineer and applied his skills to this road racer. After building a jig off a stock Katana frame, Dale built the chrome-moly frames by hand, heavily bracing them. The three frames are all different spec as per rider’s choice; with the #24 frame an original steel item to mute the critics out there and prove the team can be competitive on a stock frame.

Once the frame is fabricated, it is measured and aligned at Motorcycle Crash Repairs in Victoria using a Scheibner digital measuring system and aligned on a Globaljig frame straightener. The frames are not painted, saving weight and making repairs easy at the track. The swingarm was originally a $50 unit from an RF900 but rules changed and a hand made braced swingarm had to be fabricated. This was done by Light Alloy Engineering and is a work of art.

The wheels are GSX-R1000 front and GSF650 rear, with Manta rotors and AP Lockheed calipers fed by Venhill lines and squeezing very trick Bendix Carbon-Matrix pads. Shocks are Ohlins and the forks are CBR600F2 with Ohlins internals. Racebike Services Tony Hamilton tunes suspension.

The bodywork is stunning and also hand made by Dale Gilbert. From a distance you swear it has the original grey pillion seat on it. Amazing job…
The bodywork is stunning and also hand made by Dale Gilbert. From a distance you swear it has the original grey pillion seat on it. Amazing job…

All billet parts including the triple-clamps are made by Dale on his CNC mill. The dash is a single centrally-mounted Auto Meter Phantom tacho with an oil warning light, a tether on the left bar is also fitted and a kill switch on the right. Grips are Renthal and the throttle is from a KX250 Kawasaki, while the ‘bars themselves are chrome-moly aftermarket items.

The bodywork is stunning and also hand made by Dale Gilbert. From a distance you swear it has the original grey pillion seat on it. Amazing job…

Of course Jeff had to take the amazing machine for a spin... Phillip Island was the setting to see how the Katana could handle some serious cornering speed.
Of course Jeff had to take the amazing machine for a spin… Phillip Island was the setting to see how the Katana could handle some serious cornering speed.

On Board the #99 TBR Katana
The first thing I noticed about the #99 katana was the rolled back feel – a lower ride-height than the other bikes. The front felt taller and I felt like I was really sitting in the bike rather than on it, more like an original Katana. The ‘bars are widely spaced and under the triple-clamp but still feel tall by modern standards. Grips are ultra-thin, which I found really hard to hold and have a relaxed grip on.

“A big wide air-cooled motor protruding out either side under a narrow, long fuel tank mounted to a narrow frame really gives me the impression I’m about to ride a big motor with handlebars and wheels bolted to it!”

The footpegs are close to the seat and being an old girl there is a nice long reach to the ‘bars, which helps to duck behind the tiny fairing. Overall it’s a good fighting position. The 1980s superbike feel is something else. A big wide air-cooled motor protruding out either side under a narrow, long fuel tank mounted to a narrow frame really gives me the impression I’m about to ride a big motor with handlebars and wheels bolted to it!

The siren goes off and the guys get the remote starter out and fire the beast into life. The servo pie and large strawberry Moove I had for breakfast, well, hangover cure, is churning in my stomach. For some reason I thought a Berocca to wash it all down would help but it ain’t helping now. Damn I shouldn’t have opened that second bottle of red last night. Worse – I’ve got my brand new Ricondi custom suit on for the first time and I was a full 8kg lighter when I was measured for it! Time to lose my reputation as the fastest A Grader in Australia with a triple-chin, I reckon!

Well if anything is going to snap me into life it’s a bloody big-engined Katana so I roll out pit lane onto the track. The Pirellis are straight off the warmers and time is limited so I don’t muck around, knee is on the deck in turn one. I fire out of one to two and can’t believe the power of this thing – really, it’s amazing up top, or at least feels that way with the delivery.

"The steering is quick, ultra quick in initial turn, but a bit of muscle is required to get the bike over on its side for the run through the apex."
“The steering is quick, ultra quick in initial turn, but a bit of muscle is required to get the bike over on its side for the run through the apex.”

As soon as I change direction for turn two I feel the chassis difference on Steve’s bike. The steering is quick, ultra quick in initial turn, but a bit of muscle is required to get the bike over on its side for the run through the apex. I’m struggling and running wide. I feel like I can’t lean the bike fully over. I push on for a lap and figure it out then try and have a bit of fun. First run onto the chute I notice the Pirelli really sliding around as the bike weaves and bucks wide open in fourth gear (it also pulls fifth there no worries!).

I grab fifth 100m or so before the start line and do my best to tuck my lard in behind the screen and fairing. This bike is wickedly fast but does not feel quite as fast as the other two at the end of the straight. I still absolutely blast past a BMW S 1000 RR and two Fireblades! Hahah. Suckers!

Sitting up and peeling into T1 on the brakes I almost oversteer, then pull the bike on its side through the turn. It’s hard work and I take my hat off to Steve. He must be a fit old bastard! Opening the gas the initial drive of the big port motors is not there but once the engine is revving higher the acceleration from T1 to T2 is amazing. Hard on the brakes helps me get the bike on its side for the double-apex through Southern loop.

There is some sidewall pumping from the rear tyre out of Southern Loop and then the run to Stoner Corner and the corner itself is a blur. It is literally a blink form T2 to T3. I’m in fourth through Stoner corner, pinned to the stop on the exit and it’s superbike fast. As I approach Honda I think about the escape road then decide to give the brakes a good squeeze. I’m amazed at how good they are and the familiar feel of the Carbon-Matrix pads is there immediately. They need heat and they cool by Honda so the first bit of initial braking is not there then they get hot and bang you have brakes for the lap until they cool again on the chute…

How often do you get to see a Katana this far leant over? A far cry from its stock form...
How often do you get to see a Katana this far leant over? A far cry from its stock form…

I pull it up for Honda. Again, initial steering moment is super quick but then I find it hard to complete the turn and keep it on its side nice and tight. The power delivery off Honda causes wheelspin. I also notice I’m carrying a full 1000rpm less than on the other bikes as I can easily hold second gear for Siberia while on the others I felt I needed to grab third briefly. I’m told Gilesy just revs it to 10,500rpm in second there!

“Holy crap! Even the seagulls don’t scare me as I’ve got a massive air-cooled engine to take them out with!”

Through Siberia the #99 machine is good once in the turn and fires off the corner like a missile. This is where these bikes feel really fast, from Siberia to Lukey Heights. Holy crap! Even the seagulls don’t scare me as I’ve got a massive air-cooled engine to take them out with! Lukey Heights arrives quickly and I crack the throttle to get balance and a bit of drive, but I get wheelspin. Amazing.

Braking into MG is easy, the powerful brakes and firm front end and lower rear ride height mean Steve’s bike is stable here. The gearbox is super heavy in shift and the throttle is also heavy, so I feel a bit clumsy here, in and out of the corner where you short-shift to third. Driving through T10 takes a bit of finesse as the Pirelli wants to light up, then it’s 9500rpm in third before grabbing fifth for the ride of your life through the final corner, the big Kat wheel spinning and wheel standing onto the chute like the angry beast it is.

I did another few laps and that was enough for me. My arms usually don’t get that sore and I can ride a superbike all day long as I’m just relaxed on a bike but, my hands were cramping and every muscle in my upper body strained. It was either the Katana or the pie but I’m blaming the Katana. At the end of the test I could not get the grin off my face. Hats off to the team who have proven that drag racers can go road racing with great success.

There are three TBR Katanas. Obviously all being heavily custom, they have their own quirks to them.
There are three TBR Katanas. Obviously all being heavily custom, they have their own quirks to them.

The Three TBR Katanas
I also managed to test the #19 bike of the legendary Shawn Giles as well as the #24 steel framed bike of Brendan Roberts on the days, which will both get full features soon. All three bikes were very different and it is amazing how they achieve the same lap time in such different ways.

Shawn’s #19 bike was on rails, tall in the back, low in the front with soft forks and smooth, linear power delivery from low rpm to the peak. It was easy steering and not tiring to ride.

Brendan Robert’s #24 bike, which has the steel original heavily braced frame, was the fastest straight-line bike of the trio with monster mid range and top end power, smooth delivery but not as smooth as the Giles engine, and a nice handling set-up but pretty flexy and with plenty of headshake.

Brendan’s bike had to be manhandled a fair bit more and had a firmer suspension set-up too. Steve’s bike was a wild animal, with the shortest chrome-moly frame here and the most aggressive engine, she sure was a loose unit that could do with some sitting in a dark room calming down! YeeHaa!

#99 Steve Martin TBR Suzuki Katana Specifications 

ENGINE: Trevor Birrell Racing engine. 1982 GSX1100 Katana based engine, 79 x 66mm bore x stroke, 1296cc, 10:1 compression, GSX1100/Katana crankcases, Suzuki GSX barrels bored and resleeved to accept 79mm, Wiseco forged alloy pistons, Wiseco rings, GSX1000S polished and welded crankshaft, Suzuki main bearings, big end bearings and conrods, CNC ported cylinder-head, oversize valves (+3mm EX, +4mm IN), RD valve springs, modified valve seats, Yoshimura stage III cams, GSX-R1000K6 slipper clutch, standard plates and heavy-duty springs, modified shift drum, undercut gear dogs using standard five-speed gearbox, GS750 primary drive gears, 35mm Keihin smoothbore carburettors, titanium Yoshimura exhaust system, MSD-MC4 ignition unit, D&D Industries billet engine covers and remote starter access, Lockheed oil cooler.

CHASSIS & BODYWORK: Dale Gilbert D&D Industries chassis and bodywork, hand made chrome-moly tubing with additional bracing in steering head and swingarm pivot areas, 20mm shorter than standard Katana, standard Katana steering head size and rake angle. Frame is measured on a Scheibner measuring system and straightened on a Globaljig frame aligner at Motorcycle Crash Repairs. Light Alloy Engineering swingarm, Ohlins shocks, CBR600F2 forks with Ohlins internals, GSX-R1000 3.5 x 17in front wheel, GSF650 5.0 x 17 rear wheel, Pirelli slicks, Manta rotors (f), AP Lockheed dual-piston calipers, stainless rotor, Suzuki caliper (r), GPX-Pro GPS lap timer and data loggers (testing only), D&D Industries fibreglass bodywork, D&D Industries CNC billet triple-clamps, billet rearsets, all CNC billet parts made by D&D Industries, aftermarket chrome-moly handlebars.

PERFORMANCE:185-horsepower, 140ft-lbs torque, top speed Phillip Island 260km/h, best lap 2014 Phillip Island Classic 1:38.373.

#99 Steve Martin TBR Suzuki Katana Gallery

WorldSBK Reports: All The Action From Rd3 At Estoril

By
PB
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0
All three races at Estoril decided on the final lap as an epic weekend of action concludes with a second Rea victory.

It was an epic battle at the Circuito Estoril as Alvaro Bautista claimed his fourth win of the 2022 season in Race one. The Tissot Superpole Race and Race two on Sunday saw Jonathan Rea win by under 0.2s. Race Two saw Rea make his 350th start and take his 117th career win. Press Release: WorldSBK.

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship descended on the Circuito Estoril and it was a thriller in Portugal as Alvaro Bautista claimed a stunning victory...
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship descended on the Circuito Estoril and it was a thriller in Portugal as Alvaro Bautista claimed a stunning victory…

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship descended on the Circuito Estoril and it was a thriller in Portugal as Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed a stunning victory after an epic scrap between him, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) throughout the race. Bautista secured his first victory at Estoril during the Estoril Round as he extended his Championship lead.

Razgatlioglu got a good start from second on the grid to lead into Turn 1 with Rea in second and it was a precursor of what was to come during the 21-lap race. The pair consistently switched positions throughout the race with Turn 1 the overtaking hotspot between the two with eight overtakes at Turn 1 just between Rea and Razgatlioglu between Lap 6 and Lap 16. There was contact between the two on Lap 3 at Turn 6 with both able to continue, and from there the battle raged on. There were differing tyre strategies on the grid with Rea on Pirelli’s SC0 standard rear tyre and the SC1 development front while Razgatlioglu and Bautista both used the SCX standard rear tyre and SC1 standard front tyre.

Razgatlioglu got a good start from second on the grid to lead into Turn 1 with Rea in second and it was a precursor of what was to come during the 21-lap race.
Razgatlioglu got a good start from second on the grid to lead into Turn 1 with Rea in second and it was a precursor of what was to come during the 21-lap race.

With the duo running line astern, the rider in second often used the slipstream to get the run into Turn 1 to move into the lead with the pair swapping positions on multiple laps as they searched for victory in order to close the gap in the Championship standings to Bautista. The pair switched position, at Turn 1, eight times but it was an error on in the closing stages from Rea that allowed Bautista through.

On Lap 16, Bautista was able to take advantage of Rea running wide as he looked to move around the outside of Razgatlioglu, with Bautista moving up to second place and Rea dropping to third place. Rea lost time to the pair leaving Bautista and Razgatlioglu to fight it out. This battle went down to the final run to the line with Bautista just pipping Razgatlioglu by 0.126s after getting a better run off the final Turn 13 corner.

Bautista was able to take advantage of Rea running wide as he looked to move around the outside of Razgatlioglu.
Bautista was able to take advantage of Rea running wide as he looked to move around the outside of Razgatlioglu.

Victory for Bautista puts him on 20 wins for in his WorldSBK career and his fourth win of the 2022 season, extending his Championship lead to 27 points over Rea and 50 to Razgatlioglu. It was also Ducati’s 380th victory in WorldSBK. Razgatlioglu’s second place gave him his 59th podium in WorldSBK and keeps up his 100% podium record at Estoril; the only rider to have this stat. Rea’s third place gave him his 221st podium in WorldSBK and his 179th with Kawasaki.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) claimed fourth place after benefitting from Bautista running wide at Turn 1 on the opening lap, before battling with Bautista for third place. While Bautista was able to pass Locatelli on Lap 5 before Turn 1, using the power of the Ducati, the Italian rider was able to finish in fourth place ahead of Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and teammate Iker Lecuona.

Vierge overtook Lecuona in the closing stages of the 21-lap race to claim his first top five result in WorldSBK, finishing just a tenth ahead of his teammate.
Vierge overtook Lecuona in the closing stages of the 21-lap race to claim his first top five result in WorldSBK, finishing just a tenth ahead of his teammate.

Vierge overtook Lecuona in the closing stages of the 21-lap race to claim his first top five result in WorldSBK, finishing just a tenth ahead of his teammate. The duo battled with Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), running a special yellow livery to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW’s M brand, in the early stages of the race before Redding dropped back behind both Honda riders and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK); Lowes finishing seventh and Redding in eighth.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) finished ninth after making late-race progress to move inside the top ten, finishing around one second behind his former teammate. He was also a second ahead of Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW), who rounded out the top ten and finished as the Best Independent Rider in Race 1.

The 2022 championship is heating up as Razgatlioglu is frantically trying to defend his title.
The 2022 championship is heating up as Razgatlioglu is frantically trying to defend his title.

After being called up at the last minute to replace the injured Philipp Oettl, Xavi Fores (Team Goeleven) finished in 11th place with a big gap both ahead and behind him, battling his way up from 15th place on the grid. Hr was around three seconds clear of Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) in 12th place, while Luca Bernardi (BARNI Spark Racing Team) battled up to 13th place, fending off Kohta Nozane (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) by just half-a-tenth at the line. Eugene Laverty (Bonovo Action BMW) made it two Independent BMW riders inside the points with 15th place; just a tenth ahead of Marvin Fritz (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) as he substituted for Roberto Tamburini and just missed out on a point.

Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) finished in 17th place ahead of Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) in 18th. Hafizh Syahrin (MIE Racing Honda Team) was in 19th place ahead of Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) in 20th and Isaac Vinales (TPR Team Pedercini Racing). Vinales brought his Kawasaki ZX-10RR into the pits, and lost two laps, before re-joining the race and being classified in 21st place.

Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) retired from the race on the opening lap of the race after a Turn 7 crash. Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) did not race after being declared unfit following their crashes throughout the weekend.

WorldSBK Race One Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +0.126s
3 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +4.835s

Tissot Superpole
The Tissot Superpole Race at the Circuito Estoril for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship was once again decided on the last lap as Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) claimed victory, meaning he now has the longest winning career in WorldSBK, after an error from Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) on the final lap.

Another record for Rea after claiming an incredible 10-lap Superpole Race after taking advantage of a last-lap mistake from his rival.
Another record for Rea after claiming an incredible 10-lap Superpole Race after taking advantage of a last-lap mistake from his rival.

Rea had made a move on Razgatlioglu on Lap 2 on the exit of Turn 13 before Razgatlioglu responded on Lap 7 of 10 and opening a gap of around eight tenths. However, a last-lap error at Turn 9 where Razgatlioglu lost the front of his bike, but saved it, allowing Rea through. Despite fighting back, Rea was able to hold on to victory ahead of Razgatlioglu to ensure he now has the longest winning WorldSBK career, lasting 12 years, 11 months and one day and exceeding Noriyuki Haga, as well as his 180th podium with Kawasaki. Razgatlioglu’s wait for a win goes on in 2022 but he claimed his 60th WorldSBK podium and Yamaha’s 360th podium placement.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was able to continue his streak of podium finishes in 2022, making it eight out of eight so far this season, with third place as he withstood an early challenge from Iker Lecuona (Team HRC). Lecuona took an alternative tyre strategy, using an intermediate front and slick rear, came home in fourth to start Race 2 from the second row.

Alvaro Bautista was able to continue his streak of podium finishes in 2022, making it eight out of eight so far this season.
Alvaro Bautista was able to continue his streak of podium finishes in 2022, making it eight out of eight so far this season.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK), on slick tyres, was able to close in on Lecuona during the closing stages of the race but was unable to make the pass, finishing in fifth place. He will be joined on the second row by Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) after the British rider battled his way to sixth place during the 10-lap race.

The battle for the third row was a dramatic affair, with Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claiming seventh spot after battling but dropping back in the Superpole Race. He will be joined by his former teammate, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) on row three with Rinaldi also opting to use an intermediate front and rear slick. Last-minute stand-in Xavi Fores (Team Goeleven) claimed ninth spot as he battled his way up the order.

At Turn 1 on the opening lap, Lucas Mahias’ (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) crashed out of the race, which forced Luca Bernardi (BARNI Spark Racing Time) to run wide and lose time and positions. Marvin Fritz (Motoxracing Yamaha WorldSBK Team) crashed out at Turn 6 while Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) crashed out at Turn 7; all on the opening lap. Both Bonovo Action BMW riders crashed out on subsequent laps, with Baz crashing out at Turn 13 on Lap 4 and Laverty at Turn 6 on Lap 5, both when running inside the top nine. Laverty was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the crash.

Tissot Superpole Race (Full Results Here)

1 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
2 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +0.174s
3 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +4.925s

Race Two
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s visit to the Circuito Estoril concluded in sensational fashion as Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) claimed a stunning last-lap victory during the Estoril Round. Rea’s move for the lead came on the last of 21 laps as he ensured all three races were decided on the final lap as he denied Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati).

All three races at Estoril decided on the final lap as an epic weekend of action concludes with a second Rea victory.
All three races at Estoril decided on the final lap as an epic weekend of action concludes with a second Rea victory.

The pair continued the theme of the Estoril Round by battling each other throughout the race but, as in Race 1 and the Tissot Superpole Race, the winner was only decided on the final lap. Bautista initially moved into the lead on Lap 11 as he went from third to first with one move into Turn 1, with Rea responding into Turn 6 a lap later. Rea’s lead did not last long as Bautista responded and held the lead until the final lap of the race.

Rea put in the fastest lap of the race in the closing stages of the race to close the gap to Bautista before he made his move into Turn 7. Both were sliding out of the corner with Bautista just ahead, before Rea went up the inside of the Spaniard into Turn 9 to make the race-winning overtake. Rea had to push hard through the final corner and he almost lost the bike but was able to get it back under control, with Bautista not close enough to overtake. Despite leading the race at points, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx) dropped back from the lead duo to settle for third place.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx) dropped back from the lead duo to settle for third place.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx) dropped back from the lead duo to settle for third place.

Victory for Rea means he now has 117 WorldSBK victories to his name and 223 podiums, while Kawasaki are now edging closer to the 500-podium milestone; currently sat on 497 after three more podiums this weekend. Second for Bautista means he now has 36 podiums in his WorldSBK career and nine consecutively, while Razgatlioglu has 61 podiums which puts him level with Frankie Chili and James Toseland in WorldSBK.

After a difficult Friday and Saturday, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was able to haul himself into the podium fight during most of the race, running in third at points, before dropping back to fourth place after running wide at Turn 1 on Lap 14; his joint-best result of the 2022 season so fair. He was ahead of the charging Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx) in fifth, with the Italian having to defend from Spanish rookie Iker Lecuona (Team HRC). Lecuona, who lost his front mudguard on the Warm Up lap, was just 0.077s behind Locatelli as Lecuona made it a hat-trick of top six finishes at Estoril.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) finished in fifth, with the Italian having to defend from Spanish rookie Iker Lecuona (Team HRC).
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) finished in fifth, with the Italian having to defend from Spanish rookie Iker Lecuona (Team HRC).

Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) had an eventful race as he moved up the order to claim a top seven finish, finishing around five seconds clear of Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in eighth place. Spanish rookie Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) claimed ninth place ahead of Xavi Fores (Team Goeleven); Fores securing three points finishes on his return to WorldSBK after receiving a late call-up to replace the injured Philipp Oettl.

Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK – Ducati) had been inside the top ten during the race but dropped back behind Fores in the closing stages of the race but finished as the lead BMW rider in 11th place. He was five seconds ahead of fellow BMW rider Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) while Kohta Nozane (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) claimed his best result of 2022, finishing ahead of Eugene Laverty (Bonovo Action BMW) and Luca Bernardi (BARNI Spark Racing Team) in 15th; the Sammarinese rider once again putting in a late charge to secure points finish.

A decent weekend for both the Ducati riders at Estoril, showing consistency...
A decent weekend for both the Ducati riders at Estoril, showing consistency…

Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) missed out on points by around three seconds as he finished in 16th place, finishing just over a second clear of Marvin Fritz (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) after the German rider stood in for the injured Roberto Tamburini. MIE Racing Honda Team duo Leandro Mercado and Hafizh Syahrin were 18th and 19th respectively, ahead of Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) who rounded out the classified runners.

Isaac Vinales (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) ended his Estoril Round with a crash on Lap 6 ay Turn 2 after getting caught out by a wet patch on the kerb on the exit of Turn 1. After a crash in the Tissot Superpole Race, Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was declared unfit for Race 2 as he joined Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team), Tamburini and Oettl on the sidelines.

WorldSBK Race Two Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
2 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.194s
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +4.350s

Championship Standings (Full Standings Here) 

1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) – 161 points
2 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) – 144
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) – 109

Max Biaggi Becomes A MotoGP Legend

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Max Biaggi is now officially a MotoGP Legend! The four-time 250cc World Champion was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, with the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello proving the perfect backdrop, joining the greats such as Rossi and Agostini…

Four-time World Champion, Max Biaggi, is inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mugello. Officially becoming a MotoGP Legend, joining the greats such as Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini...
Four-time World Champion, Max Biaggi, is inducted into the Hall of Fame at Mugello. Officially becoming a MotoGP Legend, joining the greats such as Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini…

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta presented Biaggi with his MotoGP Legend Medal at the ceremony on Friday, with plenty of famous faces from the paddock in attendance – and a very special video message sent in from HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, too.

Incredibly – given the career he would go on to build – Biaggi started racing late, first competing at the age of 18. From there, his rise was stratospheric as 1991 saw his first Grand Prix races and points in the 250cc class, 1992 heralded his first win and by 1994, the “Roman Emperor” was a World Champion for the first time – also taking Aprilia’s first title in the 250cc class. The glory didn’t stop there, as Biaggi took the 250cc crown an incredible four times in a row and with two different factories, reigning the category from 1994 until 1997 inclusive and reserving his place in history as one of the best to race in the class.

In 1998 Biaggi moved up to the premier class and, incredibly, he won on his 500cc debut – something not repeated since. He came runner up that year and began another run of impressive performances, never finishing outside the top five in the Championship in any premier class season between 1998 and 2005, his final hurrah in MotoGP™.

By the time Biaggi departed the Grand Prix paddock he had accrued 42 victories, of which 13 were in the premier class, and 111 podiums and 56 pole positions overall. But his motorcycle racing career was far from over, as he moved to WorldSBK and took 21 wins and 71 podiums, crowning himself Champion in 2010 and 2012 – therefore the first MotoGP Legend to also be a WorldSBK Champion.

Max Biaggi: “First of all, thanks everybody for coming. This is a very special day for me and, first of all, I need to thank Carmelo and Dorna, who make this happen, because without them, nothing was possible, so thank you very much, Carmelo. Secondly, I want to say thanks simply to everyone who makes this happen; all the manufacturers’ work in the past, starting from Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha, and all the people that are here are basically the ones that supported me all the time, in different teams and different situations, in the good days and the bad days. So, I’m proud that everybody came; for me, this means a lot, because life still goes on after racing.”

“I’m proud also that my family really encouraged me in the bad days to still do it and never give up, and they supported me all the time. Today, they’re here, my son and my daughter are here, so this is a very emotional moment because they can say now, ‘Hey, my dad is a Legend,’ so this is something cool! Twenty years ago, I didn’t even think about that, so as a man, this is important too.”

“Lastly, now I’m going in the third phase of my life, and of course I’m team owner. I want to thank Husqvarna and Sterilgarda, who make this dream come true, so now I use my experience to hopefully create the new riders for the future, hopefully the champions; who knows? I want to thank again Dorna, Carlos as well, because they have done an impeccable job over the years and MotoGP now is just fantastic, so thanks a lot.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “It was two years ago when we decided to nominate Max as a MotoGP Legend, but unfortunately the pandemic and the rest of the things didn’t allow us to do it in a proper manner. This is a ceremony we do without restrictions masks, with everybody happy, and I think the time we waited to do it has been reasonable. Max has clearly been a big legend of MotoGP. I was telling him, I have a fairing of this bike in my office in Madrid, which was given by Carlo Pernat to me with the number 4. I always remember the start of MotoGP.”

Jack Miller, MotoGP Legend Loris Capirossi, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Biaggi, MotoGP Legend Jorge Lorenzo, Aleix Espargaro, Maverick Viñales and MotoGP Legend Randy Mamola…
Jack Miller, MotoGP Legend Loris Capirossi, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Biaggi, MotoGP Legend Jorge Lorenzo, Aleix Espargaro, Maverick Viñales and MotoGP Legend Randy Mamola…

“When we started, really the situation was different, we have been lucky to improve all together these possibilities, and now MotoGP is something very, very important. For us to nominate Max as a MotoGP Legend, is something not just important for him but also important for us. He has been a true legend, he has been racing very hard, he has a team today and is successful and is teaching the people to do that. For all of these reasons, I think it’s very important today to nominate Max as a MotoGP Legend, and I’m very proud about that. Thank you.”

Max Biaggi Career Stats

  • 42 Grand Prix wins: 29 wins x 250cc, 13 wins x 500cc/MotoGP (5 x MotoGP™, 8 x 500cc)
  • 111 GP podiums: Biaggi is one of 10 riders who reached the milestone of 100 podiums in GP racing, of which 53 are in the 250cc class and 58 in 500cc/MotoGP. He is the Italian rider with the third most GP podiums, behind only Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini
  • 56 pole positions: one of only five riders with more than 50 poles in GP racing: 33 x 250cc, 23 x 500cc/MotoGP
  • Biaggi won at least once across seven successive premier class seasons from 1998 to 2004. He also took at least one pole position per premier class season from 1998 to 2004
  • Biaggi is one of only two riders who have clinched a title in both GP racing and World Superbike along with John Kocinski (250cc/1990 and WorldSBK/1997)

MotoGP Gallery: All The Best Shots From Rd8 At Mugello

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PB
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Ducati take back their turf as another 63 vs 20 chess match lights up Mugello, with Aleix Espargaro making another little piece of history in third. Pecco was stoked to take home the win after some unfamiliar names made their way to the front row of the grid on Saturday…

Read the full race reports from the weekend here…

MotoGP Reports: Pecco Paints A Ducati Masterpiece To Defeat Quartararo At Mugello

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PB
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Ducati take back their turf as another 63 vs 20 chess match lights up Mugello, with Aleix Espargaro making another little piece of history in third. Pecco was stoked to take home the win after some unfamiliar names made their way to the front row of the grid on Saturday…

FP1
LCR Honda Idemitsu’s Takaaki Nakagami dominated the final FP1 timesheets, four tenths clear, but it had been much closer than that. The Japanese rider was already fastest in a top four covered by just 0.031 seconds when he bolted on new medium compound Michelin slick tyres, front and rear, and put in a 1:46.662.

Before Nakagami’s rise, Bagnaia had been quickest on home soil for both rider and factory. He had clocked a 1:47.070 which Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) came so very close to matching when the Spaniard set a 1:47.071. Then, just before the half-hour mark, Aleix Espargaro did match it – a 1:47.070 exactly – before Nakagami moved the goal posts.

FP2
It wasn’t long until Nakagami’s 1:46.662 from FP1 was bettered by Zarco, who set a 1:46.381 on his Ducati, and Bagnaia would move into second spot at the halfway mark with a 1:46.604 and 1:46.538 on consecutive laps.

When the time attacks came in the final minutes, Bagnaia punched out a 1:45.940 to go to the very top, with Miller following him across the line to set a 1:46.313 and Zarco also in tow as he rolled out a 1:46.349. They were first, second, and third, with more Ducati riders also in fourth, fifth and sixth, but Aleix Espargaro had other ideas – he moved the marker to a 1:45.891 in the final three minutes, thanks in part to a slipstream from team-mate Viñales.

Friday Top Three (Full Results Here) 

1 Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) – Aprilia – 1’45.891
2 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati- +0.049
3 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.422

Saturday
Gresini Racing MotoGP™ rider Fabio Di Giannantonio has the first premier class pole position of his career after a dream Q2 session for the rookie home heroes in the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley. Di Giannantonio set a 1:46.156 with the chequered flag out to head up a front row comprised of three Italians from two Italian teams, riding Ducati’s Bologna bullets. Fellow rookie Marco Bezzecchi was second-fastest and his fellow Mooney VR46 Racing Team rider, Luca Marini, took third after rain came, faded and then left plenty up for grabs on full slicks in Q2.

Q2
Di Giannantonio came through Q1, when the arrival of light rain spiced up proceedings, but it was clear by the end of that session that slick Michelin tyres had to be the choice for Q2 despite the persistent threat of rain. That meant the battle for pole would be less about strategy and more about a straight fight to set the quickest pace in the hills of Tuscany…

After a red flag interruption for a Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) crash, rider ok, Di Giannantonio then kicked things off with a 1:49.124 before moving the marker to a 1:47.163 and then a 1:46.607 on his following laps. The Gresini rider continued to prove the pacesetter until Prima Pramac’s Johann Zarco put in a 1:46.875, but that time would not stack up as the pace continued to hot up.

Bezzecchi got in a 1:46.616, then Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) a 1:46.471 and Di Giannantonio a 1:46.410 just before the chequered flag, but Zarco wasn’t done yet. The Frenchman clocked a 1:46.383 to go to provisional pole, before it looked like being a VR46 one-two when Bezzecchi set a 1:46.244 and team-mate Luca Marini moved his time to a 1:46.327. The dream scenario did not quite come to pass for the VR46 squad though as Di Giannantonio subsequently found even more time to take it back.

MotoGP Front Row (Full Results Here)

1 Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 1’46.156
2 Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Ducati – +0.088
3 Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Ducati – +0.171

Sunday
Pecco is back on top! In another classic 63 vs 20, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was back to his flawless winning ways at the front of the field in the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, bouncing back in style from a crash out in France. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) nevertheless gave it everything he had, stalking the Ducati rider for the majority of the race after the two picked their way to the front. In taking second, ‘El Diablo’ also extends his lead in the Championship. 

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) came through into third for his fourth podium in a row, giving Aprilia some home turf glory and becoming only the third rider on the grid, along with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™), to have taken four or more premier class podiums in a row.

Ducati had swept the top five in qualifying but, rather than the slightly more accustomed Bagnaia being on the front row, it was rookie Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) starting from pole, fellow rookie Marco Bezzecchi sitting second and Mooney VR46 Racing teammate Luca Marini alongside. Di Giannantonio made a good launch and emerged with the lead from San Donato despite an attack from the VR46 duo, but Marini got past as they turned into Materassi as Bezzecchi slotted into third at the start of the 23 laps that lay ahead.

Bezzecchi overtook Di Giannantonio through Scarperia/Palagio, before Quartararo snatched fourth spot back from Aleix Espargaro on Lap 2 after the Aprilia rider had made a bold move down the hill on the opening lap. Quartararo was third when he slipped by Di Giannantonio at Scarperia/Palagio on Lap 2, but he had a serious challenge on his hands to try and keep the Ducatis at bay given the power they had on tap up the main straight.

A new Ducati threat then emerged when Bagnaia, who had been shuffled back to ninth on the opening lap, got through on Aleix Espargaro for fifth on Lap 4. However, Quartararo was also on the march as he slipped past Marini later on that same lap, promoting ‘El Diablo’ to second.

Bagnaia slipstreamed past Di Giannantonio as Lap 4 became Lap 5, and then pulled off a big move the next time he charged up the hill towards San Donato, passing both Quartararo and Marini to move into second. ‘Pecco’ was in the lead after he overtook Bezzecchi at the start of Lap 9, while Quartararo relied on superior turning to pass the VR46 Ducati rider at Scarperia, on Lap 11. The stage was set and so began the see saw at the front. 1.2, 1 second, 1.1, 0.9… the two pounded on at the front.

Meanwhile, Di Giannantonio’s charge began to fade and Aleix Espargaro again found himself in the top five, just behind a battle between VR46 teammates Bezzecchi and Marini. Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) caught that bunch around 13 laps in, but the former was then out of the race when he tucked the front through Materassi, on Lap 14. Rider ok, standings taking a dent.

Aleix Espargaro finally got back through to fourth as he went down the inside of Marini on Lap 14 at Correntaio, and Zarco relegated #10 to sixth position at the start of Lap 17. Then, Aprilia’s ‘Captain’ got ahead of the next impressive VR46 hurdle with a pass of Bezzecchi at Scarperia on lap 17.

While that was elbows out, Quartararo was starting to make inroads on Bagnaia’s margin. ‘El Diablo’ brought the gap back under a second with around half a dozen laps to go and was able to keep it there, but then the Ducati rider was able to respond. It was back out to 1.1 with a lap to go, and by the time he crossed the line for an emotional win, it was just over half a second. And those 25 points put Pecco fourth, 41 points off Quartararo.

Aleix Espargaro, meanwhile, finished just under two seconds further back, while Zarco passed Bezzechi on the final lap to claim fourth. Marini made it VR46 bikes fifth and sixth, while Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) proved once again that he is the ‘Sunday man’ by climbing from 16th on the grid to seventh all-told, and only a couple of tenths off the VR46 battle. Rounding out the top 10 were Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), and – in his last race before surgery on his right arm – Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).

It took a video review to decide 11th position, in favour of Di Giannantonio, after he and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) has initially posted identical race times. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) finished 13th, Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) took 14th, and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) scored the last World Championship point in 15th. The non-finishers in addition to Bastianini were Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), who crashed out on Lap 5, and Team Suzuki Ecstar duo Joan Mir and Alex Rins, who both went down in separate incidents on Lap 8. Rins’ crash was after contact with Nakagami, but the incident was reviewed and no action taken.

In the World Championship, Quartararo’s lead over Aleix Espargaro has crept up to eight points, while Bastianini is now 28 points off the pace in third spot. And Pecco is on the march… Can he make up more ground when MotoGP™ heads to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya? Find out next weekend!

Francesco Bagnaia: “Incredible. I’m already without my voice; I screamed loud and too much. it’s incredible. I think all of the team and me have really deserved this victory because we have worked a lot. Last week, we were as strong, but we were more unlucky. In any case, we worked so well during this weekend. The start was not my best start ever and in the first braking zone I was a bit late, but in any case, I’m very happy to have won this race at home, in front of our fans. It’s really great.”

MotoGP Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 41:18.923
2 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Ducati – +0.635
3 Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) – Aprilia – +1.983

Moto2
There’s a new history maker in town, or more accurately, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has done it again. After crashing out the lead at Le Mans, the rookie sensation reclaimed that moniker in some style as he became the youngest intermediate class winner, pulling clear in the latter stages at Mugello to take back to the top step. The previous record holder? Marc Marquez. A group fight just behind saw Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) come home second and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) complete the podium.

In doing so the Japanese rider moves up to second overall but equal on points with Championship leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) after heartbreak at home for the Italian, with a technical problem taking him out the fight when sat behind Roberts. There was more drama too, with Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) sliding out of second earlier in the race, rider ok.

Canet had got the holeshot from pole position but Acosta outbraked him when they arrived at San Donato and he led the field down the hill for the first time. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) went past Canet through the Casanova/Savelli complex on Lap 1 but the Spaniard returned the favour on Lap 2, and Lowes instead found himself in a battle with teammate Tony Arbolino over third spot for several laps.

Acosta rode a composed race, his only real blemish being when he ran wide exiting Arrabbiata 2 on Lap 3 and got loose on the kerb. That moment allowed Canet back past, but he held the lead only until #51 slipstreamed back in front at the start of Lap 4. They were still first and second, having pulled around a second clear of the chasing pack, when disaster struck for Canet on Lap 13. He tucked the front going through Bucine and went sliding into the gravel trap, marking the end of his afternoon but rider ok.

That incident left Acosta on his own at the head of the field, but there were battles aplenty going on not too far behind. In addition to the intra-team battle between Lowes and Arbolino, Roberts and Ogura were going hard it for fifth position initially, while Vietti was on the comeback trail after he was swamped at the first corner of the race and had dropped dwon to 10th.

The pre-race World Championship leader was back up to seventh, albeit one second from the group ahead of him, when he passed wildcard Mattia Pasini (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) on Lap 6, before Ogura got himself into fourth position when he got by Lowes on Lap 9 at San Donato. The Japanese rider was third when he did likewise to Arbolino on Lap 10, but the Italian got back ahead a lap later.

Ogura overtook Arbolino once more into San Donato on Lap 13, just before Vietti picked off Lowes for sixth through Casanova/Savelli. With Canet out of the picture, Roberts and Vietti were third and fourth once they also got ahead of Arbolino, and then they went after Ogura. The American made a bold move at Palagio on Lap 14 which held up Ogura on exit and Vietti rode through the gap too, relegating the Honda Team Asia rider to fourth.

Meanwhile, the Marc VDS duo continued to lose touch with the four ahead as they sliced and diced with each other. Matters came to a head on Lap 19 when Arbolino had a dive at Turn 2, making contact with Lowes which caused his team-mate to crash. The Briton vented his fury from the gravel trap while Arbolino would soon be issued a long lap penalty.

It was looking like a solid recovery for Vietti, who would have extended his World Championship lead if he stayed ahead of Ogura, but then his bike suffered a problem less than three laps from home. Not only did he miss out on 16 points, the extra three which Ogura would collect by inheriting third position draws them level on points at the top.

There were no such dramas for Acosta. He continued to pull away and ultimately took the chequered flag 4.051 seconds up on Roberts. Ogura finished third, and Arbolino still grabbed fourth, though just 0.015 seconds ahead of Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) after a long comeback from outside the points after a tougher qualifying and then start for the Le Mans winner.

The rest of the top 10 was Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) in sixth, from Cameron Beaubier (American Racing), impressive rookie and new full-time rider Alonso Lopez (MB Conveyors Speed Up), Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP), and Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team). Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) was a notable DNF after his spill at Scarperia on Lap 5.

Moto2 Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – 39’35.930
2 Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) – Kalex – +4.051
3 Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – +6.749

Moto3
Sergio Garcia (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) came out on top in a last lap classic at Mugello, with plenty of drama as two title rivals failed to score and teammate Izan Guevara crossed the finish line first. The number 28 had exceeded track limits on the last lap, however, and forfeits the win to Garcia. Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) completed the podium as his step back into frontrunning speed continued, the number 24 overcoming a Long Lap and still crossing the line almost in unison with the GASGAS duo.

Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) got the holeshot and after only a lap, there was a trio at the front: the Turk leading Guevara and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), with Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) on the chase at the front of a freight train. It didn’t stay that way for long though, with a long snake of Moto3™ machines soon making their way round Mugello.

Drama then hit for Öncü as the fight lit up though, with contact from Suzuki seeing the Turk slide out. The Japanese rider was given a Long Lap to take, and Öncü was able to rejoin, facing a fight back from well outside the points.

Meawhile, Jamue Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had a moment that dropped him down the order too, just as Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) had taken up the mantle at the front, the Italian starting to build a gap. It wasn’t to be this time round though, with the number 7 crashing from the lead and Carlos Tatay (CFMoto PrüstelGP) avoiding that, just before some more drama as John McPhee (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) crashed and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went down in the incident too.

The shuffle left a gap behind the leading six of Moreira, Garcia, Guevara, Ryusei Yamanaka (CFMoto PrüstelGP), Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Migno, with Suzuki then tucked in on a mission to tag back on after completing the Long Lap. And he did it, creating a seven-rider fight for the win by five to go and then taking the lead with four to go.

On the last lap, Guevara was leading Garcia leading Suzuki, with Migno looking to attack the Japanese rider. And in classic Moto3™ style it all went down to the final corner as Garcia headed up the inside and Guevara tucked into the slipstream, with Suzuki doing the same and getting some great drive to add to the grunt of his Leopard Honda.

It was neck and neck all the way to the line, but Guevara got there first… just. And then news came through the number 28 had exceeded track limits on the final lap and the victory slipped through his fingers, promoting Garcia to the win and the 25 points. Guevara is classified second, with Suzuki completing the incredibly tight podium.

Migno just lost out on home glory in fourth, with Yamanaka completing the top five and taking his best race result yet. Rossi was the last of the front group in P6 after a tangle with Moreira at the final corner. The two suffered some light contact and then, trying to recover, the Brazilian overgassed it and highsided out.

Five seconds back there was another incredibly close trio, with Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) beating Elia Bartolini (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) and Matteo Bertelle (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) to seventh. Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) just pipped debutant David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) to the top ten, with Joel Kelso (CIP Green Power) a couple of tenths back. Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia) takes P13, with Lorenzo Fellon (SIC58 Squadra Corse) dropping to 14th after a Long Lap.

The points were completed by Öncü as the Turk put the pedal to the metal on his comeback, with Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) and Masia joining him in a three-way battle to the line. But Öncü took it, making Sunday at Mugello a 0 for both Foggia and Masia, and a day of big gains in the standings for GASGAS.

 

Moto3 Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Sergio Garcia (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 39’43.214
2 Izan Guevara (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – -0.000
3 Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) – Honda – +0.012

Between The Hedges Pt2: Alex Pickett’s Unlucky Years At The Isle Of Man

By
PB
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In volume one, Stuart interviewed his friends, Chris and Alex Pickett, about their first foray into racing on the roads at the Isle of Man. From there Alex went on to ride for a couple of well-known teams at the TT. Here’s how it went down.

Alex went on to ride for a couple of well-known teams at the TT. Here’s how it went down.
Alex went on to ride for a couple of well-known teams at the TT. Here’s how it went down.

Alex: “I had become friendly with a local Isle of Man based team when I was at the Manx GP in 2013. TC Racing is a family-based team that specialises in up and coming racers, especially ones from overseas. Cam Donald and Dave Johnson both had their first TT starts with TC Racing. Often, over the years, you’d find the three of us Aussie riders chilling out in the TC tent. It’s a real family atmosphere and they are in fact still like family to me. All decisions within the team are made as a team and they approached me to ride for them in the 2014 TT, getting sponsorship from the IOM government. I had to get myself there and pay for tyres. Everything else was covered.”

Read volume one of Between The Hedges here…

Chris: “TC Racing is not only a great team but a great bunch of people. John and Liz Taubman, their daughters Alana and Sam Taubman and their partners Gas Knight and Mick Charnock. Mick himself was a very experienced roads racer but a couple of big crashes at the the TT stopped Mick’s career. They looked after us like family, even after my mate Dave dropped a brand new Magnesium Dymag rim on the ground. Dave is no longer with us, but gave us some great laughs at the TT in 2014. Little did we know he had a brain tumour at the time and was losing the plot a little.”

“I was entered in all five races in 2014. I had a Honda CBR600RR for the Supersport class, a CBR1000RR superstocker and a full house CBR1000RR for the Superbike and Senior TTs."
“I was entered in all five races in 2014. I had a Honda CBR600RR for the Supersport class, a CBR1000RR superstocker and a full house CBR1000RR for the Superbike and Senior TTs.”

Alex had a full schedule at the 2014 TT.
Alex: “I was entered in all five races in 2014. I had a Honda CBR600RR for the Supersport class, a CBR1000RR superstocker and a full house CBR1000RR for the Superbike and Senior TTs. Practice week went ok, but not without a few dramas. The super stocker fried a fuel pump fuse and left me stranded near Sulby Bridge, and I crashed the same bike at Creg Ny Baa on another lap during practice week. I say crashed but it wasn’t as bad as that really. I had been on a flyer of a lap. I couldn’t understand why I was passing bikes so easily, thinking they were going slow. Turns out I was going fast, wheel standing everywhere and having a blast.”

Alex might've seemed like he was getting away unscathed during the TT, but he had a few offs in his career...
Alex might’ve seemed like he was getting away unscathed during the TT, but he had a few offs in his career…

“That bike was so easy to ride but as I hit the brakes for Creg Ny Baa I found I didn’t have any. All the wheel standing and head shaking had forced the front pads back in the calipers and by the time I realised what was happening I ran out of road, nose diving into the air fence at the pub on the corner. The bike plopped back down and fell over, breaking a brake lever. When I got back to the pits the team was jumping up and down, saying I was on for a 125mp/h lap until my little ‘incident’.

Chris: “Alex was going well in practice and qualifying but was struggling with the Superbike. It was a beast of a thing, with a 24-litre tank, lots of horsepower and a front end off Carlos Checa’s world superbike CBR. I think he was actually faster on the super stock 1000. A couple of times he came in with grass on the fairing where he’d nearly ran out of road, so that was a bit scary for me at least. Overall though, especially in the Supersport class, he qualified much higher than the start number the TT organisers had given him.”

Race week dawned and the Superbike TT was the first race. Alex was on the hard to ride CBR Superbike but was keen to show what he was capable of.
Race week dawned and the Superbike TT was the first race. Alex was on the hard to ride CBR Superbike but was keen to show what he was capable of.

Alex: “We were running hard compound Dunlops that year, they could do six laps. The top blokes had quick change rear axles so would change two rear tyres during the race. I had to manage my tyre wear. Turned out it didn’t matter in this race anyway. The six lap race started well but on the second lap I lost the front on a left hander just up from the Gooseneck. I was doing at least 160km/h at the time. I lost the front but managed to keep it upright, but then of course I ran out of road. I ran up the embankment and somehow managed to jump across a two car wide gap in the embankment where there was a gate for the paddock. Somehow, I managed to stay on and rode back to the pits. I was pretty shaken up but still managed a well over 120mp/h lap. There was grass and dirt everywhere on the bike, even between the tyres and the rim. How I didn’t crash I don’t know.”

Chris: “I was watching the pit crew getting ready for Alex’s first stop. Gaz Knight from TC Racing was next to me and said, “There’s something wrong”, as soon as Alex pulled up. You could see from his body language that his race was over then and there. To this day he doesn’t know if he hit something slippery on the road or just made a mistake. Luckily, he stayed upright. It was pretty scary for all of us.”

"We put a used stock engine from the wreckers in the CBR600RR for the second Supersport race and it held together." said Alex
“We put a used stock engine from the wreckers in the CBR600RR for the second Supersport race and it held together.”

Alex: “The rest of race week was a shit-fight really. The team bent over backwards for me but we just had issue after issue. I was going great in the first Supersport race until the engine blew. In the Superstock race I was pumped up more than ever before. I was flying on the first lap but the fuel pump fuse blew again. We put a used stock engine from the wreckers in the CBR600RR for the second Supersport race and it held together. I came around 30th out of near 100 riders but I knew I could have gone better. The best bit was dicing with my mate Dominic Herbertson for the entire race. I had qualified one place ahead of him but we were evenly matched. Dom went on to be a well-known sponsored TT racer in the UK. We are both from ‘Newcastle’, on opposite sides of the world.”

“The last race of the week was the Senior TT, the one every rider wants to win. Of course that wasn’t going to happen for me but I wanted to give it everything. It all went well enough on a bike I struggled to tame, but I ended up around 50th place. Then it was all over for that year.”

Alex got some good air-time on the tv (and on the bike) helping him get his name out there on an international stage...
Alex got some good air-time on the tv (and on the bike) helping him get his name out there on an international stage…

Chris: “One of the highlights was seeing Alex get some good airtime on the TT coverage. He was flat out and Michael Dunlop eased past him on top of the mountain. The commentators gave him a big rap which was nice. FOX Sports usually runs the coverage of the TT but it’s a huge thing over there. ITV4 does the coverage and you see it each night. There are something like 300 people from ITV4 working on the TT, and the night’s show starts only one hour after practice stops, for example.

“Another surreal thing happened that year and a photo was taken of Alex that went viral. Guy Martin was chasing Michael Dunlop in one of the big bike races and Martin had an onboard camera. They both caught Alex near a big jump at Ballacrye. A still shot was taken from Martin’s bike showing Alex getting big air on the CBR1000RR. Fantastic stuff.”

Alex was disappointed with his results, though much of it was out of his control.
Alex: “I was very disappointed in my 2014 results. I feel I could have gone better, especially in the Superstock race. To this day that CBR1000RR is one of the best bikes I have ever ridden, if not the best. It was so easy to ride fast and I was on a mission that day until it broke down. That one, more than any of the others, really hurt.”

If our duo from Australia thought 2014 was an underwhelming year, they were in for more pain in 2015…
If our duo from Australia thought 2014 was an underwhelming year, they were in for more pain in 2015…

Chris: “Not much was on the radar for 2015 at the TT for Alex until I got an email from Paul Phillips, the head man at the TT, saying there could be something with Ice Valley BMW. We didn’t have the money to do something ourselves from this side of the world, so the deal was not a bad one for us. The ride was paid for by the IOM government and Ice Valley with us having to pay for tyres, getting ourselves there, and crash damage. What could go wrong I though. Lots as it turned out.”

Alex: “This was the team that gave Peter Hickman his start in 2014. He did a 129 or 130mp/h lap in his rookie year so the team had some pedigree. There were three riders in the team, myself, team principal Paul Shoesmith, and French rider Franck Petricola. All of us were on BMW S1000RRs with customer superbike kitted engines. They had around 215rwhp so were fast. It all turned to crap before practice week even started. We were at Jurby Airfield to get a feel for the bikes and I managed to highside the bike big time. I was pissing blood for a week and nothing went right after that. I knew the old man wasn’t happy when I was lying in the back of the ambulance and the door came flying open, him giving me a spray and slamming the door shut. The nurse said, “who’s that?” … “My Dad,” I replied.

Thing weren't looking good for Alex all weekend... With his drive to be the fastest getting in the way of just getting around the cold course safely...
Thing weren’t looking good for Alex all weekend… With his drive to be the fastest getting in the way of just getting around the cold course safely…

Chris: “I could see someone was going to crash that day at Jurby. It was so cold and Alex was showing everyone he was the fastest. I wanted to grab the red flag and stop the session but sure enough, Alex had a massive highside. Sometimes you can see things happening before they do and that was me that day. I still maintain there was no point being out there in those conditions. The risk was much higher than any gains to be had. As they say, you can’t put an old head on young shoulders.”

Some tool time was required…
Chris: “Alex only had the one bike, which was now well damaged. I somehow became his default mechanic and had to borrow tools to get the bike back on track. From then on we chased electrical gremlins, that even factory staff from BMW head office in Germany couldn’t fix. It had a habit of cutting out and then chiming back in. We changed all sorts of stuff to no avail, so Alex had to practice on an older S1000RR while we tried to fix his bike, partly held up from waiting for parts from the mainland.”

The BMW has not happy after Alex had his off. With the brakes feeling vague and the machine wanting to tank slap...
The BMW has not happy after Alex had his off. With the brakes feeling vague and the machine wanting to tank slap…

Then practice week got worse.
Alex: “We were struggling to get our six laps of practice due to these bike issues and also poor weather. Finally I was able to get out on my bike after the team got it back together. I was running out of time to qualify so out I went. I nearly lost the front under brakes as I was braking for Ballaugh Bridge on the first lap. That was weird I thought and should have stopped to see what the issue was, but being under pressure to get my laps in I pressed on. Little did I realise my front tyre was going down. I got onto Sulby Straight and as I tipped into the right hand kink at the end of the straight I lost control of the bike. I remember just hitting the limiter in top gear as I tipped in, a millisecond before the bike went into a massive tank slapper.

“I was heading for the wall of a house and was about to jump off when the bike hit the kerb and bounced me straight. You can imagine how fast all of this happened, as I had just hit around 300km/h when I had the tank slapper. Somehow I held onto it and came to a stop at Sulby Bridge. By this stage the front tyre was off the rim.”

Practice week was now not just a physical struggle, but a mental struggle after Alex lost his teammate...
Practice week was now not just a physical struggle, but a mental struggle after Alex lost his teammate…

Chris: “I knew something had happened because live timing showed Alex hadn’t progressed beyond a certain sector of the course. Then he called me from a Marshall’s phone and told me he had a flat. We were able to borrow a van from James Whitham, ex WSBK/TT racer and TT commentator, and I went out with Dan Harrison, one of Alex’s mates from Australia, to pick him up. We had to wait until the roads were declared open and while we were doing this I got a text from Cam Donald, asking if there was anything he could do, just to ask. All good I replied, he’s just got a flat tyre. When the roads were opened up after practice we joined the course at Kirkmichael. As we came onto Sulby Straight Dan said, “someone’s crashed there, pointing to a hole in the hedge.” We only had to go another kilometre or so to get Alex but when we arrived he was very agitated, asking us how his team-mate Franck was (sadly, Franck had died as a result). Little did we know it was Franck who had crashed and created the hole in the hedge, and that was the bike Cam had seen. He thought it was Alex because all the Ice Valley bikes were painted the same.”

Alex: “That was hard to accept. Frank and I had gotten on very well and this was his first big race after crashing at the NW200 in Northern Ireland 12 months earlier. You could tell he wasn’t over his injuries as he was tired all the time. This had happened a couple of times now. In 2014 I had enjoyed a coffee with multi-British Supersport champion Karl Harris. He was a real friendly guy who had noticed me and wanted to give me some tips. I met his wife and kids and they were very nice and helpful to me. Later that day after our coffee together he was killed. We still don’t know what happened.”

“We still don’t know what caused Franck to crash either. In my situation we believe the gyroscopic forces of the wheel caused the valve to pushed down releasing air. In Australia we have to fit steel valve caps to prevent this but at the TT they use rubber caps with seals. When dad looked at the valve on my front tyre he noticed the cap was cross threaded and not on properly. Because I was riding for a well know team, Dunlop technicians would check our tyres before the race. They are no doubt under the pump time wise and to this day I believe that was the case with us. The cap wasn’t fitted properly. I should have stopped at Ballaugh when I had a big slide but I felt under lots of pressure to get a lap in to qualify so I pushed on. Then a photo of me turned up when my front tyre went flat, with me in a full on tank slapper, the actual rim on the road and the tyre only being held on by the fork leg. This caused a major stir around the paddock, including the course secretary.”

Ending up in the back of an ambulance is not the way you want to spend your weekend at the Isle Of Man TT...
Ending up in the back of an ambulance is not the way you want to spend your weekend at the Isle Of Man TT…

Race week was no better
Alex: “I was only doing the big bike classes in 2015 but never got to finish any of the three races, with a breakdown in the Superbike TT, and a crash in the Superstock TT. We’d had no end of electrical problems due to my crash at Jurby and the bike would cut out momentarily while you were on full song, then as you are shutting the throttle it would then chime back in, making it very difficult and dangerous to ride. As I was coming up to Black Hut during the Superstock TT, the bike had a hiccup again, I looked down for a moment and by the time I looked up again I had run out of road. I slipped the wall at over 200km/h and came off. I was apparently knocked out and slid for some 150 metres. I regained consciousness pretty quickly and was able to get off the track without being run over. I was lucky, only hurting my wrist and badly spraining my ankle. The bike didn’t get off so lightly.”

Chris: “That was pretty scary. I knew Alex should have come through by now, so something was wrong. I then saw one of the pit lane officials coming towards me, locking his eyes on me. I didn’t know what to think, but none of it was good. He got to me and said, “your rider’s down but he’s ok, he walked to the chopper and is heading to Nobles Hospital now.” And that was that for 2015. Alex convalesced in hospital for a few days, we flew home via Dublin where we did a tour of the Guinness factory and he managed to set his wrist bandage on fire in a pub. Then came the task of paying for the crash damage. I worked for a few months for free to pay that off.”

Had Alex run over a black cat? It certainly seems this way. Keep an eye out for the next volume of Between The Hedges...
Had Alex run over a black cat? It certainly seems this way. Keep an eye out for the next volume of Between The Hedges…

Had Alex run over a black cat? It certainly seems this way. He went it alone in 2016 to race in the Supersport class on his own Kawasaki ZX-6R and managed to win his class in the Classic TT that year too on a TC Racing owned Kawasaki ZXR750. Keep an eye out for the next volume of Between The Hedges…

Words: Stuart Woodberry 

MotoE Riders Answer Questions Ahead Of Mugello Weekend

By
PB
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The FIM Enel MotoE World Cup returns this weekend to take on the new challenge of the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello. It’s the Cup’s debut at the stunning Tuscan track, so there was plenty to talk about in the pre-event Press Conference, with points leader Dominique Aegerter joined by fellow Le Mans winner Mattia Casadei, 2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari, France podium finisher Niccolo Canepa and fellow home hero Kevin Zannoni.

"I’m very happy to be leading the championship. We have already had some great races this season." said Aegerter.
“I’m very happy to be leading the championship. We have already had some great races this season.” said Aegerter.

Q: How are you feeling arriving at Mugello as the World Cup leader?

Dominique Aegerter: “For sure, I’m very happy to be leading the championship. We have already had some great races this season. My goal is always to fight for the victory, but in MotoE™, it’s seven or eight laps, and only six here, so it’s not so easy. But, we are always fighting in the front group, so when you make a small mistake or the tactics are not really going your way, it’s not so easy to win the race, but this is our goal. It’s very nice to be here in Mugello, in Italy. For sure, it’s a really fantastic track, there will be a lot of spectators cheering for us, and for the first time with the MotoE™ bikes. I hope we can get some dry track time tomorrow for a good qualifying session in the afternoon, and let’s see how it goes with MotoE™ around this track.”

Q: Will a new track be easier with a ‘different’ bike compared to last year?

DA77: “For every rider, it’s the same. We have the 20 minutes of track time, everybody has the same tyres, everybody has a fully charged battery, and then it’s just how fast you can adapt to the race track with the bike. Maybe your team can make some small changes to the suspension or with the gearing, and it’s just important to focus on your riding every lap, to find the limit of the bike on the track, and tomorrow we will see which rider can achieve this the best. For sure, in Le Mans and Jerez, we had a lot of track time and data from last year, but here everything is new, so we just need to go out and see how the bike reacts, and how the bike feels on this race track.”

"This year, it’s a new team and I am working very well with them. It’s fantastic, I am fast, and this is my goal. I’m very happy." said Casadei.
“This year, it’s a new team and I am working very well with them. It’s fantastic, I am fast, and this is my goal. I’m very happy.” said Casadei.

Q: You took that long-awaited victory in France; what has made the difference this year so far?

Mattia Casadei: “Honestly, I don’t know! I was fast last year but in one race, I had COVID and couldn’t fight for the championship, but I finish only 20 points from the winner and it’s good. This year, it’s a new team and I am working very well with them. It’s fantastic, I am fast, and this is my goal. I’m very happy.”

Q: Have some of the performances on the grid surprised you this year?

MC27: “No, all these guys are fast, and whoever works better with the bike goes faster than the others. I have to work on the final lap of the race because, in Le Mans, after the first drop of the tyre, I’m not very fast. But now, we’re working on it, we’ll go better. I’ll try to get the best result here in this fantastic Mugello track. The Italian fans are fantastic and I’m happy to be here.”

"It’s fantastic to be here for the first time. I was here in the World Championship in Moto3 in 2015, and it’s incredible, because the fans in the stands are incredible every day." said Ferrari.
“It’s fantastic to be here for the first time. I was here in the World Championship in Moto3 in 2015, and it’s incredible, because the fans in the stands are incredible every day.” said Ferrari.

Q: You are the MotoE™ king of Misano, but what do you expect from this very different fast, flowing Italian venue?

Matteo Ferrari: “It’s fantastic to be here for the first time. I was here in the World Championship in Moto3 in 2015, and it’s incredible, because the fans in the stands are incredible every day. I think it will be another feeling with MotoE, because the feeling when you go in a new track with MotoE is incredible, so I think that will also be the case here…”

Q: What is your goal to improve this weekend, after a good weekend in Jerez but a tricky one at Le Mans?

MF11: “I was fast on Saturday in Le Mans because I improved my lap time from last year, and also I had really good pace. I lost the grip on the rear on the first lap so I didn’t achieve the podium for this reason but I had a good race. In the second race, I lost a little bit of feeling with the bike, so I didn’t overtake too much during the race and I finished only seventh, but it was good points for the championship. Of course, here we have to improve a little bit in qualifying, because we started the first round on the second row, and the second round on the third row. So, I think we have to improve this for tomorrow, and then we’ll see in the race, because it’s only six laps this weekend and it will be important to start very fast like Mattia did in Le Mans.”

"I have to say that I really enjoyed being on the podium (in France) and I will try my best to be on the podium again this weekend." said Canepa.
“I have to say that I really enjoyed being on the podium (in France) and I will try my best to be on the podium again this weekend.” said Canepa.

Q: It was a first podium in France, what made the difference for you?

Niccolo Canepa: “I feel like the team did an amazing job on the bike, on the set-up, and I felt like, from the beginning of the weekend, I was really strong and could be faster. Then unfortunately we had the accident with Torres crashing in front of me in the first race, and I lost so many positions, so the first race didn’t go as planned. But the second race went really well and I’m really happy because I also enjoyed passing, I made many overtakes and it was a really nice race for me. I have to say that I really enjoyed being on the podium and I will try my best to be on the podium again this weekend.”

Q: What do you expect from a MotoE™ bike here, given your Mugello experience?

NC07: “For sure, it will be really exciting to ride here on the MotoE bike. I think I’ve ridden here on any kind of bike since I was 12 years old, so I can say I have a lot of experience on this track as well, but it will be really exciting to try the MotoE™, to see what sort of lap time we can do, to see how fast we can be in the corners. I want to see how we will do the Arrabbiatta, Casanova, Savelli, these kind of corners that are unique in the world, and it will be really exciting for sure to see how we can ride the MotoE™ on this track.”

"I’m very happy about Le Mans, because I was fast. Unfortunately, I did not finish on the podium, but I was fast all weekend, from free practice to the races." said Zannoni.
“I’m very happy about Le Mans, because I was fast. Unfortunately, I did not finish on the podium, but I was fast all weekend, from free practice to the races.” said Zannoni.

Q: You must be happy to have been at the front in France and show that speed, even if you just missed out on the podium?

Kevin Zannoni: “Yes, I’m very happy about Le Mans, because I was fast. Unfortunately, I did not finish on the podium, but I was fast all weekend, from free practice to the races. In Race 1, I tried to win but I crashed. In Race 2, Niccolo passed me very close to the finish line. But okay, we need to do another weekend like Le Mans here.”

Q: Did the weekend help you learn a lot?

KZ21: “Yes, I understand the bike better, race by race. Because I come from Moto3, last year was a little bit difficult for me, but the last race was not so bad. Every race, I can improve something and understand from the other riders. Here in Mugello, I know the track very well, because we race a lot here in the Italian championship. But with MotoE, for sure it will be different, because MotoE is heavy. So, the change of direction on this track, I don’t know, but for sure, it will be amazing.”

Riders Assemble At MotoGP Mugello Press Conference

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The Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, Mugello is nigh and the pre-event Press Conference at Mugello saw Championship leader Fabio Quartararo joined by second on points Aleix Espargaro fresh from a contract renewal, Le Mans winner and home hero Enea Bastianini, Jack Miller and teammate Francesco Bagnaia to talk about the weekend ahead.

"I would say if we get a great start and great first lap it can change our race, the qualifying and first lap. Let’s see how it goes but I think the next two will be tough." said Fabio.
“I would say if we get a great start and great first lap it can change our race, the qualifying and first lap. Let’s see how it goes but I think the next two will be tough.” said Fabio.

Q: What would represent a good result from Mugello and Catalunya?

Fabio Quartararo: “It’s difficult to say because it’s not bad tracks for us but if we are in bad positions then it will be bad, I would say if we get a great start and great first lap it can change our race, the qualifying and first lap. Let’s see how it goes but I think the next two will be tough.”

Q: What is it that you can make up with your style and what are the strong points of the Yamaha at this track that help you be strong?

FQ20: “I hope I will have more or less the same km difference than last year because we know the other manufacturers have improved a lot. I think Sector 2 and 3 are one of our strong points, our bike is really strong there and I feel good in these corners, putting yourself to the limit is a good help.”

"It’s two very important races for us. Mugello is very important for Aprilia, I’m very happy to ride in Italy in this way, with good results." said Aleix.
“It’s two very important races for us. Mugello is very important for Aprilia, I’m very happy to ride in Italy in this way, with good results.” said Aleix.

Q: With this being Aprilia’s home Grand Prix and the next being yours, is this your most important week of the season so far? 

Aleix Espargaro: “Yes, which means more pressure, but it’s okay. It’s two very important races for us. Mugello is very important for Aprilia, I’m very happy to ride in Italy in this way, with good results. We are actually leading the teams’ championship for the first time in Italy for Aprilia, so it’s fantastic and next week it will, be my home GP. It’s two very important races, but it’s 50 points, no more than Germany and Assen, for example, so I am trying to work in the same way as the previous weekends. I have the same feeling that Fabio does, that the first laps of the race will be very, very important, especially against the fast Ducatis here at Mugello with the long straight. So, trying to be focused from the first lap tomorrow morning will be very, very important.”

Q: Do you have new parts on the bike from the Jerez test, and how do you hope they will improve the RS-GP?

AE41: “Yeah, we have a couple of new things. We have a new engine for this weekend, we also have quite big aerodynamic things. I think I will not be the first one to test it tomorrow, maybe it will be Sava on the test team. But, it looks promising and I will try it tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, it can give us some tenths to fight for the top.”

"Mugello is always special. This year again with a lot of fans is amazing for everybody" Said Bastianini.
“Mugello is always special. This year again with a lot of fans is amazing for everybody” Said Bastianini.

Q: How special will it be if you get that fourth victory this weekend? 

Enea Bastianini: “Mugello is always special. This year again with a lot of fans is amazing for everybody and we will see how it is. We made a really good race in Le Mans but here is another story. We need to stay concentrated in the Free Practices, many riders are fast – Fabio and Pecco here – and Aleix is also very consistent this year. It will be really hard but I’m prepared and ready for this Grand Prix.”

Q: You’ve never had a podium at Mugello, do you think this weekend is the best chance of the first podium? 

EB33: “We will try to be on the podium at my home Grand Prix. I’ve tried a lot but it’s not easy, we will see if we can do this but also to stay in the top five is a good result. We will see tomorrow.

 

"I’m excited for what the weekend holds, and having the fans back here should be really good." said Miller.
“I’m excited for what the weekend holds, and having the fans back here should be really good.” said Miller.

Q: Is your best opportunity to put a Ducati on the podium at Mugello? 

Jack Miller: “I’d like to think so. It’s kind of a love-hate relationship here. At least I finished the race here last year, so that’s nice, but not where we wanted to be. But we’ve been strong ever since Argentina, we’ve been there fighting for the podium every week, so we’re in good form. I feel like we’re at a really solid place with the bike and I feel like the improvements that we’ve made from the 21 to the 22 should really benefit us here in Mugello with a lot of fast changes of direction, a lot of fast corners. So, I’m excited for what the weekend holds, and having the fans back here should be really good.”

Q: Do you think your top speed record might go this weekend? 

JM43: “I’d like to hope not. The jumps are already pretty scary, so we don’t need to be doing 365 over that thing, I don’t think. But, you never know, the bikes are getting faster and faster every year, that wall on the inside of Turn 1’s getting closer and closer every year, so it’s a possibility, but we have to wait and see. We talk about the Ducati speed and all that but it’s been equalled by KTM, so we’re not the only ones out there.

"I’m really looking forward to riding tomorrow, last year was good to me, everything went well apart from the race" said Bagnia.
“I’m really looking forward to riding tomorrow, last year was good to me, everything went well apart from the race” said Bagnaia.

Q: How much are you looking forward to putting France behind you here? 

Francesco Bagnaia: “Yeah it’s normal sometimes you can make mistakes and my one was a bit too big… I had time at home to learn from that and I think the best place to re-join is Mugello. I’m really looking forward to riding tomorrow, last year was good to me, everything went well apart from the race, but Sunday was one of the worst days we had during the season. Let’s think from the Championship and try to enjoy tomorrow.”

Q: How was it riding with the fans to Mugello?

FB63: “It was good but the only thing was we were too slow, we had three hours to arrive here in Mugello but it was good. It was the first time I did the Futa Pass and I enjoyed it.”

Aussies Racing Abroad: May 2022 Update

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Unlucky end of the weekend for the Ducati Lenovo Team in Qatar with Miller and Bagnaia both forced to retire

With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our new column focuses on how they’re faring battling it out with the best in their chosen classes against the best riders in the world… Words: Edward Stratmann.

Jack Miller is easily the most well known Australian racing internationally this year...
Jack Miller is easily the most well known Australian racing internationally this year…

Jack Miller – MotoGP
With speculation rife that Jack Miller could be losing his factory Ducati ride at the end of the season, the Australian’s brilliant second at Le Mans went some way towards blunting those rumours. Handling the treacherous track conditions in France superbly and not pushing beyond the limit, Miller’s accomplished display was littered with upside as many of the big guns crashed out.

Bagging his second podium and third top five of the season, there’s no doubting Miller has the speed to run upfront. But with him already crashing out twice and getting a 14th this season, the popular Aussie knows he can’t afford any more unsatisfactory weekends if he’s to remain in the title hunt and keep his ride. Miller’s current teammate Francesco Bagnaia offered the Ducati hierarchy some food for thought on who he prefers as his stablemate, emphatically standing in support of Miller. “He‘s been criticised too much lately, and I’m very happy for him too,” he explained to Sky Sport Italia.

With speculation rife that Jack Miller could be losing his factory Ducati ride at the end of the season, the Australian's brilliant second at Le Mans went some way towards blunting those rumours.
With speculation rife that Jack Miller could be losing his factory Ducati ride at the end of the season, the Australian’s brilliant second at Le Mans went some way towards blunting those rumours.

“Keep him and touch nothing now that there is this perfect harmony? I feel very, very good with him; we also work a lot together, and I don‘t think we can do it with other riders.”

Currently 40 points behind Fabio Quartararo in fifth in the standings, how he fares in the next month will be pivotal in not only deciding how his season goes but also where his future lies. Miller ranks highest in the championship among Ducati riders on the GP22 bike.

Unable to get any sort of comfort on the bike and suffering a slew of crashes as a result, Remy Gardner's finding things tough at present.
Unable to get any sort of comfort on the bike and suffering a slew of crashes as a result, Remy Gardner’s finding things tough at present.

Remy Gardner – MotoGP
Unable to get any sort of comfort on the bike and suffering a slew of crashes as a result, Remy Gardner’s finding things tough at present. Lacking in all areas and way off the blistering pace at the front, Gardner wasn’t shy in explaining the difficulties the KTM RC16’s throwing up, which have been exacerbated in the recent European rounds. “I’m not enjoying my life right now,” the MotoGP rookie asserted forcefully.

“Every week I have a new injury, the constant scrapes and burns are getting to me. Whenever I try to push, I end up in the gravel. I hope we get some updates for the bike soon.” Even if things are far from ideal for the reigning Moto2 champ, some encouragement can be extracted from his point scoring finishes at Qatar (15th in his MotoGP debut) and in Portugal (14th).

Embarking on his first full campaign in Moto3, rookie Joel Kelso has shown some flashes of quality in what's a highly competitive and combative class.
Embarking on his first full campaign in Moto3, rookie Joel Kelso has shown some flashes of quality in what’s a highly competitive and combative class.

Joel Kelso – Moto3
Embarking on his first full campaign in Moto3, rookie Joel Kelso has shown some flashes of quality in what’s a highly competitive and combative class. Kicking things off with a solid 15th in Qatar, where he battled all race long for 12th, this offered him a good gauge of the level and pace required.

Really springing into life in Argentina, the teenager strikingly notched P5 in qualifying before crossing the line on race day in a credible 10th. When the series shuttled back to Europe, he marked this switch with his best effort yet by recording an accomplished ninth place at Portugal. His fortunes disappointingly took a turn in Jerez, however, with a nasty crash in morning warm up forcing him to withdraw from the last two rounds. But if all goes to plan, there’s every chance he’ll return to the fray this weekend at Mugello.

Oli Bayliss' debut effort in the World Supersport class couldn't have gotten off to a worse start when he broke his right ankle in preseason testing.
Oli Bayliss’ debut effort in the World Supersport class couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start when he broke his right ankle in preseason testing.

Oli Bayliss – World Supersport
Oli Bayliss’ debut effort in the World Supersport class couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start when he broke his right ankle in preseason testing. But since recovering, much reason for optimism has emerged, for he’s been getting better with every session aboard his Barni Racing Ducati.

After going 21-19 at Aragon in round one and 14-11 at Assen, round three at Estoril proved a massive step forward for him, as he went 12-6 to reward himself for all his hard work, determination and persistence. Moreover, how he held his own and battled in the top group in race two will have been a massive boost for him. Gaining vital experience running with the heavy hitters and handling the pace admirably, the fact he finished the race 4.7 seconds off first place underlined his outstanding effort.

After going 21-19 at Aragon in round one and 14-11 at Assen, round three at Estoril proved a massive step forward for him, as he went 12-6 to reward himself for all his hard work, determination and persistence.
After going 21-19 at Aragon in round one and 14-11 at Assen, round three at Estoril proved a massive step forward for him, as he went 12-6 to reward himself for all his hard work, determination and persistence.

In what’s set to be a learning year in the class for the 18-year-old, all the early signs have been extremely positive that he can continue to go from strength to strength as he further adapts to life at this high level.

Jason O'Halloran is having a fantastic start to the season in the British Superbike Championship...
Jason O’Halloran is having a fantastic start to the season in the British Superbike Championship…

Jason O’Halloran – British Superbike
Running comfortably inside the top 10 for the first two rounds of the BSB season while he and the team got the Yamaha R1 sorted, all that work paid off handsomely at Donington Park for Jason O’Halloran. Producing an absolute masterclass to go 2-1-1 to accompany his pole position in qualifying, there was no denying the ‘O Show’ was the fastest rider and a deserved winner at round three. Now sitting second in the championship, the man who won more races than anyone else in 2021 appears destined for another title tilt this time around following his wizardry at the weekend.

Josh Brookes had a great run at the NW 200 and has had a solid start in BSB.
Josh Brookes had a great run at the NW 200 and has had a solid start in BSB.

Josh Brookes – British Superbike
Making a solid yet unspectacular start to his season, two time BSB champion Josh Brookes is yet to hit his usual lofty heights so far. Going 4-10-8 at Oulton Park at round two and 13-11-18 at a difficult round one, this left the 39-year-old back in 13th in the standings.

Hoping to breathe life into his season, his recent podium finish at the famous Irish street race, the North West 200, and solid 13-6-8 at Donington, might just be the catalyst he needs to return to the upper echelons where he belongs.

Getting off to an encouraging start to his MotoAmerica season at Texas by virtue of an eighth in race one and an 11th in race two, Anthony left the opening round content.
Getting off to an encouraging start to his MotoAmerica season at Texas by virtue of an eighth in race one and an 11th in race two, Anthony left the opening round content.

David Anthony – AMA Superbike MotoAmerica
Getting off to an encouraging start to his MotoAmerica season at Texas by virtue of an eighth in race one and an 11th in race two, Anthony left the opening round content. Next up was Atlanta and Virginia for the ADR Motorsports man, with a 9-DNF in the former and an 11-11 at the latter displaying his solid consistency.

After missing the entire 2021 MXGP season with a troublesome wrist injury, it's been terrific to see Team Honda HRC's Mitch Evans back at the races.
After missing the entire 2021 MXGP season with a troublesome wrist injury, it’s been terrific to see Team Honda HRC’s Mitch Evans back at the races.

Mitch Evans – MXGP
After missing the entire 2021 MXGP season with a troublesome wrist injury, it’s been terrific to see Team Honda HRC’s Mitch Evans back at the races.

While progress has been steady as he gets back to full fitness and regains his confidence, there’s been many glimpses that he’ll be back to his best in the near future. Catching the eye with a third in the qualifying race at Trentino, an eighth in Argentina and a ninth in the tricky conditions at Maggiora, this has provided tangible evidence he’s on the right path. Stating he should be back at a level resembling his best 10 rounds in, expect his trajectory to trend upwards as we approach this milestone.

Jed Beaton hit the ground running in his MXGP debut by recording a brilliant sixth overall at Matterley Basin.
Jed Beaton hit the ground running in his MXGP debut by recording a brilliant sixth overall at Matterley Basin.

Jed Beaton – MXGP
Although Jed Beaton hit the ground running in his MXGP debut by recording a brilliant sixth overall at Matterley Basin, he’s found life much more difficult thereafter, with a shoulder injury at round two in Mantova scuppering his campaign. Struggling with the pain, the Tasmanian valiantly battled to 13th in Argentina and a pair of 15th places in Portugal and Trentino before deciding to take time off to heal up.

Missing the last three GPs at Kegums, Maggiora and Sardegna, hopefully the F&H Kawasaki pilot’s ready for a return to action in Spain this weekend so he can get his debut crusade in the premier class back on track.

Jett saw success last year, becoming the first Aussie to win the AMA Pro Motorcross 250MX Championship.
Jett saw success last year, becoming the first Aussie to win the AMA Pro Motorcross 250MX Championship.

Jett Lawrence – AMA Supercross
What a series it was for young Honda HRC hotshot Jett Lawrence, as he claimed the 250 East Supercross title in dominant fashion to go with his 2021 AMA 250 Motocross championship. Joining elite company in the form of James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto to hold both indoor and outdoor crowns at 18, this serves as a testament to what a tremendous talent he is.

Clearly the fastest rider in the class, the gifted Queenslander rode with maturity, confidence and style on his way to winning four races to finish a whopping 34 points ahead of RJ Hampshire despite missing the final round.

Falling just short of making it a clean sweep for the Lawrence brothers in the 250s, Hunter was forced to settle for second in the 250 West standings, a measly 10 points behind Christian Craig.
Falling just short of making it a clean sweep for the Lawrence brothers in the 250s, Hunter was forced to settle for second in the 250 West standings, a measly 10 points behind Christian Craig.

Hunter Lawrence – AMA Supercross
Falling just short of making it a clean sweep for the Lawrence brothers in the 250s, Hunter was forced to settle for second in the 250 West standings, a measly 10 points behind Christian Craig.

Winning four races and standing on the podium at every round bar one when he suffered a DNF, Hunter showcased he has what it takes to duke it out for titles. Considering he now has two runner ups in 250 Supercross and finished third in 250 Motocross last term, the 22-year-old appears destined for glory sooner rather than later. A Lawrence brother claimed a podium at 16 of the 17 races.

Jy Roberts landed in the USA late to start his season racing in the AMA Supercross series...
Jy Roberts landed in the USA late to start his season racing in the AMA Supercross series…

Geran Stapleton and Jy Roberts – AMA Supercross
Another couple of Aussies that deserve mention are Geran Stapleton and Jy Roberts, who proved their SX skills, with Stapleton propelling himself into an impressive four main events and the late arriving Roberts making one.

Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jay Wilson remains unbeaten in the 2022 IA2 (250cc) division, after two rounds of the Japanese Motocross Championship, after dominating round two with a perfect 1-1 score.
Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jay Wilson remains unbeaten in the 2022 IA2 (250cc) division, after two rounds of the Japanese Motocross Championship, after dominating round two with a perfect 1-1 score.

Jay Wilson – Japanese Motocross
Jay Wilson continued his unbeaten start in the 250 IA2 division in Japan by winning round two at the Kanto track. After qualifying fastest, Wilson made it a perfect weekend on race day. Suffering early adversity in both motos due to getting terrible starts, he quickly got his head down and flexed his muscles to come out victorious again by going 1-1.

Extending his winning streak to five races on his Yamaha following his win in the opening round triple challenge format, the 27-year-old’s certainly going to be tough to stop in his quest for the title.

Sitting pretty atop the FIM EnduroGP world championship at the completion of two rounds, Aussie Wil Ruprecht's enjoyed a sensational start to his season.
Sitting pretty atop the FIM EnduroGP world championship at the completion of two rounds, Aussie Wil Ruprecht’s enjoyed a sensational start to his season.

Wil Ruprecht – EnduroGP
Sitting pretty atop the FIM EnduroGP world championship at the completion of two rounds, Aussie Wil Ruprecht’s enjoyed a sensational start to his season. Backing up his fantastic 3-4 from the opening round with a sensational 1-1 in Portugal, Ruprecht’s handled the rugged terrain with aplomb so far.

Max Fricke roared into life at the FIM Speedway GP of Poland by producing a magnificent display in front of a packed house in Warsaw to claim a special victory.
Max Fricke roared into life at the FIM Speedway GP of Poland by producing a magnificent display in front of a packed house in Warsaw to claim a special victory.

Max Fricke – Speedway GP
Max Fricke roared into life at the FIM Speedway GP of Poland by producing a magnificent display in front of a packed house in Warsaw to claim a special victory.

Showing the die-hard Polish supporters why he’s such a formidable racer, the Victorian dynamo incredibly achieved the rare feat of winning a GP event despite not competing in Poland’s top flight (as he followed Zielona Gora down when they were relegated). Having scored just two points in round one, Fricke’s remarkable triumph now propels him right back into contention with the frontrunners in the championship hunt.

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