First Impressions: 6D ATS-1R Helmet

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April 22, 2022

First course of action is getting rid of that clear visor, replacing it with the anti-scratch, anti-fog dark smoke visor.

It’s always an exciting day when new gear rocks up. It doesn’t matter if its a pair of socks or a whole new kit, it always feels like Christmas. McLeod’s sorted me out with a new 6D ATS-1R Lid, my first from the brand, and first impressions are all positive… Words: Zane Dobie.

It's about time I changed up my main lid, I'll be wearing the updated 6D ATS-1R lid over the next few months. — It’s about time I changed up my main lid, I’ll be wearing the updated 6D ATS-1R lid over the next few months.

Since I started riding, I’ve been pretty loyal to AGV and Shark when it comes to lids. I’ve got quite the collection but for the past year I’ve only been wearing my AGV K3 S-V since it’s so comfortable. It has seen plenty of road tests, track days and it has even been my choice for when I take my go-kart out.

Check out our product reviews here…

It’s about time a new contender entered my personal helmet rotation and the 6D ATS-1R has already impressed me. Unboxing it, I was welcomed with quality packaging, three visors (including the clear one that comes on the helmet) and a Pinlock system.

Pulling it out of the box and the ATS-1R is secured by a zip up back instead of a conventional cloth helmet bag, this properly protects your lid from any bumps or scratches when storing/transporting it. Unzipping the bag and I’m greeted with a solid black colour, changing it up from my usual eccentric colour scheme choice. The solid gloss black colour scheme works well to show off the carbon-fibre outer shell, subtle in the dark but looks great when the sun hits it.

More packaging to keep it safe in shipping.

First course of action is getting rid of that clear visor, my refusal to look up the instructions proved handy as it showed that the visor couldn’t be removed by accident or pressure. After searching up how to properly do it, a latch on each side pops the visor straight out. McLeod’s sent me a choice between a Dark Smoke (anti-scratch and anti-fog) and Light Smoke (just anti-scratch but Pinlock ready) and of course I went for the darker one!

Pinlock system included with the 6D ATS-1R.

Visors are easily changeable but super secure through 6D's latch system. — Visors are easily changeable but super secure through 6D’s latch system.

Throwing the lid on for the first time and it’s pretty roomy inside. My long nose has plenty of space, my cheeks sit comfortably against the padding with my usual XL size and my glasses don’t feel like they’re digging in at all!

Under the chin is a small fabric guard with some elasticity that tucks in well to properly seal off your head in its own cockpit. I haven’t had a lid like this before and I never realised how much a difference it makes in terms of comfort and protection from the elements.

Interior padding is interchangeable for a custom fit.

The helmet itself is relatively light, weighing in at 1640 grams, it’s definitely not one of the lightest on the market or in my collection but it doesn’t feel heavy on my head at all. In terms of visibility, its fine for the road and we will see how it goes on track in full tuck.

Standby for a full review on the 6D ATS-1R helmet after it's put to the test on the road... — Standby for a full review on the 6D ATS-1R helmet after it’s put to the test on the road…

Other features include a conventional double d ring strap, plenty of vents to help your head stay cool and an emergency release system which seems to be an industry standard across all lids now. I’m looking forward to putting it to the test with my daily riding soon, check back in a few months for a full review of the 6D ATS-1R helmet!

Tech Talk
The brand name name “6D” is a reference to the engineering term 6 Degrees of Freedom, which refers to the ability to move three dimensionally on the X,Y and Z axis, including rotation about each axis. The Omni-Directional Suspension system utilises this term to maximise its ability to absorb and mitigate energy. Read further into their Omni-Directional Suspension system here.

This impact system is improved over the last model ATS-1R, with the new design taking heavy inspiration from the ATR-2 motocross helmet. For 2022, 6D have shed 200 grams off the total weight with the new lid weighing in at 1560 grams (medium).

For comfort, they’ve redesigned the shield base plates for an improved feeling and seal. The fitment as a whole has been improved thanks to a larger shell opening and cheek pad shape, combined with a new chin curtain and neck cuff. The internal breath guard directs fresh air up the inside of the shield, while exhausting breath down and out to reduce fogging.

6D know not everyone’s head is the shape, so they have multiple pad options available to help you feel comfortable. All of these features are wrapped up neatly in a 3K carbon fibre shell with three visor options: clear, light smoke and dark smoke. All of which are VESC-8 certified and anti-scratch. A clear Pinlock 120 anti-fog insert is also included.

The 6D ATS-1R is available now at your local motorcycle store or through McLeod’s Accessories for an RRP of $999.95 in a choice of gloss black, matte black, gloss silver, grey and gloss white.

Column: James ‘ROCKET Weaver, OJC

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April 22, 2022

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It was a disappointing early end to the weekend for James, as he started to feel sick on Friday, eventually testing positive to COVID-19.

A few weeks ago was my first trip to Queensland Raceway for Rd2 of OJC! Getting there early, I got to visit a few friends but after catching COVID, I had to sit out some of the racing for the weekend. I got a few laps in though, I’m looking forward to getting another chance to ride there soon!

"A few weeks ago was my first trip to Queensland raceway! Getting there early, I got to visit a few friends but after catching COVID, I had to sit out some of the racing for the weekend." — “A few weeks ago was my first trip to Queensland raceway! Getting there early, I got to visit a few friends but after catching COVID, I had to sit out some of the racing for the weekend.”

To prepare for this round I was drinking lots of water and I spent time watching videos of people riding the track because it was my first time riding at Queensland raceway, so it was important to learn all the tricks and braking points of QR.

I was super excited to hit the track on the Friday morning, nice and early for practice. After a few laps around, I started to get a hang of the track. I think my favourite sector of QR was the first one because it has two fast right hand corners meaning I just throw the R15 through them.

James has been having plenty of fun racing this year, saying " On track I get to race really aggressively and off track every one is mates!" — James has been having plenty of fun racing this year, saying ” On track I get to race really aggressively and off track every one is mates!”

It wasn’t my favourite track though, the thing that I disliked about it was the bumps and how it is not as challenging to ride as some of the other tracks on the calendar. My R15 was a bit hard to turn around the tight corners at this track, out of the second corner it was running wide so I couldn’t hold the throttle on as much I could of.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the track this weekend. I’m having lots of fun this year on track and off track, which is the main thing”…

On the Friday morning I started to feel sick but I thought that is was dehydration so I drank some more water but that didn’t help. On the first session on Friday I had a headache, it was hard to focus and in qualifying I felt even worse because my throat was starting to feel bad.

To be safe, on Saturday I took a COVID test and it said negative so I kept on riding but it was getting worse! Every time I put my helmet on my face would get really hot and and after I was done riding I would need to sit down. On Sunday it was the worst so before the last race we went to race safe and they said I should not ride.

Check out our Guide To Riding Wakefield Park by Andrew Pitt here…

I was a bit disappointed that we had to leave early but I just couldn’t race any longer. It was lucky that we left when we did as when I got home I took another Covid test and it was positive. I had to do seven days in isolation, it wasn’t all bad as all I did was stay in bed and eat pineapple!

Preparation is on for Wakefield park this weekend.

Now I’m fully recovered but unfortunately I did not make it to the unofficial test at Wakefield Park, which I was a bit sad about. It’s not a big deal though as I have experience at Wakefield which makes my hopes higher for next round. But, any practice is good practice and the fact I did not get to do the testing will make me fall behind a bit.

I’ve been trying to keep up with the MotoGP this year for some racing inspiration. To be honest, I think that the MotoGP world champion will be Enea Bastianini he seems to be the best at keeping the tyres fresh during the race and he’s already got a good points lead.

ASBK head to Wakefield Park this weekend! Make sure you drop by to check out all the exciting racing.

I’m looking forward to getting back on the track this weekend. I’m having lots of fun this year on track and off track, which is the main thing. On track I get to race really aggressively and off track everyone is mates! Make sure you head down to Wakefield Park this weekend to see the action. If you can’t get there, check it out on TV or on the live FB feed on the ASBK page. Wish me luck – James #71

Congratulations to the Queensland podium, you can see all of the results for the OJC here…

My sponsors are: motoDNA, motoCHAMPIONS, Bendix Brake Pads, Bendix Workshop
Series Sponsors are: Ricondi, Shark, Dunlop, Ohlins, IRC Components, DID chains, Yamaha bLU Cru

2022 International & National Racing Calendars

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April 16, 2022

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PitBoard-MotoGP-Portimao-24 — If you're in South Australia, be sure to get down to The Bend to see some of the greatest Australian racing talent battle it out on a world class track...

Stay up to date with the latest 2022 calendars here! Be sure to book this page so you don’t miss any action from your favourite international, national and local race meetings. The following calendars may be subject to change…

2022 MotoGP Calendar

06 March Qatar Losail International Circuit
20 March Indonesia Mandalika International Street Circuit
03 April Republica Argentina Termas de Rio Hondo
10 April Americas Circuit of The Americas
24 April Portugal Algarve International Circuit
01 May Spain Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto
15 May France Le Mans
29 May Italy Autodromo del Mugello
05 June Catalunya Barcelona-Catalunya
19 June Germany Sachsenring

26 June Netherlands TT Circuit Assen
10 July Finland KymiRing
07 August Great Britain Silverstone Circuit
21 August Austria Red Bull Ring-Spielberg
04 September San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
18 September Aragón MotorLand Aragón
25 September Japan Twin Ring Motegi
02 October Thailand Chang International Circuit
16 October Australia Phillip Island
23 October Malaysia Sepang International Circuit
06 November Comunitat Valenciana Comunitat Valenciana-Ricardo Tormo

2022 WorldSBK Calendar

8 April Aragón MotorLand Aragón
22 April Netherlands TT Circuit Assen
20 May Circuito Estoril
10 June Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
15 July Donnington Park Circuit

29 July Autodrom Most
9 September Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
23 September Catalunya Barcelona-Catalunya
7 October Algarve International Circuit
21 October Circuito San Juan Villicum
18 November Australia Phillip Island

2022 ASBK Calendar

Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February
Round 2 Queensland Raceway, Ipswich QLD 18 – 20 March
Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW 22 – 24 April 
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT 17 – 19 June  * With Supercars – SBK Only 
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD 5 – 7 August 
Round 6 Symmons Plains Raceway – Launceston TAS 20 – 23 October 
Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC  – 18-20 November 
Round 8 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend SA 2 – 4 December 
ASBK Night of Champions Dinner – The Bend 4 December

2022 ProMX Calendar

March 27 Wonthaggi Motocross Track, VIC
April 10 Mackay Motocross Track, QLD
May 1 Albury-Wodonga Motocross Club, VIC
May 29 Gilman Motocross, SA
Jun 26 Maitland, NSW
July 24 Coffs Harbour Showground, NSW
August 14 Queensland Moto Park, QLD
August 20-21 Coolum Pines MX Track, QLD

2022 MotoE Calendar

30 April-01 May – Spain – Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto – 2 races
14-15 May – France – Le Mans – 2 races
28-29 May – Italy – Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello – 2 races
25-26 June – Netherlands TT Circuit Assen – 2 races
9-10 – July – Finland KymiRing – 2 races
20-21 August – Austria Red Bull Ring – 2 races
03-04 September – San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli – 2 races

ASBK In Tasmania Cancelled For 2022

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April 15, 2022

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Wayne Maxwell (Ducati V4R) was the only rider in the 1:31’s and was looking untouchable until a stumble on lap 5 saw last year’s ASBK champion crash out at turn eight — Coming into the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WSBK) round, the Alpinestars Superbike Championship is in a fascinating and potentially game-changing position.

The ASBK Management Team say they wish to advise teams and fans of the cancellation of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul Round 6, scheduled to be held at Symmons Plains Raceway, Tasmania after the WorldSBK finale was announced for Phillip Island…

The cancellation is required due to a newly occurring national motorsport calendar shake-up affecting the Tasmanian round, including the announcement of WorldSBK returning to Phillip Island in November and a further International event landing on the weekend concerned. Additional complications include the recent late decision of Supercars to conduct the Adelaide 500 race in December, requiring a review of the backend of 2022.

All of these recent changes occurring outside of ASBK or Motorcycling Australia’s control; unfortunate news for the Championship and its riders and fans alike. The ASBK Management Team say they wish to thank the Tasmanian Government for their continuing support and we look forward to the opportunity of returning in the future.

They news broke after ASBK only recently announced the series' return to Tasmania... — They news broke after ASBK only recently announced the series’ return to Tasmania…

They also took the opportunity to apologise to ASBK Teams, Riders & Fans for any inconvenience caused by the required decision. We are looking forward to ASBK Round 3 at Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW on 22 – 24 April!

MotoGP Gallery: All The Best Shots From Rd4 At COTA

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April 14, 2022

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Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is now a two-time MotoGP™ race winner! The Beast delivered a Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas masterclass to retake the World Championship lead heading to Europe and take Ducati’s first win at the venue…

It was win number two for Enea Bastianini as Ducati continue their amazing results in 2022... — It was win number two for Enea Bastianini as Ducati continue their amazing results in 2022…

Read the Sunday race reports here…

Bagnaia then took over in second before Joan Mir made it a Team Suzuki Ecstar 1-2 with four minutes left on Friday.

Marc Marquez' sixth on his return to MotoGP™ action was an interesting one, and we saw a happy Viñales at the end of Day 1 – P7 for Top Gun. — Marc Marquez’ sixth on his return to MotoGP™ action was an interesting one, and we saw a happy Viñales at the end of Day 1 – P7 for Top Gun.

Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) flexed some speed on Day 1 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Americas, pulling clear by more than three tenths ahead of compatriot Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team).

Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) had a solid Friday, rounding out the top three in third place... — Beaubier blasts to maiden Moto2 pole on home turf. The American put in a stunner in Texas for pole, ahead of Vietti pulling a front row out the hat and Canet despite a crash!

Cameron Beaubier takes pole, while Celestino Vietti and Aron Canet complete the top three... — Cameron Beaubier takes pole, while Celestino Vietti and Aron Canet complete the top three…

Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) continues to impress in Moto2™ this season as the Spaniard ended Day 1 at the top of the timesheets at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas.

In Moto3, Andrea Migno pips Dennis Foggia by just 0.067, Xavier Artigas takes first front row in third.

The Moto3 Grid with Andrea Migno taking pole in front of Dennis Foggia and Xavier Artigas... — The Moto3 Grid with Andrea Migno taking pole in front of Dennis Foggia and Xavier Artigas…

Marquez was getting his head back in the game after his monster crash at Mandalika.

Behind the five Ducatis is Quartararo lining up in P6. How much did that crash affect the reigning World Champion’s pole position hunt? He'll want more on Sunday. — Behind the five Ducatis is Quartararo lining up in P6. How much did that crash affect the reigning World Champion’s pole position hunt? He’ll want more on Sunday.

Q2 then got underway and it was Miller who was the early pacesetter. Continuing the Ducati domination!

MotoE Testing: Two Day Test At Jerez

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April 14, 2022

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First day honours at the second Official FIM Enel MotoE™️ World Cup Test went to Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) as the electric class riders completed a Q1-Q2 format qualifying simulation at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. While Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) topped Day 2’s timesheets.

Day 1 in Jerez saw the MotoE™️ riders take part in a Q1-Q2 simulation and it’s the Brazilian who came out on top... — Day 1 in Jerez saw the MotoE™️ riders take part in a Q1-Q2 simulation and it’s the Brazilian who came out on top…

It was a dry but windy day in Andalucia as the MotoE™️ field began their final test, which takes place ahead of the season kicking off at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España in the near future. Due to rain appearing on Wednesday’s forecast, the Q1-Q2 simulation was brought forward to Monday.

In the first of two test sessions, Granado was the rider to beat with a 1:49.765, before the quickest times were slashed in the second practice session. Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™️) was the pacesetter, clocking a 1:49.153, before the qualifying simulations got underway at the end of the day.

2019 Cup winner Matteo Ferrari, meanwhile, looks to have got his mojo back a little more in 2022 if the test timesheets are anything to go by

The Q2 simulation was topped by Granado with a 1:49.020, the fastest time of the day, with Ferrari and Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE™️) rounding out the top three in Q2, two tenths shy of Granado’s effort. Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) was a couple of tenths shy of his teammate in P4, while the returning Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing) completed the top five, as the three-time MotoE™️ podium finisher ended three tenths away from top spot.

Q2 Simulation Top Three (Full Results Here)

1 Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) – Energica – 1’49.020
2 Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE) – Energica – +0.270
3 Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE™) – Energica – +0.276

Day Two
The returning Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) topped Day 2’s timesheets at the Official FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Jerez Test as rain heavily disrupted proceedings on Tuesday making for limited track time.

The British rider topped the timesheets after a day of limited action in Jerez due to the weather.

There was little track action to be had in the tricky conditions as Smith and MotoE™ rookie Alex Escrig (Tech3 E-Racing) were the only two riders to venture out in the first session. Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) then joined Smith on track in the second, before Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE™), Marc Alcoba (Openbank Aspar Team), Alessio Finello (Felo Gresini MotoE™), two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) and Maria Herrera (Openbank Aspar Team) headed into the fray in the final session.

At the end of the penultimate day of testing, Smith’s wet weather 1:58.080 – set in the second session – was the fastest lap as the riders and teams hope for the rain to clear ahead of the final day of pre-season running on Wednesday. Smith topped the final session too, with a 1:58.714, which was two and a bit tenths quicker than Casadei’s effort.

Alex Escrig (Tech3 E-Racing) is another as the Spaniard joins from dominating the European STK600 Championship, the same position Fermin Aldeguer was in at the start of his MotoE adventure.

It’s now full steam ahead into Round 1 at the Gran Premio Red Bull de España from the 29th of April to the 1st of May. Stay up to date with all the MotoE news here.

Day Two Top Three (Full Results Here)

1 Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team) – Energica – 1:58.080
2 Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) – Energica – +0.872
3 Alex Escrig (Tech 3 E-Racing) – Energica – +1.139

MotoGP Race Reports: Bastianini wins At COTA

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April 14, 2022

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Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is now a two-time MotoGP™ race winner! The Beast delivered a Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas masterclass to retake the World Championship lead heading to Europe, taking Ducati’s first win at the venue and staking his claim on a serious charge for the crown.

Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) scrapped it out on the last lap for second, with the Suzuki rider coming out on top with a late lunge – and thus securing Suzuki’s 500th podium. Miller, nevertheless, took his first rostrum of the season. Behind the fight for the win, there was also an almighty comeback ride from Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team)…

As the lights went out, Miller got the best start of the leading Ducati trio on the front row and grabbed the holeshot ahead of Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), but thus began the drama for the number 93. The eight-time World Champion suffered an issue off the line, plummeting through the order to the very back of the field.

Up ahead, Bastianini got the better Bagnaia for P3 on Lap 1 as Martin lunged for the lead at the penultimate corner. Miller instantly retaliated though and it was the Australian who held the race lead baton on Lap 2. It was a Ducati 1-2-3-4-5, with Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) scrapping away with Pecco for P4, followed by Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Rins and Joan Mir in P6, P7 and P8 behind the Desmosedici quintet.

By Lap 5 meanwhile, Marc Marquez had climbed his way up to 13th. Lap 7 saw him pass teammate Pol Espargaro at Turn 12 and in doing so, the number 93 was inside the top 10 – 0.6s off Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) in eighth and just five seconds off the lead.

Further up the road, Rins had pounced on Pecco and the Ducati stranglehold had been breached on Lap 6. Rins was an absolute demon on brakes into Turn 11 and the Spaniard picked off Zarco on Lap 9, crucially holding the Frenchman at bay coming out of Turn 12 too. Rins then latched himself onto the coattails of third place Bastianini, diving up the inside of the ‘Beast’ at Turn 11 on the next lap but Bastianini able to power back past.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez had picked off Aleix Espargaro and had Quartararo next on his list as the number 93 set the fastest lap of the race on Lap 11 of 20. Lap 12 saw Bastianini slice past Martin into second at Turn 1, and Rins followed Bestia through and into third. Up ahead, Miller had opened up a 0.7s lead as the Australian pushed on doing the leg work of leading, with Bagnaia, Mir and Zarco battling it out as the top nine riders down to Marc Marquez were split by five seconds – and the latter, set the fastest lap of the race.

It was all happening. Lap 14 saw Quartararo push his way past countryman Zarco as the number 5 dropped backwards, and Marc Marquez then passed Quartararo on the back straight as, up ahead, both Mir and Pecco made their way through on Martin. Bastianini, in second, then set the best lap of the race as Miller’s lead was cut to 0.3s, the race for the win very much on. The top two also had 1.4s in hand to Rins, who in turn had 1.3s to teammate Mir. Could the Suzukis bridge the gap?

With five laps to go, it looked like it was only a matter of time before Bastianini took the lead off Miller. Sure enough, ducking into the slipstream of the Australian, Bastianini then sliced up the inside of the number 43, hitting the front at Turn 12.

How would Miller respond? Bastianini eked out about three tenths and with three laps to go, the gap was half a second. From there, it only grew – and Rins was closing in fast, too. The Suzuki was now 0.7s behind Miller, Mir was a further second down the road, Bagnaia 0.8s off Mir, and Marquez and Quartararo were getting their gloves off as they shoved Martin down to P8.

Starting the final lap, Bastianini had 1.6s in his pocket and it seemed his to lose. Miller was now on defence duty against a charging Rins, with Mir not too far off the podium fight either. Bagnaia was in a lonelier fifth, and Marquez vs Quartararo was a sensation in the battle for sixth.

For second, the fight started at Turn 11 as the Suzuki got by, but Miller got his Ducati hooked up on the straight and the Aussie was back into P2. Rins then got a great run out of Turn 18, and at Turn 19, the number 42 went for it and dived up the inside. Stopped and turned to perfection, there was no way back for Miller and that was that: Bastianini a MotoGP™ race winner once more, Rins taking second and making that history for Suzuki, and Miller forced to settle for third but still taking a first podium of the season.

Mir’s podium attack didn’t quite come to fruition in the end but it’s a second consecutive P4 for the 2020 World Champion, with Bagnaia also taking a second successive result, his of fifth. And then came Marquez. From 24th to sixth was a truly stunning comeback, enough even without threatening the podium for it to be a serious warning shot for the rest. Quartararo gave it some elbows to try and deny the number 93 though, taking P7 in the end but the top Iwata machine by some margin.

Martin slipped to P8 as the Pramac duo struggled in the second half of the race, with Zarco just behind in P9. Maverick Viñales got the better of Aprilia Racing teammate Aleix Espargaro as the Aprilias pick up P10 and P11 from P13 and P14 on the grid, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) coming home in P12 on a difficult weekend for KTM.

A fatigued and under the weather Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) saw the chequered flag in P13, just ahead of Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) crossed the line in P15 but was demoted one place, handing Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) the final point.

Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) crashed out, the former headed to the medical centre for a check-up and was declared fit. What a way to celebrate 500 GPs of racing together, with Bastianini putting on a show to remember at the Circuit of the Americas. The Beast is back on top and in winning race #GP500, joins Cal Crutchlow (400th), Casey Stoner (300th), Valentino Rossi (200th), Kenny Roberts Jr (100th) and Mick Doohan, the first winner of the era back in 1992, with a nice little milestone.

Enea Bastianini: “Fantastic day! It has been really hard this race. The first part of the race Miller put a very fast pace, but then during the middle of the race when I saw Rins very close to me trying to overtake me many times I decided it was time to push for the front because also the temperature of the front tyre was too high. In the end I pushed like a bastard. It’s incredible to win here in America it’s a fantastic track, fantastic people and now it’s time to eat some hamburgers.!”

MotoGP Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 41’23.111
2 Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) – Suzuki – +2.058
3 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +2.312

Moto2
Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) kept it calm under pressure at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, the Italian pulling clear to take his first Moto2™ win in some style. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) charged through to second for his first back-to-back Moto2™ podiums, with another first in third: Jake Dixon (Shimoko GASGAS Aspar Team) gets his first rostrum finish in Grand Prix racing, battling Ogura and eventually taking P3.

Championship leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), who retains that moniker, crashed out early, and then his closest rival at the time, Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) also crashed out in a dramatic Americas GP.

Polemen Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) got off the line well but was denied the holeshot by a Vietti divebomb, and Canet and Arbolino then pushed the hometown hero back to P4 as the podium battle began to take shape. There was drama elsewhere early on too, first with a multi-rider crash involving, amongst others, Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) as he made contact with Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), before Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) also headed into Turn 12 too hot. Gabriel Rodrigo (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) and Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW Racing GP) were caught up. Chantra was given a Long Lap for Portugal for the incident.

The drama continued through to Lap 2, with Canet losing and then taking P2 back from Arbolino, before the Spaniard began to set his sights on the lead. The deficit between first and second had narrowed to just a couple tenths and the lead soon changed hands at Turn 9, with Canet taking charge of the race and Vietti slipping to second. Then, just a couple of corners later at 11, a Beaubier error allowed a host of riders through as he unfortunately dropped to eighth.

The American wasn’t the only rider struggling to keep himself upright at COTA, with Simone Corsi (MV Augusta Forward Racing) the next rider to crash out at Turn 14, before Pedro Acosta’s (Red Bull KTM Ajo excellent race start, P10 to P5, was in vain, as he slid out of the race and the top five at Turn 6 – riders OK.

Turn 6 then claimed another victim, this time in the form of Championship leader and race contender Vietti. It meant Arbolino and Dixon moved into the top three, and handed a comfortable advantage to new race leader Canet, but it didn’t last long. The Flexbox HP40 rider seemed to be cruising to a win before disaster struck on the eighth lap, losing the front end of his Kalex at Turn 7 to throw another twist in the tale of a fascinating Moto2™ race in Texas. As a result, three riders were thrust into victory contention, Arbolino leading Dixon and Ogura, but a classy performance from a cool and composed Tiger Tony ensured he opened up an unassailable lead over the next few laps.

Lap 12 then saw the order of the podium decided, with Ogura taking over from Dixon at Turn 12. Luckily for the Briton, he had built up enough of an advantage over Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) and Beaubier that he just had to keep it steady to claim his first-ever Grand Prix podium.

Arblolino crossed the line in some clear air for an impressive first Moto2™ win, extending the advantage lap by lap to taste Prosecco in the intermediate class for the first time. Ogura kept second despite a late nibble from Dixon on the penultimate lap, with the number 96 choosing calm and that first ever Grand Prix finish.

For poleman Beaubier, what started out as a dream home race then sadly turned into a nightmare, as he cost himself a P4 finish and 13 valuable Championship points on the final lap, sliding out and handing Schrötter a first top four finish since the Valencia GP in 2020.

Jorge Navarro recovered from a Long Lap Penalty to take a top five finish while Jeremy Alcoba made it two Liqui Moly intact riders inside the top six for his best rookie results so far. Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) and Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) were next up, Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) going from P18 to P9.

A fine ride from Barry Baltus (RW Racing GP) saw him round out the top 10 ahead of Albert Arenas (Shimoko GASGAS Aspar Team) and Marcos Ramirez (MV Augusta Forward Racing). Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team), Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™) and Romano Fenati (MB Conveyors Speed Up) complete the points finishers.

Moto2 Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – 39’06.552
2 Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – +3.439
3 Jake Dixon (Shimoko GASGAS Aspar Team) – Kalex – +4.787

Moto3
For the first time since the 2021 Qatar GP, Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is a race winner after coming out on top of a classic Moto3™ battle at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) takes the World Championship lead and with some margin after a second place finish, the Italian beating compatriot Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) to the second step on the podium. Former points leader Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) suffered a DNF, with his place in the standings taking a dent.

Polesitter Migno was able to hold onto P1 as the lightweight class field piled into Turn 1, but Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) was soon the race leader, the Turk through with an aggressive move at Turn 7. Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), after contact on the home straight with Öncü, took over in the lead on Lap 2 though, and there was big progress for Garcia as he picked his way through to P8 from P15 on the grid. Foggia was going in the wrong direction early doors, meanwhile, the Italian had been shuffled down to P10.

Xavier Artigas took his turn leading for a couple of laps, but then came the drama for Garcia. On Lap 6 at the exit of Turn 13, there was contact between the Spaniard and compatriot Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Garcia was down and out of the running for points, as Holgado himself then tucked the front at Turn 20. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), after jumping the start, had to take two Long Lap penalties.

A lead group of seven had formed at the front: Masia now led from Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max), Öncü, Moreira, Artigas, Foggia and Migno with nine laps to go. With seven to go, Foggia hit the front for the first time, but a lap later, Masia was back through. With five to go though it was a costly Turn 12 for Foggia, the Italian shuffled down to P4 behind Masia, Migno and Sasaki after running slightly wide. It was all to play for with two laps to go in Austin, the top seven all locked together.

Heading onto the last lap, Moreira highsided out – unhurt – at the final corner, as Masia and Migno scrapped for the lead. Foggia was P3, Sasaki P4, Öncü P5 – it was between these five riders for victory. Migno led onto the back straight but Masia grabbed a nice slipstream and made a move stick into Turn 12.

It was advantage Masia heading into the final sector, and Migno dived up the inside at the penultimate corner but went wide, allowing both Masia and Foggia through. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider made no mistake at the final corner and took victory ahead of Foggia and Migno, with Sasaki missing out on a podium by 0.096s in P4.

Öncü was in the fight for victory throughout but just lost touch on the last lap and the Turkish rider came home in P5. Artigas also lost touch in the closing stages, the Spaniard finished P6 ahead of Guevara, who did well to recover to P7 from his two Long Lap penalties. Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) rounded out the top 10.

Rookies Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) and Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) produced great rides to pick up P11 and P12 on their first visits to COTA, the duo finished ahead of Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and the final point scorer Lorenzo Fellon (SIC58 Squadra Corse) – that’s the Frenchman’s first World Championship point.

Moto3 Podium (Full Results Here)

1 Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – KTM – 38’58.286
2 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – +0.172
3 Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) – Honda – +0.394

NATC
The all-new NATC has the goal of giving riders from North America a new opportunity to further their careers, designed to become a stepping stone between lower level regional championships and FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship paddock, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, and/or the MotoAmerica championship series. The NATC is a Cup for teams and riders, using the incredibly successful European Talent Cup as a blueprint. The limit on entries is 20 riders aged between 13 and 16 in 2022, with all racing on equal Aprilia RS250SP2 machinery.

At the opener, Shedden proved the star of the show but there were some close fights for the podium. In Race 1, Aiden Sneed got the better of Alessandro Di Mario at the final corner, and on Sunday it was another close fight. This time, Alexander Enriquez pipped Di Mario to second (pictured above). Check out more about the NATC here!

MotoGP Saturday: Ducati Lockout The Top 5 At COTA

By

PB

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April 14, 2022

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Jorge Martin’s stunning Saturday afternoon form continued at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, with the Spaniard coming through Q1 to claim a sensational second pole position of the season. The Spaniard beat Jack Miller by just 0.003s, the 2:02.039 the Ducati Pramac rider set is also a new all-time lap record.

A 1-2-3-4-5 in qualifying makes some history for the Bologna factory, with Marquez ninth on Saturday.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) claimed P3 to make it a Ducati triple threat on the front row and, just behind, two more Ducatis line up P4 and P5… making it the first ever front five lockout for the factory, and the first for a single manufacturer since Honda in 2003 at Motegi.

Q1
Q1 was – as we’re used to seeing given the sheer competitiveness of the class – a star-studded affair. World Championship leader Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia Racing teammate Maverick Viñales fancied their chances of progressing, but so did Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Martin and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).

Francesco Bagnaia claimed P3 and two more Ducatis line up P4 and P5... making it the first ever front five lockout for the factory, and the first for a single manufacturer since Honda in 2003 at Motegi. — Francesco Bagnaia claimed P3 and two more Ducatis line up P4 and P5… making it the first ever front five lockout for the factory, and the first for a single manufacturer since Honda in 2003 at Motegi.

Rins was the early pacesetter, the Suzuki rider putting in a 2:02.723 as the benchmark. Martin soon took over at the summit with eight minutes to go though, which saw Aleix Espargaro kicked out of the all-important top two. Then, chasing a time on his second run, the number 41 was down. Hopes of a Q2 place were gone for the Spaniard and the best he could hope for was a P13 grid slot. Luckily, P3 in the session and P13 on the grid was where he stayed, as Martin and Rins progressed and no one else could leapfrog. Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team), chasing big brother Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), crashed at Turn 3 unhurt in the early stages.

Q2
Q2 then got underway and it was Miller who was the early pacesetter, with fellow Ducati rider Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) off to a tougher start as he crashed at Turn 15. The Italian was able to pick his GP21 straight back up though, and immediately set off chasing a pole position lap time – no damage done.

Then, another crash. This time it was Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) at the penultimate corner. Rider ok and 100m Olympic sprint mode activated, but it was now a race against time for the Frenchman who was provisional P7. After that and at the end of the first set of runs, Miller was leading Bagnaia by 0.008s, with Martin and Bastianini making it a Ducati 1-2-3-4. Quartararo managed to make his way back to the garage with just over four minutes to go though and straight away, the number 20 was back on track on his second YZR-M1.

Pecco came out of the blocks flying on his second fresh soft rear tyre. 0.140s was his advantage through the third split and by the line, the number 63 went top by 0.160s over teammate Miller. The latter, though, was also setting red sector times. Through the third split, Miller was 0.236s up on Pecco’s effort and sure enough, the Australian returned to P1.

Then, there was another Ducati rider lighting up the timing screens – Martin. The qualifying specialist lost time in the third split but a wonderful fourth sector saw Martin pip Miller by the slimmest of margins: just 0.003s. Was there anyone else challenging? Not by the looks of it. Quartararo was struggling to respond, seven-time Texas winner Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had a quiet session pushed down to P9 and Rins and 2020 Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) jumped up to P7 and P8.

In the end, Martin’s 0.003s advantage was enough to take it, with Miler and Pecco joining him on the front row. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) and Bastianini, in P4 and P5, made it a historic Ducati demolition on Saturday in Texas.

The Grid
Behind the five Ducatis is Quartararo lining up in P6. How much did that crash affect the reigning World Champion’s pole position hunt? He’ll want more on Sunday. Rins and Mir head up the third row ahead of Marc Marquez, the eight-time World Champion under the radar so far. Fellow Honda rider Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) rounded out the top 10 to equal his best of the season so far, with Argentina front row hero Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and an under the weather Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) just behind, set to launch from P11 and P12 respectively.

It was a frantic and ferocious pair of qualifying sessions in Austin, and we now turn our attention to race day. Can anyone stop Ducati from claiming victory in Texas? And what can the World Championship leader muster up from P13? Time will tell. So tune in at 13:00 local time (GMT-5) to find out!

MotoGP Qualifying Results (Full Results Here)

1 Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 2’02.239
2 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.003
3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.128

Moto2
An American, riding for an American team, in America, on pole! That sounds good for the home crowd, doesn’t it? It certainly does for Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) who bagged a dream debut Moto2™ pole position at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, taking the honour by over 0.3s from Championship leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Vietti came through Q1 to start on the front row, however, and it’s a familiar sparring partner in P3: Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40), despite a late crash, starts from third.

Q1
After finishing Free Practice down in P15, Vietti had to battle it out in Q1. The Italian didn’t top the first part of qualifying either, that accolade went to Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team), but he safely made it into the pole position shootout alongside the Dutchman, Marcos Ramirez (MV Agusta Forward Racing) and Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP).

Q2
After the first set of laps were thrown into the hat in Q2, it was none other than Vietti leading the way, the Italian putting in a 2:09.091. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) then crashed unhurt at Turn 17 though, bringing out the red flags, as Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) then went down unhurt at Turn 8. Neither rider had set a lap time. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia), who was P3, was then the third rider who crashed, rider also ok. The Japanese rider went down on the exit of Turn 11 and that meant more yellow flags were shown, which meant more laps would be chalked off.

After the drama had settled, all eyes turned to Beaubier. Three red splits went the way of the home hero and crossing the line, the American went provisional pole by 0.3s. Canet was on a flyer though, over four tenths up in the first sector, but Turn 17 caught the Spaniard out. The front end washed away, bringing out the yellow flags once more, but it wasn’t quite done and dusted yet with a couple of minutes to go…

Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) and Arbolino were out on track and threatening, but ultimately neither would get close to Beaubier’s time. That was that – the American sophomore is on pole for the Grand Prix of the Americas!

The Grid
Behind Beaubier, Vietti and Canet, Arbolino managed to recover from that early crash to claim P4 on his last lap. The Italian will start alongside Shimoko GASGAS Aspar Team pairing Albert Arenas and Jake Dixon. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40) faces a Long Lap Penalty in Sunday’s race for crashing under yellow flags in FP3 but the Spaniard starts P7, ahead of Aldeguer, Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo).

Moto2 Qualifying Results (Full Results Here)

1 Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) – Kalex – 2’08.751
2 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – +0.340
3 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – +0.532

Moto3
A final flying lap effort from Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) saw the Italian edge out compatriot Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) in the battle for pole position in Moto3™ Q2 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas. Just 0.067s split the duo as Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) comes through Q1 to claim a fantastic first ever front row, with World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) taking P15 and left with work to do on Sunday.

Q1
Joining the fray in the Q2 shootout from Q1 were Artigas, who took over late on and denied Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) the honours of topping the session. They were joined by Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) and Elia Bartolini (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) as the fight for pole got underway.

FIM MotoGP™ Stewards: For riding slow on line and interfering with other riders in Q1, Bartolini was subsequently given a back of the grid start for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas Moto3™ race. He also has to complete a Long Lap Penalty.

Q2
Guevara set the early pace with a 2:16.609 as Foggia sat P9 after his first effort, but the times would tumble on the next set of flying times. Migno then took over by 0.127s from Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), with Foggia climbing to P4 with six and a half minutes to go. As he always tries to do, the 2021 runner-up was lapping alone…

On his fifth flying lap, having not pitted for fresh rubber, Foggia pulled a phenomenal final sector out the hat and took provisional pole by 0.058s with just under two minutes to go. That was then 0.086s as Foggia improved again, but on their final laps, Migno and Artigas bettered the Italian. With one last shot at it, Foggia did improve once again but his last attempt wasn’t quite enough – Migno bagged pole by 0.067s ahead of the Leopard Racing rider.

The Grid
Behind Migno, Foggia and Artigas, Öncü will start from P4 in Austin with Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and rookie Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) joining the Turkish rider on the second row. Moreira is once again the top rookie.

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was once again close to the Brazilian however, with veteran Japanese duo Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) locking out Row 3 alongside the 2021 FIM Moto3™ Junior World Champion. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), last year’s winner in Texas, completed the top 10, and teammate Garcia, the title leader and Argentina GP winner, has a mountain to climb from P15 on Sunday.

Moto3 Qualifying Results (Full Results Here)

1 Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) – Honda – 2’15.814
2 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – +0.067
3 Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) – CFMoto – +0.252

MotoGP Friday: Zarco pulls clear of Miller on Day 1 at COTA

By

PB

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April 13, 2022

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A silky smooth lap at the end of FP2 handed Johann Zarco the number one spot on the timesheets on Friday at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas. The Frenchman’s 2:02.542 was enough to beat Jack Miller by 0.247s to earn himself some breathing space, with Fabio Quartararo completing the top three.

The Frenchman sets the pace as Miller gets some mojo back, with Quartararo a close third on Friday.

Elsewhere, the returning Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) ended Day 1 in sixth, whereas World Championship leader Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) sits outside the top 10 – with work to do for the Argentina GP race winner in FP3 to move through into Q2.

FP1
Some fantastic pace in the final handful of laps saw Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) end FP1 as the fastest rider on track, but only 0.008s split the Spaniard from compatriot Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). Rins’ 2:04.007 benchmark was over four tenths clear of third place Miller though. He had encountered an issue with his GSX-RR with 20 mins to go and then had to pit for fuel on his second bike, but that didn’t stop the 2019 Americas GP winner.

Quartararo began his weekend with a P4, the Frenchman 0.443 behind Rins in the opening 45-minute stint, with Marc Marquez’ return getting off the ground with a very solid P5. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) crashed unhurt at Turn 18 in the early exchanges of the session, and then he too had a technical issue at the end of the session.

FP2
FP1 table topper Rins was the first rider to stick some fresh soft rear Michelin rubber in with 22 minutes to go, and his time was a 2:03.030 – half a second faster than anyone else. Miller had sat P1 after a flurry of riders set their personal best times in the early stages of the session, including Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Viñales and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), but with 20 minutes to go, there was a new benchmark thanks to the number 42 Suzuki.

Bagnaia then took over in second before Joan Mir made it a Team Suzuki Ecstar 1-2 with four minutes left on Friday. But the red sector times were starting to light up the screen. Marc Marquez slotted into P2 as Miller returned to top spot by 0.2s, with Viñales going P4. All of a sudden though, it became a leading trio of Ducatis as Zarco set the best time of the day, with Bastianini going P3 behind Miller too.

Quartararo soon hit back to take third, although the Frenchman was nearly three tenths away from countryman Zarco. And that’s how it stayed by the time all the riders had taken the chequered flag; Zarco fastest from Ducati stablemate Miller and Quartararo.

Provisional Q2 places
Behind the top three, Bastianini had a good day at the office to finish P4, the Italian just 0.3s shy of Zarco’s pace, with Rins shuffled down to P5 by the end of the session after going early on his soft tyre strategy. Marc Marquez’ sixth on his return to MotoGP™ action was an interesting one, and we saw a happy Viñales at the end of Day 1 – P7 for Top Gun. Mir, after briefly sitting P2, is currently heading into Q2 in P8 ahead of Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) – the two GP22 riders rounding out that all-important top 10.

That means Aleix Espargaro has work to do in FP3 if he’s to grab an automatic place in Q2 in Austin, with the Spaniard missing out by a slender 0.015s. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – the leading KTM on a tough day for the factory – are the only other riders within a second of Zarco’s scintillating time, down in P12 and P13. Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) crashed unhurt late on at Turn 11.

FRIDAY: TOP 3 (Full Results Here)

1 Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 2’02.542
2 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – +0.247
3 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Yamaha – +0.295

Moto2
Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) continues to impress in Moto2™ this season as the Spaniard ended Day 1 at the top of the timesheets at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas. Aldeguer set a 2:09.155 in the second Free Practice session to beat Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) by just 0.046s, with Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) beginning his home GP with a P3 overall on Day 1.

FP1
Despite a late crash, Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) topped FP1 with a 2:10.489, a time good enough to beat Beaubier by 0.036s. Arbolino was also fast first time out, rounding out the first top three of the weekend.

Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) and Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) completed the top five, the duo were the only other riders to get within half a second of pacesetter Fernandez. Jake Dixon (Shimoko GASGAS Aspar Team) and Barry Baltus (RW Racing GP) crashed unhurt in the opening session of the weekend.

FP2
It was a closely fought FP2 session, with every rider bar one going quicker than they did in the cooler FP1 conditions. The fastest times of the day came at the end of the session, with Aldeguer eventually pipping Arbolino to P1 on his final flying lap. Beaubier also set his personal best lap on his final time attack effort to climb into the top three. World Championship leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) struggled to P15 after crashing unhurt at Turn 5, rider ok but currently outside the provisional Q2 places.

Provisional Q2 places
Behind Aldeguer, Arbolino and Beaubier, Dixon claimed P4 on Day 1. Second in the Championship, Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40), was fifth with FP1 pacesetter Fernandez in P6. Reigning Moto3™ World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went well to finish P7, with Argentina GP podium finisher Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) picking up P8. A late effort from Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40) – despite a crash – and Albert Arenas (Shimoko GASGAS Aspar Team) round out the top 10.

Home hero Sean Dylan Kelly (American Racing) headed to the medical centre for a check-up after a crash in FP2, thankfully he was later declared fit, as we also saw a crash for Gabriel Rodrigo (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) – he too went to the medical centre and will be reviewed before FP3. That FP3 will be a vital session for Vietti after home favourite Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) knocked the Italian out of the top 14.

FRIDAY: TOP 3 (Full Results Here)

1 Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) – Boscoscuro – 2’09.155
2 Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – +0.046
3 Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) – Kalex – +0172

Moto3
Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) flexed some speed on Day 1 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Americas, pulling clear by more than three tenths ahead of compatriot Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team). Third was an impressive push from Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) as the Spaniard starts to stake his claim on some serious pace in his rookie season.

FP1
Migno set a 2:16.241 in FP1 to start the day on top of the timesheets, ahead of second place Foggia. The Leopard Racing rider was 0.382s down on Migno’s best effort, while Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) completed the top three. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) took P4 and P5 as actioned opened for the lightweight class, with World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) finishing P9 – 1.068s away from top spot.

FP2
2:15.440 from Foggia put him on top in FP2 as he turned the tables on FP1 pacesetter Migno by a similar 0.384s. Reigning FIM JuniorGP™ World Champion Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) climbed into the top three with a late lap in the afternoon session, the rookie seriously impressing on first touch with COTA. Lapping alone at the end of FP2, Foggia was able to briefly sit 0.7s clear, but Migno did slightly reel him in at the end of the day. Only five riders lapped within a second of Foggia though, with the Italian stamping his authority on Austin on the opening day of action as only he and Migno set sub 2:16 lap times.

Provisional Q2 places
Behind Foggia, Migno and Holgado, Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is fourth fastest on Day 1 and having missed most of FP1. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) strung together a great FP2 to claim P5, with Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) in P6 as the final rider to get within a second of Foggia’s blistering time. Tatay suffered a heavy crash at Turn 18 in FP2 but the Spaniard was unhurt and ended the day in P7, he leads Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing), 2021 COTA winner Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) inside the top 10.

World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) claimed P11 on the combined timesheets, 1.1s down on title rival Foggia by the end of play. Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Matteo Bertelle (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) and Alberto Surra (Rivacold Snipers Team), the latter despite a crash, are the final riders currently set to move through to Q2.

FRIDAY: TOP 3 (Full Results Here)

1 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 2’15.440
2 Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) – Honda – +0.384
3 Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – KTM – +0.750

WorldSBK Reports: Bautista Back On Top In Aragon

By

PB

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April 13, 2022

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Jonathan Rea and Alvaro Bautista went head-to-head in the 18-lap season opening race of the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Spanish circuit of Aragon Saturday, with Rea on the Kawasaki nailing victory from an impressive Bautista, relishing in his return race aboard the Ducati.

As the lights went out, Bautista got the holeshot into turn one but he soon found himself demoted to second as Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) forced his way through at turn two. Rea was pushed back to third place, but he soon worked himself to the front as the trio took on their race one battle. Throughout the 18-lap race, Razgatlioglu, Bautista and Rea, traded blows each rider using their bike’s strengths in the search for victory. The trio were overtaking each other down the back straight while Rea’s preferred option to make moves was into turn seven.

At the end of lap nine, Bautista had a huge moment which allowed Rea back through into turn one and the pair continued to fight through the final two corners in the battle for victory. On lap 14, Bautista used the power of his Ducati to move into the lead of the race before Rea responded into turn seven. Bautista tried a move on the last lap into the final two corners, but Rea was able to defend the position before winning a drag race to the line. Despite Rea and Bautista battling, they were able to pull a gap to Razgatlioglu who finished third place. Rea’s victory gave him his 21st consecutive podium at Aragon and his 22nd in total, the most any rider has at a single circuit for his 216th podium in his career.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed fourth place as he finished around five seconds back from Razgatlioglu. The Italian fought in the lead group in the first half of the race, but soon found himself on track on his own as he finished five seconds clear of fellow Italian Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK). Both Team HRC riders finished inside the top seven with Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge finishing sixth and seventh respectively – a strong start for the two Spanish rookies who will spearhead the Honda factory effort in 2022. Illia Mykalchyk (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) scored eighth place on his debut as he scored Ukraine’s first points in WorldSBK after becoming the first rider from Ukraine to race in WorldSBK. He finished just 0.084s behind Vierge.

Rea’s victory gave him his 21st consecutive podium at Aragon and his 22nd in total, the most any rider has at a single circuit for his 216th podium in his career.

American star Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished in ninth place, just three-tenths away from Mykalchyk in eighth place. Irish rider Eugene Laverty (Bonovo Action BMW) rounded out the top ten on his first race with the Bonovo BMW squad, finishing half a second clear teammate Loris Baz. Luca Bernardi (BARNI Spark Racing Team) scored his first points in his first WorldSBK race as he came home in 12th place, scoring the first points for San Marino since Alex De Angellis finished 13th at Laguna Seca in 2017. Bernardi finished just three-tenths clear of fellow rookie Philipp Oettl (Team Goeleven) in 13th as five of the seven debutants on the grid at Aragon scored points.

Frenchman Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) scored 14th on his return to competitive action following an injury-hit 2021 season, just 0.389s behind Oettl and 0.520s clear of Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in 15th place; the British rider scoring a single point on his BMW debut. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) had been running towards the top ten but a trip through the gravel at turn 15 dropped him down the order and he narrowly missed out on points as he finished in 16th place. He was less than a second clear of Roberto Tamburini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) in 17th place.

Starting his second season in WorldSBK, Kohta Nozane (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) finished in 18th place as he finished clear of Christophe Ponsson in the family-run Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha squad. Leandro Mercado (MIE Racing Honda Team) finished in 20th place, ahead of teammate Hafizh Syahrin, while Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) rounded out the classified finishers.

WorldSBK Aragon Race 1 (Full Results Here)

1 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
2 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.090s
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +5.416s

Tissot Sprint Race
Alvaro Bautista is back with Ducati for 2022 and back in the winners’ circle, with the Spanish rider taking the lead on lap one of the Tissot Superpole Sprint, streaking to the lead and crossing the line first to claim victory in just the second race of the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.

His last win in WorldSBK was at San Juan in 2019 in his first season with world supers aboard the Ducati. But he left the Bologna marque at the end of 2019, and spent two years with Honda where success alluded him. He returned to Ducati for 2022, and in just his second outing for Ducati, has whitewashed the competition for the Sprint win.

Alvaro Bautista is back with Ducati for 2022 and back in the winners’ circle, with the Spanish rider taking the lead on lap one of the Tissot Superpole Sprint.

Once Bautista was able to hit the front, he used the power of his Ducati Panigale V4 R to maintain his lead at the front of the field as he pulled out a gap of over one second to the chasing pack at the start of Lap 4, being able to hold on to claim his first victory since returning to Ducati. It meant it Bautista claimed his first win in two years and 181 days and the 17th win of his WorldSBK career.

Behind Bautista, three riders – Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK), Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) – battled for the remaining two front row starting positions for race two. Rea was able to claim second place with Razgatlioglu third, after a last lap fight to the line with Rinaldi. Razgatlioglu passed Rinaldi into the left hander at turn 15 before the Italian tried to respond into the final corner. Razgatlioglu was able to hold position before crossing the line with just 0.059s separating the pair after a drag race to the line.

Rinaldi will lead the second row from fourth place with fellow Italian rider Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) alongside him from fifth place. Locatelli had a battle with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in the closing stages of the race, with Lowes missing out on fifth place by just 0.091s. Italian rider Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) charged through from ninth on the grid to claim seventh place and he will lead the way from the third row in race two, ahead of Team HRC duo Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge. Both Lecuona and Vierge used Pirelli’s new SCQ tyre in the 10-lap Superpole Race to finish inside the top nine, finishing as the highest-placed riders using this compound; the top seven riders used the SCX tyre.

Tissot Superpole Race Aragon (Full Results Here)

1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +5.141s
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +6.008s

New Lap Record: Torpak Razgatlioglu, Yamaha – 1’49.375ss

Race Two
After two years in the wilderness with Honda, Bautista has returned to Aruba.it Ducati for the season and from the get-go is banking victories and points. Sunday saw the Spaniard take command. From the box seat start, he fought off early challenges but streaked ahead to take victory by more than four seconds from Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea with Toprak Razgatlioglu in third.

The fight for victory was another thrilling affair with Bautista doubling up for victories on Sunday with a win in race two as he withstood early challenges from teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK). Bautista hit the front on lap 3 of 18 before looking to pull away at the front of the field.

Spain’s Alvaro Bautista is beaming and “in love” with his Ducati after a near-perfect weekend saw him take two victories on Sunday and a second-place on Saturday in the opening round of the 2022 season.

He was able to take advantage of Rea and Rinaldi battling over second place, including Rea running wide at lap four which allowed Rinaldi through to second place with Razgatlioglu third and Rea fourth. Two laps later and Rea outbraked Razgatlioglu at turn one to move up to third, while on lap 11 Rinaldi ran wide which allowed Rea back into second place.

Razgatlioglu initially dropped back but he then closed the gap to Rinaldi in the closing stages of the race, trying a move at turn 16-17 where Rinaldi defended around the outside to maintain position. On the next lap, Razgatlioglu made his move into turn one to move into third place before setting his eyes on Rea. Although he could close the gap across the final four laps, Rea held on for second place with Razgatlioglu and Rinaldi behind.

With victory, Bautista leads the Championship standings for the first time since Misano in 2019, as he claimed the 18th win of his WorldSBK career. Rea and Razgatlioglu claimed second and third respectively and for the first time the same three riders shared three podiums at the opening round of the season.

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) finished in fifth place as he bounced back from his race one crash to claim a top-five finish. Independent rider Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) was sixth after the Italian made a good start to jump up the order.

The battle for seventh featured four riders with Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW), Xavi Vierge (Team HRC), Garrett Gerloff (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Iker Lecuona (Team HRC). Baz was able to get ahead at around half distance, and stayed there as the lead BMW rider in race two. He was 0.865s clear of Spanish rookie Vierge who finished as the lead Honda rider, although he was just 0.616s ahead of Gerloff. Lecuona had been ahead of Gerloff until the last lap but found himself demoted to tenth on last lap.

French rider Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) came home in 11th place and only two seconds away from the battle for seventh on a strong comeback weekend for the Frenchman. Eugene Laverty (Bonovo Action BMW) ensured both Bonovo BMW riders scored points in race two as he claimed 12th place after a late-race battle with rookie Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) as Laverty’s WorldSBK experience helped him up the order.

From the box seat start, Bautista fought off early challenges but streaked ahead to take victory by more than four seconds from Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea with Toprak Razgatlioglu in third.

Laverty and Oettl were both closely followed by rookie Roberto Tamburini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) after the Italian, who received a late call-up to race in the 2022 season, claimed 14th place on his first WorldSBK round. Another debutant, Illia Mykhalchyk (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), scored points with 15th place; the Ukrainian was the only factory BMW rider to score points in race two.

Luca Bernardi (BARNI Spark Racing Team) dropped down the order on the opening lap of the race but was able to battle back to claim 16th place although he was some 11 seconds away from claiming points. He was more than two seconds clear of wildcard Gabriele Ruiu (Bmax Racing) in 17th place who withstood the challenge from French rider Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha) with just 0.615s between them.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) was 19th after he had a crash at turn nine in the early stages of the race, but he battled back to finish four seconds clear of Hafizh Syahrin (MIE Racing Honda Team) in 20th place. Syahrin’s teammate, Leandro Mercado, was 1.6s back in 21sth place with Oliver Konig (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) rounding out the classified runners.

A consistent weekend for all three of the podium finishers battling for the top spot in all three races... — A consistent weekend for all three of the podium finishers battling for the top spot in all three races…

Kohta Nozane’s (GYRT GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) race came to an end on lap 14 when he had a crash on the exit of the turn seven right-hander. Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was the only other rider not classified in the race. The British rider had a couple of off-track excursions before he brought his M 1000 RR machine into the pits after completing 11 laps.

WorldSBK Aragon Race 2 (Full Results Here)

1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +4.393s
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) +6.223s

Fastest Lap: Alex Lowes, Kawasaki – 1’50.334s

In his World Supersport season debut, Australia’s Oli Bayliss on the Barni Ducati Panigale V2 took a 21st in WorldSSP’s Saturday race, and improved for a 19th place in the Sunday’s race two.

Oli’s Update
In his World Supersport season debut, Australia’s Oli Bayliss on the Barni Ducati Panigale V2 took a 21st in WorldSSP’s Saturday race, and improved for a 19th place in the Sunday’s race two. Race wins went to Lorenzo Baldassari (Yamaha) on Saturday and on Sunday reigning champion, Swiss rider Dominique Aegerter (Yamaha) took the flag. They both lead the championship after round one on 45 points. Bayliss is yet to bank any points.

"A good debut weekend. The team and I worked hard and improved session by session, also collecting important data and making constant progress." said Bayliss. — “A good debut weekend. The team and I worked hard and improved session by session, also collecting important data and making constant progress.” said Bayliss.

“A good debut weekend. The team and I worked hard and improved session by session, also collecting important data and making constant progress. I learned a lot in today’s race and am sure we can grow and will be able to fight for the positions that count. Now we need to focus on Assen in two weeks’ time, an unknown for me as we’ve never tested there, but I think I have good feeling with my Ducati and so hope to do well” said Oli.

Championship Standings After Round One (Full Standings Here)

1 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 57 points
2 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 54
3 Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) 39

First Impressions: 6D ATS-1R Helmet

Column: James ‘ROCKET Weaver, OJC

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