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Round Preview: MotoGP Finally Returns To Argentina

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PB
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It’s already been a tough task to predict MotoGP so far in 2022, and now the paddock heads back to the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo and some unchartered premier class territory for many. The season is just starting to heat up and it could be anyone on the podium in Argentina!

There are only nine permanent riders who have raced MotoGP machinery at Termas de Rio Hondo more than once
There are only nine permanent riders who have raced MotoGP machinery at Termas de Rio Hondo more than once.

There are only nine permanent riders who have raced MotoGP machinery at Termas de Rio Hondo more than once and of those, even less return to take on the track on the same bikes as they were riding on our last visit. So it really will be an interesting weekend, with even the rookie class of 2020 such as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) back in at the deep end with zero track experience on premier class machinery.

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KTM seems the best place, as the Austrian factory currently have the best seat in the house in two of three Championships, heading the standings in the Constructors’ and Teams’ title fights for the first time ever. The aforementioned Binder is only two points off the top in the fight for the riders’ crown too, and teammate Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is in the top five after catapulting himself up the table by 16 places thanks to that awesome win in Indonesia.

As MotoGP returnS to Argentina for the first time since 2019, plenty has changed – so could it be another unpredictable weekend in South America?
As MotoGP returnS to Argentina for the first time since 2019, plenty has changed – so could it be another unpredictable weekend in South America?

Oliveira is also one of the only nine riders on the grid who’ve previously raced the track with the same factory with which they return to tackle the challenge in 2022 too, as Brad Binder faces the opposite challenge of first premier class touch. Can they tame Termas and lead the three leaderboards of the coveted Triple Crown?

At Tech3 KTM Factory Racing, meanwhile, the rookie duel continues and it’s still split between the two by the single point taken by reigning Moto2™ Champion Remy Gardner in Qatar. Gardner also took his first ever Grand Prix podium at Termas de Rio Hondo, so will be hoping to add to his tally as Raul Fernandez arrives with only one Moto3™ appearance at the track in 2019.

Remy has been keen to show off some of his skills after being hit with some bad luck last round...
Remy has been keen to show off some of his skills after being hit with some bad luck last round…

Just down pitlane, Ducati have an interesting array of experience. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) is one of the most veteran on the grid having first raced the venue in 2015, with only three riders beating his tally. However, it’s only two events at the track with Ducati that the Australian has to his name… but however again, Termas was the stage for his only premier class pole so far after his awe-inspiring masterclass on slicks on a drying and definitely-not-yet-dry track back in 2018. Can he turn his experience into his first podium of the season?

One rider who arguably did that last time out was another Ducati rider with experience at Termas: Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), who stormed to third in Lombok. He also has two Moto2™ wins in Argentina, but the Frenchman has only tackled the track on a Yamaha and KTM in the premier class, so both he and teammate Jorge Martin – who remains on the hunt for his first points of the year – take on the venue on Borgo Panigale machinery for the first time. So too does Luca Marini, and it will be interesting to see the Mooney VR46 Racing Team battle as Marco Bezzecchi arrives as a full blown rookie.

Ducati have an interesting array of experience. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) is one of the most veteran on the grid having first raced the venue in 2015.
Ducati have an interesting array of experience. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) is one of the most veteran on the grid having first raced the venue in 2015.

And then there’s Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). If Qatar was a tough start, Lombok was only slightly less bitter as the Italian struggled to score. We have, however, seen Bagnaia paint MotoGP™ poetry on now many an occasion, and he’ll be hoping his 2019 experience at Termas, then on an Independent Ducati, will count for something and help him get back in the hunt for the podium as a minimum.

Finally, Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) arrives in the truly best seat in the house as he continues to lead the Championship. After a disastrous start to the race in Lombok down in P20 at one point, the Italian brought it back to get another handful of points by the flag despite very little experience in the wet. Having passed that challenge, the next is Termas de Rio Hondo as the number 23 aims to keep and extend that lead – riding at the track for the first time in the premier class.

Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) arrives in the truly best seat in the house as he continues to lead the Championship.
Enea Bastianini arrives in the truly best seat in the house as he continues to lead the Championship.

Over at Yamaha, there’s plenty to discuss too. Qatar was a disappointment for reigning Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) before incredible wet weather grip in Lombok saw the Frenchman slice up into second for his first MotoGP™ podium in the rain. But the Iwata marque – and Quartararo especially – looked hard to bet against in the dry in Indonesia, so it’s a mixed bag so far in 2021, with both disappointment and searing pace on show.

El Diablo has raced at Termas before, in 2019, and although only once it was with Yamaha. Teammate Franco Morbidelli has one more MotoGP™ race in Argentina under his belt, but he’s tackled the track on two different machines. Morbidelli had a pretty solid weekend in Indonesia too, so what will the two factory guys have for Termas? The Iwata marque have already won at the track twice with two different riders.

Fabio scored his first ever wet weather podium last round and will be looking to build on scoring early points.
Fabio scored his first ever wet weather podium last round and will be looking to build on scoring early points.

Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team) is, meanwhile, one of the three most experienced riders on the grid at Termas – but all his races, including podiums, were with Ducati. Now he faces a new challenge of taking on the track on the YZR-M1, and after a technical issue stopped him early in Indonesia, he’ll want to get back in the points as a minimum. On the other side of the garage the vibe was the opposite in Lombok, however, as Darryn Binder steamed up inside the top 10 and was as high as eighth before a fair but aggressive move from his brother, no less, saw the younger South African classified 10th. That’s put him top in the battle for top rookie so far in 2022 though, and it was truly a stunner that will have lifted his confidence even if Argentina proves dry – at a track where he already has a Moto3™ podium.

So what about Suzuki? In some ways dark horses of consistency – despite some high profile difficulties including that Free Practice fire for Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and a seriously tough qualifying for his teammate, 2020 MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir, in Indonesia. Rins has a fifth and a seventh so far and Mir two sixth places, but they’ve been there on race day in the wet and the dry – just lacking an extra step to get into the podium fight. Can they make that in Argentina? Rins arrives for his fourth race at the venue on the Suzuki, a rare slew of experience, and it’s where he took his first premier class podium. Mir has raced there before too, in 2019. 

So far, after what we saw in testing, it feels like there’s a pool of potential bubbling just under the surface of some more muted results for Rins…
So far, after what we saw in testing, it feels like there’s a pool of potential bubbling just under the surface of some more muted results for Rins…

For Honda, Lombok promised much and delivered little. After Marc Marquez’ huge Warm Up highside it was Pol Espargaro battling alone in Repsol Honda Team colours, and he did take some points on the new RC213V’s debut in the wet but it was a far cry from the podium and race-leading escapades of Qatar. Qatar will bring the number 44 some good hope on the way into Termas though – as will Honda’s record of four wins at the track, with both Marc Marquez and Cal Crutchlow – and Pol Espargaro is one of the three riders expected on the grid who’s raced at the venue since 2014, in his case with Yamaha and KTM. Will that experience help him blast out the blocks on the Honda? And what will the update on Marc Marquez’ condition be?

At LCR Honda Castrol, Alex Marquez faces the track for the first time in MotoGP™ and takes on a new challenge, although he has been on the podium there in the lower classes, whereas Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) has a couple of previous MotoGP™ experiences at Termas under his belt, and both with Honda. That will be interesting as the all-new RC213V takes on the circuit and the Japanese rider will want to leverage that to move further forward after a more muted start to 2022.

MotoGP fans are holding their breath after Marquez' massive accident. It is still unknown if he will compete this weekend.
MotoGP fans are holding their breath after Marquez’ massive accident. It is still unknown if he will compete this weekend.

At Aprilia, the experience-ometer is high too. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) is the final one of the likely three riders who have raced in every MotoGP™ race at Termas de Rio Hondo, although not all with Aprilia. The RS-GP is also a different beast this season, and in Qatar we saw serious form before a tougher Lombok so the Noale factory shouldn’t be counted out of fighting at the front. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) is also a former winner at Termas, and has raced the venue on two other machines prior to 2022. What can Aprilia do this season with a mixture of experience and fresher, fighting fit form?

It’s all to play for in Argentina, with another 25 points on the table and so far still anyone’s game to take the Championship lead, stand on the podium or even take that coveted win. Will experience count for much as we return to the land of Tango? Or is it all-change once again? Find out on Sunday the 3rd of April as MotoGP™ goes racing for the Gran Premio Michelin® de la Republica Argentina at 15:00 (GMT -3)!

MotoGP Championship Top 5 (Full Standings Here)

1 Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) – Ducati – 30
2 Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – KTM – 28
3 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Yamaha – 27
4 Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – KTM – 25
5 Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 24

Moto2
We’ve seen two stunning runaway wins so far in 2022, with Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) proving the class of the field in Qatar and then Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) putting in a history-making masterpiece in Mandalika. Now it’s more fresh turf for the newer faces in the field, so can Vietti and Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) keep their 100% podium record rolling? And what will Chantra have in store off the back of his maiden win?

Starting with the most recent winner, there’s a good omen from back in 2019 as the Thai rider has both experience and success in Argentina, having taken his first Moto2™ top ten at the venue in only his second race in the class three years ago. That could bode well, but if experience is to prove king then Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing), third overall as it stands, is arguably in the best position as he arrives with two previous podiums at Termas de Rio Hondo. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has ridden the track too, although suffered an injury at the venue in 2019, and Jake Dixon (Autosolar GASGAS Aspar Team) also knows Termas – and the Brit was on pole and the pace last time out before his crash. 

Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) put in a history-making masterpiece in Mandalika.
Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) put in a history-making masterpiece in Mandalika.

It will be interesting, then, to see if Vietti and Canet can come out swinging in the face of experience, with more podiums for the two this weekend likely to prove statements of intent: three podiums at three very different tracks and in very different conditions would go a long way to prove their speed is here to stay throughout the season.

On the other side of the coin, there are a few riders looking for a lot more than they took home in Indonesia. One is rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who had a much bumpier start to his season than many anticipated, and he’ll be taking on Termas for the first time ever. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) did some great damage control on race day in Lombok but had an overall tougher weekend after fighting for the podium in Qatar, and Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing) will be keen to re-join that postcode too.

Make sure you tune into the close and fast paced action Moto2 has to offer!
Make sure you tune into the close and fast paced action Moto2 has to offer!

Moto2™ also has home hero Gabriel Rodrigo (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) on the grid, with the Argentinean intermediate class rookie looking to make a step forward. Sean Dylan Kelly (American Racing) also has paternal ties to Argentina and so begins a fortnight of important races, and that’s also true of compatriots Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) and Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) in many ways, who will also want to make the most of Termas to head into Texas on the front foot.

After three years of waiting, the time has come to return to the land of tango and Moto2™ couldn’t be better poised for another stunning race weekend. Tune in at 13:20 (GMT -3) as the intermediate class take on Termas de Rio Hondo!

Moto2 Championship Top 5 (Full Standings Here)

1 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – 45
2 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – 36
3 Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – Kalex – 29
4 Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – 25
5 Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – 24

Moto3
2022 marks a long-awaited return to the Autodromo de Termas Rio Hondo, and for the Moto3™ class it promises an interesting weekend. The last time we raced at the venue it was Jaume Masia on top, before his tenure with Red Bull KTM Ajo although the Spaniard was still on a KTM. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing), Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power), Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) and most recent winner Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) are the other names who’ve found some success in the land of tango, but for the majority of the field it’s unchartered territory. Once again, that could prove key – or a great leveller for many.

Masia will be hoping to repeat his success, and he’s the only returner who’s been on the podium at the track, which is an understatement for taking victory from pole. But Foggia’s show of form last time out – seconds clear despite Mandalika being a brand new venue for everyone – is a warning shot for the field, and he had pace in Qatar to come from the back.

Only a handful of names have raced at the venue before as the lightweight class takes on Termas de Rio Hondo.
Only a handful of names have raced at the venue before as the lightweight class takes on Termas de Rio Hondo.

For Migno, meanwhile, the pace was there again at Mandalika, but the bad luck hit too as Sasaki misjudged a last lap move and both went down. Both will be heartened by more good speed but looking to hit back, and the Japanese rider earned a Long Lap penalty for his error that he’ll have to overcome. Add in Suzuki as he settles in at Leopard, and Toba looking for his second podium of the season, and the veteran armada is a substantial one to overcome.

Izan Guevara (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team), however, had some stunning speed on new turf and the number 28 took his first podium of the season. He duelled it out with teammate and 2021 title challenger Sergio Garcia (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team) too, who seemed like he could have had the pace to try and cut into Foggia’s lead but couldn’t make a break for it and had to settle for fourth. Will both the GASGAS riders be back up at the front once again? So far you wouldn’t bet against it, although Garcia missed the 2019 Argentina GP race due to a crash in Warm Up – so it’s new turf, in terms of race distance, for both.

Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) will be looking to score more points after his win in the rain at Mandalika.
Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) will be looking to score more points after his win in the rain at Mandalika.

Meanwhile Lombok also saw a new name on the podium: Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP). The Spaniard took an emotional rostrum finish and in some style, slicing his way back through despite a Long Lap penalty. Could that open the floodgates to see the former Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion at the front more often? And what about Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech 3)? The Turk was only just off the podium after the heat of the last lap battle as his 2022 pace continues.

However, the rookies will be aware that many of the more experienced riders in the field, including the likes of Garcia, Guevara and Öncü, don’t have experience in Argentina. Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) more than many as he races at the closest he has to a home Grand Prix for the moment – and after taking that sixth place in Qatar and then a front row in Indonesia before some bad luck on Sunday.

Leopard Racing's new arrival heads the timesheets ahead of Guevara and rookie Muñoz

Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia) will be wanting to replicate his pace after a stunning home weekend and first points too, and Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Academy) likewise took his first points in Lombok – creating a good building block for the Brit. Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) will now join the fold too after injury kept the 2021 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion sidelined from the first two rounds, but there are plenty of debutants and they’ll all see opportunity in Termas de Rio Hondo.

Moto3 Championship Top 5 (Full Standings Here)

1 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 34
2 Sergio Garcia (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 33
3 Izan Guevara (Solunion GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 28
4 Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) – Honda – 25
5 Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) – KTM – 24

 

Racer Test: Rossi’s Honda RC211V!

By
PB
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You know an event’s been special when you can trace it right back to its birth; remembering exactly where and when you were at the moment the memory was first triggered. In this case, it was the chance to ride Rossi’s Honda RC211V! Words: Chris Moss Photos: Double Red & Andrew Northcott.

It's not often that you pick up the phone and it's someone on the other end asking if you'd like to ride Rossi's bike...
It’s not often that you pick up the phone and it’s someone on the other end asking if you’d like to ride Rossi’s bike…

This one began for me during a nondescript Wednesday evening drive home. When I answered my squawking mobile, life instantly changed from grainy black and white, to full HD colour. Honda’s PR chief was a man I knew well, and when he asked a simple question, “do you fancy riding Rossi’s GP bike Mossy?”, sequential chuckling instantly followed. I knew he wasn’t joking. He knew I’d say yes. And so I did. Repeatedly.

Check out our other Racer Tests here…

The rest of the trip home became very different; essentially now a much more special journey – from Derby, UK to Cataluyna, Spain. I went from feeling who I was, an ordinary Joe, to someone way more significant. Given the 990cc, V5, 240bhp thoroughbred was going to be like nothing I’d ever sampled before, and especially given the owner was one of the greatest racers of all time, it became obvious I was about to spend time in an emotional zone I’d never visited before. Fuck me, just the prospect of the ride gave me a massive rush.

"I went from feeling who I was, an ordinary Joe, to someone way more significant. Given the 990cc, V5, 240bhp thoroughbred was going to be like nothing I’d ever sampled before."
Max Biaggi’s RC211V pictured here, essentially the same as Rossi’s with a few changes in later seasons.

Before I got to fly to Barcelona, Rossi won his second world title on the RC211V, then announced he’d be off to Yamaha the following year. My ride took on even more significance. When I got to the track the day before ride, the gravity of it all hit me like a well-aimed bat.  

Colin Edwards, who’d just signed to ride a V5 in the 2004 championship, was testing the Honda for the first time. And the noise of him caning the bike for all it was worth was filling the air. It was a chilling and raucous din, so damned loud you could hear the Texan complete a whole lap from any point round the track. He looked at home on it. I meanwhile, felt terrified by the sight and sound of the V5 monster.

The Repsol Honda V5 marked a new era, with the extremely loud V5 breaking the eardrums of anyone who dared to get close. Seen here is Max Biaggi's RC211V, Wayne Gardner took it for a spin, read about it in an upcoming TBT.
The Repsol Honda V5 marked a new era, with the extremely loud V5 breaking the eardrums of anyone who dared to get close. Wayne Gardner took Max Biaggi’s RC211V for a spin, read about it in an upcoming TBT.

Randy Mamola helped a smidgen by offering comforting words. “It’s just like a fast street bike. It’s really well mannered, and it won’t frighten you a bit. You’ll love riding it and will want to own one straight away.” He seemed very honest and sincere when he said that, so I took his word for it and left the track hoping for the best the next day.

“It’s just like a fast street bike. It’s really well mannered, and it won’t frighten you a bit. You’ll love riding it and will want to own one straight away.”  Said Randy Mamola.

The following morning when the alarm call reminded me that the big day had dawned (not that I needed it, as I had been lying awake in fear since 4am), Randy’s words didn’t mean jack shit. Today I was going to be all on my own.

It was time for Chris to rock up to Cataluyna for three laps of glory on one of the most important motorcycles to exist...
It was time for Chris to rock up to Cataluyna for three laps of glory on one of the most important motorcycles to exist…

At the circuit I learned I was only going to get three laps on the RC211V and how vital it was not to crash it. Then the call came to get ready for the big deal. This was it. Time to get on the mother of all motorcycles. I got kitted up and headed to the pit lane. And there it was. The world champion’s steed in all its glory. Closer examination revealed it to be an absolute masterpiece of engineering and every single part of it looked crafted to ensure victory. Compared to this, every other bike I’d seen before appeared somewhat ordinary, though nowhere near as intimidating. Then it was time to ride.

“It didn’t matter I’d been riding all and sundry in the motorcycle world for over twenty-five years, I honestly doubted I could do it.”

An HRC engineer nonchalantly wheeled the starter motor towards the fat rear slick. He nodded for me to get on board. All I needed to do now was wait for the Honda’s rear wheel to be spun up, snick a gear, dump the clutch and fire up the motor. But right then, such was my fear and damage to my confidence I genuinely didn’t think I could even do that simple job. As for getting the RC211V underway down the pit-lane and riding it for three laps, my brain delivered apprehension. It didn’t matter I’d been riding all and sundry in the motorcycle world for over twenty-five years, I honestly doubted I could do it.

Despite the huge self-doubt I did manage to get underway and, amid the most ear-bashing cacophony of sound I’ve ever heard from a bike, off I set for my session of uncertainty. The massive torque of the motor means clutch slip isn’t really needed at all to get the bike off the line. Though, with a huge first gear (tall enough, I’m told, to take the bike to over 200kph!) it’s a wonder. After that, even after short-shifting through the first three gears and using very little amounts of throttle, it was patently obvious that this was one amazingly strong engine. 

Once I was out on track I gave the twistgrip a slightly angrier tug in fourth and man did the world go backwards! Not quite ready for all of that explosive level of acceleration just yet, I snicked it into fifth and sixth sharpish to let the revs drop and get back to a less frantic pace. Soon after, I needed to brake for the first corner.

Riding a bike with Carbon brakes will catch you out as you come into the first corner of the day and realise you have almost no braking power.
Riding a bike with Carbon brakes will catch you out as you come into the first corner of the day and realise you have almost no braking power.

But slowing for the bend didn’t bring much in the way of stopping at all. The carbon brakes weren’t up to full temperature and weren’t very effective at all. Fortunately, I’d grabbed the lever well in advance, thankfully making the corner with room to spare.

Then, just as I’d sussed that out, I had my second serious fright. Steering into the bend made me feel as though the front end was washing out and I was about to get dumped unceremoniously onto the Cataluyna track. Luckily, that wasn’t the case, the feeling of impending doom vanishing as I realised it was just the lightness and speed of how the bike turned that gave me that impression. 

"Ten corners later and the reassurance was even more complete, the perfect feel and feedback from the chassis allowing me to get my knee down in total confidence."
“Ten corners later and the reassurance was even more complete, the perfect feel and feedback from the chassis allowing me to get my knee down in total confidence.”

Ten corners later and the reassurance was even more complete, the perfect feel and feedback from the chassis allowing me to get my knee down in total confidence. Not only did I feel physically comfy on this bike, I actually felt mentally comfortable too. Maybe Mamola had been talking sense after all. It says a hell of a lot for the overall balance of the RC211V when you can feel at home on it as soon as I did.

“Maybe Mamola had been talking sense after all. It says a hell of a lot for the overall balance of the RC211V when you can feel at home on it as soon as I did.”

I still wasn’t pushing it very hard of course, but the Honda wasn’t frightening me anywhere near as much as I’d expected. Then came the big test. And as I rounded the last corner leading to the lengthy start-finish straight I knew I was only seconds away from opening the throttle fully for the very first time. And I really didn’t have a clue what to expect.

Soon it came time to really wind the throttle on, seeing what an early 2000s MotoGP machine is really like.
Soon it came time to really wind the throttle on, seeing what an early 2000s MotoGP machine is really like.

Tightly gripping everything I could just to stay on board, I feared either flipping the thing or just sliding off the back of it. I shouldn’t have worried. Though the Honda eats rpm, gears and straights in a flurry of flashing rev lights and frantic gear changes, the totally linear and gorgeously turbine-smooth power delivery masks the actual rate at which you’re accelerating. It just feels like an ultra-fast VFR1200-engined roadbike. It really is that friendly, that civilised, that refined. 

And so the experience went on. I say it was an experience rather than a test, because I’m not really qualified to give a fully credible account of how this amazing projectile behaves in detail or at its limit. But, as a human being, I feel more than able to pass a judgement on what it does to you when you ride it. And that’s a lot. No other bike I’ve ridden before (including Aaron Slight and Carl Fogarty’s WSB racers) feels anything quite as perfectly sorted as the Honda. Nothing I’ve ridden before stirs the emotions as much. 

For someone to jump on a bike and have it cranked over within half a lap shows off the rideability of these machines.
For someone to jump on a bike and have it cranked over within half a lap shows off the rideability of these machines.

It’s like a big tiger that you can stroke and hand-feed, it’s so friendly. Yet, because it has so much ultimate performance lurking under its fairing, you still have to respect it massively. Just like the big cat, it’ll maul you and take your face off if you don’t. When I did get off it there was a mixture of sadness that it was all over, but relief that I hadn’t dumped it. But more to the point, I had uncontrollable urge to tell the whole world about my brief but incredible adventure. I simply couldn’t stop jabbering about the brilliance of the RC211V.

“It’s like a big tiger that you can stroke and hand-feed, it’s so friendly. Yet, because it has so much ultimate performance lurking under its fairing, you still have to respect it massively.”

Nothing about the bike deserves criticism at all. Every single part of it complements the rest of the bike so perfectly it’s almost unreal. And how the likes of ordinary blokes like me can feel so at home on what essentially is a guided missile is almost beyond belief. I’ve been intimidated more by some road bikes since, like Ducati V4 Panigales which, despite their deserved accolades, next to this feel a lot less predictable. There are motorbikes, and then there are RC211Vs. The gap is that big. All the men responsible for creating the V5 deserve huge praise. They’ve crafted a perfect racing tool. It’s no wonder that every GP rider who got the chance to ride one, got good results.

"Nothing about the bike deserves criticism at all. Every single part of it complements the rest of the bike so perfectly it’s almost unreal."
“Nothing about the bike deserves criticism at all. Every single part of it complements the rest of the bike so perfectly it’s almost unreal.”

It’s actually very hard to express your feelings accurately enough to make people fully appreciate what this amazing machine is capable of doing – both on the track, and to your heart and mind. Only if you rode one yourself would you fully comprehend its incredible balance and togetherness. And that’s the beauty of it – anyone can ride it. Not necessarily as fast as Valentino and the others, but pretty quickly and without fear nevertheless.

Looking back, getting the chance to go on the Honda was probably the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my forty-odd years in motorcycling. I only got something like six minutes on it. But that time was so fulfilling I’d be happy to get the chance of just another thirty seconds. And now that I actually know what it feels like, I wouldn’t get anywhere near as terrified as I did before this ride. Thanks to HRC for changing my life for a while. It was an emotional experience, and one I won’t ever forget. 

Tune in next week as we revisit Wayne Gardners spin on Max Biaggi's RC211V...
Tune in next week as we revisit Wayne Gardners spin on Max Biaggi’s RC211V…

Tune in next week as we revisit Wayne Gardners spin on Max Biaggi’s RC211V…


2003 Rossi’s Honda RC211V MotoGP Racer Specifications 

ENGINE: Liquid- cooled, DOHC, 20-valve, 990cc, 75.5-degree V5 four-stroke, 72.3mm × 48.2mm bore x stroke, Multi-injector programmable EFI, digital ignition, Six-speed cassette-type gearbox

CHASSIS: Twin-tube frame, Telescopic forks at the front, unit pro-link rear suspension, twin radial-mounted four piston calipers with carbon discs at the front, Michelin tyres all round, 17in at the front, 16.5in at the rear, 2050mm length, 600mm width, 1130mm height, 1440mm wheelbase, 130mm ground clearance..

PERFORMANCE: 240hp (increased to 256hp in 2004), 148kg wet weight, over 330km/h top speed.

OWNER: Honda Racing Corporation, Japan 

Honda RC211V MotoGP Racer Gallery

MotoGP Gallery: All The Best Shots From Mandalika

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PB
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On a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put in an absolute masterclass in wet conditions at Mandalika to claim victory and bounce back in style from a tough opening round. Photos: MotoGP…

Read the full race report from Mandalika here…

MotoGP Sunday: Grand Prix Of Mandalika, Race Reports

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On a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put in an absolute masterclass in wet conditions at Mandalika to claim victory and bounce back in style from a tough opening round. Press release and photos: MotoGP…

Reigning World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) sliced back through to second for his first podium of the season, ahead of compatriot Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) in third. The win for Oliveira sees KTM head the Constructors’ standings for the first time, as well as putting Red Bull KTM Factory Racing top in the teams’ title fight thanks to their Qatar podium and, now, first victory of the season.

The drama began early on Sunday, however, as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) suffered a huge crash in Warm Up and was forced to miss the race due to concussion. Then, after Moto2™, the rain came down as thunderstorms hit Lombok, but after more than an hour’s delay, at 16:15 local time, it was lights out in Indonesia for the first time in 25 years. Quartararo got an outstanding launch from pole position, comfortably collecting the holeshot, as Oliveira made a lightning start from P7 to grab second and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) shot swiftly up to P3 from sixth on the grid.

At the start of Lap 2, both Oliveira and Miller passed Quartararo as the early pacesetters started to stretch their legs, with the Australian then picking off Oliveira for the race lead too. Now down in third, Quartararo had Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), compatriot Zarco and a rapid starting Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) for company too –  the 2020 Champion up from down the grid after a nightmare Q1.

Rins and Zarco then got the better of Quartararo early on, but they faced an already substantial 2.4s gap to Miller and Oliveira… and that order was about to switch. The Portuguese rider carved his way past the Ducati of Miller at Turn 12 on Lap 6 to retake the lead, and then he got the hammer down.

Meanwhile, there was a big moment for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), the Italian somehow staying on after a snap into Turn 1. Still, he slipped down to P12 behind Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with Championship leader Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) struggling even more, dow in P20 from fifth on the grid.

Back in the top ten though, Turn 1 was about to bite again. Having just got the better of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) for P7, Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) then became the first and only crasher of the race in the braking zone into the first corner, the 2021 Rookie of the Year down, out, but ok.

 

At the front, there were no such dramas. Oliveira had stretched his lead to 1.6s, Miller was second, Rins third, Zarco fourth, and Quartararo fifth with 12 laps to go. At half race distance though, Zarco was the quickest rider on track and a quality move came on Rins at Turn 12 for P3. Miller wasn’t far up the road from the Frenchman either, and he looked desperate to pass the Australian as Quartararo really started to find his groove behind them. Sure enough, El Diablo was back into P3 with five laps to go, with he and Zarco fighting it out in spectacular style.

Oliveira was 3.5s clear as the battle raged behind, but with Quartararo now the fastest rider on track and back up to second on Lap 16 of 20. Zarco also managed to follow the Yamaha man through on Miller, and with three laps to go, it suddenly started to look like Oliveira might be in the crosshairs after all. The gap was slashed by a second and the lead was down to 3.4s – was it game on?

Quartararo took a tenth more here and there as the laps ticked down, but Oliveira responded. At the start of the last lap, it remained a healthy 2.8s and the Portuguese rider just needed to bring it home, with Quartararo enjoying a 0.9s buffer to Zarco, who in turn had 2.3s in hand over Miller. The podium seemed decided, and it was.

Crossing the line for his first win of the year, Oliveira’s masterclass sees the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider take 25 points, puts KTM on top in the title and factory fights, and moves him up 16 places in the riders’ Championship to boot. After a tough start in Qatar and for much of the latter half of 2021, it was quite a statement ride by the multiple MotoGP™ winner.

Nevertheless, Quartararo celebrated P2 like a win as the Frenchman showed his wet weather prowess for the first time in the premier class, taking some valuable points too. Zarco completed the podium, the third place marking a return to the rostrum for the number 5 for the first time since Barcelona 2021.

Miller, always strong in the wet, takes home a hard-earned P4, with Rins putting in a solid ride to claim P5. P6 for Mir, having started from the lower echelons of the top 20, is also a job well done for the 2020 World Champion too, and he got onto the back of his teammate by the flag. Morbidelli ended up a somewhat lonely P7 despite his three-place grid penalty as we witnessed an almighty battle for P8 behind the Italian.

 

It was won in the end by Brad Binder, who was just ahead of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) over the line. But the South African had to get his elbows to take that eighth place by force, and it was none other than his brother, WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team’s Darryn Binder, standing in the way.

The rookie put in a tour de force and one of the rides of the day, leading the battle for eighth onto the final lap before Brad Binder struck, then only losing out to the number 33 and Espargaro’s Aprilia. Number 40 claimed his first points and top ten after a barnstormer, top rookie by some margin.

World Championship leader Bastianini, who retains that moniker by two single points ahead of Brad Binder and recovering well in the latter stages, took P11 ahead of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Bagnaia slipped down the order after his earlier moment to a tough P15, making it one point from the opening two races for one of the pre-season title favourites. Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was the only other non-finisher after the Italian encountered an issue with his YZR-M1 and was forced to retire.

That’s take one on Lombok in the history books, and it’s safe to say the Indonesian GP was full of action. Oliveira goes home with the race-winning trophy, Bastianini remains the title leader, and there’s only 10 points between the top nine heading to Argentina for Round 3… as well as a new manufacturer on top in the standings. 

Miguel Oliveira: “Emotionally it was a rollercoaster because the start was perfect but in the wet it’s so hard to judge where the limit is. So I followed Jack for a couple of laps and then I understood I could go a bit faster, so when I overtook him I just tried to focus for the next five laps to do the maximum I could. Then I built a gap and just managed throughout the whole race, but for sure it wasn’t easy.”

“The last couple of months haven’t been easy for me so to be back like this with this incredible win, it’s really emotional. I promised my daughter I would get her a trophy from Indonesia, so this one is for you baby. I want to dedicate this podium to a guy called Rizman, he’s part of the staff in the hotel I’ve stayed in, he has been supporting me the whole week and he’s a really nice guy, so I promised that if I was on the podium I’d dedicate it to him. Let’s go to Argentina, see what we can do, keep up the level but for now I’m just super happy to be here on the podium!”

 

MotoGP™ PODIUM (Full Results Here)

1 Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – KTM – 33’27.223
2 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) – Yamaha – +2.205
3 Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) – Ducati – +3.158

Moto2
Somkiat Chantra is the first Thai rider to win a Grand Prix race! The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider led from the first corner to the chequered flag in a Moto2™ masterclass, coming home three seconds clear of leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team, with Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) collecting his second podium of the season in third – and remaining the rider on Vietti’s tail in the standings.

It was announced that the new race length would be 16 laps due to track conditions, although the intermediate class had a dry race barring some drops of very light rain on the warm up lap. The race got underway on slicks though though and it was Chantra who pinched the holeshot from the second row, with polesitter Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) P2 before Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) snuck past at Turn 2.

The rain was still lingering but Chantra held onto the lead from Lowes and Dixon, with Vietti eventually getting the better of Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) as the Italians battled it out at the end of the opening lap. Canet was a beneficiary of the Vietti/Corsi fight too, the Spaniard into P4 and in touch with Lowes and Dixon.

On Lap 6, just after passing compatriot Lowes for second, Dixon then tucked the front at Turn 10. Just ahead, Chantra had opened the gap up to over a second, and after Dixon’s crash, Canet was left in second ahead of Lowes. Vietti then passed the Brit and with nine laps to go, two seconds split the top three. Vietti made a classy move on Canet stick at Turn 12 not long after, and the gap to bridge was 2.1s with eight laps remaining…

The response from Chantra? The fastest lap of the race. His lead over Vietti went up a tenth, and on the next lap, it was up to 2.3s. By five to go it was 2.6s, and it looked like Vietti and co. had no answer for the Thai star. With two laps to go, the gap was over three seconds and it seemed decided: all Chantra had to do was bring it home.

That’s exactly what he did. The Thai rider crossed the line to claim an outstanding victory by over three seconds, becoming the first rider from his nation to win a Grand Prix race. Vietti was able to take a valuable second and 20 points though, the Qatar winner extending his lead over Canet as the Spaniard completed the podium. For both, it’s back-to-back podiums to start the season.

Lowes was a lonely finisher in P4 as Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) held off a charge up from a tough grid position for Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) in P5 and P6, respectively. Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) took an impressive P7, with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in eighth. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claimed ninth after his Long Lap Penalty given for crashing under a yellow flag in practice, the Spaniard embroiled in a great battle with Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), who ultimately lost out.

Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) took P11, just ahead of compatriot Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) less than a tenth behind him. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40), rookie Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) and Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) completed the top 15.

And so a little history is made at Mandalika, with a new rider and nation on the list of winners. Vietti extends his title lead to nine points over Canet heading to Argentina, but it will surely be a another classic. Come back for more in just under a fortnight as Termas de Rio Hondo plays host!

Somkiat Chantra: “I feel so happy! I also don’t believe it! On the last lap, I saw I was P1 and I saw the chequered flag and I was like ‘oh I’m in first position!’ It’s also my first time here in Moto2…I’m really happy. I also would like to say thanks to my family. I want to thank my sponsors, Thai Honda. Also thank you to Idemitsu Honda Team Asia and next leg I will be more strong! See you then, bye!”

Moto2™ PODIUM (Full Results Here)

1 Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – 25’40.876
2 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – +3.230
3 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – +4.366

Moto3
That’s about as good as it gets if your name is Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). The Italian dominated the Moto3™ race at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia to claim his first victory of the season – and the World Championship lead with it. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) picked up a hard-fought P2, with polesitter Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) brilliantly recovering from a Long Lap Penalty to earn a maiden Grand Prix podium in third.

There was drama before the race started for second on the grid Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), with the Brazilian rookie suffering an issue with his machine and forced to start from the back of the grid. Back at the front, Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) grabbed an impressive holeshot from seventh on the grid, with Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) and Foggia making their own great starts from the second row.

 

Foggia made it to the front and was joined by Migno, Garcia and Guevara, with the quartet able to pull a gap in the opening five laps. Foggia then decided to put the hammer down and the Italian was 1.5s clear on Lap 7 of 23, as Championship leader Migno had a front-end scare at the final corner. By Lap 9, Foggia’s lead was up to 3.2s, with Guevera opening up a 0.5s gap in second place. 

Garcia had slipped back into the clutches of Migno, Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max), but the Spaniard suddenly turned up the wick to reel in Guevara with 10 laps to go. By this stage at the front though, Foggia had checked out – his lead up to 5.1s.

With Foggia producing a flawless race, it was all eyes on the battle for second. Guevara, Migno, Öncü, Garcia, Masia, Holgado and Sasaki were now joined by Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), Elia Bartolini (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team), Tatay and Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing).

Heading onto the final lap, Guevera was 0.9s ahead of the charging Tatay and Garcia. Foggia was four seconds up the road and cruising to victory, and Tatay was then wide at Turn 10 to allow Garcia into the final podium position. But at the penultimate corner the number 99 struck back, keeping it over the line and coming home behind Guevara.

At the front though, no one had an answer for Foggia as he popped a wheelie over the line to confirm his dominant victory, still more than two seconds clear at the flag. Guevara’s second is his first podium of the season, and for Tatay the incredible charge to the podium marks his first visit to the rostrum, as well as the first for CFMoto.

Garcia took fourth but some solid points, just two behind Foggia and in second, with Öncü completing the top five. Artigas took P6 ahead of Masia after the number 5 escaped a tangle with Öncü late on, with Bartolini, Holgado and Suzuki completing the top ten. Sasaki and Migno crashed on the final lap – the Japanese rider tagging the back of Migno at Turn 10. The number 71 has been given a Long Lap penalty for the Moto3™ race in Argentina.

Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) beat Kaito Toba (CIP – Green Power) to 11th, with a trio of rookies completing the points. The first was Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) as the Brit finished close to the Japanese veterans just ahead, impressing with his first Grand Prix points.

Then came the home hero: Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia). The Indonesian took an incredible front row on Saturday and backed it up with his first points on Sunday despite a Long Lap, taking a big step forward on home turf. Matteo Bertelle (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) took the final point in P15, the Italian rookie crossing the line a couple of tenths behind Aji but after having taking two Long Lap penalties – the first for a shortcut, and the second for failing to take the first.

Dennis Foggia: “I don’t have words. It was so hot. It was incredible, the race. Yesterday, I was unlucky in the qualifying because I crashed when I was being fast, but finally I finished in 6th position. Now, I know that we had a good pace for the race. In the last lap, it was impossible to breathe, it was so hard. This my best hard race in my life. Incredible. I’m very happy for me and for my team. I would like to thanks to all my team, my family, all my friends and my girlfriend. See you in Argentina!”

Moto3™ PODIUM (Full Results Here)

1 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 38’51.668
2 Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – +2.612
3 Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) – CFMoto – +3.639

 

ASBK Gallery: All The Best Shots From Rd2 At Queensland Raceway

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PB
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Jones now leads the championship on 86 points over Bryan Staring on 70 points with Josh Waters on 67 points. Jones, by his own admission, was surprised to be so competitive so early.

Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races, along with pole position in qualifying on Saturday at Round Two of the mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway. Photos: BiteSizePics..

Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races, along with pole position in qualifying on Saturday at Round Two.
Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races, along with pole position in qualifying on Saturday at Round Two.

Australian Superbike Round Results (Full Results Here)

1 Mike Jones – Yamaha YZF-R1
2 Wayne Maxwell – Ducati V4R
3 Josh Waters – BMW M RR

 

 

Tom Edwards was later found with illegal modifications, handing the round win to John Lytras.
Tom Edwards was later found with illegal modifications, handing the round win to John Lytras.

Supersport 600 Round Results (Full Results Here)

1 Tom Edwards – Yamaha YZF-R6 (prior to disqualification) Post Race – John Lytras.
2 Scott Nicholson – Yamaha YZF-R6
3 Olly Simpson – Yamaha YZF-R6

Dunlop Supersport 300 Round Results (Full Results Here) 

1 Glenn Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3
2 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3
3 James Jacobs – Kawasaki Ninja

With a number of riders missing the grid for Race Two of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, a large contingent would be forced to start from pit-lane.

Yamaha R3 Cup Round Results (Full Results Here)

1 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3
2 Glenn Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3
3 Hayden Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3

Oceania Junior Cup Round Results (Full Results Here) 

1 Harrison Watts – Yamaha YZF-R15
2 Ryan Larkin – Yamaha YZF-R15
3 Hunter Corney – Yamaha YZF-R15

 

 

ASBK Rd2 Reports: Mike Jones’ Clean Sweep

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Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races, along with pole position in qualifying on Saturday at Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway. Race Reports: MA, Photos: BiteSizePics…

Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races, along with pole position in qualifying on Saturday at Round Two.
Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races, along with pole position in qualifying on Saturday at Round Two.

Friday Reports
Mike Jones gave his hometown fans plenty to smile about after topping the timesheets in Friday Practice for Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway.

Jones (YZF-R1) hit-out early to clock just under a second ahead of Josh Waters (BMW M RR) and Cru Halliday (YZF-R1), while defending ASBK champion Wayne Maxwell (V4R), spent the first segment of practice cutting installation laps on his new bike (after damaging the front-end at Phillip Island a few weeks ago). Round one winner and championship leader, Bryan Staring (V4R) would eventually split Jones and Halliday, with Maxwell in fourth.

Halliday was less than a second off his lightning fast teammate during free practice on Friday...
Halliday was less than a second off his lightning fast teammate during free practice on Friday…Halliday was less than a second off his lightning fast teammate during free practice on Friday…

In the afternoon, it was Jones and Maxwell topping the order, with Jones’s 1:07.967 three-tenths quicker than Maxwell’s best, with Halliday a further tenth away in third. Most were expecting times to drop, but spots of rain in the afternoon thwarted any chance of improvement. Jones was comfortably inside the official lap-record at Queensland Raceway and pleased to make his mark on home turf so early in the weekend.

“It’s been a long time away for ASBK, but for me it’s my home circuit. I’ve cut so many laps around here and I’m really looking forward to the weekend,” said Jones. “This circuit has a simple layout, but having only a handful of corners makes it hard to go fast.”

Wayne Maxwell rounded out the top three on Friday after. Unusually, not in first place despite his blistering pace at Phillip Island.
Wayne Maxwell rounded out the top three on Friday after. Unusually, not in first place despite his pace at Phillip Island.

Australian Superbike Practice (Full Results Here)

1 Mike Jones – Yamaha YZF-R1 (1:07.967)
2 Wayne Maxwell – Ducati V4R (1:08.281)
3 Cru Halliday – Yamaha YZF-R1 (1:08.335)

Supersport 600
In Michelin Supersport, Jack Hyde (Yamaha YZF-R6) lead the way in Practice One, ahead of Olly Simpson (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Tom Bramich (Yamaha YZF-R6). In the afternoon sessions, but it was Simpson who stepped-up to go quickest outright by three-tenths of a second over John Lytras (Yamaha YZF-R6), with Hyde rounding out the top three by virtue of his earlier time.

Friday was an exciting day for the Supersport class with the field being quite bunched up in terms of times...
Friday was an exciting day for the Supersport class with the field being quite bunched up in terms of times…

Supersport 600 Practice (Full Results Here)

1 Olly Simpson – Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:11.784)
2 John Lytras – Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:11.864)
3 Jack Hyde – Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:12.188)

Dunlop Supersport 300
James Jacobs (Kawasaki Ninja) dominated the Dunlop Supersport 300 class early, ahead of the ever-improving Taiyo Aksu (Yamaha YZF-R3), while Aksu himself was a mere three-hundredths ahead of Laura Brown (Yamaha YZF-R3) before Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) shot to the top of the order – three-tenths up on Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Aksu. Dunker would leap ahead in Practice 2 to go fastest overall with a 1:22.801 ahead of Nelson and Aksu.

The 300 riders worked together through practice to make the most of the slipstreams down the long straights.
The 300 riders worked together through practice to make the most of the slipstreams down the long straights.

Dunlop Supersport 300 Practice (Full Results Here) 

1 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3 (1:22.801)
2 Glenn Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3 (1:22.926)
3 Taito Aksu – Yamaha YZF-R3 (1:23.306)

Yamaha R3 Cup
Taiyo Aksu (Yamaha YZF-R3) topped the morning session of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, ahead of Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Nate O’Neill (Yamaha YZF-R3). Dunker would top the final session of the day, but the overall order remained unchanged.

Some of the times in Supersport 300 couldn't transfer over into the R3 Cup as a new order was found in Practice.
Some of the times in Supersport 300 couldn’t transfer over into the R3 Cup as a new order was found in Practice.

Yamaha R3 Cup Practice (Full Results Here)

1 Glenn Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3 (1:22.653)
2 Taiyo Aksu – Yamaha YZF-R3 (1:23.918)
3 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3 (1:23.011)

Oceania Junior Cup
In Oceania Junior Cup, Ryan Larkin (Yamaha YZF-R15) edged Marcus Hamod (Yamaha YZF-R15) in practice one by one-tenth of a second, with a similar distance back to Hudson Thompson (Yamaha YZF-R15). Teerin Fleming would bounce back in the afternoon to jump from fourth to first in practice 2.

Third practice was cancelled for the OJC. So, the field of Yamaha R-15s had just two sessions to get used to the track.
Third practice was cancelled for the OJC. So, the field of Yamaha R-15s had just two sessions to get used to the track.

Oceania Junior Cup Practice (Full Results Here) 

1 Teerin Fleming – Yamaha YZF-R15 (1:35.580)
2 Ryan Larkin – Yamaha YZF-R15 (1:35.892)
3 Hudson Thompson – Yamaha YZF-R15 (1:36.031)

Australian Sidecar Championship
The Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship made its return for 2022, with Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe (Suzuki LCR 1000) staking an early claim ahead of Des Harvey and Stephen Marshall (Kawasaki RHR 1000), with Jamie and Shelby Turner (Suzuki LCR 1000) rounding out the top three. Underwood would again top the order in practice two, with Turner this time usurping Harvey in the afternoon to complete the final three.

Australian Sidecar Championship (Full Results Here)

1 Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe – Suzuki LCR 1000 (1:20.559)
2 Neil Turner and Danyon Turner – Suzuki LCR 1000 (1:21.517)
3 Des Harvey and Stephen Marshall – Kawasaki RHR 1000 (1:22.331)

Saturday Reports
Practice form certainly dictated the outcome, with Mike Jones setting a time of 1:07.673 enjoying a two-tenths margin over Staring, but for the first time on the weekend – after much speculation – the top three riders finally dropped into the 1:07’s during ASBK RD2 at Queensland Raceway…

Hometown hero, Mike Jones took pole position for Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway.
Hometown hero, Mike Jones took pole position for Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway.

“Track knowledge is a key part of being able to go fast around here and being able to refine each corner to the absolute maximum,” said Jones. “I just need to make a good start, get my head down and put in some quick lap times and see what happens towards the end of the race.”

Starting behind Jones, P2 was grabbed by Bryan Staring who was not drawn on being the top Ducati on the day – ahead of Wayne Maxwell. “That’s fine, it’s not a big deal to me. I’m really happy with that qualifying session- to be back on the front row-  I actually don’t know the last time I was on the front row. It’s all about getting a good start for the two races tomorrow…”

After Maxwell's qualifying form at Phillip Island, the field was surprised to see him out qualified by Staring and Jones.
After Maxwell’s qualifying form at Phillip Island, the field was surprised to see him out qualified by Staring and Jones.

For Wayne Maxwell, P3 was a good outcome, but there’s work to be done if the 2021 Champion is going to claw back from seventh in the title chase. “Look, it’s been a bit of a struggle. We’re on the back foot compared to these guys… we’ll try to make some more improvements to the bike overnight and come out tomorrow and try to close that last bit of the gap. We’ll just do our thing tomorrow.”

In Q1, Jed Metcher, Aiden Wagner and Mark Chiodo progressed to the final stage of Superbike qualifying, while in Q2, Troy Herfoss would run into technical issues, forcing him to swap onto his second bike with five minutes remaining in the session.

Australian Superbike Qualifying (Full Results Here)

1 Mike Jones – Yamaha YZF-R1 (1:07.673)
2 Bryan Staring – Ducati V4R (1:07.861)
3 Wayne Maxwell – Ducati V4R (1:07.996)

Supersport 600
After a close-fought qualifying, Tom Edwards (Yamaha YZF-R6) took the Michelin Supersport pole after securing a time of 1:11.180 – pipping Friday Practice fast man John Lytras (Yamaha YZF-R6) by two-tenths of a second, with Olly Simpson (Yamaha YZF-R6) a further three-tenths adrift. Until he put the bike on pole, Edwards had not topped the timesheets in any session but knew the incremental improvements the team had made was heading the bike in the right direction.

Tom Edwards, Olly Simpson and Tom Drane completed the front row for the Supersport 600 class.
Tom Edwards, Olly Simpson and Tom Drane completed the front row for the Supersport 600 class.

Supersport 600 Qualifying (Full Results Here)

1 Tom Edwards – Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:11.180)
2 Olly Simpson – Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:11.655)
3 Tom Drane – Yamaha YZF-R6 (1:12.478)

Dunlop Supersport 300
Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) edged Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) by a tenth of a second to take pole for Dunlop Supersport 300, with Henry Snell (Yamaha YZF-R3) rounding out the top three. After starting from fifth of the grid, James Jacobs (Kawasaki Ninja) edged his way into the lead, taking out Race One ahead of Cameron Dunker and Taiyo Aksu (Yamaha YZF-R3) in a typically exciting and varied Dunlop Supersport 300 race.

It was raceday for the 300's. With the track being so quick, falling away from the slipstream meant you had to work twice as hard to catch up with the field.
It was raceday for the 300’s. With the track being so quick, falling away from the slipstream meant you had to work twice as hard to catch up with the field.

Dunlop Supersport 300 Race One (Full Results Here) 

1 James Jacobs – Kawasaki Ninja (13:57.201)
2 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3 (+0.246)
3 Taito Aksu – Yamaha YZF-R3 (+0.258)

Yamaha Finance R3 Cup
The Yamaha Finance R3 Cup grid was the first to get locked away just after lunch, with Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) taking pole with a 1.21:916 – half a second ahead of Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Macus Hamod (Yamaha YZF-R3).  In Race One, Dunker would lead from lights to flag ahead of runner-up Nelson, with Aksu rounding out the top three. A crash at Turn 3 saw Henry Snell walk away unscathed but out of contention.

Yamaha R3 Cup Race One (Full Results Here)

1 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3 (11:08.181)
2 Glenn Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3 (+0.082)
3 Taiyo Aksu – Yamaha YZF-R3 (+5.419)

Oceania Junior Cup
It was going to be a tight bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup with Levi Russo (Yamaha YZF-15) just edging Hudson Thompson (Yamaha YZF-15) in Q1 by just 2-hundredths of a second and Hunter Corney (Yamaha YZF-15) a further tenth away. In Race One, Ryan Larkin would vault from sixth place on the grid to take the lead with four laps remaining. After a close dice with Hunter Corney and Cameron Rende, it was Hudson Thompson who would prevail from Corney and Rende with just four-tenths of a second covering the top five riders.

It was a close race for OJC with less than a second separating the top nine riders...
It was a close race for OJC with less than a second separating the top nine riders…

Oceania Junior Cup Race One(Full Results Here) 

1 Hunter Corney – Yamaha YZF-R15 (9:46.237)
2 Cameron Rende – Yamaha YZF-R15 (+0.221)
3 Marcus Hamod – Yamaha YZF-R15 (+0.304)

Australian Sidecar Championship
Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe (Suzuki LCR 1000) laid down a hot time to take pole position for the Sidecars ahead of Jamie and Shelby Turner (Suzuki LCR 1000), with Howard Ford and Corey Blackman (Suzuki RHR 1000) rounding out the top three. Underwood and Vercoe went on to claim Race One victory, with Ford and Blackman edging Des Harvey and Stephen Marshall (Kawasaki RHR 1000) for the final podium spots. In Race 2, Underwood and Vercoe would go the double, with the Turners again taking the runner-up spot ahead of Jeff Brown and Paris Halsey (Suzuki JBR 1000).

Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe (Suzuki LCR 1000) laid down a hot time to take pole position for the Sidecars ahead of Jamie and Shelby Turner (Suzuki LCR 1000).
Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe (Suzuki LCR 1000) laid down a hot time to take pole position for the Sidecars ahead of Jamie and Shelby Turner (Suzuki LCR 1000).

Australian Sidecar Championship Race Two (Full Results Here)

1 Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe – Suzuki LCR 1000 (8:04.717)
2 Jamie Turner and Shelby Turner – Suzuki LCR 1000 (+18.514)
3 Jeff Brown and Paris Halsey – Suzuki JBR 1000 (+26.659)

Sunday Reports 
Bryan Staring (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4-R) got the early jump on Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) to take the lead in Race 1, with Glenn Allerton (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR) also making a big first lap move up to fourth. Jones would briefly retake the lead on lap two, but left the door open enough for Staring to nudge through.  

Bryan Staring (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4-R) got the early jump on Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) to take the lead in Race 1.
Bryan Staring (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4-R) got the early jump on Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) to take the lead in Race 1.

A mid-corner error from Staring saw the Championship leader drop out of contention and hand second place to Wayne Maxwell (V4-R). Jones would cruise to a 5.6-second lead to take victory ahead of Maxwell and Josh Waters (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR).

Maxwell would time his launch perfectly to take an early lead in Race Two ahead of Jones and Staring. It would be short-lived however as Jones ran past the Ducati through the outside of turn two. Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing YZF-R1) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) would argue over fourth and fifth respectively. This duel would be settled before the chequered flag when Halliday stopped on the final lap with mechanical issues. 

Staring would shadow Jones more closely in the afternoon race, albeit two-seconds adrift. Eventually, Jones took his second win by 4.6 seconds ahead of Bryan Staring and Wayne Maxwell.
Staring would shadow Jones more closely in the afternoon race, albeit two-seconds adrift. Eventually, Jones took his second win by 4.6 seconds ahead of Bryan Staring and Wayne Maxwell.

“All the guys at Yamaha have put in a big effort to help me adapt to this bike. The last win for me was in 2019 so to come and get a couple of wins is just fantastic,” said Jones. “I was hoping as the season went on to get to grips with the Yamaha and be able to challenge, so to lead the championship is a little bit above my expectations,” 

Jones now leads the championship on 86 points over Bryan Staring on 70 points with Josh Waters on 67 points. Jones, by his own admission, was surprised to be so competitive so early.
Jones now leads the championship on 86 points over Bryan Staring on 70 points with Josh Waters on 67 points. Jones, by his own admission, was surprised to be so competitive so early.

Second-placed Staring was circumspect after a crash in Race One effectively lost him the championship lead to Jones. While, third-placed Maxwell was happy to score two podiums on which he deems to be his ‘bogey’ circuit.  

 

Australian Superbike Round Results (Full Results Here)

1 Mike Jones – Yamaha YZF-R1
2 Wayne Maxwell – Ducati V4R
3 Josh Waters – BMW M RR

Supersport 600
John Lytras (Yamaha YZF-R6) ran out to an early two-tenths of a second lead in Race One for Michelin Supersport, but couldn’t hold on – eventually being usurped by Tom Edwards (Yamaha YZF-R6) to the honours in ahead of Scott Nicholson (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Lytras. Nominal Championship leader (With actual leader Senna Agius now overseas) Tom Bramich crashed out of the race, giving him a challenge to work back into contention over the next six rounds.

Lytras would get the jump in Race Two, only to get pushed down to third in the first few corners by Olly Simpson and Tom Edwards. Tom Drane would make an impressive start to vault to fifth position. Tom Edwards was later found with illegal modifications, handing the round win to John Lytras.

Tom Edwards was later found with illegal modifications, handing the round win to John Lytras.
Tom Edwards was later found with illegal modifications, handing the round win to John Lytras.

Supersport 600 Round Results (Full Results Here)

1 Tom Edwards – Yamaha YZF-R6 (prior to disqualification) Post Race – John Lytras.
2 Scott Nicholson – Yamaha YZF-R6
3 Olly Simpson – Yamaha YZF-R6

Dunlop Supersport 300
After two riders went down at turn two (including Saturday front-runner Taiyo Asksu), the Dunlop Supersport 300 Race Two was restarted with five laps remaining. At the restart, Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) immediately grabbed an early break on the opposition. They were never challenged, with Nelson capitalising on a last-corner error from Dunker to take victory with Jonatha Nahlous (Kawasaki Ninja) in third.

After two riders went down at turn two (including Saturday front-runner Taiyo Asksu), the Dunlop Supersport 300 Race Two was restarted with five laps remaining.
After two riders went down at turn two (including Saturday front-runner Taiyo Asksu), the Dunlop Supersport 300 Race Two was restarted with five laps remaining.

In Race Three, Nelson and Dunker would get an early break on the field, with Nahlous fending off the rest of the pack. Dunker would pull a late race challenge, but Nelson would close the gate to take victory with Henry Snell eventually sneaking through to for third.

Dunlop Supersport 300 Round Results (Full Results Here) 

1 Glenn Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3
2 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3
3 James Jacobs – Kawasaki Ninja

Yamaha Finance R3 Cup
With a number of riders missing the grid for Race Two of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, a large contingent would be forced to start from pit-lane. Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) got the early jump but would be challenged by both Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Henry Snell (Yamaha YZF-R3).

With a number of riders missing the grid for Race Two of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, a large contingent would be forced to start from pit-lane.
With a number of riders missing the grid for Race Two of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, a large contingent would be forced to start from pit-lane.

Nelson would survive a tight-fought battle to take victory in a thriller from Dunker and first-time podium placer Sam Pezzetta (Yamaha YZF-R3). Dunker would make amends to take the victory for Race Three ahead of Henry Snell and Glenn Nelson.

Yamaha R3 Cup Round Results (Full Results Here)

1 Cameron Dunker – Yamaha YZF-R3
2 Glenn Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3
3 Hayden Nelson – Yamaha YZF-R3

bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup
In Race Two of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, it was another tense battle between Cameron Rende, Ryan Larkin, Teerin Fleming and Hudson Thompson (all Yamaha YZF-R15), with the lead changing multiple times each lap.

It was seriously close all weekend for the OJC. With all the top riders using the long straights to their advantage.
It was seriously close all weekend for the OJC. With all the top riders using the long straights to their advantage.

After dropping as low as sixth, Rende would time his run perfectly to take the chequered ahead of Larkin and Harrison Watts by five-hundredths of a second. However, applied penalties saw an amended result of Cameron Rende, Sam Drane and Hudson Thompson on the final podium.

In Race Three, Hunter Corney would lead into turn one ahead of Thompson and Watts. With only 1.2 seconds covering the top eight riders, getting the timing right would be crucial on the run to the flag. Rende would have no such luck after dropping out from third place, leaving Watts to take a narrow victory over a fast-closing Ryan Larkin and Hudson Thompson in third.

Oceania Junior Cup Round Results (Full Results Here) 

1 Harrison Watts – Yamaha YZF-R15
2 Ryan Larkin – Yamaha YZF-R15
3 Hunter Corney – Yamaha YZF-R15

Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship
Completing an almost perfect weekend, Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe win Race Three of the Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship with the Turner family fighting out the final spots – Neil and Danyon Turner taking second place ahead of Jamie and Shelbey Turner in third.

Completing an almost perfect weekend, Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe win Race Three of the Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship with the Turner family fighting out the final spots. Photo: MA.
Completing an almost perfect weekend, Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe win Race Three of the Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship with the Turner family fighting out the final spots. Photo: MA.

Australian Sidecar Championship Round Results (Full Results Here)

1 Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe – Suzuki LCR 1000
2 Jamie Turner and Shelby Turner – Suzuki LCR 1000
3 Patrick Clancy and Amanda Williams – Suzuki LCR 600

 

ASBK Friday: Reports From RD2 At Queensland Raceway

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PB
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Mike Jones gave his hometown fans plenty to smile about after topping the timesheets in Friday Practice for Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway. Photos: BiteSizePics…

Halliday was less than a second off his lightning fast teammate during free practice on Friday...
Halliday was less than a second off his lightning fast teammate during free practice on Friday…

Jones (YZF-R1) hit-out early to clock just under a second ahead of Josh Waters (BMW M RR) and Cru Halliday (YZF-R1), while defending ASBK champion Wayne Maxwell (V4R), spent the first segment of practice cutting installation laps on his new bike (after damaging the front-end at Phillip Island a few weeks ago). Round one winner and championship leader, Bryan Staring (V4R) would eventually split Jones and Halliday, Maxwell in fourth.

In the afternoon, it was Jones and Maxwell topping the order, with Jones’s 1:07.967 three-tenths quicker than Maxwell’s best, with Halliday a further tenth away in third. Most were expecting times to drop, but spots of rain in the afternoon thwarted any chance of improvement. Jones was comfortably inside the official lap-record at Queensland Raceway and pleased to make his mark on home turf so early in the weekend.

“It’s been a long time away for ASBK, but for me it’s my home circuit. I’ve cut so many laps around here and I’m really looking forward to the weekend,” said Jones. “This circuit has a simple layout, but having only a handful of corners makes it hard to go fast.”

Stay up to date with the latest ASBK news here…

Supersport 600
In Michelin Supersport, Jack Hyde (Yamaha YZF-R6) lead the way in Practice One, ahead of Olly Simpson (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Tom Bramich (Yamaha YZF-R6). In the afternoon sessions, but it was Simpson who stepped-up to go quickest outright by three-tenths of a second over John Lytras (Yamaha YZF-R6), with Hyde rounding out the top three by virtue of his earlier time.

Make sure you tune into the close racing in the support categories. The competition is fierce and close!
Make sure you tune into the close racing in the support categories. The competition is fierce!

Dunlop Supersport 300
James Jacobs (Kawasaki Ninja) dominated the Dunlop Supersport 300 class early, ahead of the ever-improving Taiyo Aksu (Yamaha YZF-R3), while Aksu himself was a mere three-hundredths ahead of Laura Brown (Yamaha YZF-R3) before Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) shot to the top of the order – three-tenths up on Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Aksu. Dunker would leap ahead in Practice 2 to go fastest overall with a 1:22.801 ahead of Nelson and Aksu.

Yamaha R3 Cup
Taiyo Aksu (Yamaha YZF-R3) topped the morning session of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, ahead of Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Nate O’Neill (Yamaha YZF-R3). Dunker would top the final session of the day, but the overall order remained unchanged.

Make sure you stay up to date with all the latest from ASBK race weekends here at BikeReview...
Make sure you stay up to date with all the latest from ASBK race weekends here at BikeReview…

Oceania Junior Cup
In Oceania Junior Cup, Ryan Larkin (Yamaha YZF-R15) edged Marcus Hamod (Yamaha YZF-R15) in practice one by one-tenth of a second, with a similar distance back to Hudson Thompson (Yamaha YZF-R15). Teerin Fleming would bounce back in the afternoon to jump from fourth to first in practice 2.

Australian Sidecar Championship
The Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship made its return for 2022, with Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe (Suzuki LCR 1000) staking an early claim ahead of Des Harvey and Stephen Marshall (Kawasaki RHR 1000), with Jamie and Shelby Turner (Suzuki LCR 1000) rounding out the top three. Underwood would again top the order in practice two, with Turner this time usurping Harvey in the afternoon to complete the final three positions.

 

Column: James ‘Rocket’ Weaver, OJC

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PB
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Hi everyone, it’s been a long time! My last article (here) was back in 2017 when I was 9 and on a KAYO. Since then I’ve done a lot more road racing. I’m turning 14 this year. At school I am in Year 8. Some of my hobbies are bike rides, playing handball and basketball… Words: James Weaver.

James Weaver riding at MotoStars Round 4 back in 2017 with the Kabuto RT-33 - Image by Col Roper.
James Weaver riding at MotoStars Round 4 back in 2017 with the Kabuto RT-33 – Image by Col Roper.

But my life is mainly all about two wheels! My racing background started at Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club doing flat track when I was 5. I was riding a CRF50. After that I went up to the KTM Pro Senior 50 class, then I went up to the 65 class then the 80 mod class when I was 8. From there I competed in the Moto Stars series on a Kayo 150 from the age 8 to 11 in which time I graduated to an R15 V2.

In 2020 I was doing my first season in OJC but before the season, while training, I highsided and broke my collarbone and couldn’t do the official test at Phillip Island. At the first round it was my first time riding at Phillip Island and it was a support class to WorldSBK! Amazing! In 2021 I was going to do OJC again but then I got iron deficiency so we had to pull out and just do club events instead, which was still awesome fun, but I was keen to get back to ASBK so worked hard to do it.

James is happy to be back in OJC and is hoping for a full, interruption free season for everyone!
James is happy to be back in OJC and is hoping for a full, interruption free season for everyone!

The thing that I did to prepare for this year was train on my pushbike eat healthy food plus take my iron pill every morning. In my off season and school holidays I went swimming, jumping off jetty’s, I went to Flip Out with my friends I also went to Aqua Splash.

For those of you not sure, the Oceania Junior Cup (OJC), is a class for kids from 11 to 16. This class teaches kids racecraft and how to go fast, you also learn about media and what to say on camera, and lots more for the future. I am racing this year in OJC because I won the motoDNA motoCHAMPIONS sponsored by Bendix and Motorcycling Australia, so I scored a free ride this year. I can’t believe it and I feel like the luckiest person on the planet right now.

The OJC control bike is the Yamaha R15. You can see our R15 review here. The bike had a top speed of 151km/h on the Phillip Island Gardner Straight. The best thing about the R15 V3 is it is a better step to the R3 cup because the tyres are fatter than the earlier version R15 and the geometry is the same as the R3. The R15 V3 has the same suspension as an older R3 and is faster now too!

Round one at Phillip island was really good, I was fast in practice, I got top three ,but when it was qualifying I didn’t get out with a group of people so I qualified ninth. This made me learn that to go fast in this class you have to be in a slipstream, so I will definitely need that this weekend at QR!

For any young riders that want to start in this class I would suggest getting a little bit of time on a road bike before jumping in this class don’t go from a dirt bike straight to the Oceania Junior Cup. This year I would like do my very best to make my sponsors proud and my goal is to finish top three. I’ve just arrived in Brisbane for Round Two, so wish me luck and talk soon! James #71

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

Brandon Paasch Wins Dayton 200 With Triumph

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PB
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The Triumph Street Triple RS wins its American debut at the World Center of Racing. The winning motorcycle was ridden by defending champion Brandon Paasch, who used his experience gained in the 2021 season with the Triumph Street Triple RS and his past success at the 200 to make the most of the 765 triple’s power around Daytona’s banking.

Brandon Paasch on his Triumph Street Triple RS defends title to win second consecutive Daytona 200.
Brandon Paasch on his Triumph Street Triple RS defends title to win second consecutive Daytona 200.

Paasch started P4 and made it a Triumph 1-2 across the stripe first time around, and confidently keeping with the lead pack for the duration of the race. The Triumph 765 triple engine didn’t break a sweat as it endured the 57-lap, 200-mile race to keep Paasch in the sweet spot. Coming out of the final pit-stop Paasch found himself in fourth, and a couple seconds outside of the lead pack. To catch up with the front three, putting himself in position for the win, Paasch set the fastest lap of the race at 1:49:959.

On the final turn of the final lap, Paasch who was patiently waiting for his opportunity, twisted the throttle and trusted the draft and the triple Triumph engine to power him to the win by 0.007 of a second at the chequers.

Triumph racing team, supported by FreedomRoad Financing, powers Brandon Paasch to win the 80th Daytona 200.
Triumph racing team, supported by FreedomRoad Financing, powers Brandon Paasch to win the 80th Daytona 200.

Danny Eslick, who started P8, left the grid with a terrific start, and led the race by the end of the first lap. From there Eslick ran with the lead pack until the red flag. Mid-race, as a result of fighting the high-winds and spending a good amount of the race without the benefit of a draft, Eslick lost ground and his race-lead as he drifted into the pits on fumes. Coming out of the pit, Eslick was able to re-gain significant ground, ending the race with a 6th place finish.

Michelle Lindsay – TOBC racing owner:
“After the 2018 season, I wasn’t sure we’d be back at the top of the podium again. To win the Daytona 200 on our first race with Triumph is more than I could have ever asked for. I’m proud of Brandon and Danny for their performances today, and very thankful for Triumph Motorcycles and FreedomRoad Financial for helping us even get back on the grid, Boulder Motorsports for helping to build a winning motorcycle. I’m also extremely proud to have such an amazing group of individuals working in my team. Their dedication and work ethic towards getting the 765 on the podium are unparalleled. This win is truly a team effort, and we couldn’t have brought this great crew back together if it wasn’t for the support from our key sponsors Politus & Matovina P.A. Attorneys, Palm Beach Police and Fire Foundation, Jay Geeker Studios, Pirelli, and K-Tech.”

Brandon Paasch – 2021 & 2022 Daytona 200 Winner:
“We did it!!! It’s unbelievably surreal to be a 2-time Daytona 200 winner, but I can’t say this race didn’t play out exactly as I imagined it. After last year’s win, I knew I had a winning strategy, and after a full season on the Street Triple RS, I had complete confidence in the bike and in the preparation of the TOBC racing team, to execute it. I’m thankful for FreedomRoad Financial for helping to make this race effort possible, and for the continued support from the Classic Car Club of Manhattan, Evolve GT, and Luxe Star, and am looking forward to celebrating with the team.”

Danny Eslick – 4-time Daytona 200 Winner:
“Today was tough. A couple things didn’t go my way, which kept me off the podium. Thanks to Triumph, FreedomRoad Financial, and TOBC racing, all of the right elements were here for the win. The bike and the team have all the right pieces for success. I’ll just have to wait a year to snag my 5th win.”

 

Triumph Triple Trophy Returns For 2022 Moto2 Season

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PB
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Now entering its third year, the Triumph Triple Trophy awarded a custom-liveried Street Triple RS to Marco Bezzecchi in 2020 and to Raul Fernandez in 2021, both of whom have successfully used Moto2 as a springboard to now graduate to MotoGP, will go to one exceptional rider…

The 2022 Street Triple RS awarded to this year’s winner will be presented by Dorna Sports Managing Director Carlos Ezpeleta and Triumph Motorcycles Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent in Qatar.
The 2022 Street Triple RS awarded to this year’s winner will be presented by Dorna Sports Managing Director Carlos Ezpeleta and Triumph Motorcycles Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent in Qatar.

The Triumph Triple Trophy recognises there are more success stories during a GP weekend than simply the race victory, and the updated scoring is designed to reflect the incredible close nature of the competition in Moto2. In both previous years, it wasn’t the World Champion who won the Triumph Triple Trophy, and the changes for 2022 are designed to deepen this search for all standout performances.

The Qatar Grand Prix kicked off the fourth Moto2™ season powered by Triumph’s 765cc triple as well as the 2022 Triumph Triple Trophy, with a renewed points structure introduced this season.

For 2022, the points structure has been revised as follows:

  • 7 points – Best race progression from start to finish: 7 points for the rider or riders making up the most positions from race start to chequered flag
  • 6 points – Pole position: 6 points for the rider who qualifies on pole
  • 5 points – Fastest race lap: 5 points for the fastest rider/riders in case of an equal fastest lap

Best race progression rewards the rider who had a great Sunday performance and who finished the race highest relative to their starting position. At the opening round at Lusail International Circuit, it was Celestino Vietti who took the early lead courtesy of a dominant show with pole position and fastest lap.

The winner – the rider who has achieved the greatest number of points throughout the season – will be awarded a Triumph Street Triple RS motorcycle, powered by the 765cc triple engine from which the Moto2 powerplant is derived.

Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer:
“The Moto2 World Championship is incredibly close, and in 2021 the category was redefined again with a total of 16 lap records falling, beating many of those already set using Triumph 765cc power. The 2022 season looks set to follow suit with some modifications to the engine helping to improve performance, as demonstrated by lap records being smashed in pre-season testing. To highlight the closeness and intensity of racing, the Triumph Triple Trophy scoring has been changed this year to reward the rider who makes the biggest improvement from their qualifying performance to their final position in the race.”

“This will help to highlight some great performances from riders who may not be at the front and will really show how competitive Moto2 is throughout the whole field. I’m really looking forward to seeing which riders bring their A-Game to the track on a Sunday and I’m sure the winner of the Triumph Triple Trophy will thoroughly deserve their one-off special Street Triple RS.”

Triumph have been a big part of Moto2 for the past few seasons, powering the field with their excellent triple cylinder...
Triumph have been a big part of Moto2 for the past few seasons, powering the field with their excellent triple cylinder…

Carlos Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports Managing Director:
“We’re very happy to join Triumph in celebrating the close competition in Moto2. The Triumph Triple Trophy is a great way to reward riders who have put in an impressive Sunday, and the Street Triple RS is an impressive prize. We couldn’t be happier with the way Moto2 has evolved over the past few seasons with Triumph powering the class. The collaboration has created fantastic racing in Moto2, and I don’t think riders who progress to MotoGP have ever been better prepared to make the step. We look forward to many more seasons of high calibre racing with Triumph!”

 

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