Product Review: WR250R Rider Sag Setting, Motool Slacker

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November 17, 2021

We’ve been using the Motool Slacker Auto Zero sag measurement tool from Pro Accessories for years now, setting up our own bikes and press bikes. The most recent bike we used it on was Mike’s WR250R, which is a 2020 model with stock suspension used as a commuter and a weekend off-roader.

Mike’s 2020 WR250R was set completely stock standard. After running in and getting more serious with a tyre and gearing upgrade, it was time to set the suspension up. Mike’s next step will be a heavier rear spring.

The great thing about the Slacker is that it makes a job that previously required two people easily achieved on your own as it does all of the measuring and calculations for you accurately and quickly.

Normally, when adjusting sag, you first need to measure full extension, then static distance from the floor, then subtract that from the extended distance to give static sag. You then need to repeat that sitting on the bike in the riding position, repeating it twice for both ends. To do that, you need a helper to do the measuring while you handle the bike. With the Slacker, you can do it all alone very quickly.

Front rider sag of 76mm. We can’t change this externally but it is fine anyway. The forks don’t always settle the same.

Once you have the Slacker string connected, hook up the handlebar mounted display so you can easily do the job on your own. This simply plugs into the Slacker with the lead provided and attaches to the handlebars via a velcro strap. Makes life a lot easier when trying to read the results.

The remote display has the same functions as the Slacker so everything can be controlled now from the handlebar. Lift on the bars and fully extend the forks, then zero the slacker.

The remote display allows the user to read sag measurement while seated on the bike. We set the rear to 30/100.

Once sorted, it is time to stand alongside the bike holding it upright. Holding the front brake, bounce the front-end up and down five times to loosen and seal stiction on the fork inner tube and to help the forks settle. Release the brake and give the forks one more bounce with no brakes.

You will now have a reading on the display showing the static sag (unloaded) of the front of the bike for your records, the WR was 49mm. Next, sit on the bike in your normal riding position. Again, bounce the forks up and down, then when they settle, you will have the sag amount displayed on the remote display. Repeat this a few times until you get a consistent reading. The WR was 79mm.

If your bike has preload adjustment, this is the point where you can repeat steps until the correct sag is achieved, either adding or removing spring preload. Sometimes compression damping adjustment can help to set sag as well as preload but you don’t want to be riding on compression rather than spring, so it is generally best to set spring sag with the comp and rebound backed completely off.

With the WR, we ended up with compression at 9/21clicks, rebound at 11/29 clicks and a sag with rider of 79mm. With no spring preload adjustment, we can’t do anything else but those numbers are fine for now as Mike is still a relatively new off road rider.

We set the rear rider sag to 100mm, which is pretty standard. Static was 30mm. Factory setting was 108mm/40mm.

Once you have set the front up, it is time to move the Slacker unit to the back of the bike. Fit another stick on hook somewhere in a straight line of travel above the rear axle, move the magnetised Slacker to the back axle and connect the string/cable. You can leave the remote display on the handlebar as the cable is very long, which is convenient. Kneeling alongside the right hand side of the bike, push up under the seat area to fully extend the rear suspension, or stand alongside it and lift the rear, then zero the Slacker using the buttons on either the main unit or the remote unit.

Now walk around to the left side, take the bike off the stand and bounce the rear up and down five times then let it settle. You will now have a static sag figure for your records. In this case, 40mm.

The main unit has a large magnet on the back so as long as your axle is steel, the Slacker will stick on. If not (Titanium for example), get a steel nut to fit during the job. There is also a Titanium fitment bracket available.

Sitting on the bike now, bounce the back up and down with your weight then sit in your usual spot. Try not to take any weight through your legs, which will be on the ground only for balance. If you are alone this will be the best you can do and will be fine, maybe rest an elbow on the wall to stay upright.

You will now have your rear rider sag figure, in this case for the WR, 108mm. We are aiming for 100mm. So we increase rear spring preload to 12mm (three turns on the collar). We do this one turn at a time, checking sags each time. Now the WR250R has 100mm rider sag at the rear and exactly 30mm static, which is spot on with 80kg Mike on it and he is the only person riding the bike. We also set the rear rebound to 8 clicks out and the rear compression to 8 clicks out.

100mm of rear rider sag was our goal and we eventually got it there after some messing around with the settings!

So using the Slacker is so easy compared the old fashioned mate with a tape measure way. You can quickly and easily do this by yourself and the entire process took us around 15-minutes start to finish.

The Slacker is easy to use, comes with a range of connections and is available for $199.95 RRP (Street kit an extra $39.95 RRP) in all good bike shops via the national distributor Pro Accessories, you can check out the Pro Accessories website here.

2022 FIM Grand Prix World Championship Provisional Entry Lists

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PB

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November 17, 2021

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Dorna and FIM have released the provisional entry list for the 2022 Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP Championship. This is the first confirmed lists of 2022, check out all the new riders ahead of the 2022 season with two Aussies in the premier class!

Remy Gardner is off to the MotoGP premier season after winning the 2021 Moto2 Championship!

Moto3
The Moto3 championship sees a bunch of new riders entering the series, with CFMOTO looking to tackle the championship being the first Chinese manufacturer to race in MotoGP since the mid 2000s.

Moto2
The Moto2 field is fully of familiar faces from Moto3. With 2021 Moto3 Championship winner, Pedro Acosta riding for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team!

MotoGP
An exciting time for Australian racing fans as we get to see Jack Miller and Remy Gardner go head to head in the premier class. For the first time in over two decades, we see Valentino Rossi’s name missing from the entrance list, except VR46 will live on as a team with riders Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini!

While there may be some last minute changes, these are the 2022 MotoGP teams! We can wait to see them back on track next year, hopefully traveling back to Australia for the first time since 2019.

Classes Announced For The 2022 ProMX Championship

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November 17, 2021

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The permanent class structure for the ProMX Championship will remain unchanged, as the THOR MX1 Class will take centre stage across all 8 Rounds of the Championship, showcasing incredible domestic and international talent on 450cc machines to Television audiences and live race fans across the country.

The ProMX Management team say they are pleased to confirm both the Championship and Support classes for the 2022 Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores (ProMX).

The Pirelli MX2 Class will once again provide energetic and fast changing on track action as the young riders graduating to the professional ranks on 250cc four stroke machines fight for their chance at the big time on the national stage.

Check out the championship calendar here…

Maxxis MX3 also returns after unanimous praise from the riders, industry and fans alike. This new initiative by Motorcycling Australia (MA) and the ProMX Management team sees riders aged 14 and over as junior racers able to compete against up to 18 years old, with the goal of providing a pathway to the international stage for our Australian junior talent.

The ProMX was unfortunately cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

In addition to the ProMX Championship classes, the fan favourite support classes will return for the 2022 Championship. MX Womens (MXW) will take to the stage at the opening round of the Championship at Wonthaggi in Victoria on March 27th to showcase the premier female racers competing at a senior level. MXW will also feature at Round 4 of the Championship at Gillman SA, on May 29th followed by the season finale at Coolum QLD on August 20th and 21st.

Building on the success of the ProMX debut for the Evo Cup in the 2021 Championship, the post classic machines will return along with the Pre 95 machines as a combined class to race at Coffs Harbour NSW, for Round 6 of the Championship. The combined classes will give both classic and post classic Motocross enthusiasts, fans and riders a trip down memory lane to the retro two and four strokes blasting across the confines of the Coffs Harbour track.

The Championship finale at Coolum, QLD on August 20th and 21st will also play host to the Veterans Championship, showcasing retired national champions and passionate veteran racers who will face off on the grueling Coolum sand track over the course of the final weekend of the 2022 ProMX Championship.

The bLU cRU YZ 65 cup will return in 2022 for 2 Rounds, with an announcement coming soon on the tracks and further details the Junior under 12 future stars will feature in. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements over the coming weeks regarding the 2022 Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores.

The FIM MiniGP World Final Concludes The Season In Style

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PB

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November 17, 2021

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The FIM MiniGP offers a perfect stepping stone for young riders looking to start their racing career.

The 2021 FIM MiniGP World Final was an incredible conclusion to the first season of the FIM MiniGP World Series. Two races worth standards points and then the Super Final Race – worth double points – decided the Champion, with FIM MiniGP Spain Series rider Izan Rodriguez coming out on top after doing the triple.

Spain’s Pablo Olivares came second overall and took two podiums, with Italian Cristian Borrelli taking third overall after also finishing on the rostrum twice. The other podium finisher was FIM MiniGP Ireland Series rider Josh O’Brien, who took some spoils in Race 1.

RACE 1
After Qualifying Race that saw the top two move through, the first points on offer were decided. Rodriguez got the perfect start and the holeshot, but Olivares was close on the chase. They took a 1-2 for Spain, with O’Brien impressing to convert fourth on the grid to a podium finish in P3.

“Rodriguez got the perfect start and the holeshot, but Olivares was close on the chase.”

RACE 2
With one more rider on the grid, the winner of Qualifying Race 2, there were 25 more points up for grabs and Rodriguez once again took an early lead. He had Olivares as his shadow again too, with the two eventually crossing the line split by almost nothing in another 1-2.

This time around, the close fight for the podium was won by Cristian Borrelli as the FIM MiniGP Italy Series rider made an impressive step forward.

SUPER FINAL RACE
With 50 points on the line it all came down to the final race, and this time around Rodriguez didn’t get the holeshot – closest rival Olivares did. But it didn’t take too long for the points leader to strike back and attack, taking over in the lead once again.

Olivares then got embroiled in the group fight behind, and Rodriguez pulled away to take his third win of the day and impress. Borrelli and compatriot Edoardo Liguori came out on top in the group scrap, taking second and third respectively.

Rodriguez took a clean sweep to become the inaugural Champion and Olivares two second places and a fourth, so it’s a Spain 1-2. Borrelli’s progress throughout the day was rewarded with third overall, just one points off Olivares.

Your FIM Euro MiniGP 2021 top three! An exciting future for the sport as it heads to Australia next year…

Liguori takes fourth in the standings after the first MiniGP World Final, with Ireland Series star O’Brien continuing his pace in Race 2 and the Super Final to lock out P5 for 2021. You can find all the results from the weekend here…

Inaugural FIM MiniGP Australia Series Ready To Fire In 2022

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November 17, 2021

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Motorcycling Australia and Ohvale Australia have worked closely over the past 12 months to secure Australia’s involvement in the 2022 FIM MiniGP World Series. The FIM MiniGP World Series is a Road to MotoGP initiative between Dorna, FIM and Ohvale Europe which made its debut in 2021.

“The FIM MiniGP World Series is a Road to MotoGP initiative between Dorna, FIM and Ohvale Europe…”

Australia now joins Italy, Malaysia, France, Netherlands, North America, Spain, UK, Alpe Adria, Indonesia, Ireland, Portugal, Qatar and Austria as host countries, launching the FIM MiniGP Australia Series for 2022.

The Series provides an ideal entry level platform for young Australian riders looking to begin their two-wheeled motorsport journey. The new Road to MotoGP program will take part utlising Ohvale GP-0 160 machinery designed specifically for racing on karting circuits – a perfect entry level platform for kids aged between 10-14 years old, new to the sport.

“Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle, said the FIM MiniGP World Series was an exciting opportunity for riders.”

The winner from each national, regional or continental MiniGP Cup will have the opportunity to participate in the World MiniGP Final in Europe. The FIM MiniGP Australia Series is the first in the Oceania region, which will feature 10 races over five rounds on the Ohvale Australia racing machines. Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle, said the FIM MiniGP World Series was an exciting opportunity for Australian riders.

“Motorcycling Australia is very excited to see Australia join the 2022 FIM MiniGP World Series putting Australia’s sensational racing talent on the World stage,” Mr Doyle said. “We are pleased to support Series promoters Ohvale Australia, and the 2022 FIM MiniGP Australia Series will not only provide spectacular on track action but give riders their first steps to potentially becoming a future World Champion. We see the FIM MiniGP Australia Series as a crucial steppingstone for young riders wanting to develop their skills.”

Wayne Maxwell is a household name in Australian racing, he has become the brand promoter for Ohvale Australia.

Ohvale Australia and joint promoter multiple Australian Superbike Champion, Wayne Maxwell said this was an exciting opportunity for young Australia riders and encouraged them to register their interest now.

“We are very thankful for the support of Motorcycling Australia and the FIM in securing what will be a phenomenal first for Australia, the 2022 FIM MiniGP Australia Series,” Mr Maxwell said. “We are very excited for what this Series will bring to racing and the development of young riders. My dream is to one day see a young talent from Mini GP become a World Champion We are expecting a flood of interest, so we are definitely encouraging prospective riders to register their expression of interest now at https://ohvale.com.au/australian-ohvale-minigp-series/.”

MotoGP eSport Final Wrap Up

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November 17, 2021

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The MotoGP™ eSport Championship was back with a bang at the ValenciaGP and a nail-biting finale saw Italian superstar claim overall victory in the 2021 Global Series with two flawless rides.

Trast73 made eSports history with his third crown on the weekend at the MotoGP eSports final.

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, Spain played host to a star-studded final round – the first on-site event for the MotoGP™ eSport Championship since 2019 – with two GP riders making appearances. The promise of a range of glitzy prizes and two drama-packed racing had the full attendance on the edge of their seats from start to finish!

Presenter Immy Barclay hosted the event with MotoGP™’s Jack Appleyard and Jack Gorst on commentary duties for the evening. Multiple MotoGP™ race winner Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) also made an appearance and joined the commentators, and Moto2™ superstar and Tissot Ambassador Thomas Lüthi (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) joined the show. A number of other Grand Prix riders and team members were also in attendance to watch the action unfold live.

Jack Miller was on hand to commentate the grand finale of the eSport championship.

And Trast73, the winner of the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP™ eSport Championships, walked away with the main prize of the night – a brand new BMW X4 M40i – after some incredible success, an achievement which compliments Yamaha’s crown won with Fabio Quartararo.

All was on the line before the final races started. After three drama-packed rounds, just 20 points covered four gamers – Repsol Honda’s Adriaan_26, Monster Energy Yamaha’s Trast73, Ducati Lenovo eSport Team Rider AndrewZh and new name PieroRicciuti55, representing LCR Honda Castrol eSports Team – coming into the final round. The stakes were raised with double points being on offer for the final two races.

The MotoGP eSports championship has been gaining traction over the years, it’s now a heavily competitive series…

The first, held on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas, had an incredible start. Pole sitter Trast73 took an early lead, but a turn one crash for Pramac Ducati’s RiccardoBottaro64 took down title contenders Adriaan_26 and AndrewZh, relegating them to tenth and eleventh respectively. Out front, Trast73 produced a ride of perfection, coming home 2.6s ahead of PieroRicciuti55, with Adriaan_26 fighting back for a superb third place after clinching the final podium spot from Jack Hammer4658 on the final lap.

That result meant Trast73 had a handy 11-point lead going into the final race. But before the second race started, Tissot Ambassador Thomas Lüthi was on hand to present the prize for the best qualifier during the Global Series, a Tissot T-Race MotoGP™ Chronograph watch, to AndrewZh. What’s more, Jack Miller then joined the two Jacks to commentate on the season finale!

Alex Rins was also at the final, watching the exciting, face paced racing. Somethings he’s used to in real life!

And AndrewZh made fantastic use of his pole position to speed into an early lead, ahead of PieroRicciuti55 and Trast73. The order stayed that way until the chequered flag, with RiccardoBottaro64 frustrating Williams_Cristian and Adriaan_26’s attempts to get toward the leaders. That was enough for Trast73 to clinch the crown by 15 points!

2021 was another vintage year for the MotoGP™ eSport Championship with a championship fight that went all the way to the wire. The series will return bigger and better next year, so join us again for more in 2022 – and congratulations to Trast73!

Axel Mittler, BMW M Head of Cooperation MotoGP™, presents the BMW X4 M40i key to Trast73.

Check out all the results here…

Ducati Lenovo clinch the 2021 MotoGP Teams’ World Title

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November 17, 2021

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At the Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana, the final Grand Prix of the 2021 MotoGP season held last weekend at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Cheste (Spain), Ducati secured a podium lockout, as with Pecco Bagnaia’s win, the second place of Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing Team) and the third place of Jack Miller.

It was a Ducati lockout at Valencia on the weekend with Pecco Bagnaia’s win, the second place of Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing Team) and the third place of Jack Miller.

For the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, which was crowned 2021 MotoGP Constructors’ World Champion just seven days ago in Portimão, this is another historic achievement that has never been reached before in the premier class.

Read the full race report here…

Pecco Bagnaia scored another sensational win today, the fourth this season and the second consecutive after a win at the Portugal round. As he was starting from second on the grid, the Italian rider was able to keep the same position after the start, behind Jorge Martin, who started from pole position. With 12 laps to go, Bagnaia made his decisive move on the fellow Ducati rider, taking the lead, where he remained until the chequered flag.

Behind Jorge Martin, in third, was Bagnaia’s teammate Jack Miller. As he departed from the third spot of the grid, the Australian rider dropped back into sixth place in the early stages of the race, but as soon as he found his rhythm, he could close the gap on his rivals and get back into the podium fight. Third, with nine laps to go, Miller got closer and closer to Martin but could not overtake him, eventually finishing the race in third place, confirming his fourth position in the Championship.

“I’m thrilled with the victory today. To win wearing Valentino Rossi’s helmet was incredible and the best way to celebrate his last race. Today’s success was incredible, and now we know we are ready to fight for the riders’ title next year. During this season, we have improved the bike’s setup race after race, and at the end of 2021, the Desmosedici GP has become very strong, as well as its riders. We have a very good base for next year, and I hope to start as we finish. We have gained a lot of experience, and we have grown a lot! The team is unbelievable, and the atmosphere inside the garage is amazing! I’m really happy, and I thank Ducati for all this”. said Francesco Bagnaia.

With both riders on the podium, the Ducati Lenovo Team secured the 2021 MotoGP Teams’ World Title. For the Italian team, this is the second title since the first one taken in 2007.

“I’m delighted, even though I would have liked to have achieved something more today. Unfortunately, I lost some time at the start and had to recover to get back in the fight for the podium. It was a good race, and I had a lot of fun. Valencia is a track I really like, and it’s nice to finish the season like this. It’s the first time three Ducatis have finished on the podium, and it’s great to be part of this important achievement. I’m sure our bike will be even better next year, so I’m looking forward to the 2022 season and trying to fight for the riders’ title. This year we finish fourth, and it is my best result ever in the MotoGP Championship, so I hope to do even better next year.” said Jack Miller.

With the 2021 season over, the Ducati Lenovo Team riders will only have a few days off as on 18th and 19th November, they will already be back on track at the Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto to face the first two days of winter testing in preparation for the 2022 season.

MotoGP: Bagnaia victorious in Valencia, Rossi bids farewell

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PB

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November 17, 2021

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Valentino Rossi, the absolute GOAT. VR46 has entertained us for 25-years. We will all miss him in MotoGP!

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took victory as the Italian led home a historic Ducati 1-2-3 at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, he once again perfectly-poised as he saw the flag just ahead of Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) for a Bologna lockout.

The race will forever be remembered as Valentino Rossi’s (Petronas Yamaha SRT) last dance too, and The Doctor delivered a P10 in his farewell MotoGP™ appearance in front of a packed Circuit Ricardo Tormo crowd. Pecco also dedicated the win to his mentor.

Danilo Petrucci (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) saw the chequered flag in P17 as the Italian premier class race winner also says goodbye to Grand Prix racing in an emotional Sunday in Valencia, teammate Iker Lecuona heads for WorldSBK after scoring a final point of the year.

Rewinding to lights out and polesitter Martin grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1 as fourth place Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) got a great start to get the better of Bagnaia, with Miller slotting into second. Rossi made a good start and was up a place into P9, whereas World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was P6. Up ahead, Miller then dived up the inside of Martin at Turn 1 on Lap 2 to take the lead, but it was short-lived. Martin and Mir cut through on Lap 2, and Miller down to third, then it was fourth, then fifth – the Australian was going backwards after briefly leading.

The Suzukis were charging though – hard. Mir was harassing Martin, before Pecco then used the GP21’s superior grunt to take P2 off the 2020 Champion. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) then snuck past Mir at Turn 6 on Lap 3, as the top four – Martin, Bagnaia, Rins and Mir – started to create a gap to now fifth-placed Quartararo. Miller was down to P6, seemingly struggling in the early stages.

The race then settled as the front runners held station, but Martin, Bagnaia and Rins were now 0.7s ahead of Mir. After a few laps of following the World Champion, Miller was back through on Quartararo and up to P5, as Rins set the fastest lap of the race. However, at Turn 6 on Lap 11 of 27, Rins then went down. The Spaniard tucked the front of his GSX-RR, handing teammate Mir third. Rossi, meanwhile, was now 10th, 0.6s down on Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) who, as things stood, was losing out on the Rookie of the Year crown with Martin leading…

Bagnaia was swarming all over the back of the race-leading rookie though and with 12 laps to go, at Turn 14, Pecco pounced. Now, with some clear air, what could the Italian do? The fastest lap, a 1:31.042, came next and the hammer was well and truly down. His mentor Rossi was still 10th with 11 laps to go, but VR46 Academy’s first World Champion and fellow Yamaha star Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was behind him…

Up front though, Martin was not letting Pecco pull clear. On two consecutive laps, the rookie was quicker than Bagnaia, and a second or so behind, Miller grabbed P3 off Mir at Turn 2. It was a Ducati 1-2-3 with eight laps to go, and history was on the cards for the Bologna factory. Miller wasn’t done yet either, the Australian 1.3s back when he passed Mir, but by five laps to go, he was just 0.7s off Martin.

With two laps of the season to go, Pecco was 0.8s clear of Martin and it seemed the battle would be for second. Miller was closer than ever to Martin, but the rookie was holding firm. Unable to make a move, Miller couldn’t quite make it a factory Ducati 1-2 as Bagnaia crossed the line to win for a fourth time in 2021, although Martin clinched the Rookie of the Year crown with a P2. Miller, in third, helps Ducati make history with their first 1-2-3 in MotoGP™ with his fifth rostrum. In addition, Bagnaia’s P1 and Miller’s P3 helps Ducati take the Teams’ Championship, adding to their Constructors’ crown.

Mir held onto P4 by just 0.2s in the end as Quartararo homed in, but El Diablo takes P5 to cap off a title-winning season. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) was P6, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was P7, with Bastianini’s P8 was not quite good enough for the Rookie of the Year title – nine points split the Italian and Martin in the end. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) struggled in the latter stages and slipped to P9, finishing one place ahead of The Doctor.

Valentino Rossi took P10, where he started, to bow out in style. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the Italian’s glistening Grand Prix career, as one of the world’s biggest sporting icons bids a fond farewell to the sport he loves – and the sport that loves him. Grazie Vale, from millions of fans around the globe!

Morbidelli crossed the line less than a second away from Rossi as the Italian now aims to get fully fit for 2022, Andrea Dovizioso (Petronas Yamaha SRT) had a good final weekend of the season to finish in P12, and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and WorldSBK-bound Lecuona take home the final points of 2021. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) joined Rins in suffering a DNF in Valencia, the Japanese rider was perfectly ok after his Turn 6 crash.

And that, as they say, is a wrap. The curtain comes down on 2021, as we say ciao to the icon that is Valentino Rossi. The number 46 will be missed immensely on and off track in 2022 and beyond, but MotoGP™ couldn’t be in a better place. The next generation is here, Rossi’s legacy will live on with his VR46 Academy and new MotoGP™ team, and Yamaha and Quartararo will be aiming to defend their title against a whole host of unbelievable bikes and riders. What a year! And #GrazieVale!

Francesco Bagnaia: “It’s the only possible thing today – to give a present for Vale. With this helmet, to do a race like that so I want to dedicate this race to him and say thanks to him for what’s he done for us in the academy. So it’s for him, I’m very happy because before the weekend I wasn’t sure it was possible to do a race like this but all the improvements we made this year with my riding style and the bike, finally, we arrived here and were one of the fastest. I’m very happy we won today and it’s an incredible way to end the season.”

MotoGP™ podium (Full Results Here)

1 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 41’15.481
2 Jorge Martin* – Pramac Racing – Ducati – +0.489
3 Jack Miller – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – +0.823

Moto2
In a tense, red-flagged race at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was crowned the 2021 Moto2™ World Champion after finishing P10 on Sunday afternoon. Teammate and title rival Raul Fernandez won for an incredible eighth time to finish just four points down in the overall standings, as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) claimed podiums.

The Moto2™ title decider got underway but a crash involving Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (MV Agusta Forward Racing) brought out the red flags, with an oil spillage occurring between Turns 2 and 3. All riders were ok, a brief pause in proceedings happened with a clean up operation underway before the race got back in business.

There was a little more drama though. After claiming his first pole since 2012 on Saturday, Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) pulled into pitlane after the Warm Up lap and the experienced Italian was out of the race with a technical issue. Meanwhile on track, Augusto Fernandez led Raul Fernandez into Turn 1, with the latter taking the lead at Turn 6 on Lap 2. Gardner made a steady start and was ninth.

Raul Fernandez wasn’t having it all his own way at the front though. Di Giannantonio came through on the Spaniard to lead on Lap 4, with Gardner slipping backwards. Jorge Navarro (Termozeta Speed Up), Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Tom Lüthi (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) all passed Gardner and suddenly, the Australian was P11 – and had former teammate Tetsuta Nagashima (Italtrans Racing Team) swarming all over the back of him. Still, though, as things stood – Raul Fernandez P2, Gardner P11 – the title was heading to Gardner.

With six laps to go, the Australian found a way past Lüthi at Turn 4 into P10. The top three – Diggia, Raul Fernandez and Augusto Fernandez – were split by nothing, with Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) 1.2s back on the podium scrap in P4. Then, with four to go, Raul Fernandez pounced on Diggia at Turn 2. A classic block pass from the Spaniard saw him take the lead, but with Gardner 10th, it still wasn’t enough. Gardner, in turn, was two seconds behind Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) in ninth, although only 0.6s ahead of Nagashima in 11th…

Two laps to go saw Raul Fernandez P1, Gardner P10. Diggia and Augusto Fernandez were still in touch with the race leader too, and Gardner was keeping Nagashima at bay. By the last lap, a tense 0.3s was the advantage Raul Fernandez held over Diggia and Augusto Fernandez, and Gardner was still 10th – able to just keep his own three-tenth advantage over Nagashima on the chase. Raul Fernandez was holding up his end of the bargain and so was Gardner, but as the rookie sensation crossed the line to take a Marquez-beating, mesmerising eighth victory of the season, taking the chequered flag in P10 made Remy Gardner the the 2021 Moto2™ World Champion.

Diggia and Augusto Fernandez rode superbly to finish just behind Raul Fernandez in P2 and P3, and rookie Vietti ended his campaign with an equal-best result in P4. Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) rounded out the top five, with Vierge finishing P6 despite being involved in the red-flagged crash, a great result for the Spaniard who heads off to WorldSBK in 2022.

Lowes, Navarro and Schrötter crossed the line in 7th, 8th and 9th respectively, before Gardner claimed 10th. It was a nervy race, but 10th was more than enough. Nagashima claimed P11, and Lüthi – in his final Grand Prix – notched up P12 as we bid a fond farewell to the fourth highest Grand Prix appearance maker after 318 starts. Stefano Manzi (Flexbox HP40), Marcos Ramirez (American Racing) and WorldSBK-bound Hafizh Syahrin (NTS RW Racing GP) claimed the final points.

A simply outstanding title race between Gardner and Raul Fernandez ends with the Australian coming out on top. A staggering season by both, now we get ready to watch them move to MotoGP™ with Tech3 KTM Factory Racing in 2022. Tune in for more next season as they switch orange for… orange!

Raul Fernandez: “It was a fantastic race, I did my job and won. I’m happy with that. We did an incredible season, in the end we didn’t win the Championship but in was the best season of my life, I enjoyed it like a kid and we won eight races. Before we started if anyone told me I’d win two or three I wouldn’t believe it. Now we have eight.”

Moto2™ podium (Full Results Here)

1 Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 25’38.612
2 Fabio Di Giannantonio – Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 – Kalex – +0.517
3 Augusto Fernandez – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – +0.786

Moto3
Xavier Artigas (Leopard Racing) is a Grand Prix winner! The rookie played it to perfection with a last corner lunge on Sergio Garcia (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) to take his first Moto3™ win in style, with the number 11 forced to settle for second. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) rounds out the season on the rostrum, with drama earlier on the final lap as contact between Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) and World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) saw the latter crash out.

Off the line it was as you were for the front row, with Acosta getting a great start from pole to lead the freight train away. Izan Guevara (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) soon struck to take second from Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) though, and drama came early just behind. Lorenzo Fellon (SIC58 Squadra Corse) crashed out, and almost simultaneously Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) had his own higside mid-track, forcing a few into avoiding action. Ryusei Yamanaka (CarXpert PrüstelGP) wasn’t able to and also went down, riders ok but the group taking a few corners to settle.

At the front, the leaders were a train of 12. Acosta, Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Artigas, Masia, Guevara, Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team), Garcia, Filip Salač (CarXpert PrüstelGP), Foggia, Stefano Nepa (BOE Owlride) and Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team). As ever, the chopping and changing saw plenty of places exchanged.

Another frisson of drama then saw Öncü and Salač both get Long Laps for track limits, which they took quickly – but they slotted back in at the back of the group. In turn, that helped the second gaggle of riders, led by Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) tag onto the group, and he brought the likes of John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) – the Japanese rider from the very back after an incredible charge after a tough qualifying – into the mix. Next, Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) crashed at Turn 1 too, making one less in the group.

As the final few laps dawned, the melee turned into a 2021 Moto3™ classic at the front: Acosta vs Foggia. And heading onto the final lap, the Leopard machine led the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider over the line, with Artigas, Garcia and Öncü for close company.

Acosta attacked at Turn 1, and Foggia lined him up to return the favour at Turn 2. But the Leopard rider was in too deep and there was contact between the two, with the newly-crowned World Champion then unable to hold it and skidding off into the gravel. Rider ok and Foggia continued, but the incident was under investigation by the Stewards.

Artigas picked their pockets in the melee and in turn, Garcia then attacked the number 43. The GASGAS rider took over in the lead, holding on as the corners ticked down. Masia also got past Öncü with some well-judged aggression, but it all went down to the last apex.

As they headed into the final corner, Artigas attacked for the lead as Öncü attacked for third. The rookie – and wildcard Valencia podium finisher – pitched it to perfection to slot past Garcia, but Öncü headed well wide. On the drag to the line, Garcia tucked in to try and hit back but Artigas held on, the rookie taking his first win and completing the set for the three frontrunning rookies this season: Acosta, Guevara and Artigas have now all won races after an incredible season.

Garcia was forced to settle for second but returns to the podium after his injury struggles, and Masia completes the rostrum to end the year on a high. Öncü was picked off by Salač as the Czech rider took one of his best finishes in his last Moto3™ race, with Öncü relegated to fifth by the flag.

Stefano Nepa (BOE Owlride) took sixth after an impressive Sunday, with Guevara just behind. Carlos Tatay (Avintia Esponsorama) was next up as he made good progress to take a good haul of points, with Antonelli taking ninth to sign off from Moto3™ in the top ten. Completing that top ten was Sasaki after a stunning recovery ride from the number 71, coming from the very back to P10.

McPhee took P11 ahead of Fenati, another who leaves for Moto2™, after the veteran Italian exceeded track limits on the final lap and was demoted a position behind McPhee. Meanwhile, the result of the Stewards’ investigation relegated Foggia to thirteenth as the Italian was given a three-second penalty for the Acosta incident.

An incredibly tight three-way fight for P14 saw Adrian Fernandez (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) just take it, with Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) taking the last point to deny Riccardo Rossi (BOE Owlride). KTM also wrapped the Constructors’ crown, their fifth in the class, with a KTM needing to finish in the top nine and that more than fulfilled with one on the podium in P3 with Masia.

That’s a wrap on 2021, with pastures new for some and a recharge and reset for others. It’s been a truly remarkable season and the Champion now moves up, so join us again next year to see who succeeds Acosta and writes their own chapter in the history books!

Moto3™ podium (Full Results Here)

1 Xavier Artigas – Leopard Racing – Honda – 38’30.302
2 Sergio Garcia – Valresa GASGAS Aspar – GASGAS – +0.043
3 Jaume Masia – Red Bull KTM Ajo – KTM – +0.232

MotoGP 2021 Awards Night, Champions Crowned

By

PB

-

November 16, 2021

0

BikeReview-MotoGP-Awards-Night-6 — 2021 MotoGP World Champion, Fabio Quartararo.

Already a legend, Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has been inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame and is now an official MotoGP Legend! The nine-time World Champion was surprised with the honour at the MotoGP Awards Ceremony.

Valentino Rossi has been officially added into the hall of fame after hanging up his leathers for the last time on the weekend.

The emotional lap of honour after the race and hero’s welcome were only the start on Sunday, and those came after a weekend already painted yellow in the number 46’s honour. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta presented Rossi with the MotoGP™ Legend trophy on the stage, celebrating 26 seasons of history made and hearts captured around the world. Nine World Championships, 115 wins and 235 podiums across all classes are incredible numbers, but the legend is even more than those.

The Italian joins a long list of greats that have been made MotoGP™ Legends that includes Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mang, Angel Nieto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Carlo Ubbiali, Alex Crivillé, Franco Uncini, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Kork Ballington, Dani Pedrosa, Stefan Dörflinger, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez and the late, great Nicky Hayden.

Valentino Rossi, MotoGP™ Legend: “I always think of this day like a nightmare, because it’s the end of the a long career and I think it would be in Valencia but in the end I enjoyed it a lot so I have to thank everyone, everyone who has worked with me, the whole paddock, the other riders… it was an unforgettable day and I enjoyed it. It was a long career, and always a pleasure.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “The only thing I can say to Vale is thank you very much. It’s been amazing since 1997 in Malaysia, we saw a guy doing fantastic races but also very special for so many reasons. We started to talk with him and since that time, everything we’ve done together, with everyone who works in MotoGP it’s been amazing.

Rossi was presented with the medal in an emotional ceremony by Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

“First of all Valentino has been an incredible rider, even yesterday, at 42, he was within tenths of Fabio. But also his personality, the situation he’s helped us to create, the Safety Commission, it’s something very special… Grazie, Valentino!”

The Champions and winners in 2021 also took centre stage, including – of course – newly-crowned MotoGP™ World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) fresh from Moto2™ glory and the Moto3™ history maker himself, rookie World Champion Pedro Acosta.

Quartararo made history and takes the premier class crown as the champions of each class took home their trophies.

The 2021 Awards were hosted by Gavin Emmett and Andrea Schlager, with FIM President Jorge Viegas and Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in attendance to present the range of awards throughout the evening to all the winners this season.

Quartararo was the MotoGP™ main event as he received his trophy after making history as the first French premier class World Champion, and he picked up the BMW M Award for best qualifier in the MotoGP™ class once again. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducat Lenovo Team) was on stage as runner up, and 2020 Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was once again in the top three.

The 2021 Moto2, Motogp and Moto3 champions respectively… Gardner (L), Quartararo and Acosta (R).

The Tissot Pole of Poles winners this season were Bagnaia, Raul Fernandez and Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) in MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ respectively, and they picked up their prizes.

The top three in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup were also honoured: Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40), runner up Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt IntactGP) and third overall Matteo Ferrari (Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE), with Aegerter receiving his award remotely.

Raul Fernandez, Gardner and Bezzecchi: the Moto2™ top three.

Garcia, Acosta and Foggia: the Moto3™ top three.

The top Independent Team rider title went to Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) after another season of consistent speed and excellence from the Frenchman, and this year’s MotoGP™ Rookie of the Year award was presented to his teammate Jorge Martin after a stunning debut for the Spaniard – including a first premier class win, a host of poles and another podium to round out the year too.

In Moto2™, Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Raul Fernandez, after breaking some of Marc Marquez’ records in the class, was crowned Rookie of the Year. In Moto3™, by definition it was also a clear winner as a rookie stormed the Championship: Pedro Acosta.

The top three in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup: Aegerter’s stand in Joan Maixe Valls, Cup winner Torres and Ferrari.

Ducati swept the Team and Constructor titles in the premier class, with the Bologna factory taking their highest number of podiums ever – and earlier in the day having taken their first ever 1-2-3. Ducati Lenovo Team were the Team Champions too. Kalex came out on top in Moto2™, and KTM in Moto3™. The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner David Alonso and FIM MiniGP World Series Champion Izan Rodriguez were also applauded for their seasons.

And so the curtain falls, and we bid farewell to a rider who sparked the soul of the sport. Ciao Vale, grazie – and let’s celebrate an incredible career before the lights go out in 2022 for more incredible racing!

Tissot to continue as Official Timekeeper of MotoGP

By

PB

-

November 16, 2021

0

Dorna and Tissot have announced the renewal of their contract that sees the Swiss watchmaker remain Official Timekeeper of the FIM MotoGP World Championship for several years to come.

This extends the longstanding partnership and also includes an expanded commercial presence within MotoGP, taking the collaboration to new heights.

Founded in 1853, Tissot became the Official Timekeeper of MotoGP in 2001, with this season therefore marking the 20th anniversary of the collaboration. As the competition continues to gets closer and closer, with races and even Championships decided by such small margins, Tissot’s role has become ever more vital with each passing season.

Off-track, the partnership between Tissot and MotoGP™ also makes the headlines. The brand takes inspiration from the world of MotoGP™ to create stunning collections of timepieces and watches, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence, accuracy and precision. The rider on pole position in each class at each Grand Prix is also awarded an exclusive watch and Tissot pole position certificate, in addition to the Pole of Poles prize given at the end of the season to the rider in each class with most pole positions.

“As the competition continues to gets closer and closer, with races and even Championships decided by such small margins, Tissot’s role has become ever more vital with each passing season.”

Tissot also enjoys an emblematic trackside presence at prime locations throughout the calendar and has recently added a new role as title sponsor for a number of Grands Prix in the last two seasons, further strengthening the collaboration between the watchmaker and the world’s fastest motorcycle racing Championship. This headline presence is now confirmed to continue as part of this new contract, with the Tissot name to take top billing at a Grand Prix each and every season.

Sylvain Dolla, CEO of Tissot: “The technological world of motorcycling reflects the nature of Tissot perfectly. It shares our passion for products, continuous development and a drive to keep pushing boundaries. It is also a source of inspiration to create unique watches with features that illustrate stunning details of the bike, which can be seen in the Tissot T-Race MotoGP Collection. We look forward to continuing to work with Dorna and to keep inspiring one another to deliver results both in Timekeeping and in our products, for athletes and fans alike.”

The offical time keeper, Tissot and MotoGP collaboration celebrated their 20 year anniversary in 2021…

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO at Dorna Sports: “We’re delighted to celebrate over two decades of collaboration with Tissot with another important announcement, extending our partnership once again. With Tissot as Official Timekeeper, it ensures our sport will continue in safe and capable hands, and we’re looking forward to seeing each new collection of timepieces inspired by MotoGP too. The Tissot name taking top billing at a Grand Prix each season is also fantastic news, ensuring the Tissot name retains its top line presence in the paddock into another new era of partnership.”

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