Gajser & Everts Victorious In The RAM Qualifying Races At The MXGP of Türkiye

September 7, 2024

The 2024 MXGP World Motocross Championships started its 18^thround today at the Afyon Motor Sports Center, with blistering heat baking the surface, but just easing off for the RAM Qualifying Races at the MXGP of Türkiye.

The big three in MXGP were at it again with some thrilling racing at the sharp end, but ultimately it was Tim Gajser who took the win to slightly extend his World Championship lead for Team HRC. In doing so, he also clinched the six-month RAM Driving Experience with his eighth Saturday win of the season, meaning he cannot be caught in that chase with just two rounds remaining!

The MX2 class was once more an unpredictable spectacle with practice times being very close, but finally the verdict went to Liam Everts, who took a fine victory for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, although it was close at the flag to leave tomorrow’s races wide open between any riders who start up front!

Four-time Afyon winner Jeffrey Herlings was fastest in Free Practice for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, but Gajser narrowly took the first gate pick from the Dutchman in Time Practice, with reigning Champion Jorge Prado third for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing.

Out of the gate, Prado looked strong, but he swerved towards the outside of the first corner and left Gajser to take the holeshot. However, with one of his best starts of the season, Herlings carved to the inside of the Slovenian to lead heading into turn two!

Prado had to battle with Romain Febvre to get the better of the Kawasaki Racing Team rider for third, but Gajser was giving Herlings all he could handle in the battle for the lead! The circuit was fast and rough, and it caught out Gajser on the exit of a left-hander as he briefly ran off-track in his pursuit of Herlings and just held off Prado to keep second!

Meanwhile, Febvre’s teammate Jeremy Seewer was battling with Team HRC’s Ruben Fernandez and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP man Maxime Renaux for fifth position. That fight was eventually won by the Spaniard with a pass on lap nine of twelve. Seewer just fended off Renaux for sixth, while Italians Mattia Guadagnini for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing and Andrea Bonacorsi for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP claimed points for eighth and ninth. The final point for tenth was taken by Jan Pancar, who had impressed with the fourth best lap in Time Practice for the TEM JP253 KTM Racing Team.

At the front, Gajser finally edged inside Herlings on lap seven, unnerving “The Bullet” who ran off the track as the pass was being made! He was able to recover, but a lap later Prado also found his way through to take second place and set about the leader with some of his fastest laps of the race! Herlings had to fight off Febvre to keep the top three position, which he kept by just 0.817 of a second at the finish!

Gajser managed to lift his pace to keep Prado behind him, and the winning margin was just over five seconds by the end, extending the points gap to 19 over Prado and 44 over Herlings going into tomorrow’s MXGP of Türkiye!

Tim Gajser:” I had a lot of fun. The track was starting to get sketchy, you know. Not a lot of traction. So I had to be a bit more aggressive with the passing, because I saw that I was faster than Jeffrey (Herlings) in front of me, and the guys behind me starting to catch me. But then I made a pass, and I think Jorge (prado) was coming with me, but anyway, towards the end I just created some little gap and could control the race. Really happy and hopefully we can do the same tomorrow.”

MXGP – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 24:54.298; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), +0:05.431; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:07.933; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:08.750; 5. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:24.779; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:25.408; 7. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:35.921; 8. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:38.486; 9. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:39.965; 10. Jan Pancar (SLO, KTM), +0:41.564

MXGP – World Championship Classification: 1 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 870 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 851 p.; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 826 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 592 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 550 p.; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 534 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 514 p.; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 386 p.; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 329 p.; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, FAN), 295 p

Mikkel Haarup was the master of putting in the fastest lap at the end of both Practice sessions to earn himself the first gate pick for Monster Energy Triumph Racing, but the times were incredibly close with 1.5 seconds covering the top seven riders! Simon Laengenfelder, in second for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, and Liam Everts in third were both within a third of a second of the Dane!

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Championship chaser Lucas Coenen took the holeshot, with his twin brother Sacha Coenen absent through injury. Haarup and Everts were right with him, though, and the Belgian fired past the Triumph man on the run to the third corner. Haarup also had Thibault Benistant edge past him for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2, but by the end of the first lap he was back into third.

As they battled, Everts made a brilliant move into the wave section to take the lead from Coenen, whose teammate Kay de Wolf was building his challenge, passing Benistant for fourth on the second lap. Laengenfelder was behind them, but got caught out by Team HRC’s Ferruccio Zanchi, who turned 18 years old this Friday.

The German would take until lap seven to get back past the Honda man, but on the same lap he also pulled a stunning outside move on Benistant to take fifth! The Frenchman then slipped behind Zanchi on lap nine, as Haarup’s teammate Camden McLellan and Everts’ teammate Andrea Adamo also past the Monster Energy Yamaha of Karlis Reisulis for eighth and ninth.

The top three of Everts, Coenen, and Haarup were set for the race, although Coenen closed to within a second of his Belgian compatriot at the finish line jump! The big move on the final lap came from Laengenfelder, who drove up the inside of De Wolf to try and grab fourth place! He did succeed, but only after the pair had to pick their bikes up due to the collision as their lines came together! De Wolf was thrown off the side of the track, very lucky to be uninjured but losing the most time.

Zanchi, Benistant, McLellan, and Adamo all moved up at the Championship leader’s expense to finish in fifth to eighth, with De Wolf salvaging two points for ninth ahead of Reisulis. This dents his points advantage over Coenen by seven points, and the gap is now 54 between the leading pair!

With lap times so close, the start and early lap manoeuvres will be crucial in tomorrow’s races, but both classes will be massively entertaining at tomorrow’s MXGP of Türkiye! Do not be missing it!

Liam Everts: The start was not so good. I got boxed in straight away. But yeah, immediately I found myself in second and got around Lucas (Coenen). It felt great. He was putting on some good pressure, putting in some good laps and stayed at the lead. So I have a good feeling for tomorrow.”

MX2 – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: 1. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 25:01.617; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:00.921; 3. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +0:09.994; 4. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:20.413; 5. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +0:24.855; 6. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:27.078; 7. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, Triumph), +0:27.574; 8. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:29.821; 9. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:37.668; 10. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:38.910

MX2 – World Championship Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 833 points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 779 p.; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 734 p.; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 691 p.; 5. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 589 p.; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 573 p.; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 511 p.; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 456 p.; 9. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, TRI), 341 p.; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, HON), 323 p

MXGP OF TURKIYE QUICK FACTS:
Circuit length: 1800m
Type of ground: Hard Pack
Temperature: 30°
Weather conditions: Sunny

TIMETABLE

SUNDAY: 09:45 WMX Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

Gutierrez beats Casadei to grab final race victory of 2024

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

The #99 comes from P6 on the grid to win Race 2 in Misano as LCR’s Casadei and Granado complete the final rostrum of 2024.

With the Championship settled, Race 2 in Misano was all about trying to end the year on as high a note as possible – and Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) did just that. The #99 came from P6 on the grid to win for the third time as he fended off the close challenge of Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team), and it was a happy Saturday for LCR as Eric Granado ended his tough 2024 with a double podium finish at the San Marino GP.

Gutierrez got a great launch from the outside of the second row to pounce straight into the top three, as Casadei again earned himself the holeshot. As we’ve seen so often in 2024, the fight for the podium was relentless and heading into the closing stages, a 16-wheel electric freight train had formed at the front.

Gutierrez’s race-winning move came with two and a half laps to go at the ferociously fast Curvone, and despite the threat from the LCR duo on the final lap once the top three broke clear, Gutierrez held firm to end the year in style – and claim P3 in the overall standings.

Casadei’s P2 to back up his win from earlier in the day made sure the #40 walked away from the season with a silver medal, with Kevin Zannoni’s (Openbank Aspar Team) P5 finish in Race 2 – behind Granado and teammate Jordi Torres – seeing him claim P4 in the World Championship. Meanwhile, World Champion Hector Garzo crossed the line in P7 to see him end the campaign on 246 points, 15 clear of Casadei.

And just like that, the 2024 season draws to a close. Congratulations to our worthy Champion, Hector Garzo, and the Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) team for a sensational year. What a season of electric class racing it’s been again, and it’s safe to say we can’t wait to get the ball rolling again in 2025.

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoE News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Garzo clinches title with P4 finish as Casadei claims home victory

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

The Championship chase is settled in Race 1 as Zaccone and Granado pick up podiums.

Thanks to a P4 finish in Race 1, Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) secured the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship crown following a dramatic end to the race that saw Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team) crash out from the lead on the penultimate lap. That handed Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) the P1 baton and the Italian made it count to win on home turf to finish ahead of Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) and teammate Eric Granado.

Zannoni got a great launch from the middle of the second row and when he found his way past Casadei and to the front of the pack, the Italian was able to build a small gap. It wasn’t big enough to be comfortable though and at the final corner on the penultimate lap, Zannoni – who still had hopes of becoming a Champion – crashed out. Crucially, this promoted Garzo – who had kept his powder dry – from P5 to P4. In other words, a title-winning position.

Casadei kept his cool to win in Misano, but it was a victory that brought mixed emotions as the reigning Champion relinquished his crown to Garzo. The latter tried his best to make a move for P3 on Granado on the last lap, but the Brazilian held on as Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) finished a close P5.

Garzo took to the podium post-race to celebrate that much-craved title win, as attention then turned to the final race of the year.

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoE News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Martin denies Bagnaia on home turf as Morbidelli claims maiden Sprint podium

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

The Spaniard storms to Sprint glory to extend his lead to 26 points, escaping a last lap battle to complete the podium.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) extended his Championship lead in ‘enemy territory’ at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, initially chased by home hero and reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) before pulling away to take another stunning Tissot Sprint win. He’s now 26 points clear as Bagnaia was forced to settle for second, the reigning Champion in turn holding off late pressure from both Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

Bagnaia got a good start but Martin got a better one, with the #89 in a position to go for it and attack straight into Turn 1. He got the job done and got the hammer down immediately, with Bagnaia on the chase ahead of Morbidelli in third.

Behind, Bastianini made big gains from P8 to slot into fifth, shadowing Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and just ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). The big loser off the start was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) as he dropped to the back end of the top ten in the shuffle, ending up just behind Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the #93 also looked to move forward.

At the front, Martin pounded on but the gap was hovering around a handful of tenths, with Morbidelli still very much in touch too. Instead, the next move came from the second group as Bastianini went for an attack on Binder and took over in fourth, looking down the barrel of 1.7 seconds to the podium fight with nine laps to go.

Drama then hit for Bezzecchi after the tougher start, with the #72 sliding out of contention, rider perfectly ok but looking for a lot more on Sunday as he takes his second front row start of the weekend. His teammate, Fabio Di Giannantonio, also slid out of the Tissot Sprint early on, riders both ok.

Meanwhile, a Pierer Mobility duel was heating up in the fight for fifth, with Acosta homing in on and then slicing past Binder. Just ahead of them, Bastianini was absolutely caning it through the gap to the Morbidelli, who was dropping off the duel for the win too. The ‘Beast’ took half a second off the deficit to his compatriot in one lap. Simultaneously, Marquez was looking impatient behind Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and he struck with seven to go, next targets: Binder and Acosta. The #93 made a lunge at Binder and made it stick not long after, setting up a final push to get past Acosta.

The other final push was coming in from Bastianini – and Morbidelli. As Martin was able to just eke out an advantage at the top, Bagnaia was fading towards Morbidelli just as Bastianini was catching them both. The ‘Beast’ struck against the Pramac early on the last lap, getting past but sailing wide as Morbidelli cut back inside. They pounded on, gap between all three diminishing, with the #21 Pramac gaining on Bagnaia to set up a three-rider train in the final sector.

Meanwhile, Marquez vs Acosta lit up. The #93 shadowed the #31 and inched closer, finally screeching up the inside out of Curvone and holding onto it through T12, from there on out able to hold on to the line.

Behind Martin, who put in another stunning Tissot Sprint to extend his advantage to 26 points and ensure he leaves Misano as Championship leader, holding on to the line was also what it came down to for Bagnaia and Morbidelli. Each did to complete the Sprint podium, with Bastianini taking fourth.

Marc Marquez pickpocketed fifth with that last-lap move on Acosta, with Binder and Miller up next. The final Sprint point went to another impressive Saturday from Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), who managed to hold off Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™).

There’s more to come at Misano on Sunday, with the Sprint serving up a stunning appetizer. Over full Grand Prix distance, what does Martin have in the locker? Can Bagnaia fight back? Or are the likes of Morbidelli, Bastianini and Marquez ready to attack once again? Find out on Sunday as MotoGP™ heads back out to race at 14:00 (UTC+2)!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Arbolino edges out Vietti for debut Moto2 pole as Garcia goes from P24

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) finally has a Moto2™ pole position to his name after the Italian pipped compatriot Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) to Saturday’s honours in a tightly contested Q2.

Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) joins the Italians on the front row in P3, that’s the Japanese rider’s third Q2 top three of the season – and a timely one at that.

And why is it timely? Well, it’s been another disappointing weekend so far for Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) as the Spaniard is forced to settle for a P24 starting place for the San Marino GP.

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) fronts the second row in P4, the #44 was a couple of tenths shy from pole and is joined on Row 2 by rookie Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) and Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™).

Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) bagged P7 as Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) came through Q1 to start from P8, as title hopefuls Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) hope to climb the order on Sunday and collect valuable points from P10 and P14 respectively.

Tune in for the Moto2™ race on Sunday at 12:15 (UTC +2) to see what title chase twists lay ahead at Misano!

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Alonso lands late stunner to steal San Marino pole position

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

A late 1:40.505 stunner from David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) handed the World Championship leader a commanding sixth pole position of the season, as Italy’s Luca Lunetta claimed his best Saturday result of the season in P2 at SIC58 Squadra Corse’s home race.

Fourth tenths was the gap between the top two on the grid, as title hopeful Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) picked up a P3 starting slot for Sunday’s race.

Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) secured P4, but the rookie is set to take a double Long Lap penalty on Sunday after he was adjudged to have been at fault for a Practice 2 incident between himself and Scott Ogden (FleetSafe Honda – MLav Racing).

Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), the rider acting as chief Championship chaser to Alonso, will launch from P5 on the grid, and the Dutchman will have Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) for company after the Australian qualified in P6. Meanwhile, Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) will aim to fight for what would be a crucial victory from P7 on the grid.

Tune in for the Moto3™ battle at 11:00 (UTC +2) as the pack aim to stop Alonso’s Misano charge.

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Emotional win for van der Mark

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

Tissot Superpole Highlights
With rain falling throughout the fifteen minute Tissot Superpole session Alex Lowes took his first pole position for Kawasaki. It was a dominant performance to set the pace by a margin of 0.772s

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was one of many riders who crashed in the wet conditions. The Italian hit the deck at Turn 5 but not before setting his fastest time in the session. The Ducati rider started from second position on the grid

Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) qualified on the front row of the grid for the second time this season. Redding led a trio of BMW M 1000 RR’s inside the top five on the grid with Garrett Gerloff and Michael van der Mark enjoying strong performances for the German manufacturer

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) qualified on the sixth row of the grid in 17th position

Race 1 Highlights
Starting from the second row of the grid Michael van der Mark was able to win for the first time since the 2021 Portuguese Round. It was an emotional day for the Dutchman who has suffered a series of serious injuries in recent years but he kept a clear head in treacherous as the conditions changed from dry to wet during the early stages of the 21 lap race

Starting from the sixth row of the grid Alvaro Bautista made his way through the field and was the first rider to dive into pitlane to change from slick tyres to wet rubber. The decision proved critical for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider as he was able to finish in second position. The 20 points now leave him 30 points behind his teammate Nicolo Bulega in the standings

From the front row of the grid Bulega was one of the only leading riders to start the race on intermediate tyres. The decision left him vulnerable to attack in the early laps and the Italian crashed at the final corner on the opening lap of the race. Bulega sustained right shoulder and collarbone contusions, and will be further assessed before Warm Up on Sunday morning.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was the final rider on the podium with the Italian coming through from tenth on the grid. Petrucci now sits fifth in the championship standings

It was an incident filled race with pole sitter, Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) crashing out of the lead on Lap 11 while battling with van der Mark. The Englishman will start tomorrow’s Tissot Superpole Race on pole position having eventually retired from the race due to damage to his machine

Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) also crashed out of the lead. The American started the race on intermediate tyres but as conditions deteriorated he crashed on Lap 7

Key Points:
Pole position: Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK)
Race 1 winner: Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

P1 | Michael van der Mark | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“Honest, this feels unbelievable! It’s been a tough couple of years, but this year everything has been getting better and better. I wanted to be on the podium so to win is fantastic. We agreed with the team that as soon as it started to rain, I would come into the pits, but I was behind Alex and we stayed out for one more lap. I think I should have come in earlier because it was very, very tricky on that last lap on slicks. But that’s what flag to flag racing is all about. It was a nice race but it was tough. The conditions were awful but it’s amazing to win this race.”

P2 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“I didn’t have a great feeling in the wet for the Superpole session and I’m not sure why. We used a full wet setup but I couldn’t find grip. During the Race, I was the first rider to pit, and I think it was the right choice. My team did an incredible job in the pits but after that I was riding in the wet with a dry setup. At the end of the race I was watching the gap to van der Mark and I just focused on my race. I also noticed the gap with the rider behind me was increasing. To finish in second having started from 17th is a great result.”

P3 | Danilo Petrucci | Barni Spark Racing Team
“It wasn’t easy because I don’t have much experience of the wet Pirelli tires. I had confidence in qualifying, but I crashed after 7 laps. After that I understood I needed to stay calm today. It was tough because the weather forecast said it would rain but we didn’t know when. We started with slicks and I tried to stay out on the slick tyres but it was pouring down. We need to find a better setup for the rain because the bike was sliding a lot. I tried to stay with Alvaro, but it wasn’t possible. In the end the goal today was to stay upright and it’s always good to stand on the podium.”
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WorldSBK Race 1 Results
1. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +8.288s
3. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +24.285s
4. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +34.037s
5. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +42.108s
6. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +50.799s

Championship Standings
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 365 points
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 273 points
3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 243 points

WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Results
1. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’51.946s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.772s
3. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.853s
4. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +1.081s
5. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +1.533s
6. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) +1.888s

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com

WorldSSP Race 1 delayed until Sunday morning

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

WorldSSP Race 1 that was due to take place on Saturday afternoon has been postponed.

The race was red flagged on the Warm Up lap due to weather conditions after heavy rain fell at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours ahead of the race.

Due to the conditions, the race has been rescheduled for 09:45 Local Time (UTC+2) on Sunday morning, with a quick start procedure to be used for the 12-lap race.

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of <WorldSBK.com/a>

First career win for Calatayud

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

Unai Calatayud (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team) claimed his first career victory in difficult conditions at Magny-Cours.

The 20 year old led home a seven rider group after an action packed 11 lap race.

Championship leader Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) ceded the title lead to Aldi Sayta Mahendra after a crash at Turn 13 on Lap 1 Veneman remounted but finished outside the points in 16th position. His teammate, front row starter Mirko Gennai, was another crasher.

Mahendra (Team BrCorse) now holds a nine point lead from Veneman with Inigio Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) a further point behind with five rounds remaining.

By virtue of setting the fastest lap on the final tour Calatayud also claimed pole position for Race 2 on Sunday. He’ll be joined on the front row by Mahendra and Kevin Sabatucci (Team Flembbo-PL Performances) who finished Race 1 in sixth position.

Key Points:
Pole position: Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse)
Race 1 winner: Unai Calatayud (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team)
Race fastest lap: Unai Calatayud (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team)

P1 | Unai Calatayud | ARCO SASH MotoR University Team
“This is incredible. Despite the track conditions this was a great race. I set my fastest lap on the final lap and took my first victory in the World Championship. At the start of the last lap I knew I could take the lead so I pushed and passed a few riders. We’ll try again tomorrow and I’m confident we can do very well.”

WorldSSP300 Race 1 Results
1. Unai Calatayud (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team)
2. Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) +0.770s
3. Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) +1.022s
4. Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing) +1.192s
5. Humberto Maier (MS Racing) +1.309s
6. Kevin Sabatucci (Team Flembbo-PL Performances) +1.519s

Championship Standings
1. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) 148 points
2. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) 139 points
3. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) 138 points

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport 300 News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport-300/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com/

Bagnaia, Morbidelli, Bezzecchi: home heroes take the front row, with Martin P4 and Marquez P9

Frank Duggan

September 7, 2024

A crash for #MM93, a new lap record for Bagnaia and key names further down the grid set the scene for fireworks at Misano.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) charged to an incredible pole position at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with the #1 demolishing the lap record to bounce back from a tough Aragon GP in style. Bagnaia has a 0.285s advantage over the field, heading an all-Italian front row ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who claimed his first front-row start since 2021, and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who continued an impressive Saturday after topping FP2.

Q1
It was a thrilling Q1, with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) topping the standings after an impressive late lap cemented the #73’s place in Q2. Joining him, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended the session in second but by just 0.005, leaving almost nothing for any late attacks to split in two. A late lunge from Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) wasn’t quite enough to depose the top duo, and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) also similarly lost out late on.

Q2
As the second session began, fast laps were instantly clocked by Bagnaia, who set a 1:30.928 benchmark time. The #1 had an incredible first run, further improving by three-tenths on his second lap.

The field briefly returned to pitlane before heading to track for their final push for pole. Bagnaia instantly improved on his second run, breaking the lap record in the process amd throwing down the gauntlet.

Meanwhile, there was a crash for Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with the #93 losing the front at Turn 15 with less than five minutes remaining. That left him down the order looking to see where he would end up. In the closing stages, Morbidelli and Bezzecchi put together a strong final run each, jumping onto an all-Italian front row and the duo just 0.020 apart on the timesheets. Bagnaia maintained that impressive 0.285 at the top.

THE GRID
Behind the Italian armada, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will start from fourth on the grid, ending Q2 0.341s adrift from his title rival on pole. Martin has Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Pedro Acosta alongside, with Binder rounding out the second row of the grid after the South African stormed to P6 via Q1.

Q1’s fastest, Alex Marquez, takes the seventh spot on the grid just ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Beast starts from eighth after showing strong pace throughout the weekend in Misano. Meanwhile, after that crash, Marc Marquez is down in ninth, unable to return to track after his spill at Turn 15 and looking for a lot more when the lights go out. Behind him come Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as the final Q2 runners.

Bagnaia needs a comeback and there’s no better place to start from pole. Martin looks to make another stunning start from Row 2, and Marquez and Bastianini aim to charge up the order as Morbidelli and Bezzecchi prepare to fight it out back at the front. Consider the stage set, and join us for more at Misano!

SATURDAY
TISSOT SPRINT: 15:00 (UTC +2)
SUNDAY
GRAND PRIX: 14:00 (UTC +2)

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Valentin Perrone takes last lap Rookies pole in Misano

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

The final weekend of the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup season got off to a blistering start with hot sun and track action.

In the last seconds of Qualifying, Argentine 16-year-old Valentin Perrone snatched pole position from Cup points leader Álvaro Carpe.

Carpe, the 17-year-old Spaniard, will line up in the middle of the front row with the second quickest time. His closest Cup rival, fellow countryman Brian Uriarte the 16-year-old, completes the front row in 3rd.

Uriarte is 13 points behind Carpe with two races to go and Perrone stands 3rd in the title chase, 41 points off the leader.

Perrone might have gone faster
“It was difficult because at the beginning I was riding alone, I kept pushing. Then I saw that the lap time was so fast and I went through the pit lane and back onto the track. I saw the group was far ahead and I just kept pushing. In the last lap, I caught one rider and picked up his slipstream and that gave me the good lap time.”

“It was not the perfect lap because I only had one slipstream, If I had caught the full group it could have been even faster. I’m confident, the bike is working well and I have a plan for the last lap,” he concluded with a big smile.

Carpe confident
“It’s good because again I’m in the first row. That’s incredible because I think that I have been in the first row for the last 4 or 5 races. It makes a difference in the early laps because you have the best chance to stay out of trouble, not getting bumped into.”

“I think tomorrow will be a group race, I don’t know how many. In Free Practice 1 and 2, I rode sometimes alone and I am confident like that. In Qualifying I had a lot of riders following me but as long as I could get to the front of the group I could set a fast time.”

Uriarte has a plan
“Quite nice, I’ve raced here 3 times in the Italian Championship I think. It’s a track I enjoy, some very hard braking sections and some very fast corners, both are good for me.”

“The bike is good, it is the same I have felt all year, I feel comfortable and I can predict what it will do. It’s not perfect there is some chatter and some sliding but that’s normal, I know what it will do.”

“It’s going to be a close race, just a small group I think. Normally I don’t think too much about last-lap plans, anything can happen. But for tomorrow, I think I have something,” he concluded with a wry grin.

For more info checkout our dedicated Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup News page Rookies Cup News

Or visit the official Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup website rookiescup.redbull.com/

Casadei claims crucial Misano pole as Garzo launches from P8

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

The Italian – who sits P2 in the title showdown – is joined on the front row by teammate Granado and Torres as Garzo settles for Row 3.

Championship tensions have risen after qualifying at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini as title race leader, Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™), gets set to launch from his worst qualifying position of the year in P8 – as chief chaser Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) claims a crucial pole position on home turf. The Italian’s teammate, Eric Granado (LCR E-Team), lines up on the front row for the first time since Round 3, as Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) left it late to pocket a Friday P3.

There was drama earlier in the day as Garzo missed the Q2 cut for the first time in 2024, but the #4 delivered his weekend-best time in Q1 to gain promotion into the pole position shootout. However, Garzo was unable to trouble the front row throughout Q2, as the LCR duo of Casadei and Granado worked in tandem to bag a fantastic qualifying 1-2 for the team as they set their sights on trying to catch and surpass Garzo in Saturday’s races.

The other two contenders who still hold mathematical hopes of winning the 2024 crown, Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team) and Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI), will set off from P5 and P6 respectively in a tightly contested Q2 session that saw the top nine split by less than four tenths.

It sets us up beautifully for a fascinating fight in tomorrow’s races. Garzo heads into the final day 38 points up on Casadei, 44 points ahead of Zannoni and 49 clear of Gutierrez. A P4 – no matter where the chasers finish – in Race 1 will hand Garzo the crown, but from P8, there’s work to do.

Make sure you tune into Race 1 at 12:15 local time (UTC +1), before the curtain closing Race 2 gets going at 16:10 in Misano.

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoE News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Highs and lows for BMW: van der Mark leads the times while Razgatlioglu crashes

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

WorldSBK Free Practice
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) ended with a heavy crash at Turn 15 on his first flying lap of the afternoon.

The championship leader, who had been the fastest in FP1, was taken to the medical centre for an assessment before being brought to Moulins Hospital for further checks on a back contusion. Razgatioglu, third fastest on the combined times, will need to undergo a medical review ahead of Saturday morning.

Michael van der Mark ended the day fastest with the Dutch rider setting a time of 1’36.010 to lead the way from Nicolo Bulega with Garrett Gerloff third fastest. Van der Mark set his fastest time during his final stint to give the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team encouragement following Razgatlioglu’s crash.

Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) was third fastest in both FP1 and FP2 to show great consistency. The Texan is the lap record holder at Magny-Cours and looks to be in strong form again this weekend.

Bulega led the way for most of the afternoon session and once again was the leading Ducati rider. His Aruba.it Racing – Ducati teammate, Alvaro Bautista, ended the day seventh fastest but also suffered a slow speed crash at Turn 8.

P1 | Michael van der Mark | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
“Magny-Cours is a track I’ve always enjoyed coming to but today I enjoyed it even more! From my first lap this morning the bike was feeling good and we didn’t change it a lot today. I was trying to be precise with my riding and to find a good pace. Every weekend I hope to be on the podium. We were close in Portimao and we’ve started this weekend off very well. The bike feels fantastic and I’m feeling very good. We’ll just see what happens with the weather and how the conditions are during the weekend but my confidence is building.”

P2 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“I feel good because, honestly, sometimes my first day on a new track with this bike is a bit more difficult but today I started really well. I felt good on the bike from the first laps so I’m happy. I will try to improve again tomorrow.”

P4 | Garrett Gerloff | Bonovo Action BMW
“It feels nice to show up at a track and for it to feel right and not feel like you’re chasing your tail trying to figure out what the big problems are. We obviously have some good information from last year when things also went well. From the start I was just out there doing laps, feeling comfortable and it’s been so far, so good for this weekend. I just want to have a solid qualifying and be on the front two rows.”

WorldSBK Combined Results after FP2
1. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’36.010s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.149s
3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +
4. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +0.380s
5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.582s
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.599s

For more info checkout our dedicated World Superbike News page World Superbike News

Or visit the official World Superbike website WorldSBK.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com

Huertas smashes the lap record to take pole position

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

Superpole Highlights
A crash at Turn 1 for Khairul Idham Pawi Bin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) brought out an early red flag but after the delay Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) wasted little time to smash the lap record on his first stint of the session when running resumed. He would eventually improve his time to take pole position with a 1’39.705 lap.

Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) qualified on the front row of the grid for the first time this season with their final laps of the session.

Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), second in the World Championship, will lead off the second row of the grid with Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) qualifying fifth. The top five were separated by just two tenths of a second.

P1 | Adrian Huertas | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“Today was really good because this morning I worked on my race pace and this afternoon we were able to break the lap record. It was a really good lap time in Superpole but the points are on Saturday and Sunday so we have to keep pushing. We have to keep working like this. I’ll be racing in another championship next year so I want to leave WorldSSP on a high. We are doing well but there are a lot of incredible riders and we’re all fighting. We need to just keep focused and try and not make mistakes.”

WorldSSP Tissot Superpole Results
1. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 1’39.705s
2. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) +0.149s
3. Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +0.171s
4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.181s
5. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +0.185s
6. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) +0.505s

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of <WorldSBK.com/a>

First career pole for Mahendra

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

Superpole Highlights
Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) left it until the final seconds to set the pace during an action packed Superpole session. The Yamaha rider claimed his first career pole position with a time of 1’52.513.

Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki), winner of the last two races in the class, qualified on the front row after a last gasp lap that saw him move up from the seventh row at the end of the 25 minute session.

Double WorldSSP300 champion Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing) will start from the front row of the grid for the first time in 2024. The Dutch rider missed out on the pole position by just over one tenth of a second.

Championship leader Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) qualified on the third row of the grid. The 17 year old holds a ten point advantage over Ingio Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) who qualified in fourth position.

P1 | Aldi Satya Mahendra | Team BrCorse
“I focused on finding the best setup in the morning. This is my first time at Magny-Cours in the WorldSSP300 class so it’s been a challenge to understand how to manage the gearing and suspension. During the Superpole session I just pushed hard! I was able to take pole position and for tomorrow I’ll do my best. I’ll try to break away and go for a solo run. We’ll see how it goes.”

WorldSSP300 Tissot Superpole Results
1. Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) 1’52.513s
2. Jeffrey Buis (Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing) +0.107s
3. Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki) +0.136s
4. Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) +0.249s
5. Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) +0.261s
6. Julio Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) +0.343s

For more info checkout our dedicated World Supersport 300 News page superbike-news.co.uk/world-supersport-300/

Or visit the official World Superbike website worldsbk.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of WorldSBK.com/

Bagnaia chased by Marquez and Martin on Day 1 at Misano

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

The top three in the title fight lock out the top on Friday – with Morbidelli and Bastianini hot on their heels.

MotoGP™ brought fireworks at the end of Friday at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, but it’s some familiar names throwing down the gauntlet ahead of super Saturday. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was able to bounce back from a tougher Aragon GP in style with a 1:30.685, the #1 leaving it late to set his time but ending the opening day 0.185s ahead of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The eight-time World Champion also left his best till last, improving on his 27th and final lap. The #93 ends the day in front of Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin, with the Spaniard rounding out the top three spots but by a single thousandth ahead of teammate Franco Morbidelli.

There were plenty of storylines which developed throughout the day including some early drama for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team), with the #20 losing the wings on his swingarm in the opening stages. As Quartararo returned to the pits, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was at the top of the standings, setting a strong 1:31.672 as the session began to heat up.

Time attacks began with less than 20 minutes remaining, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) soon storming to the top. Acosta quickly responded before he crashed at Turn 8, and the top spot changed hands again in short order as Marc Marquez went fastest. By the end of play, however, it was Bagnaia reigning supreme on Friday to deny the Aragon GP winner the top spot.

Morbidelli impressed to trail Martin by that single thousandth, with Bastianini slotting into fifth.He heads through to Q2 this time round after a tougher start to the Grand Prix last weekend.

Sixth place went the way of Acosta, who remained inside the top 10 despite his crash and importantly kept direct entry to Q2. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) charged to seventh place as the #72 begins to set sights on moving forward at a venue where he enjoyed podium success in 2023.

Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was the sole Aprilia inside the top 10, after taking eighth place in Practice. Just behind him and despite some early drama, it was an impressive end to the end for Quartararo, who pushed to P9. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took the final spot inside the top 10 after a strong lap, with teammate Brad Binder just losing out.

That means a blockbuster Q1 awaits, with Binder joined by the likes of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), who suffered an early end to Practice after crashing out in the final two minutes of the day – finishing down in P12. Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, who continues his recovery after a crash in Austria, will also be looking to move through on home turf. Just us for more fireworks on super Saturday as Misano prepares to serve up a storm!

FP2: 10:10 (UTC +2)
Q1: 10:50
Q2: 11.15
Tissot Sprint: 15:00

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Canet claims Day 1 top spot to lead home hero Vietti

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) leads the intermediate class standings as Saturday appears on the horizon after the #44’s 1:35.561 was good enough to beat Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.131s.

QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™’s Manuel Gonzalez led for most of Practice 1, but a late shuffle sees the Spaniard sit in P3 as Friday draws to a close at the San Marino GP.

Fourth place went the way of Aragon GP podium finisher Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), with the Italian just under three tenths down on Canet’s afternoon pace.

Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) rounded out the top six as the Japanese star continues to build his way back up to full fitness, as the Beta Tools SpeedUp duo of Alonso Lopez and Fermin Aldeguer bagged Friday top 10s in P7 and P9 respectively.

Following a small tip-off at Turn 8, in form Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) has work to do from P13 – and so does World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI). The #3 was declared fit after a big crash in Free Practice, but a P24 finish on Friday means Saturday morning is a crucial session for the Spaniard. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) is another title hopeful that needs to find time after the American was 20th in Practice 1.

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

Fernandez sets lap record to be fastest out the blocks at Misano

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

A 1:40.909 new lap record in the closing stages of Practice 1 secured Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) top spot heading into Saturday’s action at Misano, but the Spaniard isn’t sitting too comfortably at the summit as Aragon GP race winner, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), claimed P2 – 0.076s adrift.

World Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) picked up P3, the Colombian just under two tenths away from Fernandez’s impressive pace on Friday afternoon.

Rookie Angel Piqueras made it two Leopard Racing Hondas placed inside the top four ahead of Practice 2 on Saturday morning.

Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) was the next highest title-chasing rider in the Friday standings, the Spaniard set the sixth quickest time of the day to sit three tenths shy of the summit.

Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), the rider second in the title chase, squeezed just inside the top 10 in P9, one spot behind Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in P8.

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

©Words/Images are from official press release posted courtesy of www.motogp.com

OMG Racing British Superbike Team to support World Suicide Prevention day

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

On the evening of Thursday 26th September 2024 from 6pm Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS trust have teamed with M&M Motorcycles (m-mmotorcycles.co.uk) who are located off the A10 in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire and Mental Health Motorbike (https://mhmotorbike.com) will be delivering our first suicide prevention evening in the motorcycle community on M&M Motorcycles bike night.

Mental Health motorbike support motorcyclist and their families through a safe space to engage either in person or via their Facebook page, Men do “not” talk about their issues and the aim of the event is to raise awareness “that it is good to talk” and if you do know of someone in a Mental health crisis, please support them in calling #111 option 2. The event is open to everyone in the Motorcycle community as Mental Health Motorbike also support ladies and the LBGT Community.

The event is free for all to attend, and we are hosting an on-line raffle, where we have provided a QR code on our Event flyer to to see our prizes as we have been supported by the motorcycle community with donations such as ,

2 x VIP hospitality tickets for the Final round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch courtesy of DatatagID
4 weekend entry tickets for the 2025 MotoGP event at Silverstone,
OMG Racing – 2 x entry tickets for any round of 2025 British Superbike Championship, with garage tour to be confirmed depending on the event chosen and have been so supportive of our event.
Toprak #54 and Scott Redding have made personal donations that are authenticated to name a few, again Scott has been so supportive .

All money raised from the auction will be donated to Mental health charities.

I am pleased to share that OMG Racing British Superbike team have confirmed they will be attending our event to support us, considering this is Donnington British Superbike race weekend, this is a great commitment by the team, and we are extremely grateful for all their help and support with our event.

Just Dropped Issue 28 – Modern Classic Motorcycle News

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

Just dropped today issue 28 of Modern Classic Motorcycle News digital magazine

Welcome to the latest of Modern Classic Motorcycle News latest news, lifestyle and reviews from the world of Modern Classic, Roadster and Naked motorcycles.

For those looking to stay on top of the latest industry news and trends, MCM News has got you covered. The latest edition of Modern Classic Motorcycle News Digital Magazine is a must-read for any motorcycle enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to stay informed on the latest industry trends or simply want to drool over the newest bikes on the market, this magazine has something for everyone. So rev up your engines and dive into the world of modern classic and naked motorcycles…

Available through our dedicated iOS and Android apps or via web reader if you don’t have a tablet.

You can buy individual editions at £2.99 per issue (twice a month) or subscribe (its cheaper)

For more info on how to purchase click here

We are also now available via iSubscribe

You can also purchase here the hi-res pdf via our online shop

Purchase via our dedicated mobile and web apps

Also now available via isubscribe.co.uk

Purchase the Zinio Unlimited

You can read via Zinio Unlimited via their tablet app and you can also download to you mac or pc and read it through their desktop reader

Pay £8.99 per month for unlimited magazine downloads from a choice of up 5000+

RST S-1 Textile jacket

Frank Duggan

September 6, 2024

We take a quick look RST S-1 Textile jacket

‘The ladies RST S-1 Textile jacket is targeted for the summer riders, designed to keep you cool in the rising temperatures yet still protected…

Read item by subscribing to latest issue of Modern Classic Motorcycle News info below:

The Final Trilogy Begins With The MXGP of Türkiye

Frank Duggan

September 5, 2024

The FIM Motocross World Championship starts the final trio of events of the series, as the MXGP of Türkiye welcomes round 17 to the Afyon Motor Sports Center in the mountainous countryside to the west of the country, roughly 450km to the south-east of the capital, Istanbul.

This will be the eighth MXGP event to be held in the Republic of Türkiye, with the first being held in 2009 at Hezarfen, in the district of Istanbul, won by Antonio Cairoli in MXGP and Zach Osborne in MX2. Since then, MXGP came back to the country in 2018 to Afyonkarahisar and has run here every year apart from 2020, returning to run two events in 2021.

The MXGP class has only seen two winners at Afyon in those six GPs. Jeffrey Herlings won all four Grands Prix for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing from 2018 to 2021 but hasn’t raced here since. The last two GPs in Türkiye have both been won by Tim Gajser for Team HRC, who comes to this event after extending his Championship points lead with a double race win at the MXGP of Switzerland.

In the MX2 division, points leader Kay de Wolf from Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing seriously helped his cause with overall victory in Frauenfeld, when a dire day for Lucas Coenen left him with a 61-point gap to chase down to his teammate. If the gap stays over 60 after the following round in China, De Wolf will be Champion a round early. Neither rider has seen the podium in Türkiye, however, as the GP was won last season by Liam Everts for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, after race wins for Simon Laengenfelder and Kevin Horgmo. Laengenfelder sits third in the 2024 series for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing but lies 104 points behind.

There will be a world title decided in Türkiye however, as the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship comes to a conclusion with the year-long battle between De Baets Yamaha star Lotte van Drunen and Daniela Guillen on the RFME Spain National Team GASGAS. They go to Afyon just 17 points apart, meaning that if Lotte wins Saturday’s race, then she will clinch the title if Daniela is fifth or worse. It is therefore highly likely to go to the very last day! Lynn Valk is 44 points off the leader, so she has an outside mathematical chance of the title for Schmicker Racing KTM. Courtney Duncan is unable to defend her title for F & H Racing Team but will feel good at a circuit where she has won four of the five WMX events ever held.

This weekend sees the penultimate round of the EMX250 Championship fight between points leader Mathis Valin for Bud Racing Kawasaki and Valerio Lata for Beddini GASGAS Factory Juniors. The gap is only 11 points between them, and Cas Valk of the Gabriel SS24 KTM is only another eight further back. This one should go right to the wire!

Tim Gajser’s domination of the MXGP of Switzerland presented by iXS leaves him in a very strong position in the three-way battle for World Championship honours, but it is still far from over. Reigning MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado now has an 18-point deficit to make up in order to take a second straight title for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, and his most recent success here was in MX2, back in 2019. Herlings is another 24 points behind and admitting that he “needs some luck” to claim his sixth world title, sitting 42 behind Gajser.

The Dutchman has won six individual races at Afyon compared to the Slovenian’s three, while Romain Febvre has taken two race wins and two overall podiums for his current Kawasaki Racing Team. Maxime Renaux of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team is the only other MXGP race winner here, taking one in 2022 to add to his race wins in MX2 from each of the previous two seasons, although he is yet to win overall here, finishing third in 2023. Kevin Horgmo of Team Ship to Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR has got great memories from last season, as he won the second race in MX2, his only race victory at GP level so far.

Most of the top ten Championship positions are not too closely fought, as Jeremy Seewer currently lies in fourth place for Kawasaki Racing Team, 37 ahead of Calvin Vlaanderen, who will be fighting to return, for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP, from a knee injury which kept him out of the Swiss round. Febvre is only 23 behind Vlaanderen in sixth, and 13 ahead of Fantic Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff.

Vlaanderen’s teammate Jago Geerts continues his recovery from injury and returns to a track where he was third in MX2 last season.

It’s possible for a bit of history to be made in Türkiye, as Gajser’s Swiss win put him on 49 career GP victories, one short of the former all-time record of Belgian legend Joel Robert, who is currently fifth in the all-time GP win list.

Who will come out on top in the battle of titans in Türkiye, the first of the final trilogy of races to decide the World MXGP Championship?!

MXGP – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 860 Points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 842 Points; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 818 Pts; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 587 Pts; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 550 Pts; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 527 Points; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 514 Pts; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 386 Pts; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 329 Pts; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, FAN), 295 Pts.

The MXGP of Switzerland presented by iXS proved to be a crucial one for Kay de Wolf, who secured his seventh GP win of the season, and saw his teammate Lucas Coenen lose massive ground with seventh overall. This makes the gap between them 61 points, more than a maximum score over a GP weekend. In fact, if De Wolf scores a maximum in Türkiye, and Coenen fails to score completely, then the World Championship will go to the Dutchman here, if he also gains 16 more points on Laengenfelder!

There is little to say about either man’s record at the Afyon Motor Sports Center, as Kay did not race here last year, and Lucas scored just nine points across all three races! The 2024 red plate holder did just miss the podium in 2022, and was top ten across all four races in 2021. Neither rider raced here during their EMX careers.

In contrast, Simon Laengenfelder took the first race victory in Türkiye last season, but a sixth in race two denied him a chance of the overall podium. The German still sits third in the Championship after his win in race two at Frauenfeld, and is mathematically still able to be Champion, but it’s looking unlikely.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Liam Everts and Reigning MX2 World Champion Andrea Adamo have both been on the podium in recent races, although they still have Mikkel Haarup of Monster Energy Triumph Racing between them in the points standings, sitting in fifth, 11 ahead of Adamo. Liam took his third career GP win here last season through consistent 3-2 finishes, with Adamo 9-5 as he defended his Championship lead.

Nobody else lining up in MX2 this weekend has won a GP in Türkiye, as Tom Vialle won each of the three GPs before Everts’ success. With Jorge Prado winning in 2019, it means that the Red Bull KTM team has taken the last five MX2 GP winner’s trophies away from Afyonkarahisar!

The amazing action of MX2 is likely to continue in Türkiye as the season starts to reach its conclusion and those team contracts start to get signed up!

MX2 – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 831 Points; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 770 Pts; 3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 727 Points; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 681 Pts; 5. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 581 Pts; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 570 Pts; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 511 Pts; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 456 Pts; 9. Camden McLellan (RSA, TRI), 337 Pts; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, HON), 317 Pts.

TIMETABLE
SATURDAY: 9:30 WMX Free practice, 10:00 EMX250 Free practice, 10:30 MX2 Free practice, 11:00 MXGP Free practice, 12:30 WMX Qualifying practice, 13:05 EMX250 Qualifying Practice, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:00 WMX Race 1, 15:45 EMX250 Race 1, 16:35 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 17:25 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.
SUNDAY: 09:45 WMX Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

MXGP, MX2, MXGP of Türkiye, Afyon Motor Sports Center, Motocross World Championship, Motocross,

DJI Makes Everyday Life Recording Fun and Even Easier with New Palm-Sized Drone for Vlogs

Frank Duggan

September 5, 2024

New Neo is DJI’s lightest and most compact drone to date and doesn’t need a remote control.
DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and innovative camera technology, today announces the DJI Neo, which at just 135g¹, is the company’s lightest and most compact drone to date. The drone can be fully controlled without a remote control, launched and landed on the palm¹, features AI subject tracking, QuickShots, and offers 4K ultra-stabilized video with a flight time of up to 18 minutes¹. Whether flown indoor or out, full-coverage propeller guards give users the safest experience possible when recording their day-to-day adventures of themselves or having fun in a group with friends.

“At DJI we are always studying everyday camera use so that we can help people capture their videos and photos in the most convenient way possible. The DJI Neo strives to give people the latest tech in the smallest form factor so that they can capture their daily lives, saved as treasured memories, safely and with ease,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI.

Into the Air at the Press of a Button

By simply pressing the drone’s mode button and selecting the desired shooting mode, Neo automatically does the rest without the need for a remote control. After snapping 12MP stills with its 1/2-inch image sensor or using DJI’s powerful stabilization algorithms to produce 4K UHD stabilized videos straight out of the camera at 4K/30fps¹, the drone will return to the user’s palm.

Tell Your Story with AI Subject Tracking

Neo’s AI algorithms have been created to follow the subject within the frame. Whether cycling, skateboarding or hiking, captivating follow shots are created with ease. Additional creativity can be achieved by taking advantage of Neo’s QuickShots, which has six intelligent shooting modes¹, offering a range of different recording angles.

– Dronie: The drone flies backward and ascends, with the camera locked on the subject, and records a video.

– Circle: The drone circles around the subject.

– Rocket: The drone ascends with the camera pointing downward.

– Spotlight: The drone rotates while keeping the object of interest within the frame

– Helix: The drone ascends and spirals around the subject.

– Boomerang: The drone flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away from its starting point and descending as it flies back. The aircraft’s starting point forms one end of the oval’s long axis, while the other end is at the subject’s opposite side from the starting point.

Control it Your Way

The DJI Neo has been designed to be operated without an additional remote control, however, it can also be paired with the DJI Fly app, remote controllers, RC Motion, DJI Goggles, and even voice operated¹, for increased flight and camera control.

A Wi-Fi connection to smartphones enables Neo to be controlled using virtual joysticks on the DJI Fly app interface with a control range of up to 50 meters¹. The app also allows the tracking angle and distance to be set, giving extra freedom to shoot from afar or up close.

When combined with the DJI RC-N3, DJI Neo can achieve a maximum video transmission distance of 10 kilometers¹ and offers the opportunity to flexibly operate the camera using traditional RC control sticks to capture professional level shots.

For those looking for an immersive drone experience, DJI Neo can be paired with DJI Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, or FPV Remote Controller 3. When used with RC Motion 3, DJI Neo masters the art of one-press aerobatics, seamless indoor navigation and can be maneuvered through tight spaces with ease.

Stabilization as Standard

DJI Neo is equipped with a single-axis mechanical gimbal and is capable of handling high-speed or flights with lots of maneuvers, as well as up to Level-4 wind conditions. When combined with RockSteady or HorizonBalancing stabilization, overall image shake is significantly reduced and horizon tilt is corrected within ±45°¹, for smooth and stable footage that maintains clarity in both highlight and shadow areas.

Using an infrared and monocular vision positioning system, DJI Neo can hover steadily in the air, maintaining stability even in wind conditions up to Level 4. It also supports automatic Return to Home (RTH) for convenient, worry-free operation.

Everyday Content Capture Made Easy

With 22GB internal storage, Neo can save up to 40 minutes of 4K/30fps video or 55 minutes of 1080p/60fps video. Once saved, no extra data cables are needed to transfer the footage; connecting to a phone by Wi-Fi will quickly transfer it to the DJI Fly App enabling smooth post production and sharing.

Audio can also easily be recorded by connecting Neo to a smartphone. A simple tap of the audio record button on the DJI Fly app will start recording through the phone’s built-in microphone. For those looking for additional audio quality, the DJI Mic 2 can be used via a Bluetooth connection. The app automatically eliminates propeller noise and merges the audio track with the footage, ensuring clear sound even when shooting low-angle vlogs.

The DJI Fly app offers a vast selection of templates, sound and image effects, for quick and easy editing. Create and share videos efficiently without needing to download the footage to edit, saving storage space on the phone.

Connect the aircraft directly to a power source using a Type-C data cable for convenient charging. Additionally, DJI Neo’s Two-Way Charging Hub can charge three batteries simultaneously¹, increasing both charging speed and efficiency.

Price and Availability

The DJI Neo is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

DJI Neo retails for 169 GBP/ 199 EUR.

DJI Neo Fly More Combo retails for 299 GBP/ 349 EUR.

Neo’s Offline Debut Happening at IFA, 6-10 September, 2024

Be among the first to experience DJI’s groundbreaking new palm-sized drone for vlogs, at this year’s IFA, Germany. The drone will be available to try out for all visitors to DJI’s booth (Hall 17-110) from 6th-10th September.

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for DJI Neo. The replacement service covers accidental damage, including flyaway, collisions and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.

DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to two replacements in one year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to four replacements in two years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official Warranty and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh.

Yamaha Sign Miguel Oliveira as Factory MotoGP Rider

Frank Duggan

September 5, 2024

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is delighted to announce the signing of Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese MotoGP star will be riding for the Prima Pramac Yamaha Factory Team for the 2025 and 2026 MotoGP season.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is delighted to announce the signing of Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese MotoGP star will be joining the Prima Pramac Yamaha Factory Team for the 2025-26 MotoGP seasons.

Oliveira is in his sixth year in the MotoGP class and his fourteenth year in the paddock. The vastly experienced 29-year-old has many premier-class and lower-class achievements to his name, including 17 race wins (5x MotoGP, 6x Moto2, 6x Moto3) and 41 podiums (7x MotoGP, 21x Moto2, 13x Moto3) and a MotoGP Sprint podium at the Sachsenring this year.

For 2025-26, Yamaha as well as MotoGP fans can look forward to Oliveira’s run on a, to him, new bike: the Factory Yamaha YZR-M1. Moreover, the number-88 rider will enjoy the full support of Yamaha.

LIN JARVIS
Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing
We are pleased to announce that a professional and experienced rider like Miguel Oliveira is joining the Yamaha line-up for 2025-26, and we bid him a warm welcome to the Yamaha MotoGP Project.

Miguel is a rider who has the technical know-how, experience, speed, and precision needed to improve the performance of the Yamaha YZR-M1. We are really looking forward to working with him as a key member of the Yamaha MotoGP project, and he can count on our full support.

MIGUEL OLIVEIRA
It’s a great privilege for me to represent such an iconic brand in our sport as Yamaha. Through my years of progression and arriving in MotoGP, I’ve always looked upon the blue bikes with great enthusiasm.

It’s now a reality, and I want to thank Yamaha Motor Company for its commitment to me in such an important transition phase of the project. Mr. Lin Jarvis was a key figure in starting discussions and making this happen. I believe I can be useful in this transition period of bringing the bike back to the top.

I want to thank Mr. Campinoti, Gino Borsoi, and all the Pramac staff for embarking on this journey together. I can’t be happier and more excited to get this new chapter started.

NOTES
Miguel Oliveira – Personal Profile

Date of Birth: 04-01-1995
Place of Birth: Pragal, Almada, Portugal
Nationality: Portuguese
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 64 kg
Grand Prix Debut: 2011 Qatar GP (125cc)
MotoGP Debut: 2019 Qatar GP

First GP Win: 2015 Italian GP (Moto3)
First Premier Class Win: 2020 Styrian GP
GP Wins: 17 (5x MotoGP, 6x Moto2, 6x Moto3)
GP Podiums: 41 (7x MotoGP, 21x Moto2, 13x Moto3)
Sprint Podiums: 1 (2024 German GP)
Poles: 5 (1x MotoGP, 2x Moto2, 2x Moto3)

Racing Career
2024 MotoGP World Championship (13th – 60 points) [After the Aragon GP]
2023 MotoGP World Championship (16th – 76 points)
2022 MotoGP World Championship (10th – 149 points)
2021 MotoGP World Championship (14th – 94 points)
2020 MotoGP World Championship (9th – 125 points)
2019 MotoGP World Championship (17th – 33 points)
2018 Moto2 World Championship (2nd– 297 points) [Vice Champion]
2017 Moto2 World Championship (3rd– 241 points)
2016 Moto2 World Championship (21st – 36 points)
2015 Moto3 World Championship (2nd – 254 points)
2014 Moto3 World Championship (10th – 110 points)
2013 Moto3 World Championship (6th – 150 points)
2012 Moto3 World Championship (8th – 114 points)
2011 125cc World Championship (14th – 44 points)

Miguel Oliveira Rider Biography
Miguel Oliveira’s first big successes came in 2005 and 2006 when he won the Portuguese MiniGP championship. In 2009 he was third in the FIM CEV Repsol championship, and in 2010 he battled Maverick Viñales to the final race of the season for the title – eventually finishing runner-up by just two points prior to his World Championship debut in 2011.

Oliveira raced full time in 2012 with the Estrella Galicia 0,0 team and took two podiums before he joined Mahindra Racing in 2013 and made headlines by grabbing the Indian manufacturer’s first ever podium in Malaysia. In 2014, he remained on the Mahindra, taking another podium at Assen before being recruited by Red Bull KTM Ajo for 2015.

The Moto3 season got off to a difficult start for the Portuguese rider, but he won in both Mugello and Assen before breaking his wrist in Germany. All hope looked lost as Danny Kent left the British GP with a 110-point lead over the KTM rider, but an incredible comeback saw Oliveira take four wins and two second places in the final six races and challenge Kent down to the final round, coming runner-up.

For 2016, he and Kent joined forces in the Moto2 World Championship with Leopard Racing, and after recovering from injury at the end of the year, the Portuguese rider returned to the Ajo motorsport camp for 2017, on board the new KTM chassis in Moto2 with Red Bull KTM Ajo. Taking their first win, challenging at the front, and coming third overall, Oliveira’s season was a stunner – and he remained a threat in 2018. Eventually taking the runner-up spot in the title fight, it was nevertheless an impressive season, and it earned the Portuguese a spot in MotoGP with Red Bull KTM Tech 3 for 2019.

Regular point-scoring finishes saw Oliveira impress in his maiden premier-class season, P8 in Austria was his best result. A huge Phillip Island crash, after already suffering an injury at Silverstone, saw Oliveira have to sit out the final three races and preseason testing at the end of 2019.

Staying with Red Bull KTM Tech 3 for 2020, Oliveira became the second KTM rider to claim victory in the premier class. Following a stunning last lap in the Styrian GP, Oliveira stole ahead in the final corner to claim the win. The MotoGP circus also returned to his home country for the Portuguese GP, and Oliveira ensured it was a dream weekend as he clinched victory in the season finale.

2021 saw him partner Brad Binder in the factory colours, but injury saw Oliveira have a rollercoaster season. Three podiums, including victory in Barcelona, were the highlights.

In 2022, Oliveira struggled in dry conditions to challenge at the sharp end, but he was by far and away the rain master as the Portuguese star romped to his fourth and fifth premier class win in the torrential rains of Indonesia and Thailand.

After six seasons in orange, Oliveira moved to the RNF Aprilia squad for 2023. An opening-round injury on home soil and another one in Jerez ruined the first half of the season for the luckless Portuguese rider. A P5 at Silverstone was the highlight, as Oliveira’s season ended with another injury picked up in Qatar.

In 2024, the number 88 is riding for the Trackhouse Racing Aprilia squad. His highest score of the first half of the season was second place at the German GP Sprint.

Oliveira decided he wanted a change of pace for 2025-26, and a project where he could use his experience in bike development, making him the ideal man to join Prima Pramac Racing and the Yamaha line-up.

Jake’s Supersonic Win

Kerrie McFadden

September 5, 2024

*Pre warning, I am going to try and fit as many Oasis song titles into this, can you spot them!

As the MotoGP makes its way to Italian Misano track in its double header rounds, we are reflecting on #Britwatch within the series, namely Jake Dixon.

Jake, who started his career in the British Superbike Championship onboard the Briggs BMW for the later part of the 2016 season before moving to the ZX10 under the banner of Lee Hardy Racing for 2017, building up to finishing 2^nd in the Championship for 2018. With his quick succession of achievements, Jake earned himself a spot on the Global stage in 2019 and made a significant step in his career by joining the Angel Nieto Team within Moto2.

Jakes debut season proved to be a steep learning curve with his transition from the British Paddock and the Superbike to Moto2, despite this Dixon displayed flashes of his potential and his ability to quickly adapt to a complete change in machinery and riding style.

Jakes signing with Petronas Sprinta Racing team for the 2020 season marked a substantial turning point, with a move to a more competitive team and his now growing experience within the competitive grid, Dixon began to find his footing and by mid season he was battling in the top ten, however a crash at Le Mans whereby he suffered a wrist injury ended his season prematurely.

Coming into the 2021 season, still on board the Petronas bike, Jake didn’t Look Back in Anger, instead he returned to the grid immediately making an impact, consistently qualifying in strong positions and challenging mid pack. His standout performance of the 2021 season being at his home round at Silverstone where he battled at the front albeit a podium finish eluding him.

In 2022, Dixon remained with the newly rebranded GASGAS Aspar Team and keeping to The Masterplan he was once again consistently scoring points and securing top 5 positions throughout that season.

2023: The First Moto2 Win

The 2023 season was the Rock ‘N’ Roll year for Jake, after years of building experience and refining his race craft he finally achieved his maiden Moto2 victory at the Dutch TT Assen Grand Prix and ensuring that Jake would Live Forever among the top riders of the Moto2 Class. He soon quickly followed this up with a second victory at the Catalan Grand Prix, Little by Little cementing Jake as a genuine title contender.

The 2024 season kicked off with high expectations for Jake coming off the back of two wins in ’23 season and Some Might Say he has the potential to challenge for the ’24 Moto2 title. However with GASGAS Aspar team making a change to WP Suspension seemed to have caused Jake a step backwards on bike, which were reflected in the less than ideal performances in the earlier part of the ’24 opening rounds. However, Improvements to the new suspension set up were apparently being made as by the Catalan Grand Prix, Jake finished on the podium in second place at, albeit 9.186 seconds behind victor Ai Ogura, whom was on Ohlins. Improvements continued for all bikes that moved to WP Suspension by the German Grand Prix whereby KTM’s Vietti qualified on pole and Dixon joining him on the front row in second. Fermin Aldeguer, who qualified 3^rd won the Grand Prix two seconds ahead of Dixon in second.

The British Grand Prix: Silverstone

An August British Grand Prix in unusually warm conditions, She’s Electric. From the moment practice sessions started, Dixon looked fast and comfortable, setting strong lap times and clear he wanted to deliver a memorable performance.

In Qualifying, Dixon delivered an impressive lap to secure a front row start, positioning himself perfectly for the Sunday Morning Call. On race day, he didn’t disappoint by immediately getting off to a strong start and slotting into the lead group and with a few laps remaining executed an overtake to cross the line in first, securing his first win of the 2024 season and entering the record books as one of the few riders to win at their home Grand Prix. Jake celebrated with the crowd with an ocular spectacle dancing “the worm” and the walking the infamous “McGregor” walk.

Aragon Grand Prix: Listen Up

The first of the double headers for the MotoGP paddock, a track known for its technical corners and fast straights Dixon was ready to Roll With It. Four races ago, Jake sat 105 points adrift of Championship leader Garcia. It was another showstopper with Dixon setting strong times throughout practice and on his final lap of qualifying slammed in a 1:51.636 time earning him pole position for Sundays race. There was no Gas Panic from Jake who took the holeshot and led the majority of the race, with Arbolino making only one attempt to push Jake back on lap four, but Jake retook the lead a couple of laps later and started to push to break the group. Dixon held Arbolino at bay and managed to pull an impressive lead of 1.7 seconds to the flag. These two victory’s together with a consistent points finishing positions now puts Jake 43 points off the top spot in fifth place. Jakes has shown he can win at two very different circuits, Silverstone with is fast and flowing nature and Aragon technical demands – all demonstrate that Jake Is a versatile rider.

As the season now ramps up with rounds in quick succession, all eyes are on Dixon, hoping that momentum doesn’t Slide Away and he continue to his aim to bring home the Moto2 title for Britain.

Did you find all the Oasis titles? Hint, there are 12 !

Words: Kerrie McFadden @FirstTurnMedia info@FirstTurnMedia.co.uk

Photos: Joel Cooper @Hawk Media Services

Vitesse T-Shirts Website Relaunch

Frank Duggan

September 5, 2024

Vitesse T-Shirts, a leading online retailer of high-quality apparel, is excited to announce the relaunch of their website. With a fresh new look and enhanced features, customers can expect an improved shopping experience like never before.

What can customers expect from the new website?

The revamped Vitesse T-Shirts website boasts a user-friendly interface that makes browsing and purchasing products easier than ever. Customers can now enjoy faster load times, streamlined navigation, and a responsive design that adapts to any device.

How has the shopping experience been enhanced?

Customers can now take advantage of new features such as advanced search functionality, personalized recommendations based on browsing history, and a seamless checkout process. With improved product images and detailed descriptions, making informed purchasing decisions has never been easier.

What sets Vitesse T-Shirts apart from the competition?

At Vitesse T-Shirts, quality is paramount. Each garment is crafted with the finest materials and attention to detail, ensuring that customers receive products that are not only stylish but also durable. With a wide range of designs to choose from, there is something for everyone at Vitesse T-Shirts.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the new and improved Vitesse T-Shirts website. Whether you’re looking for a trendy graphic tee or a classic polo shirt, Vitesse T-Shirts has you covered. Visit the website today and experience the difference for yourself!

Please note these items are printed on-demand in the UK with a 5 working day turnaround so be aware of these if you intend to purchase.

Head over to the revamped website www.vitessetshirts.co.uk and get 10% off your first order using the promo code SBN10%

Dorna Sports and FIM renew the MotoGP agreement until 2060

Frank Duggan

September 5, 2024

The FIM and Dorna Sports announce long-term renewal of their agreement, securing the rights to MotoGP™ and all Dorna-run FIM World Championships.

MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) are delighted to announce an extension of their long-term agreement securing the promotion rights for all Dorna-run FIM World Championships until 2060. The continuation of this successful partnership guarantees unparalleled value, continuity, and opportunity for MotoGP™ in a rapidly evolving global sporting landscape.

Dorna first secured the promotion rights of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship in 1992. Together, the partnership has expanded the success and popularity of the sport for fans around the world and continues to do so, with MotoGP™ enjoying an impressive trajectory of global growth over recent seasons.

Working in tandem with the teams’ association (IRTA) and the manufacturers association (MSMA), the partnership between the FIM and Dorna underpins an enviable ecosystem within MotoGP™, built on an unrivalled level of consensus that puts the sport first.

In addition to its successes in driving the global growth of MotoGP™, the partnership has also expanded the popularity and reach of motorcycle racing around the world – from grassroots to the highest levels of professional competition. FIM World Championships considered under this agreement, including theMOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship since 2015, the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship since 2019, the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship since 2019 and the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship since 2023, can now look forward to many more years of success thanks to this extension.

Jorge Viegas, President of the FIM: “This is an incredibly important moment and one that provides long term clarity and security regarding the pinnacle of motorcycle sport. This is not only important for all those directly involved in MotoGP™, but also for the wider motorcycle racing community that reaps the benefits from the global status, value and presence of this leading series.

“The ongoing and ever closer collaboration between the FIM, Dorna Sports and the other key stakeholders is something that has been built over many years, the trust and co-operation that now exists alongside this long-term agreement offer great foundations for the future development of MotoGP™ plus all the related championships. On behalf of the FIM, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude for the work that Dorna Sports has done since 1992 and look forward with great confidence to combining our efforts to ensure the continued growth and success of MotoGP™ for many more years to come.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP™ rights holder Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to announce this agreement with the FIM. It is fantastic news for the sport, and our fans around the world, that this partnership is guaranteed to continue. We have built something truly special and will continue to grow the sport even further, working together.

“Being able to come to such a long-term agreement adds incredible value for MotoGP. In the sports and entertainment landscape of today, the level of consensus we enjoy in MotoGP is something we’re privileged to be part of, and it lays fantastic foundations for our sport to continue its trajectory of growth. We want to thank the FIM for their support and we look forward to making MotoGP even bigger and better than ever as we continue our partnership.”

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Akrapovič Launches Striking New Exhaust for Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono / RVE

Frank Duggan

September 5, 2024

Akrapovič has added to its lineup of exhausts for Ducati motorcycles with an eye-catching new design for the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono / RVE.

The Slip-On Line (Titanium) is an all-new exhaust that has been designed from scratch to fit the lines of the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono / RVE. It is constructed from high-grade sandblasted titanium for the muffler outer sleeves, stainless-steel link pipes, and carbon-fibre end caps with imprints. This twin muffler configuration ‒ one exiting on either side of the seat ‒ creates a unique look, which is further enhanced with the inclusion of honeycomb noise inserts within the end caps, as seen on many Akrapovič-supported racing motorcycles, including Grand Prix machinery.

State-of-the-art research and design by the Akrapovič engineers throughout the development process has led to an exhaust that is focused on throttle response and rideability for the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono / RVE while also providing performance enhancements for the discerning rider. The Slip-On Line (Titanium) has been tested on the Akrapovič dyno against the same motorcycle equipped with a standard stock exhaust system, and it provided power and torque increases of 2.9 kW (3.9 hp) at 10,000 rpm and 1.9 Nm at 6,800 rpm, respectively.

The use of race-proven materials gives the Slip-On Line (Titanium) a weight saving of 0.2 kg (4.3%) in comparison to the standard stock exhaust system, and the sound engineering process serves up a deep and rich tone, perfectly balanced and in keeping with the Ducati’s single-cylinder engine. The exhaust is fully EC/ECE type approved and Euro5+ compliant, and the simple plug-and-play installation means no remapping is needed ‒ just fit it and enjoy!

For more Akrapovič news check out our dedicated page Akrapovič News

For more information on head to the Akrapovič official website www.akrapovic.com

Carpe v Uriarte in Rookies Cup Misano Finale

Frank Duggan

September 4, 2024

Carpe V Uriarte In Rookies Cup Misano Finale — Participants, Red Bull Rookies Cup, San Marino MotoGP 8 September 2023

The heart rates have barely subsided since last weekend, Malaysia is still celebrating and we are in Misano for the final two races of Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for 2024.

It is only 133 days since the 26 KTMs were fired up in Jerez and now, after 12 sensational races, just 13 points separate Cup leader Álvaro Carpe from his nearest challenger Brian Uriarte.

Mathematically, four riders can still take the title and last weekend in Aragon showed the total unpredictability of Rookies Cup. Malaysia found a new hero when 17-year-old Hakim Danish (below) took victory and ended Carpe’s dominant run. The 17-year-old Spaniard had won three races in a row and was making an early grab for the Cup.

Falling in the rain in Spain
Carpe slid off in the wet last Sunday, then remounted, but 16th place gives no points. Second to Danish in Aragon Race 2 was Uriarte and the Spanish 16-year-old will certainly challenge Carpe this weekend on the Adriatic Coast.

Super fast teen Màximo Quiles was also short of points from Aragon, he fell on Saturday and did not enjoy Sunday, taking 7 points for 9th. The 16-year-old Spaniard is now 49 points behind Carpe with 50 on offer in Misano so accepts his chances are slim from 4th place in the title chase. He (#28) was in a photo finish (below) for the win last year with Cup winner Angel Piqueras (#18) and Carpe (#83).

Third in the points table is Argentina’s Valentin Perrone. The 16-year-old finished a super close 2nd to Carpe last Saturday and claimed his place as a serious contender. A slip in the wet on Sunday left him to pick up the KTM for a 24th-place finish and no points. So he is now 41 points adrift of Carpe and an outsider. He and Quiles are only separated by 8 points and 3rd place in the Rookies Cup also looks very good on the CV.

Winning in the rain
It is said that the first win is always the hardest and Danish will be aiming for a dry victory this weekend in Italy to end his second Cup season. He will also be studying the weather as the forecast suggests rain is a possibility.

Rico Salmela is also on top form with an eye on victory as he concludes his third and final Cup year. The 16-year-old Finn was on the podium for the fourth time this year in Aragon where he won two years ago. He wants that second Cup victory and is 7th in the points table ahead of Danish.

Winning at home
Someone well capable of stealing glory from the main Cup contenders is Italian Guido Pini (below with Leonardo Zanni), the 16-year-old missed the first 8 races of the year through injury but was quickly up to speed when he rejoined in Austria. He could well battle for a home win this weekend. Fellow countryman Dodo Boggio is also in his second Cup season and the 16-year-old is keen to improve on his best place of 9th this year in Mugello.

Two more with local fans behind them in their first Cup season are 15-year-old Giulio Pugliese and 16-year-old Leonardo Zanni. Zanni has seventh as a best finish so far and Pugliese a 6th.

For more info checkout our dedicated Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup News page Rookies Cup News

Or visit the official Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup website rookiescup.redbull.com/

Niccolò Canepa to Retire from Racing After Bol d’Or

Frank Duggan

September 4, 2024

Yamalube YART Yamaha Official EWC Team rider Niccolò Canepa will retire from racing after the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) season finale at the Bol d’Or on September 12th-15th, with the Italian looking to end his career on a high note by securing back-to-back EWC titles.

The 36-year-old has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades, during which time he has raced in MotoGP, WorldSBK, Moto2, WorldSSP, and MotoE and has become the most successful Italian EWC rider in history.

Canepa, who hails from Genoa, began his career in the Italian national championships before making his WorldSSP debut in 2005. After finishing second in the 2006 European Superstock 600 Championship, he went on to be crowned the 2007 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Champion.

Following this success, he made his WorldSBK debut the following season with a couple of wildcard rides and became a MotoGP test rider before stepping up to the premier class full-time in 2009. After finishing an impressive 16th overall during his debut MotoGP season, he switched to Moto2 in 2010 and made 11 starts before returning to the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup in 2011. A full season in WorldSBK followed in 2012, and he then finished as runner-up in the 2013 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup.

He returned to WorldSBK for the 2014 and 2015 seasons before starting his long association with Yamaha when he joined the GMT94 Yamaha EWC Team in 2016, finishing as runners-up in the Endurance World Championship that year, with Canepa also becoming the official Yamaha Motor Europe WorldSBK test rider.

His test rider role saw him substitute for an injured Sylvain Guintoli for four races during the 2016 WorldSBK season, securing four top-ten finishes. He also filled in for the sidelined Florian Marino in two races that year in the STK1000 European Championship, recording a podium (3rd) at Donington Park.

In just his second year with GMT94 Yamaha Team, he became the first Italian to win an FIM Endurance World Championship as they lifted the 2016/2017 crown, and in the process, he also became the first Italian to claim victory at the Bol d’Or, before following this up by finishing as runners-up the following season.

Canepa continued to make wildcard appearances in WorldSBK for the Pata Yamaha Team in 2018, contesting both races at Donington Park and then Misano, scoring points during both outings. He then joined the YART Yamaha EWC Official Team for the 2018/2019 EWC season, immediately tasting success as they went on to win the 8 Hours of Slovakia Ring to finish the season in fourth.

In 2019, he also made his MotoE World Cup debut, finishing ninth overall, a result he would repeat the following year, showcasing his ability to be fast whatever the machinery. In his second season with the YART team, victories at Estoril and Sepang meant they secured second overall in the 2019/2020 FIM Endurance World Championship.

During this time, he also became the Yamama WorldSBK rider coach, taking an even more active role in the paddock alongside his test rider duties, which paid dividends in 2021 when Yamaha won the WorldSBK championship. He returned to the MotoE World Cup in 2022, securing his first podium in the class on his way to ending the season in seventh while also competing in the Italian CIV Superbike Championship.

Canepa added another EWC title in 2023 after a stunning season that saw YART win the 24H SPA EWC Motos and secure second at the 24 Heures Motos in Le Mans before finishing fourth at the Bol d’Or to be crowned champions once more.

The Italian is bidding to bow out on a high by winning his third FIM Endurance World Championship crown at his final race, with the YART team heading to the Bol d’Or leading the overall standings by six points after finishing second at the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans, winning the 8 Hours of Spa Motos and securing a dream podium (2nd) at the legendary Suzuka 8 Hours.

While winning another championship title would be the perfect ending to an incredible career, whatever happens at the Bol d’Or, Canepa will go down as one of the most successful EWC riders of all time and is a member of an elite club of people to have won all three major 24-hour races (Spa, Le Mans, and the Bol d’Or).

Niccolò Canepa
Yamalube YART Yamaha Official EWC Team
“It has been a fantastic journey! I started racing minibikes when I was just nine years old, and at 19, I was already riding a MotoGP bike. I have been lucky to have enjoyed an incredible career; of course, there have been some difficult moments, but as a child, I would never have imagined that I would have had so much success and got so much enjoyment from this sport. I gave everything to racing, but I got back much more than I expected, and I have won two EWC titles and one in Superstock. Hopefully, we can make it three in EWC after the Bol d’Or. I have had the opportunity to race in many championships, such as MotoGP, WorldSBK, EWC, WorldSSP, Moto2, and MotoE. I am happy with what I have achieved. As a rider, you know when it is time to stop, and it feels like the perfect moment to retire after the Bol d’Or. I am already thinking about new challenges and starting a new chapter in my life. Of course, I will miss racing, my teammates, and my R1, but I think the time is right. I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, especially my family and girlfriend and those I have crossed paths with who helped me or taught me something. It has been a pleasure to meet so many people along the way, and I am excited for the next adventure, which will see me continue to wear Yamaha blue!”

Mandy Kainz
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team – Team Manager
“It has been a real pleasure to work with Niccolò. Not only is he an incredible rider, but also a great guy. He has been integral to YART’s success since he joined the team, and his attitude, ability, and teamwork are second to none. We are one big family at YART, and Niccolò has been a huge part of that ever since he joined. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together, and he will be sorely missed. I want to thank him for everything he has given to the team. It feels fitting he is bowing out after such an incredible season, and I know the Suzuka podium was a long-held dream for him, just as it was for myself and the rest of the team. He will already go down in history as one of the most successful EWC riders ever, but he has the chance to write his name in the records book once more at the Bol d’Or by securing a third title for him and back-to-back titles with YART. We want to finish on a high and create even more history together so he can end his illustrious career in the best way possible.”

Andrea Dosoli
Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing and R&D Manager
“Niccolò has enjoyed an incredible career and has been a part of the Yamaha family for almost ten years. He has raced in and tasted success in every major championship, showcasing his fantastic riding ability, regardless of the machine. When he joined GMT94 in 2016, he immediately gelled with the R1 and made an instant impact, finishing as runners-up in his first EWC season before winning the title in his second. He has also played a huge part in our success in WorldSBK, not only as the official test rider but also as a rider coach and mentor. It is hard to explain how significant an impact he has had at Yamaha, with his wealth of experience, engineering background, and amazing attitude towards teamwork, all contributing to his success, and he can be very proud of what he has achieved. Over the years, he has lost none of his pace and competitive edge, which was showcased by YART’s sensational 2023 EWC title victory, and he will go down as one of the most successful endurance riders of all time. It would be the perfect way to cap off such an illustrious career by securing his third EWC title at the Bol d’Or, but whatever happens, Niccolò can hold his head high and be very proud of what he has achieved. While his career as a rider may be ending, it does not mean he will be leaving the Yamaha family, and we are already looking forward to working with him on some exciting new projects in the future.”

Gloves off, visors down: MotoGP arrives in Misano

Frank Duggan

September 4, 2024

The battle lines are drawn as the world’s most exciting sport arrives on turf poised to serve up a storm.

Hallowed ground. Home turf. Enemy territory. All are true at once for the MotoGP™ grid at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, with the stage set for an intriguing showdown this weekend in the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) heads behind enemy lines with an advantage of 23 points atop the standings, holding off home hero Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). The incentive to defeat the reigning Champion on his own turf, and for his own Italian team, will be matched only by the determination of the #1 to stop him doing just that. Especially as Bagnaia looks to bounce back – something he’s seemingly magically able to do when he most needs to.

Meanwhile, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was back on the top step in Aragon, 1043 days after winning his last Grand Prix. And that just happened to be the Emilia-Romagna GP at Misano in 2021. He is the rider with most wins across all at Misano, and he’d love to add another. His incentives likewise set up a showdown to remember: enemy territory. Future teammate territory. And current team home turf…

The rider with the next most podiums and an exemplary record at Misano, meanwhile, is another home hero: Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Beast’s nightmare Practice and Q1 left him with work to do in Aragon but he did it, slicing up the order as ever to get back to the front and only cede third place overall by just a single point. It may not have been the weekend he’d expected, given the 2022 Aragon GP, but it was far from a disaster by conclusion. Misano is likely to see Bastianini gunning for glory once again.

The home heroes don’t stop there. Last year Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) took two podiums and he’ll hope some home magic will be added to the mix too in a tougher season. Teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio just had the edge still before a tyre pressure penalty in Aragon, however, and with another few days to get back to better strength he’ll be one to watch on his and the team’s home turf. Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) continues an impressive trajectory of progress over recent rounds too, with Misano another chance to put it all together and try to attack for the podium.

Attacking for that podium was exactly what Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was doing for much of the Aragon GP, before both he and Bagnaia ended up tangled in the gravel. Opinion columns aside, each got to make their case and the result of the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards investigation was: no further action. We can likely expect more action of a different kind as the #73 takes on the home round for Gresini and Ducati in front of what could prove a partisan crowd more partial to the Pecco Bagnaia side of the argument, but there are plenty of races in even recent memory where the incentive to prove a point has been a powerful one.

Aprilia, meanwhile, have plenty of home glory on the line for their machine and factory, and after a tougher Aragon GP, they’ll want to bounce back quickly. On Day 1 all four RS-GPs were in the top ten: Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) on Marquez’ tail, and Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez flying the flag for Trackhouse. But come Saturday it got tougher, and they’ll want a lot more from Misano. Viñales has a standout record at the track too…

Then comes KTM and GASGAS. Back nearer the front at Aragon with two podiums for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) hot on his heels after his own good form in Austria, there were plenty of positives and Misano has hosted some for the marque before. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is having an up and down ride with some impressive speed and then bad luck or trouble at times so will be looking for a smoother weekend, and Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) had some positives from MotorLand too. Misano awaits with another chance to reset – and another wildcard for Pol Espargaro with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Stefan Bradl will also be on track for the HRC Test Team, and for Honda, there was a first of 2024 at MotorLand as Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) moved directly through to Q2, showing some impressive speed all weekend despite unfortunately crashing out on Saturday. Still, that’s a good tick in one box as the Japanese marque look to move forward, and Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) will be especially keen to do so this weekend on home turf. Teammate Joan Mir had the upper hand at MotorLand on his. But of all, it was Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) who actually took Honda’s best Sunday result so far this season, coming home in P11 when all penalties were said and done. As his future as development rider is confirmed, his value seemed underlined once more.

Yamaha, meanwhile, have recently done their own private test at Misano so it will be interesting to see where they pick up as we return to race. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) put in a more than solid Saturday at MotorLand to battle Bagnaia and take Sprint points, but a crash out on Sunday leaves a little what could have been behind. What was, for teammate Alex Rins, was a top ten though – a good result even if now leaving the factory to focus on cutting down the time deficit. What will be at Misano? It’s traditionally a strong track for the Yamaha.

The Championship remains close but there’s ever more pressure pouring into the duel at the top, with the momentum suddenly back in Martin’s corner. But a Bagnaia needing a result is a Bagnaia to underestimate at your peril, and Marc Marquez has now been back on the top step. And all the while, Bastianini looks through his trophy cabinet, drives down the road to his local racetrack, and looks to steal the spotlight and chip away at that gap to the top…

Who’s taking the spoils? Join us this weekend for the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini to find out:

SHOWTIME
Saturday
Tissot Sprint: 15:00 (UTC +2)
Sunday
Grand Prix: 14:00 (UTC +2)

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Dixon dares to dream as the deficit comes down

Frank Duggan

September 4, 2024

Four races ago, Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) sat 105 points adrift of World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI).

Now, heading to the San Marino GP, that deficit has shrunk to 43 points after the Briton claimed a second win of the year in Aragon. And what a weekend it was at MotorLand, with Dixon converting his first pole of the season into a win that has propelled the #96 into the Championship chase equation.

That’s partly because it was another weekend where title favourites failed to pick up sizable points tallies. Garcia retired from Sunday’s race in what was, truth be told, a weekend to forget for the current Championship pacesetter. Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) – on his injury return – dug deep to pocket eight crucial points in P8, while Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) and Fermin Aldeguer (BetaTools SpeedUp) both suffered tougher ends to their Aragon GPs with crashes.

That meant race winner Dixon and Alonso Lopez (BetaTools SpeedUp) – the Spaniard finishing P4 – were the big movers in the title race. Lopez, a bronze medallist at Misano in 2023, is now P3 behind the MT Helmets – MSI duo, 31 points off Garcia, with Dixon P5. 50 points split the top six – Garcia to Aldeguer – as we land at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Now that’s what we call a Championship battle.

Obviously, we can’t go racing again without mentioning the other two riders who stood on the Aragon rostrum – Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The former made his way onto the box for the first time this season and ran Dixon close, as Öncü strung together a fantastic weekend to claim his debut intermediate class rostrum. More of the same will be craved from both between now and Valencia.

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

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The #99 comes from P6 on the grid to win Race 2 in Misano as LCR’s Casadei and Granado complete the final rostrum of 2024.

The Championship chase is settled in Race 1 as Zaccone and Granado pick up podiums.

The Spaniard storms to Sprint glory to extend his lead to 26 points, escaping a last lap battle to complete the podium.

Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) finally has a Moto2™ pole position to his name after the Italian pipped compatriot Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) to Saturday’s honours in a tightly contested Q2.

A late 1:40.505 stunner from David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) handed the World Championship leader a commanding sixth pole position of the season, as Italy’s Luca Lunetta claimed his best Saturday result of the season in P2 at SIC58 Squadra Corse’s home race.

Tissot Superpole Highlights With rain falling throughout the fifteen minute Tissot Superpole session Alex Lowes took his first pole position for Kawasaki. It was a dominant performance to set the pace by a margin of 0.772s

WorldSSP Race 1 that was due to take place on Saturday afternoon has been postponed.

A crash for #MM93, a new lap record for Bagnaia and key names further down the grid set the scene for fireworks at Misano.

The Italian – who sits P2 in the title showdown – is joined on the front row by teammate Granado and Torres as Garzo settles for Row 3.

Superpole Highlights Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) left it until the final seconds to set the pace during an action packed Superpole session. The Yamaha rider claimed his first career pole position with a time of 1’52.513.

The top three in the title fight lock out the top on Friday – with Morbidelli and Bastianini hot on their heels.

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) leads the intermediate class standings as Saturday appears on the horizon after the #44’s 1:35.561 was good enough to beat Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.131s.

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Tissot Superpole Highlights
With rain falling throughout the fifteen minute Tissot Superpole session Alex Lowes took his first pole position for Kawasaki. It was a dominant performance to set the pace by a margin of 0.772s

Superpole Highlights
Aldi Mahendra (Team BrCorse) left it until the final seconds to set the pace during an action packed Superpole session. The Yamaha rider claimed his first career pole position with a time of 1’52.513.