Introducing the MR300LC HARD ENDURO ALFREDO GÓMEZ Replica: A Limited-Edition racer

May 17, 2024

Introducing the MR300LC HARD ENDURO ALFREDO GÓMEZ Replica: A Limited-Edition racer

UK Price £9195 INC VAT , Limited “89” edition due late May

Urban Moto, the official distributor of Rieju’s Hard Enduro bikes in the UK, is thrilled to announce the launch of the MR HARD ENDURO ALFREDO GÓMEZ Replica. This highly anticipated model is limited to just 100 numbered units worldwide, capturing the attention of Hard Enduro enthusiasts and fans of the celebrated Spanish rider, Alfredo Gómez.

Built for the Ultimate Performance
This exclusive model inherits the competitive DNA of the standard MR version but stands out with its unique design and bespoke customisation. Designed for the rigors of Hard Enduro, the bike includes all the essential elements used by Alfredo Gómez in the Hard Enduro World Championship.

Key Features and Enhancements

Power Delivery and Vehicle Protection: Tuned for maximum feel and traction, The bike features multiple guards offering enhanced protection for extreme conditions.
Exclusive Components: Many components are unique to this model, including modifications to the cylinder, lowering the intake transfers, and a custom OXA “Alfredo Gómez” exhaust paired with a specific Keihin PWK 36 carburettor. These changes ensure explosive power delivery essential for tackling tough trails.
Confidence and Durability: As Alfredo Gómez states, “To enjoy Hard Enduro, it’s essential to have confidence in your bike’s ability to withstand any challenge.”

Additional Distinctive Features

Front and Rear Handles & Stainless Steel Footpegs: Improved feel and exceptional grip, plus factory fitted grab handles for those tricky situations.
Optimal Cooling System: An electric fan installed in the radiator activates automatically to prevent overheating, a feature shared with the MR300LC Pro model.
Enhanced Transmission: A shorter 12-tooth sprocket ensures a more energetic power delivery exactly where it’s needed.
LED Headlight: Equipped with a high-capacity LED headlight and lens protector, perfect for visibility in all conditions.
Specialised Tyres: The bike features Mitas Terraforce tyres, the same as those used by Alfredo Gómez in the World Championship, providing superior traction

Superior Suspension
The MR300LC HARD ENDURO shares the exceptional Kayaba suspension system with the MR 300 Pro model. This includes a 48mm closed cartridge fork with fully adjustable DLC anti-friction treatment and a Kayaba rear shock absorber with remote reservoir.

Limited Edition Aesthetics
This limited edition wears an all new aggressive decal design and colour combination developed by the legendary Gómez and his “89” racing number, it encapsulates the spirit of this special Hard Enduro project.

Alfredo Gómez Endorsement
“As the ambassador and developer of this project, I am very happy with the result of this bike. I can assure you that with this bike, you can participate in Hard Enduro races without needing any modifications.” – Alfredo Gómez
Urban Moto will also offer a Racer support Programme with enhanced benefits of factory backed technical support in the UK via the Urban Moto Performance centre plus special pricing on parts and accessories for qualifying riders.

Contact :
Urban Moto Distribution
Email info@urbanmoto.co.uk
Tel 01522589461
www.rieju.com/en/hard-off-road

Ducati pays homage to Ayrton Senna with a collector’s limited edition Monster

Frank Duggan

May 17, 2024

Ducati pays homage to Ayrton Senna by presenting a collector’s limited edition Monster honouring the extraordinary career of the Brazilian racing driver and the legacy he left behind. The limited number of units is a tribute to the legend: 341. 3 is the number of World Titles won by Senna in Formula 1®. 41 is the number of Grands Prix that Ayrton finished celebrating on the top step of the podium.

The Monster Senna special edition aims to be a celebration of the solid relationship that was established between Ducati and the Brazilian champion. A mutual passion between two motorsport legends that the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer still cultivates today through the relationship with Ayrton’s family and with Senna Brands. This collaboration led to the definition of the special livery, designed by the Centro Stile Ducati.

The choice of the Monster as the model to create this limited edition is also linked to the history of Ayrton, who was one of the very first owners of the Monster 900, which he used for moving around in Monte Carlo and on which he showed up at the gala evening of the 1993 Monaco F1® Grand Prix. Ayrton liked the Monster’s simple concept of wanting to bring fun in riding to the centre of the motorcycling experience: a sporty engine, perfect for road use, chassis derived from the Superbike, wide handlebars and no fairing.

The Monster Senna pays homage to the talent of the three-time World Champion with a special livery that is inspired by the colour of the helmet that the driver wore in races throughout his career with parts in yellow, green and blue, clear homages to the Brazilian flag.

The presentation of the motorcycle dedicated by Ducati to Senna took place in the paddock of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack at Imola on the occasion of the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Formula 1® Grand Prix. The memory of the bond between Senna and Ducati was conveyed through the words of Claudio Domenicali (Ducati CEO), Bianca Senna (Senna Brands CEO) with a contribution also from Stefano Domenicali (Formula 1® President and CEO).

Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Motor Holding CEO: ” Ayrton Senna was and will forever stand as an icon. A sports legend, an extraordinary person, but also a passionate motorcyclist, whom we wish to honour with a special edition of one of the most iconic models in our range: the Monster. Senna was one of the very first owners of the Monster 900 and perfectly represented the values of this bike: style, boldness and fun. The Monster Senna is a demonstration of how honoured we are to define a champion of this incredible level a true Ducatista.”

Bianca Senna, Senna Brands CEO: “The partnership with Ducati is historic and very relevant to this day. The Monster is a perfect motorcycle to recall Ayrton’s lifestyle, focused on high performance but with the ability to enjoy moments of leisure. Fans around the world who admire Ayrton will find this partnership a genuine tribute to his legacy.”

The story of Ducati and Ayrton Senna
The paths of Ducati and Ayrton Senna crossed for the first time in 1990, when Claudio Castiglioni, then owner of Ducati and a passionate fan of Senna and his innate talent, gave the three-time world champion an 851 SP. In the following years Senna and Ducati realised that they had many values in common, and when the World Champion saw the new Ducati 916 in person he was absolutely fascinated by it, giving rise to the idea of a collaboration on a special project capable of uniting the Ducati brand and the Senna brand.

Thus was born the Ducati 916 Senna, a motorcycle characterised by a livery chosen by the Brazilian driver personally, opting for a contrasting graphic between anthracite grey, matt black and red, which became iconic in the following years. The special series, limited to just 300 units, was announced by Ducati in March 1994.

The tragic accident in which Ayrton Senna lost his life occurred a few months before the start of production of the Ducati 916 Senna and stopped every operation linked to Ayrton, but the subsequent discussion between Ducati and Senna’s family convinced the parties to go ahead with the project in Ayrton’s memory, with the presentation taking place at the 1994 Motor Show. The first series was sold out in a very short time, and was then followed by two more in 1997 and 1998 with colours chosen by Ayrton’s brother, Leonardo Senna.

The collaboration with Senna Brands resumed in 2014 with the 1199 Panigale, on the basis of which a limited series of 161 units was created – the same as the number of Grands Prix raced by Ayrton – reserved for the Brazilian market. All Ducati Sennas are highly sought after by collectors all over the world.

Benchmark components
The Monster Senna is equipped with components which, in addition to embellishing its look, also improve the dynamic qualities of the bike and which allow it to reach a curb weight without fuel of 175 kg, i.e. 4 kg less than the standard model, already a category benchmark for lightness.

The Monster, a modern reinterpretation of the original recipe, is a light, easy to handle, fast motorcycle. It is powered by the Testastretta 11° engine, a liquid-cooled 4-valve twin-cylinder with desmodromic distribution producing 111 horsepower, reliable and fun thanks to a full delivery curve at all rpm. It features an extremely functional and effective chassis inspired by Ducati Superbikes, fully adjustable and sporty Öhlins suspension, forged wheels, a sophisticated braking system with Brembo Stylema® front calipers and aluminium flanges for the brake discs, and top of the segment electronics.

The aesthetics of the Monster Senna, in addition to the special colouring, are embellished by the yellow/green/blue tag on the black rims, specially made for this model, and by the yellow on the brake calipers and on the Termignoni homologated carbon fibre silencers. Other distinctive elements of this model are the special seat, the matching engine guard and the dedicated dashboard animation, which starts when the ignition is turned on.

Finally, each motorbike is made unique by a plaque on the triple clamp with the model name and number of the bike, as well as by a certificate of authenticity and the presence of a dedicated motorcycle cover.

The dedicated page on Ducati.com contains all the information about this special bike, along with the history of the relationship between Ducati and Senna.

#LegendsRideOn

Main standard equipment

“Senna” celebratory livery *
Plate with model name and progressive number (XXX/341) *
Dedicated animation on dashboard ignition *
Sports seat with logo *
937 cc Testastretta 11° engine
Maximum power 111 hp at 9,250 rpm
Maximum torque 9.5 kgm at 6,500 rpm
Homologated Termignoni silencer with yellow stripe *
Aluminium front frame
Rear subframe in lightweight GFRP
Aluminium footrests machined from solid *
Aluminium swingarm
Öhlins steering damper **
Öhlins NIX30 front fork **
Öhlins monoshock **
Forged aluminium wheels (-1.86 kg) with two-tone yellow/green/blue tag *
Front and rear mudguards in carbon fibre **
Engine guard *
Full LED lighting system with sweeping technology direction indicators
4.3-inch colour TFT instrumentation with gear engaged and fuel level indicator
Riding Modes (3 settings) calibrated to benefit from the new chassis, new Wet Riding Mode
ABS Cornering adjustable on 3 levels with front only mode
DTC 8 levels, DWC 4 levels
Launch Control adjustable on 3 levels
Brembo front brakes with 320 mm discs with aluminium flanges, monobloc Stylema® calipers painted in yellow, radial master cylinder and pads made of sintered material *
Hydraulic clutch with radial pump
Seat height 840 mm from the ground
DQS up/down
Lithium ion battery **
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres
Windshield
Passenger seat cover
Dedicated motorcycle cover *
Certificate of authenticity *

*Exclusive equipment specific to Monster Senna
** Premium equipment in comparison to Monster/Monster+

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

or head to the official Ducati UK website ducati.com/gb/en/home

WorldWCR action kicks off in Cremona

Frank Duggan

May 16, 2024

It was an eventful first day of action for the WorldWCR field in Italy, with rain falling in the afternoon as riders prepare for the 2024 campaign.

The first collective track action for the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship took place at the Cremona Circuit in Italy, with Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) taking advantage of dry conditions in the morning to end the day on top. With rain falling in the afternoon, times didn’t improve after the second session which allowed the Spaniard to secure P1 on Day 1 of the test.

With the season starting at Misano in a month, the test will prove valuable for the grid to get accustomed to their Yamaha R7 machines and Pirelli tyres even with wet conditions impacting Day 1.

The best times of the day were set in the morning as rain fell and thunder blared at around 14:00 Local Time (UTC+2), forcing everyone to swap from Pirelli’s slick tyres to the wet tyres. It meant Carrasco, the 2018 WorldSSP300 Champion, was fastest on Day 1 with a 1’45.949s, four tenths clear of 19-year-old Lucy Michel (TSL-Racing) in second. Third place belonged to Adela Ourednickova (DafitMotoracing), who set a 1’47.250s to round out the top three.

Despite rain falling in the afternoon, the WorldWCR field took advantage to test the Yamaha R7 in wet conditions. Michel was the first rider to head out in the third session, followed quickly by Ornella Ongaro (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) and Nicole Van Aswegen (Andalaft Racing).

The fastest time came from Chun Mei Liu (WT Racing Team Taiwan) in the fourth session as she posted a 1’54.139s, only 0.138s clear of Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) in second after she set a 1’54.277s. Third place went to Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport), who was a second away from Mei Liu’s time, but also almost 1.5 seconds faster than Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) in fourth.

WorldWCR testing continues on Friday at the Cremona Circuit.

2024 WorldWCR calendar at a glance
1. Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round, MWC “Marco Simoncelli” – 14-16 June
2. Prosecco DOC UK Round, Donington Park – 12-14 July
3. Pirelli Portuguese Round, Autodromo Internacional do Algarve – 9-11 August
4. Hungarian Round, Balaton Park Circuit* – 23-25 August
5. Acerbis Italian Round, Cremona Circuit* – 20-22 September
6. Prometeon Spanish Round, Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto – 18-20 October
* Subject to homologation

Stock 1000 Set To Begin Its 2024 Series With 46 Entries Set For Barber Opener

Frank Duggan

May 16, 2024

After This Weekend, May 17-19, At Barber Motorsports Park All The MotoAmerica Classes Will Have Started Their Seasons.

The MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship may be a late starter in 2024, but you get the feeling that it’s going to be worth the wait with 46 entries champing at the bit to finally get the series started at Barber Motorsports Park this coming weekend, May 17-19.

With all the other classes having started their championship seasons, only Stock 1000 and Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. have yet to run a race in 2024. That will all change this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park with those two classes joining a full docket of Steel Commander Superbike, Supersport, BellissiMoto Twins Cup, and Junior Cup in a jam-packed MotoAmerica weekend on the picturesque track located on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama.

Stock 1000 – Who Can Beat King Gillim?

As the defending MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim must be the odds-on favorite to repeat that championship. After all, he won six of the 10 races in 2023 to take the title by 25 points over Kaleb De Keyrel, who isn’t taking part in the series this year.

Gillim is on a new bike and in a new team for 2024, but he’s happy with both and rode his new Honda CBR1000RR-R SP to ninth- and sixth-place finishes in the two Steel Commander Superbike races in his first race outings on the bike at Road Atlanta. The Kentuckian is one of six riders in the class who will be chasing Honda contingency money on the CBRs.

So where will Gillim’s competition come from? How about Orange Cat Racing’s Travis Wyman, who was third in last year’s title chase with a lone win and five other podium finishes? Wyman has also switched teams but will stick with the trusted BMW M 1000 RR. Or Motorsport Exoctica’s two-time Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee, another who is BMW mounted.

And can you ever count out BPR Racing’s Bryce Prince, or Ashton Yates on the Jones Honda CBR1000RR-R SP? There’s also Gabriel DaSilva on a GMR (Geoff May Racing)/Jones Honda, Benjamin Smith on a FLO4LAW Racing Yamaha YZF-R1, and Ireland’s Richard Kerr on the AMD Motorsport RK Racing Honda.

You get the picture. The list goes on and on with a large group of riders who could challenge Gillim. The opening round should give us some answers.

Supersport – PJ Leads Them In

Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen couldn’t have started his 2024 Supersport Championship campaign at Road Atlanta any better. How about two wins under two dramatically different circumstances? In race one, Jacobsen won in the dry. The following day he won in the rain, proving that so far it doesn’t matter what is thrown at him, the New Yorker can handle it.

And as if the smiles on the Rahal Ducati Moto team couldn’t get any bigger, Corey Alexander arrives at Barber second in the championship after finishing fourth and second in the series opener on his Ducati Panigale V2. The third member of the Rahal squad, Kayla Yaakov, wasn’t so fortunate at Road Atlanta as she finished ninth in race one and crashed out of race two.

Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz is hot off his first MotoAmerica Supersport races and is living proof that you shouldn’t give up. Scholtz’s debut in the class started horribly with technical difficulties sidetracking most of his practice and qualifying sessions and forcing him to start from the fourth row in both races. Although things didn’t fall into place until the race, Scholtz was ready for it, and he somehow fought through to finish third and fourth in the pair of races, and that puts him third in the series standings and just four points behind Alexander coming into Barber.

Altus Motorsports’ Jake Lewis also got his season off to a solid start with a sixth in the dry race one and a third in race two’s rainstorm, putting him fourth in the standings heading into round two.

N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto’s Blake Davis gave Jacobsen fits in race one and was in the hunt again in race two before crashing out. The youngster’s 20 points from finishing second in race one puts him fifth in the championship, albeit 30 points behind Jacobsen.

Forty-nine riders have entered the Supersport class for the Barber round.

BellissiMoto Twins Cup – It’s Still Rodio

While the majority of the MotoAmerica classes are just getting going, it already feels like midseason for the BellissiMoto Twins Cup riders as they have two rounds and four races already in the bank. And no one has more points than Rodio Racing – Powered by Robem Engineering’s Gus Rodio, who started his season with four straight podiums on his Aprilia RS 660 – two of which were victories in the series opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Rodio arrives in Alabama with a handy 22-point lead, but this is far from over considering that the first of the chasers is RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Rocco Landers – the 2020 Twins Cup Champion and the class leader in victories with 16. Landers and his new Suzuki GSX-8R won for the first time in 2024 in race one at Road Atlanta.

Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle is the lead Yamaha rider at this point in the season as he’s slotted into third in the title chase with his first win of the year coming in race two at Road Atlanta. Doyle and his YZF-R7 are six points behind Landers and 28 behind Rodio.

Rodio’s teammate Alessandro Di Mario is fourth in the championship, 15 points clear of TopPro Racing’s Avery Dreher and Koch Racing’s Sean Ungvarsky with those two tied for fifth.

Junior Cup – Medina By A Point

Other than the Steel Commander Superbike series, which has Cameron Beaubier and Jake Gagne tied for the lead in the championship, the Junior Cup Championship is the closest one as its series heads to its second round at Barber.

New York Safety Track Racing’s Yandel Medina sits atop the standings but by just a single point over Wolfe Racing’s Ryan Wolfe and by just seven points over BARTCON Racing’s Matthew Chapin.

Medina has the points lead by virtue of his two podiums at Road Atlanta – a third in race one and his first career MotoAmerica victory in race two. Wolfe, meanwhile, was the model of consistency with two second-place finishes in Georgia. Chapin was another first-time winner at Road Atlanta with the Maryland rider winning race one before struggling in the wet race two to finish seventh.

The biggest surprise from the opener was Bad Boys Racing’s defending class champion Avery Dreher. And for all the wrong reasons. Dreher crashed out of what appeared to be victory in race one and then salvaged a fifth in the rain in race two. He is 30 points adrift of Medina heading into round two.

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. – Moore To Come

It would take a brave person indeed to bet against Mikayla Moore in the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. series opener at Barber Motorsports Park. After all, she not only won last year’s title, but she also won every single race for a perfect seven-win season.

However, who knows who lurks beneath the Royal Enfield canopy for the series opener as 13 of the Continental GT 650s will line up for two races at Barber with most of those new to the program.

The highest finishing returnee other than Moore is Aubrey Credaroli, the Utah resident racing her Continental GT 650 to sixth in the championship with a best finish of third at Road America.

Pre-Race Barber Support Class Notes…

Yamaha leads the way in the number of entries for the first round of the 2024 Stock 1000 Championship with 14 Yamaha YZF-R1s entered. BMW is second with seven S 1000 RRs and six M 1000 RRs entered while Honda jumps up to six entries for CBR1000RR-R SP racers. Suzuki and Kawasaki, meanwhile, have five entries each for the GSX-R1000 and ZX-10R, respectively.

Last year’s two Stock 1000 races were won by Hayden Gillim. Gillim beat Ezra Beaubier and Kaleb De Keyrelin race one and De Keyrel and Ezra Beaubier in race two. The wins were Gillim’s first of the year after he suffered through a dismal opening round at Road Atlanta. He left Barber trailing Beaubier by 26 points.

The Supersport class last year at Barber was one of two “extended” races that featured pit stops. MotoAmerica has axed that and has gone back to the traditional sprint-race doubleheader. Last year’s extended race was won by Xavi Forés over Stefano Mesa and Anthony Mazziotto.

It was a clean sweep last year for Rocco Landers in the BellissiMoto Twins Cup races with the then-Aprilia RS 660-mounted Landers besting Kayla Yaakov and Dominic Doyle in race one before beating Blake Davis and Yaakov in race two.

In Junior Cup action in 2023 it was Avery Dreher and Levi Badie splitting victories. Dreher topped Max Van and Yandel Medina in race one with Baddie besting Hayden Bicknese and Dreher in race two.

The Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. program didn’t compete at Barber last year as their opening round wasn’t until the Road America round the first weekend in June.

Hayden Gillim (1:24.183) is the Stock 1000 lap record holder at Barber; Tyler Scott (1:26.348) has the lap record for Supersport; Kaleb De Keyrel (1:29.088) has the fastest lap for a Twins Cup bike; and Rocco Landers (1:34.782) is the lap record holder for the Junior Cup class.

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoAmerica Support Series News page motoamerica-support-series-latest-news/

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

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

Sidecar fraternity saddened by deaths.

Richard radcliffe

May 16, 2024

The sidecar fraternity has been saddened by the deaths of French crew Franck Bajus and Christophe Darras who lost their lives in a crash at the Hengelo meeting at the weekend. They raced at the TT in 2006, completing both of their races. A tribute will be paid to them at Assen in the near future.

The death was announced yesterday of former Southern 100 Sidecar Champion driver Artie Oates; at the age of 80. He won his championship in 1990 with fellow local Stu Pitts in the chair. In all he competed in 51 races at Billown. He raced with his brother Edda, Peter Cain, Paul Fargher and Greg Mahon in addition to Stu Pitts.

Artie was an accomplished TT racer and took one podium finish; that being in the 1991 Race A with Stu Pitts. He started 28 TT races; finishing 27 of those. In addition to his podium finish, he took 5 more top 6 finishes in a career that spanned 23 years. A great character; he will be much missed by his family and large circle of friends.

Sidecar Fraternity Saddened By Deaths. — Artie Oates and Dave Skelly at Brandywell in the 1977 TT

Bienvenue to St. Jean d’Angely For The Monster Energy MXGP of France

Frank Duggan

May 16, 2024

The FIM Motocross World Championship fires up into northern Europe for round seven, the Monster Energy MXGP of France, at the spectacular hillside venue of St. Jean d’Angely near Bordeaux on the western coast of the country. The third straight weekend of action will see the leading contenders hoping to go into the small break with some serious momentum behind them, and the classic French circuit has certainly seen some fantastic racing over the years!

The hillsides have played host to 17 MXGP events, stretching back to 1984, when France’s first World Champion Jacky Vimond took his first ever individual race win to the delight of the home crowd, even though eventual Champion that season, Austrian KTM legend Heinz Kinigadner, claimed the overall victory. The next Grand Prix at the event was an incredibly wet affair in 1989, won by Briton David Thorpe.

The 1990s saw a win for Joel Smets in his first title year of 1995, before David Vuillemin became the first home winner of an overall GP there in 1999. The 2000s saw the circuit become a more regular fixture in the calendar, with 13 events being run there since 2002, as well as two Motocross of Nations events in 2000 and 2011. Team USA won the event both times, and two riders from the 2011 event will line up for the GP in 2024 – Jeffrey Herlings and Jeremy Seewer. Amazingly, Jeremy’s Kawasaki Racing Team manager Antti Pyrhonen also competed for Finland on that day! All of the top four in the 2024 MXGP World Championship have had success there, whilst none of the MX2 line-up has won an overall GP at this venue!

The EMX125 Championship Presented by FMF series also joins the party for the third straight weekend, and after four rounds it is being led by Fantic Factory Racing EMX125 rider Noel Zanocz from Hungary, who has just a 5-point lead between himself and Racestore KTM Factory Rookies star Gyan Doensen! Spain’s Salvador Perez holds third for the RFME GASGAS MX Junior Team, and French racer Mano Faure will surely enjoy some solid local support as he lies in sixth for MJC Yamaha Europe.

In EMX250, Valerio Lata continues his quest for the title with an 18-point lead in the series for Beddini GASGAS Factory Juniors, but local hero Mathis Valin, who grew up just under 200km from the track, will have the passionate French fans behind him as he looks to make up ground for Bud Racing Kawasaki. Meanwhile, Gabriel SS24 KTM rider Cas Valk will be hoping to carry his momentum from the double win in Portugal and hack down the 7-point gap he has between himself and the Frenchman.

In what is turning into a memorable battle for supremacy, the MXGP World Championship is being fought out between four riders with 14 world titles to their names, including the last six in this class! At the MXGP of Galicia, the reigning MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado re-took the series lead for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing after losing it through a tough weekend in the mud of Portugal the weekend before. However, even though he has now won five of the six rounds held so far, there is only a two-point margin between himself and Tim Gajser, who has shown some incredible speed despite being yet to claim an overall victory for Team HRC.

The two other big hitters with eyes on the prize are both in the hunt for race wins, but now needing to make up a points deficit that is threatening to grow beyond catching distance. Kawasaki Racing Team firebrand Romain Febvre is 31 points behind Prado, while Jeffrey Herlings is 52 off the lead for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and admitting that he needs to improve his early race intensity to match the amazing pace that he showed in the final ten minutes at Lugo.

Another rider with a world title to his name, Pauls Jonass of the Standing Construct Honda MXGP team, broke his six-year drought of GP success with the overall win in the mud at Portugal, and he lies fifth in the standings, 81 behind Prado.

The top four riders in this year’s series have all tasted the sweet wine of success in the French hillsides. Gajser has won the last two MXGP events at St Jean, in 2022 as a newly crowned five-time World Champion, when the circuit hosted the MXGP of Charente Maritime. Tim was also triumphant in 2019, when Prado claimed his second MX2 victory at the track in two years. Herlings won the MXGP class in 2018, to add to his three MX2 successes of 2012, ’14, and ’16. We are back on an even-numbered year, so Jeffrey’s hopes must be high! “The Bullet” holds the record for wins at the circuit, with 4 overall GPs and 7 individual races.

For sure the vast majority of the French crowd will be making noise for their 2015 MXGP World Champion, Romain Febvre. Even though he hails from the other side of the country, his win at St Jean in 2016 as defending champion was wildly celebrated and much needed in his title battle with Gajser that year. His teammate Jeremy Seewer won in France last season, and as he currently lies 6^th in the Championship, the Swiss ace will be very keen to get back to the top step again.

The MXGP World Championship is shaping up to be an absolute classic, and the MXGP of France is likely to be a key moment of the season!

MXGP – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 298 Points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 296 Points; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 267 Points ; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 246 Pts; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 217 Pts; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 193 Pts; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 191 Pts; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 179 Pts; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON) 120 Pts; 10. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON) 115 Pts.

The battle for the 2024 MX2 World Championship continues to be fascinating, with six separate riders all taking a chequered flag so far, and three more knocking on the door! The one with the best combination of blinding speed and metronomic consistency has definitely been the red plate holder Kay de Wolf, winner of the first three rounds of the year for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing. It has been far from simple for the tall Dutchman though, as his teammate Lucas Coenen has often been his equal in terms of sheer pace, but has lost ground with mistakes and a niggling shoulder injury.

Speaking of injury, Simon Laengenfelder lies second in the points chase for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, but a broken collarbone sustained in Portugal has put him on the back foot, despite toughing it out to a ninth overall finish at Lugo. He is 44 points behind De Wolf, and just 18 ahead of the winner of that Portuguese Grand Prix for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Liam Everts, who has himself recovered from a thumb injury that kept him out of the opening round.

Behind Liam, the rest are closer in terms of points, with Thibault Benistant taking two overall podium results and a RAM Qualifying Race win for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2, putting him just four markers back from Everts, with Lucas Coenen another three back! Then in sixth comes the reigning Champion in the class, Everts’ teammate Andrea Adamo. The Italian is 81 points behind De Wolf despite taking a RAM Qualifying win on home ground at Trentino and a GP race at each of the two rounds in Spain. The speed is evident, but the consistency that earned him last year’s crown has so far evaded him.

Throw in other hopefuls like Rick Elzinga, growing in confidence for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2, leading holeshot artist Sacha Coenen, who is getting stronger through the races for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, and the ever-threatening pace of Mikkel Haarup on the surprising new Monster Energy Triumph Racing machine, and it’s clear to see why MX2 is so brilliantly entertaining at every round!

As with several circuits this year, none of the current MX2 riders have claimed a GP win at St. Jean d’Angely. Lucas Coenen took a double win at the track in EMX250 back in 2022, while Benistant took the win in MX2 race one and 2^nd overall that year. He also took the overall result at his home GP at Villars-sous-Ecot last season, so the Yamaha man will be seriously motivated to perform well again front of his home crowd!

Exciting rookie talents Marc-Antoine Rossi of Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing and Quentin Prugnieres for F&H Kawasaki will also enjoy their first GP race in France as full-time MX2 competitors, following their wild card appearances at Villars sous Ecot last year!

While Kay de Wolf has held the red plate since the end of the opening round in Argentina, each event has proven to be totally unpredictable with the colourful cast of MX2 in 2024!

MX2 – World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 292 Points; 2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 248 Points; 3. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 230 Pts; 4. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 226 Pts; 5. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 223 Pts; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 211 Pts; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 190 Pts; 8. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 182 Pts; 9. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 141 Pts; 10. Camden McLellan (RSA, TRI). 126 Pts.

Main Photo: MX2 Start St Jean D’Angely 2022

Bottom Photos: 1.Thibault Benistant; 2. Lucas Coenen

Don’t miss your chance to watch the MXGP action from France this weekend. Get your tickets HERE! and VIP Tickets HERE!

All the photos from the MXGP of France will be available HERE.

You can find the complete results HERE.

TIMETABLE

SATURDAY: 08:00 EMX125 Free practice Group 1, 08:30 EMX125 Free practice Group 2, 09:00 MXE Time Practice, 09:20 EMX250 Free practice, 09:50 EMX125 Qualifying practice Group 1, 10:30 MX2 Time Practice, 11:00 MXGP Free Practice, 11:55 12:00 MXE Race 1, 12:20 EMX125 Qualifying practice Group 2, 13:00 EMX250 Qualifying practice, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:00 EMX125 Race 1, 15:45 EMX250 Race 1, 16:35 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 17:25 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:15 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:20 MXE Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

For more news check out our dedicated MXGP/MX2 News page

Or visit the official MXGP website mxgp.com

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

Triumph 400 Tail Tidy from Pyramid

Frank Duggan

May 16, 2024

Smarten up the rear view of Triumph’s new Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X

Always quick off the mark with practical accessories for the latest bikes, Pyramid have added a Tail Tidy for the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X to their catalogue.

Both the Speed and Scrambler strike an almost perfect balance of retro and modern style, with one unfortunate omission: the large, unsightly, plastic hanger for the number plate and rear indicators.

Pyramid’s Tail Tidy is made in the UK from high quality carbon steel, so it already looks better and is much more durable than the standard part. It’s powder coated in black to resist corrosion and blend in with the bike’s finish.

Much more compact than the original, it almost disappears behind the number plate and indicators, shortening the bike’s outline and making the swooping tail section the focal point.

Quick and easy to mount, it’s supplied with everything needed to fit and doesn’t require any modifications to the Street or Scrambler’s tail section. It comes complete with a rear reflector and LED number plate light, for full compliance with UK law.

Versions for both models retail at £94.99 including VAT.

See it at pyramidmoto.co.uk Triumph 400 Tail Tidy From Pyramid

RGNT Motorcycles, Clean Motion and Siemens pop-up shop in Sweden

Frank Duggan

May 16, 2024

RGNT Motorcycles displays their limited editions line up together with other Swedish brands Clean Motion and Siemens in Kungsbacka, Sweden.

This spring RGNT Motorcycles present a line up of limited editions of the Scrambler series and Classic custom racer models at their latest pop-up store in Kungsbacka (close to Gothenburg), Sweden.

‘Kungsbacka, Sweden is where our journey started in 2018. We have always been serious about keeping things local. For this reason we use steel frames and wheels from Habo, casted aluminium battery boxes from Reftele, hand painted metal tanks from Trollhättan and our leather seats are from Tärnsjö’ says Jonathan Åström, CEO of RGNT Motorcycles.

At the same venue Clean Motion displays their latest vehicle: EVIG. The EVIG is optimized for last-mile deliveries in urban environments and able to carry anything from pallets and packages to post and food. For things that need to be moved in cities, with minimal impact. And also Siemens eMobility presents their charging infrastructure that is smart, efficient and innovative − and which makes mobility more sustainable ultimately.

No. 1 Classic SE
An ode to classic design – from the days when machines were built to last.
Hand-built, without taking shortcuts or compromising on the good stuff. Premium components, groundbreaking tech and hand-crafted details add up to an exclusive, state-of-the-art motorbike.

No. 1 Scrambler SE
Holding true to the original 1950’s style, it’s built to swiftly, safely and silently steer you through whatever the world throws at you. In our Scrambler form and function play a tie-game. The winner is the rider, enjoying forward-looking style, design and tech in a ﬁrst-in-class package.

About RGNT Motorcycles
Founded in 2019 in Sweden, we aim high. Wildly ambitious, yet underpinned by a strong vision and in-depth know-how, we plan to silence boulevards, backroads and beaches globally by quickly expanding in a fast-growing bike-tech market. In shaping our electric future, we honour the great design achievements of the past. Our passion for iconic motorbike design drives us to put high-end, timeless quality left, right and centre in all our designs. Simply look at our bikes to see what we mean. Bound to disrupt the motorbike realm, our designs are high-quality, timeless and packed with game changing innovation. Our quickly expanding family of motorbikes currently consists of the Classic and the Scrambler.

MotoAmerica Heads To Barber With Gagne And Beaubier Tied At The Top

Frank Duggan

May 15, 2024

The Steel Commander Superbike Championship Resumes At Barber Motorsports Park With A Tripleheader, May 17-19.

With Attack Performance Yamaha’s Jake Gagne and Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier winning 16 of the 20 Steel Commander Superbike races a season ago, it was apparent that they were the cream of the crop for the 2023 season. Gagne ended the year with 11 wins to emerge as the series champion for a third straight time while Beaubier’s five-win season ended prematurely due to the injuries suffered in a crash at Pittsburgh International Race Complex.

So, what did we learn from the 2024 season opener at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta? Well, the cream is still the cream with Gagne and Beaubier splitting wins to start the season after two thrilling races.

With the pair coming out of Georgia with 45 points apiece and tied for the series points lead, the Steel Commander Superbike Championship is back in action this coming weekend, May 17-19, at a series favorite – Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama – with three Superbike races scheduled (one on Saturday, two on Sunday) and 75 points up for grabs.

The two Road Atlanta races proved that the injuries that ended Beaubier’s season were in his rear-view mirror, along with any trepidation that it would take him some time to get back up to speed and ready to fight. Beaubier didn’t qualify well (for him), and he started both races from the middle of the second row. In the dry race one, it came down to a battle between pole sitter Bobby Fong, Beaubier and Gagne with Beaubier taking his 60th career AMA Superbike win by just .240 of a second over Gagne with Fong a shadow third. In Sunday’s wet race two, Beaubier came out second best to Gagne – by just .119 of a second. He was most definitely on top of his game.

While Beaubier was happy to be back, feeling good and up to speed, it was Gagne who ended up fighting some physical issues at Road Atlanta with arm pump bringing a bit of worry into his season opener. Despite numbness in his throttle/front brake hand, Gagne fought for victory on both days, winning the second race over Beaubier with his teammate Cameron Petersen finishing third.

Gagne went back to where it all started during the break between Road Atlanta and Barber: motocross. In an effort to cure what ails him, Gagne rode his motocross bike on a track for the first time in three or four years in the hopes that the arm pump would loosen itself up. We’ll see the results this coming weekend.

With Beaubier and Gagne tied at the top and 21 points in the clear, there’s a horde of riders within spitting distance of third place in the young championship.

TopPro Racing’s Sean Dylan Kelly was nothing if not impressive in his Steel Commander Superbike debut with the Floridian fourth and fifth in the two races at Road Atlanta on his BMW M 1000 RR. Kelly was in the lead pack in both the dry and wet races at what is a difficult racetrack, and he left Road Atlanta smiling, confident and with 21 points in his pocket.

Kelly is just two points clear of Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong with the Yamaha YZF-R1-mounted Californian a fighting third in race one before struggling to 10th in the wet second race.

Fong is tied with Tytlers Cycle Racing’s JD Beach with Beach finishing seventh in the dry and a fighting fourth in the wet conditions of Sunday’s race two in his debut with the team and the BMW M 1000 RR. Beach was in the fight for victory when he crashed in the esses, remounted, and fought his way through to fourth.

Just three and four points behind Beach come the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati duo of Loris Baz and Josh Herrin.

After finishing seventh in race two, Baz was fortunate to escape mostly uninjured after being struck from behind by Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante after the checkered flag. Prior to crossing the finish line seventh in race two on Sunday, Baz had raced to sixth in Saturday’s race one.

Herrin sits seventh in the title chase after Road Atlanta after fifth- and ninth-place finishes in Georgia. Herrin led race one and was battling with Fong, Gagne and Beaubier when he ran off track in the final corner when Fong made an aggressive pass on the inside. From there, Herrin rode to a disappointed fifth. He is 27 points behind Gagne and Beaubier.

Gagne’s teammate Cameron Petersen had a miserable race one at Road Atlanta where he crashed, remounted, and managed to salvage a 15th-place finish, but he rebounded with a third-place podium result in race two.

Petersen is tied for eighth with Real Steel Motorsports’ Hayden Gillim after the Kentuckian raced to ninth and sixth in the two races at Road Atlanta.

Tom Woods Powersports’ Nolan Lamkin emerged from Road Atlanta 10th in the Steel Commander Superbike Championship while also leading the Superbike Cup standings.

The Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team is hoping for better fortune at Barber after a disastrous start to its 2024 season. In addition to losing Richie Escalante to a broken left wrist, broken left ankle and compression fractures of his L1, L2 and L4 vertebrae, Brandon Paasch failed to score a point from the two races after two crashes. With Escalante out of action while his injuries heal, the team is bringing in 2023 Supersport Champion Xavi Forés to ride his GSX-R1000R.

Steel Commander Superbike action gets started at Barber Motorsports Park with the first practice session set for 10:35 a.m. with Q1 set for 2:40 p.m. Saturday’s race will begin at 3:10 p.m. with Sunday’s two races set for 12:15 p.m. and 3:10 p.m.

Pre-Race Barber Notes
Jake Gagne is the Superbike lap record holder at Barber Motorsports Park after lapping at a best of 1:22.035 in Qualifying 2 last year. Gagne also holds the race lap record of 1:22.463, which he set in race two in 2021.

Jake Gagne beat his teammate Cameron Petersen by 1.8 seconds to win race one last year at Barber Motorsports Park. Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz was third with Cameron Beaubier fourth. In race two, it was Gagne again taking victory with Scholtz second and Beaubier third.

Cameron Beaubier’s race-one win at Road Atlanta was the 60th of his AMA Superbike career. The five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion is third on the all-time Superbike win list and is now just one race win behind his former Yamaha factory teammate Josh Hayes. Jake Gagne, meanwhile, is also charging his way up the all-time win list. Gagne’s race-two win at Road Atlanta was the 41st of his Superbike career and he sits fourth on the all-time Superbike win list.

Australian Mat Mladin, who leads the all-time wins list in AMA Superbike racing with 82 victories, is also the Superbike win leader at Barber Motorsports Park. Mladin had nine victories at Barber from 2004 to 2009. Josh Hayes is second on that list with seven Superbike wins at Barber with all seven coming in a row from 2012 to 2015. Of active Superbike racers, Beaubier leads the way with five Superbike wins in Alabama.

This year’s race will mark the 22nd consecutive season of AMA Superbike racing at Barber Motorsports Park. Aaron Yates and Kurtis Roberts won the first two AMA Superbike races held at Barber in 2003.

For more news check out our dedicated MotoAmerica News page MotoAmerica News

Or visit the official MotoAmerica website motoamerica.com/

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

R&G British Talent Cup descends on Donington for Round 2

Frank Duggan

May 15, 2024

Two races and another 50 points go up for grabs as the BTC returns to the UK

After three thrilling races at a jam-packed opener at Navarra to start the 2024 season, the British Talent Cup returns to Donington Park for Round 2. The last time BTC raced at Donington, it was the Cup decider, setting a high bar for exciting racing that this year’s riders are keen to meet.

Lucas Brown (Sencat Talent Team / Mortimer Racing) arrives as the championship leader, fresh from his victory in Spain and looking to continue his form. Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing) is only 13 points adrift despite a Race 3 DNF due to technical troubles, however, so he will be keen to reclaim the top spot.

Third in the standings, Filip Surowiak (Team City Lifting/RS Racing), also showed his ability to lead at Navarra and will be another to watch – especially given he took his maiden win at Donington last year. Correa was also on the podium then, and Ronnie Harris (Kovara Projects /RS Racing), currently sixth in the standings, then took victory in Race 2. They’ll be looking to pick up where they left off at the classic venue.

Amanuel Brinton (Kovara Projects / RS Racing), meanwhile, looks for more after a Race 1 DNF at Navarra that left him on the back foot. The hot favourite heading into 2024 as the top returning finisher from last season, Brinton will want to show what he’s got at Donington after a more muted season opener.

The two-race weekend format returns this time out, with 50 points up for grabs at Donington Park. Don’t miss Round 2 of the R&G British Talent Cup!

For more info checkout our dedicated British Talent Cup News page

Or visit the official British Talent Cup website britishtalentcup.com

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

Streetfighter V2: Ducati Performance accessories to enhance design and performance

Frank Duggan

May 14, 2024

The Streetfighter V2 is a motorcycle with a unique character, capable of winning over enthusiasts thanks to the balance between sportiness and fun achieved through a reinterpretation of Ducati’s “Fight Formula”.

The technical base inherited from the Panigale V2, combined with the high and wide handlebars, define a naked sports bike that is fast and intuitive to handle, as well as capable of adrenaline-pumping performance even between the kerbs of a circuit.

Its numbers speak for themselves: 178 kg of dry weight, combined with 153 hp expressed by the 955 cc Superquadro engine and kept under control by a benchmark electronic package in the category. To experience first-hand its exhilarating performances, one can reserve a test ride.

To further underline the dual soul, sporty and elegant, of this motorbike, the Ducati Performance catalogue offers an extensive selection of accessories that owners can draw on according to their preferences. There are components developed to further refine the sporty and track nature of the Streetfighter V2, as well as accessories aimed at making the look of the bike even more exclusive.

Ducati by Rizoma machined from solid design
For those who think that details make all the difference, customisation can start with a targeted selection of billet aluminium components, capable of enhancing and sharpening the design of the Streetfighter V2. These are accessories developed in collaboration with Rizoma, characterised by unmistakable Ducati design and maximum manufacturing care.
The rear-view mirrors (96880531AA and 96880541AA) give a touch of exclusivity to the control deck with their aerodynamic design and 3D processing, while ensuring excellent rear visibility thanks to the high-quality mirror and the solidity of the aluminium structure.*
The great attention to design is also found in the fluid reservoirs for the front brake (96180581AA) and clutch (96180511AA), with the inspection porthole transformed from a purely technical element to a refined styling element, thanks to its wave shape which extends over the entire lateral surface.*Likewise, the front brake (96180761AA) and clutch (96180771AA) levers are designed to improve appearance and functionality, thanks to the adjustment of the distance from the handlebars and greater grip. Not only that: the holes at the ends lighten the component, while the joint reduces the possibility of breakage in the event of a collision.
To complete the customisation, you can choose between the handlebar counterweights (97380861AA) and the brake lever protection (96180521A). The former offer protection to the handlebars in case of a fall, the latter prevents accidental activation of the front brake, protecting the lever from contact with other road users or other riders on the track. The latter, to be mounted with the appropriate set of adapters (96180671A), is supplied with a matching left counterweight, so as to guarantee maximum stability and perfect aesthetic balance.

The fusion between aesthetic and protective functions is found in the fork slider (97382021AB), to be mounted on the front wheel axle to protect it in the event of a slide, as well as to enhance the look of the front end.

The fuel cap (97780051BA) is a detail with a purely racing style, but designed to be used every day even on the road. In fact, eliminating the lock does not compromise safety thanks to the anti-tampering system with which it is equipped, supplied with a special key which reproduces the shape of the Ducati shield. Furthermore, the high quality anodisation with which it is finished guarantees that the colour is maintained over time despite contact with petrol.

Finally, to embellish the Superquadro twin-cylinder, an oil filler cap (97380871AA) is available, which, like all the accessories described so far, is also made of billet aluminium.

The lightness of carbon
The high quality of the Ducati by Rizoma components is perfectly combined with the lightness of carbon fibre, chosen to reduce weight and give a racing look to numerous elements of the Streetfighter V2.

The set of carbon wings (96981341AA) is certainly one of the accessories with the greatest impact among those available for the super naked V2 Ducati. In fact, they combine the lightness of the composite material with aerodynamic efficiency and an exclusive, very precious appearance. They have a shape specially designed in the wind tunnel to improve the stability of the bike at high speeds, increasing the effectiveness of the Streetfighter V2 in circuit use.

The carbon license plate holder (97381162CA) completes the evolution of the bike, distinguishing itself from the standard one not only for the material used, but also for its greater compactness, while remaining simple to dismount if the motorbike is used on the track.

Other examples of the racing charm of composite fibre can be found in the front (96989971A) and rear (96900312A) carbon mudguards , designed to enhance the aesthetics of the Streetfighter V2. Finally, the carbon heel guards (96981062A) give coherence to the entire transformation and protect the area from contact with racing boots.

Sound and racing soul
When the goal is performance between the kerbs, there are above all two accessories from the official Ducati Performance line that aim to enhance the sporting soul of the Streetfighter V2, while at the same time boosting its performance.

First of all, the titanium racing silencers (96481732AA) **, reserved to those who want to use the bike on the circuit, in which unmistakable Ducati style combines with Akrapovič’s impeccable manufacturing care. Made in collaboration with Ducati Corse, they are sold complete with high-performance polyester air filter and dedicated engine mapping, in order to guarantee perfect set-up and, therefore, maximum performance. The increase in maximum power is in fact 2.5% and that of torque is 2%, but both values also increase in the mid-ranges, with +2% for power and even +9% for torque. All this is accompanied by a considerable reduction in weight, equal to 5 kg less than the standard exhaust system.
In the same direction of maximum lightness there is the single-seater tail (97180793AA), which eliminates the passenger seat and related footrests, thus gaining the aesthetic impact of a truly uncompromising super sports bike.

The entire range of accessories is available on the Ducati.com website, where through the “Configurator” section you can choose your favourite accessories to make your Streetfighter V2 unique and share them with the nearest dealer.

* Additional components required for assembly
** Not legal for road use

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

or head to the official Ducati UK website ducati.com/gb/en/home

Zero Motorcycles UK National Dealer Demo Days Return for 2024

Frank Duggan

May 14, 2024

Zero Motorcycles UK is delighted to announce the return of their National Dealer Demo Days for 2024.

After the successes of 2023, this highly anticipated event offers riders across the UK the opportunity to experience the exhilaration and ease of riding a Zero 100% electric motorcycle first hand.

The National Dealer Days are planned for May, June, and July, and are scheduled to take place on the following:

Saturday 25^th May
Saturday 22^nd to Sunday 23rd June
Saturday 27^th to Sunday 28^th July

During the National Dealer Demo Days, Zero Motorcycles UK dealerships will have a range of demo models available for test rides. From sleek street bikes to versatile adventure models, riders can explore the high-end performance and cutting-edge technology that Zero electric motorcycles offer.

Dale Robinson, UK Country Manager at Zero, said: “We love our National Dealer Days. They give us such a good opportunity to not only engage with our loyal customers, but also showcase the joys of riding electric to those who haven’t yet made the leap. We have some fantastic models available for everybody to enjoy, whether it be our full-scale SR/S or DSR/X, right to our FX and FXE which you can ride just with a CBT. There’s a Zero for everyone, and our National Dealer Days are a great opportunity to showcase our versatility.

“There’s a great opportunity for customers to engage with our knowledgeable staff and learn more about electric vehicles (EV) and the Zero Motorcycles brand. With misinformation circulating about EV technology, these events provide an invaluable opportunity for riders to get accurate information and discover the benefits of embracing electric mobility.”

To ensure a seamless experience, riders are encouraged to pre-book demo ride slots with their nearest participating dealer. For more information and to reserve a spot, please visit the events page on the Zero Motorcycles UK website at https://zeromotorcycles.com/en-gb/events-home

For more Zero Motorcycles news check out our dedicated page Zero Motorcycles News

or head to the official Zero Motorcycles website zeromotorcycles.com

Small Capacity Thrills Equal Huge Value For Money

Frank Duggan

May 14, 2024

Up to £1,000 savings available as KTM extends exceptional power deals to low capacity street machines.

KTM recognises that the READY TO RACE ethos is one shared by many and with a range of small capacity machines equally as aggressive as their larger, parallel-twin stablemates, this full-throttle attitude is now even more accessible to both A2 and full licence holders alike!

First across the line and lifting the trophy has to be the KTM 125 DUKE. While both the 2023 and new 2024 model are subject to impressive savings – £800 and £500 respectively – the finance deposits and interest rates are exceptionally low. Riders can experience THE SPAWN OF THE BEAST with zero deposit contribution and a super low 1% APR on both Purchase Plan (PP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), resulting in an adrenaline-inducing learner-legal KTM for as little as £49 per month*! However, it’s not just the KTM 125 DUKE up for grabs! KTM’s SUPERSPORT machines also benefit from super savings. Both the 2023 and 2024 KTM RC 125 now cross the finish line at under £4,600 thanks to huge £750 and £500 savings, with both models now more affordable on at 3.9% APR and 4.9% APR on PCP and PP finance products.

Stepping up to the A2 class, with increased power and torque comes further savings across KTM’s NAKED, TRAVEL and SUPERSPORT families. Monthly payments drop as the needle surges on the KTM 390 DUKE, with both 2023 and 2024 models available on 3.9% and 4.9% APR across PCP and PP with zero deposit contribution, while the 2023 machine sees an additional £1,000 saving. Whether hitting the streets or carving the track, SUPERSPORT enthusiasts can pick up a KTM RC 390 at an exceptional price. Finance deals as aggressive as its NAKED counterpart are available on both 2023 and 2024 model years, in addition to £500 and £750 savings respectively, leaving riders to fully focus on going flat out. Those looking to leave the tarmac and venture further afield are also not forgotten, with both the 2023 and 2024 KTM 390 ADVENTURE and KTM 390 ADVENTURE SW poised and ready to deliver adventure thrills for less, now available with £500 and £1,000 savings.

Full list of promotions below.

Naked

MY24 KTM 125 Duke – £500 saving + 1% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

MY23 KTM 125 Duke – £800 saving + 1% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

MY24 KTM 390 Duke – 3.9% / 4.9% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

MY23 KTM 390 Duke – £1,000 saving** + 3.9% / 4.9% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

Travel

MY24 KTM 390 Adventure & SW – £500 saving + 3.9% / 4.9% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

MY23 KTM 390 Adventure & SW** – £1,000 saving + 3.9% / 4.9% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

Supersport

MY24 KTM RC 125 & RC 390 – £500 saving + 3.9% / 4.9% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

MY23 KTM RC 125 & RC 390 – £750 saving + 3.9% / 4.9% APR on Personal Contract Purchase and Purchase Plan + zero deposit required

Unless stated otherwise above, all promotions active until further notice.

*PCP figures based on 2024 KTM 125 Duke, £709.25 customer deposit and 2,500 miles annually, over 37 months.

**Promotion valid until 30/06/24.

Finance examples

Model	Monthly Payment	Cash Price	Customer Saving	Promotional Price	Customer Deposit	Optional Final Payment (GFV)	Representative APR
RC 125	£69.00	£5,099.00	£500.00	£4,599.00	£437.75	£2,146.25	4.9% APR
RC 390	£79.00	£5,899.00	£500.00	£5,399.00	£586.75	£2,512.81	4.9% APR
125 Duke	£49.00	£4,899.00	£500.00	£4,399.00	£709.25	£2,013.44	1% APR
390 Duke	£79.00	£5,699.00	N/A	£5,699.00	£1,088.25	£2,279.06	4.9% APR
390 Adventure	£69.00	£6,599.00	£500.00	£6,099.00	£1,383.00	£2,789.06	4.9% APR
390 Adventure SW	£89.00	£6,999.00	£500.00	£6,499.00	£1,095.25	£2,810.31	4.9% APR

Finance examples based on model year 2024, annual mileage of 2,500, over 37 months. All promotional finance rates end 30/06/24.

With dealer demo fleets up and running, riders are encouraged to contact their local Authorised KTM Dealer to test ride and find out more information.

For more information on KTM POWER DEALS, head to the website HERE.

For more KTM Motorcycles UK news check out our dedicated page KTM Motorcycles UK News

or head to the official KTM Motorcycles UK website www.ktm.com/en-gb.html

Beat the heat in style: Embrace summer with Dainese

Frank Duggan

May 13, 2024

Looking for the perfect items to help stay cool this summer while riding? Check out the following items from Dainese…

Air Frame 3 Tex jacket
Designed specifically with warmer weather in mind, the Air Frame 3 Tex jacket is made from a QuickDry mesh construction combined with a detachable windproof lining, offering superior comfort and ventilation on every ride.

Certified to EN 17092 A, the Air Frame 3 Tex jacket has superior safety thanks to composite protectors on the shoulders and elbows, as well as pockets for Dainese Pro-Armor chest protectors and a G back protector. There are reflective inserts on the back and chest for active rider visibility in low-light conditions.

For the perfect fit and comfort, the Air Frame 3 Tex jacket has neck, waist and wrist adjustments; sleeve adjustments and soft elasticated inserts on the wrists. There are two easy-to-access outer pockets and one waterproof pocket inside so you can take the essentials with you.

The Air Frame 3 Tex jacket has a convenient connection zipper to connect any compatible trousers.

With an RRP of £259.95, the Air Frame 3 Tex jacket is available for men – in sizes UK34-54 – and women – in sizes UK8-22. Men can choose between Black/Black/White, Army Green/Black/Fluo Yellow, Black/Black/Black or Black/Black/Red-Fluo whereas women have the choice of Black/Black/Black and Black/White/White.

Drake 2 Super Air Tex Pants
The ideal partner to the Air Frame 3 Tex is the Drake 2 Super Air Tex Pants. Made of soft and lightweight QuickDry fabric with mesh inserts, they are guaranteed to keep riders cool – but still protected – in the height of the summer.

Designed to enhance freedom of movement while riding, the Drake 2 Super Air Tex Pants maintain Dainese’s high safety standards, boasting EN 17092 class A certification. They feature adjustable and removable composite protectors (EN1621.1 certified) as well as side pockets designed to accommodate Pro-Shape soft protectors.

Riders can keep valuables safe with two outer pockets, and comfort is enhanced by waist adjuster. A connection zipper allows the trousers to be attached to any compatible jacket and zips on the calves ensure boots can be taken on and off easily.

The Drake 2 Super Air Tex Pants are available in a men’s and women’s fit and have an RRP of £219.95. Men can choose from Black/Black and Black/Anthracite/Red-Fluo and the women’s fit is available in Black/Black.

Mig 3 Air Tex gloves
Certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13594, the Mig 3 Air Tex gloves are constructed from a combination of well-ventilated mesh, an Amica suede palm and TPU knuckle protectors with inserts of polyurethane.

For comfort, there is an adjustable cuff strap, elasticated inserts and pre-curved fingers. Dainese Smart Touch on the fingertips allows for smartphone or sat-nav usage without removing gloves.

Available in sizes XS-XXXL, the Mig 3 Air Tex gloves have an RRP £89.95 and riders can choose between three colourways – Black/Black, Black/Fluo-Red and Black/Red-Lava.

For more Dainese news check out our dedicated page Dainese News

Dainese is supplied to UK dealers through Nevis Marketing, to locate your nearest Dainese dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 478936.

Suzuki reveals two new colour options for GSX-R125

Frank Duggan

May 13, 2024

Two new colour options are now available for Suzuki’s GSX-R125, including a retro-inspired blue and white livery that pays homage to the GSX-R lineage and history.

A blue tank and nose sit above white side panels and belly pan, which are adorned with the familiar blue stripes running from the front up onto the seat unit. Lightweight blue wheels complete the look.

It is joined by a more subtle all-black version, which is is accented by red decals and red wheels.

The learner-friendly race replica boasts an incredible power-to-weight ratio in the class with a free-revving, DOHC single cylinder engine, plus keyless ignition and low-rpm assist.

Find out more about the GSX-R125, here.

For more Suzuki GB news check out our dedicated page Suzuki GB News

For more information on Suzuki Bikes GB visit bikes.suzuki.co.uk/bikes/

Dreams Come True for Home Hero Prado and Lucas Coenen at The MXGP of Galicia

Frank Duggan

May 13, 2024

The Circuito Municipal Jorge Prado hosted the MXGP of Galicia for the sixth round of the MXGP World Motocross Championship this weekend, and the new venue to the series made an instant impression as a packed gallery of fans enjoyed an action-packed Grand Prix in sunny conditions, that couldn’t have been more of a contrast to the previous week’s mudfest in Portugal!

After losing the red plate at the previous round, home hero Jorge Prado delivered the goods for his local supporters and for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing. The hometown hero, who grew up near to the circuit, and after whom the venue is named, achieved the same perfect weekend as he did on the previous visit to Spanish soil back in March. The two race wins and misfortune for Team HRC’s Tim Gajser means that the reigning champ will once more bolt the red plate onto his bike for the next round in France!

In what is turning into another fantastic season of MX2 action, four riders finished a frantic day’s racing with just one point separating them! With a dominant second race win from Lucas Coenen to seal his first overall victory of the year, it was the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team that deservedly took the winner’s trophy back to their transporter, as well as the red plate for his teammate Kay de Wolf.

After a stunning victory in Saturday’s RAM Qualifying Race swung the momentum back towards home heroPrado, he found his perfect recipe once more with a clear Fox Holeshot Award in race one, ahead of Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre, and the Spaniard proceeded to pull away and deliver the win that all of his fans wanted to see.

Although Gajser was initially third, a sweet move from Calvin Vlaanderen on his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP machine moved the Slovenian back, even putting Valentin Guillod ahead of him on the Team Ship to Cycle Honda. Not long after Gajser blasted through the middle of them to reclaim third, he then dropped the bike in the corner before the wave section and had to fight back to 6^th, further hampered by another off-track excursion that could have been a lot worse than it was!

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing man Jeffrey Herlings fought his way up to fourth ahead of Febvre’s teammate Jeremy Seewer, but the top three of Prado, Febvre and Vlaanderen held their positions to the finish.

In race two, there was confusion for Prado and Herlings as their gates failed to drop, so a red flag was waved to force a restart. With Vlaanderen tasting a chance at the podium, it was the Yamaha that hit the first corner in front, but halfway around the first full lap he soon fell prey to a swift move up the inside from Prado.

Gajser had started outside of the top ten, but charged through the pack to lie third by the end of the first full lap, and on lap seven he charged past Vlaanderen into second position. For the next ten laps he stalked the reigning champion in a fascinating duel of unstoppable force versus immovable object, until finally the chase was too much and the Slovenian fell in a tight left-handed corner. He managed to salvage third in the race for fourth overall.

As the track got rougher, Herlings was able to keep his speed up and pounce on those who couldn’t. With aggressive moves on Seewer, Fantic Factory Racing rider Glenn Coldenhoff, Febvre, and finally Vlaanderen, “The Bullet” worked his way into third, and was close enough to take advantage of Gajser’s fall to inherit a solid second. He even caused Prado to look over his shoulder during the final lap, and ironically the two riders who got stuck in the gate before the red flag went on to finish first and second! The result was enough to put the KTM man into second overall, his best of the year so far, with Febvre third overall.

Sadly for Vlaanderen, he crashed in a rut immediately after Herlings went past him, and finished the race in seventh to claim fifth overall. Prado’s 43^rd career GP win means that he leads the series again, by just two points from Gajser. Febvre lies a further 29 points behind in third, then 11 further back is Herlings, now 52 back from the leader. It’s well and truly still on for St. Jean!

Jorge Prado: “My goal coming into the weekend was to win, win as much as I could and it just went perfect going 1-1-1 again! I’m in a good form this year and I hope we can keep it until the end of the season. I’m so happy! It was hard because I did a lot things around racing and it was a tough weekend but once I was on track, I was on it and full focus. Yesterday after a bad start I got to the front but today with good starts I was at the front from the beginning so that made it easier. Super happy with my riding and my effort, I just want to thank the whle Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing team and we’ll keep it going! “

Jeffrey Herlings: “It’s my best result so far although it was unfortunate last weekend as it could have been a GP win. I mean it’s not bad at all. Okay I missed my start in the first race but managed to finish 4^th. But then I had a decent start in the second one but got passed by couple of guys early on but I try to get better with the starts and it’s coming on. The speed is coming back, I feel I had the speed today in the end to work the track a bit. Not everything went together as I didn’t win but step by step I’m coming back and very happy with the podium”

Romain Febvre: “I’m happy to be on the box for sure. The first race I thought I had something for Jorge (Prado) but he was fast. I didn’t do so many mistakes and I was happy with second. Second starts were not the best actually but the first two laps went really good but then I lost a little bit my rhythm and got a bit disappointed but Vlaanderen’s crash put me on the podium so mixed emotions but we get back to work. Next weekend is my home GP so let’s go for that!”

MXGP – Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), 34:11.687; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:02.036; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:02.599; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:16.658; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:23.255; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:27.707; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Fantic), +0:43.667; 8. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +0:45.774; 9. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Honda), +0:52.013; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, Fantic), +0:58.586

MXGP – Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification : 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), 34:04.763; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:02.880; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:10.110; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:18.797; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Fantic), +0:23.497; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:28.722; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:41.101; 8. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:53.755; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +1:01.502; 10. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Honda), +1:04.467

MXGP Overall – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 50 points; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 40 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 40 p.; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 35 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 34 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 31 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 30 p.; 8. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 25 p.; 9. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 23 p.; 10. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 21

MXGP – World Championship – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 298 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 296 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 267 p.; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 246 p.; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 217 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 193 p.; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 191 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 179 p.; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 120 p.; 10. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 115 p

MXGP – Manufacturers Classification: 1. Honda, 311 points; 2. GASGAS, 298 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 280 p.; 4. KTM, 258 p.; 5. Yamaha, 229 p.; 6. Fantic, 185 p.; 7. Beta, 108 p.; 8. Husqvarna, 44 p.;

The MX2 class once more brought us two fantastic races, with the top positions in doubt right to the end of both encounters, and multiple overtaking moves available around the fast and spectacular Lugo circuit.

Fresh from his RAM Qualifying Race win, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 star Thibault Benistanttook his first Fox Holeshot Award of the season in race one, with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo of Sacha Coenen and Andrea Adamo on his tail! Their teammate Liam Everts was not far behind either, diving past Simon Laengenfelder, who was riding with a plated collarbone for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing and was purely out to salvage some points in his quest for the title.

Adamo was in the mood to take advantage of his good start, and a slip by Benistant gave him the half-chance he wanted to make the move mid-way around the first full lap. De Wolf was on the charge and fired past Everts along the start straight, then after three more laps made a clean pass on Sacha Coenen! His teammate Lucas had to charge from even further back and would have to settle for fourth at the flag.

In an intense battle that saw the series leader employ a triple jump into the waves that was previously reserved only for the 450s, De Wolf finally got the better of Benistant with a similar move to the one he’d used on Everts. After the very next corner, the Frenchman suffered a big over-the-handlebars crash that amazingly caused no damage to either him or the bike! He was able to hold on for fifth behind Everts and Lucas Coenen, but all eyes were on De Wolf as he charged after Adamo!

The series leader hauled in the reigning champ, and very nearly overcooked it on the final lap in the waves section that he was so fast through! Ultimately it was the Italian that took the race win by 0.732 of a second

Race two saw more intense battling, but this time it had nothing to do with the leader, as Lucas Coenen moved rapidly to the front around the opening circulation past Fox Holeshot taker Everts and fast starter Mads Fredsoe. Once again, De Wolf was buried in the pack and had a lot of work to do. And a lot of work he did do!

While Sacha Coenen fought hard with Team HRC’s Ferruccio Zanchi and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 charger Rick Elzinga, De Wolf closed in after passing Zanchi on lap three. He was able to hunt down and pass Elzinga by lap eight, and Sacha Coenen for third by lap thirteen, with Adamo and the Monster Energy Triumph Racing machine of Mikkel Haarup in tow!

Benistant was also not far off their pace, but had to settle for sixth in the race for fifth overall. Haarup was able to claim fifth in the race after a crash had limited him to ninth in race one. Adamo had to accept fourth for the second step on the overall podium, but De Wolf tore after Everts, trying to not just get on the podium, but claim the overall win if he made the pass on the KTM man!

His chase fell agonisingly short, but after three straight wins followed by three straight fourth places, plus the injury for Laengenfelder which restricted the German to 7-9 finishes, the Dutchman’s Championship lead has increased to 44 points. Everts’ third overall puts him 18 behind Laengenfelder, and back ahead of Benistant, who heads to his home Grand Prix next weekend!

Overall though, Lucas Coenen was rightfully happy with his first Grand Prix win of the year and only the second of his career, and lying fifth behind Benistant means that he still has a long season to take advantage of his speed if he can only keep from crashing. It’s certainly still possible!

So after six rounds the contrast of the big hitters in MXGP in a titanic championship battle, and the all-out warfare of MX2 making it tough to predict a winner every time, makes this Championship one to savour as it heads to the fine slopes of France next weekend!

Lucas Coenen: “I’m back! Not 100% yet with the shoulder but I’m battling a bit with it but we’ve done a great job today. In the first race I was a bit mad at myself that I couldn’t pass someone but second race I knew that the start was going to be vital. I went 3^rd and then quickly first then made a gap and controlled it. I’m very happy with this second race and we’ll keep on going for the rest of the season like this and let’s see where we will be”

Andrea Adamo: “I messed up the start in the second race, like they were passing me right and left and I didn’t understand what was happening and then got into my rhythm again! I made some good passes and followed Kay (de Wolf), at some points I felt I was a bit faster but with lapper it’s never easy to manage and lost ground to him. In the end, second overall, same point as the first it’s good and we’ll try to step up again for the next one. I’m happy and it was a solid day!”

Liam Everts: “Today I wasn’t on form really and missed the edge but put myself in good position in both races with good starts and a Fox Holeshot. So I’m happy to leave here with some consistency and on the box again. Big thanks to the whole team and let’s for the next one in France”

MX2 – Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification : 1. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 34:23.923; 2. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:00.732; 3. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:08.044; 4. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:14.344; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:23.543; 6. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:25.794; 7. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:32.078; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +0:33.797; 9. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +0:38.384; 10. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA, GASGAS), +0:59.661;

MX2 – Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification : 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), 34:49.474; 2. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:02.658; 3. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:05.026; 4. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), +0:15.030; 5. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Triumph), +0:17.888; 6. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:21.302; 7. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:39.731; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +0:45.215; 9. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:55.051; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +1:11.415;

MX2 Overall – Top 10 Classification : 1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 43 points; 2. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 43 p.; 3. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 42 p.; 4. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 42 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 31 p.; 6. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 29 p.; 7. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 28 p.; 8. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 26 p.; 9. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 26 p.; 10. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, HON), 21 p

MX2 – World Championship Classification : 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 292 points; 2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 248 p.; 3. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 230 p.; 4. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 226 p.; 5. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 223 p.; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 211 p.; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 190 p.; 8. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 182 p.; 9. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 141 p.; 10. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, TRI), 126 p

MX2 – Manufacturers Classification : 1. Husqvarna, 312 points; 2. KTM, 298 p.; 3. GASGAS, 250 p.; 4. Yamaha, 248 p.; 5. Triumph, 207 p.; 6. Kawasaki, 119 p.; 7. Honda, 103 p.; 8. Fantic, 72 p.; 9. TM, 17 p

MXGP OF GALICIA MXGP/MX2 HIGHLIGHTS: https://youtu.be/PAaBF8nvKX0

MXGP OF GALICIA QUICK FACTS:

Crowd Attendance: 33,230
Circuit length: 1550m
Type of ground: Dark Sand Soil
Temperature: 19˚
Weather conditions: Cloudy

For more news check out our dedicated MXGP/MX2 News page

Or visit the official MXGP website mxgp.com

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

Martin vs Marquez vs Bagnaia: last lap decider at Le Mans

Frank Duggan

May 12, 2024

Three of the biggest names in the sport throw down in France – and this time it’s Martin who writes a victory to remember.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) soaked up the pressure and threw down the gauntlet at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, coming out on top in a three-way fight for glory against Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) that rolled all the way to the final lap. Nearly 300,000 fans streamed into the event over the weekend and they were treated to a proper show as the #89 shadowed Bagnaia, passed him, and then shut every door in Le Mans to pull off a seriously impressive 25-point haul. And just behind him, Marc Marquez did find an open door – or manage to create one. The #93 pulled a last lap divebomb on Bagnaia that got the job done for second, perfectly crafted to demote the reigning Champion to third.

Off the line, Martin made a good start from pole but Bagnaia bettered it, the #1 taking the holeshot from second on the grid. Behind, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was threatening but ran in hot at the chicane, leaving teammate Aleix Espargaro to challenge Martin for second on the exit as the #12 Aprilia slotted in just behind Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in fourth. Marc Marquez, meanwhile, was up to eighth almost immediately, slicing up from his P13 grid slot.

At the front, Bagnaia had the hammer down but Martin was absolutely glued to him at the front. The two pulled a small gap on the chasing pack led by Espargaro, with Diggia in fourth and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) looking to attack Viñales. He did so not long after, setting the fastest lap on Lap 2, before another shuffle as DiGiannantonio briefly diced with Espargaro just ahead.

However, the rookie then proved the protagonist of the first drama. Looking for a way through on that duel ahead, he overcooked it into Turn 8 going for a move on the VR46 machine ahead, and then only just avoided tagging both as he slid out. More drama then hit nearly immediately after as Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) slid out as he pushed to try and duel with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

At the front, Bagnaia pounded on. Martin shadowed, equally pitch perfect until one small mistake from both with 19 to go, heading ever so slightly wide. But they gathered it back up as the podium fight behind started to light up, the race split between a duel and a melee.

Diggia was homing in on Espargaro, but Viñales, Marquez and Bastianini lurked. The next move came there as Marquez attacked Viñales but was repelled, and Diggia then had a shot at the #41 Aprilia, also forced to hold station. But a lap later the #49 was through into third, and Viñales then began to line up his teammate. He needed no second invite after the door was just left open, with Marquez then striking straight away too.

Next was Bastianini. The Beast came from a long way back and also went in hot, gathering it back up but Espargaro then taking to the run off before rejoining. Bastianini didn’t make the apex either, but his was a shortcut and he was then given a Long Lap for the time not lost.

Meanwhile, Marquez had picked Viñales’ pocket after the #12 was slightly wide, and the eight-time World Champion was homing in on Diggia. By Lap 16, the #93 made his first attack through Turn 3. The Italian responded and in the shuffle, Viñales almost nearly made his way through too. But it was as you were until a lap later as Marquez went for it again, and this time Diggia ran wide trying to take it back. The #93 and Viñales were both past, and the #49 then got a Long Lap for the time he didn’t lose as he tried to rejoin.

By just under ten laps to go, Bagnaia led Martin, the two still absolutely glued together, but now it was Marquez on the chase. Soon, the chess match had its first big move.

At Turn 3, Martin attacked. And he got through, but on the cutback Bagnaia judged it to the absolutely millimetre to nudge back ahead. As you were, until a lap later. Same move, different result as this time the #89 was able to hold it. There was a new race leader, but there was also a new fastest lap… from Marquez.

The Gresini was on the factory machine of Bagnaia in what seemed like a flash as it became a leading trio. It seemed Martin was starting to pull out the centimetres as he dug in, but then the #89 was deep into the chicane with three to go, and it was absolutely locked together once again. Bagnaia was close as anything and showed a wheel but couldn’t barge the door open, leaving a six-wheeled fight for the win to roll on.

Over the line for the last lap, Martin and Bagnaia were almost one machine round Turn 1 and 2, but a hail Mary on the brakes from Marquez saw that #93 re-appear in the shot by the time the trio dropped anchor at the chicane. Bagnaia was harrying, impatient and looking for any inch of space to make a move on Martin, but there was none – so Marquez made some instead.

The Gresini divebombed it but divebombed it to perfection, getting it stopped to take over in second as the remaining apexes ticked down. Would Bagnaia be able to respond at the final corner? As Martin gained some breathing space thanks to the duel behind him, the focus shifted to that one final opportunity. But if Marquez had opened the door for himself corners prior, this time he kept it firmly closed.

Up ahead, Martin crossed the line to take one of his most impressive wins to date, soaking up the pressure and making it a serious statement Sunday. His lead goes out to an incredible 38 points – enough to guarantee he leaves the next GP as Championship leader too – and it’s Bagnaia and Marquez on his tail in that order. Marquez’ back-to-back podiums are his first since 2021 and he’s 40 points off the top, but Bagnaia remains second despite that 0 from the Sprint in France.

Behind the podium battle, Bastianini charged back from his Long Lap to get past Viñales late on, with the #12 forced to settle for fifth. Di Giannantonio took P6 ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who pipped Espargaro late on and the Aprilia dropped back to P9.

Between the two was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), whose tough French GP had a much sweeter conclusion on Sunday. From the back of the grid, the #33 charged through to P8. An honourable mention also goes to a savage ride from Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) in an awesome home GP livery, with the Frenchman making it as far up as sixth before a crash out of contention. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) completed the top ten.

That’s a wrap on the best-attended Grand Prix in history, and Martin leaves it with a serious and stylish statement win. Next up it’s Barcelona and another chance for the world’s most exciting sport to prove its moniker, so join us for more in two weeks as we go back-to-back with two more classic events from Catalonia to Mugello!

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

Garcia storms Le Mans to grab the points lead

Frank Duggan

May 12, 2024

Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) returned to winning ways at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France after a stunning ride to victory, taking back the Championship lead in the process.

It was an MT Helmets – MSI 1-2 after serious charge from Ai Ogura, who carved through the field from P17 on the grid, with Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) perfectly defending from Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) on the last lap to take third from the American.

Garcia pulled off the perfect start, pulling out a steady gap on the opening lap as the rest of the field battled behind hard behind. Polesitter Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) was swallowed by the pack in the opening stage of the race after a big mistake on the first lap, dropping to eighth in a fight with Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp).

A number of crashers, including Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTO Gresini Moto2™), saw the order chop and change, but the rider on the move was Canet. After setting a fastest lap, the #44 attacked Roberts for second in a brilliant three-way fight joined by Lopez, with the American bumped to the back of the trio – for now.

At the front, Garcia charged on to keep the gap consistent, with all attention turning to the battle for second between Canet and Lopez. It was gloves off with three laps remaining, with Lopez slipping into second before making a mistake at turn four, allowing Canet to show his front wheel. The battle for second then bunched up even more with Ogura fancying a podium – charging into third on the last lap.

Garcia crossed the line to win the French GP with Ogura finding a gap to pass Lopez for second, holding onto it to make it a historic 1-2. Lopez was then left to fend off a final corner move from Roberts, with contact but no drama and the Spaniard holding on to the line.

Behind Roberts to cross the line in fifth was Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) a further 0.171s behind. The #35 held off Canet to the line, who dropped to sixth after battling with Roberts on the last lap. Aldeguer found time late in the race to comfortably finish ahead of Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Albert Arenas (QJMOTO Gresini Moto2™), with CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team’s Izan Guevara taking the final spot inside the top 10.

That’s a wrap on France with Garcia back in the hot seat ahead of the Catalan GP – and the likes of Roberts and Aldeguer looking to hit back. Join us for more from Barcelona!

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 fends off Holgado and Veijer to bounce back in style

Frank Duggan

May 12, 2024

The Colombian defends to perfection in France to move to within a single point of Holgado’s Championship lead

David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) put in a masterclass at Le Mans to bounce back from heartbreak in Jerez, attacking early on the final lap and then keeping the door firmly shut to deny Dani Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) the top step. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completed the podium as three key contenders went toe-to-toe at the front.

Alonso got the launch and initial lead, but through the chicane Holgado struck for first and took it. The Championship leader headed his closest rival as fellow front row starter Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) harried the duo, but in no time at all it became the classic Moto3™ freight train.

The first key drama saw Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) pipped out of contention by David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), for which the #64 then got a double Long Lap. That dropped him out the group before he than also crashed and rejoined, leaving his fellow podium finishers from Jerez to fight it out at the front with the top two in the title fight.

Alonso, Holgado, Veijer and Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) duked it out at the front, with close company from rookie Joel Esteban (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) and Ortola’s teammate Ryusei Yamanaka.

Onto the final lap it bubbled up to a three-way fight between the top three in the title fight as Holgado led Alonso led Veijer. But not for long, as the Colombian hit quick to edge out the 96, leading into and through the 3-4 chicane. And he kept leading, with Holgado just not able to find a way through through 9 and 10, nor into 12 as he looked tempted to try.

That left Alonso to completes his bounce back mission from Jerez in style, back on the top step and with it closing the gap to Holgado at the top of the Championship to a single point. Veijer was likewise not able to nudge open the door to attack on the final lap, but third to follow up his victory at Jerez makes it the second time he’s taken back to back GP podiums.

Esteban nabbed fourth from Ortola on the final lap, taking his best Grand Prix result yet as his rookie year continues to impress. Ortola completed the top five though, with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) coming back to P6 from two Long Laps given for slow riding in practice.

Yamanaka, Rueda, Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and rookie Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) completed the top ten.

With just one point in it now, it’s next stop Barcelona! Will the tale twist again?

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Uriarte snatches Le Mans Race 2 Rookies win from Quiles at final turn

Frank Duggan

May 12, 2024

The perfect, dramatic, braking lunge into Le Mans’ final first-gear double right gave victory to Brian Uriarte.

Fellow Spaniard and Rookies Cup Race 1 victor Màximo Quiles survived the shock and a nasty front wheel slide to hold 2nd ahead of Malaysian Hakim Danish.

Argentina’s Valentin Perrone, one of the race’s many leaders, and Spain’s Álvaro Carpe were right on their tail with 0.617 seconds covering the top 5 KTMs.

Brian made the risk pay off in Race 2
“I’m super happy with this. I had a good ride yesterday and I was certainly going out to win today but you never know, there are many many things that should happen in the correct way if you are going to take the victory,” said the calm, well-spoken 15-year-old.

“I didn’t sleep that well last night and I could feel it today that I was a bit tired. The sleep wasn’t that good but when I woke up I did everything as usual and was completely focused. I was a bit angry with myself for yesterday’s mistake.”

“The track was a bit cooler today, in the second sighting lap I felt a couple of slippery patches but even in the opening laps it was completely perfect and the bike was great all through the race.”

“I worked a lot this weekend, the track is new for me, I tried so hard yesterday and I learnt, I used that today. You have to take a risk to win, I risked a lot into the last corner and I won.

Maximo takes 2nd and Cup points lead
“It was a great race, a bit difficult at the beginning to overtake,” explained the 16-year-old. “Then I got into the lead and everyone seemed a bit nervous because they knew I would have a good rhythm. I opened the group a bit it was not so close.”

“The bike did feel a bit different today, there was good grip but when I really pushed the front was sliding and a little bit uncomfortable for me.”

“Then in the last lap, I didn’t know what to do, I was in front and that’s not easy. They have the reference to brake and they used that, Brian braked later than me into the last corner and won.”

“Still second place is great, points for the championship and I am happy for that, looking forward to Mugello.”

Hakim did most of the leading after style change
“I made a good start and I managed to run at the front,” the 16-year-old enthused. “Better than yesterday as in Race 1 I struggled to match the pace of the front guys. This time I changed my riding, I had my body further forward and pushed my elbow down, I was scraping it through the corners and tried to open the throttle earlier in the corners and it worked very well.”

“In the last lap I tried to lead but two people overtook me, That’s OK I tried to overtake again. Into the last corner, I almost wanted to try a pass on Maximo and Brian but I was just too far away. I already overtook another rider the turn before and that cost me a little bit, I couldn’t go for the win at the last corner.”

“Anyway, I finished P3 and I look forward to the next race in Mugello, I thank everyone who supports me here and at home.”

Valentine learning well
“It was a difficult race with so many riders in the group,” explained the 16-year-old. “In the last lap, it was crazy with so many overtakes, I just couldn’t finish more in front, to be on the podium.”

“I am happy though with P4 with good points for the championship in what was a new track for me, I think I did a good job here and I am already looking forward to Mugello.”

Alvaro takes points rather than risk
“I enjoyed this race so much,” said the 16-year-old Spaniard who holds 2nd in the points chase. “It was faster than yesterday, my KTM was working well, good on the brakes and through the corners. The lead group was very fast, not too many overtakes but a really good pace.”

“Again I am happy with the points for the championship. When it came to the last 2 laps I didn’t feel confident enough to really push the extra to make the podium this time.”

Marco Morelli worked hard for 6th
“I enjoyed that a lot, it was a fast race,” enthused the Argentine 16-year-old who had fallen off early on the first lap on Saturday. “I don’t know if I did the fastest lap but I think I did a 43 so I think that was good,” he stated and indeed he did take the fastest lap of the race and a new lap record officially at 1m 44.019s.

“I was a bit cautious in the opening lap after yesterday’s mistake. Mid-race I was in the second group and that is not good enough. With 5 laps to go you need to be up front so I had to push hard.”

“I tried, I finished P6, that’s better than yesterday when I got no points and let’s see in Mugello.”

Veda Pratama recovered from error to take 7th
“I am happy with the race and the result,” stated the 15-year-old Indonesian. “I managed to get into the front group and that is what I needed to do. Just in the last two laps I made a mistake and I lost the group and had to fight back in the last lap.”

“The result could have been better but I will learn and try to do better in Mugello.”

Rico Salmela suffers technical issue.
“In the middle of the race I started to feel that when opening the gas there wasn’t the same power and it just got less and less,” explained the 16-year-old Finn who had run at the front early on and was 2nd in Race 1.

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/

Prado And Benistant Take The First Victories at Lugo in The Ram Qualifying Races at The MXGP of Galicia

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

At the scenic and brilliant new venue of Lugo for the MXGP of Galicia, today’s RAM Qualifying Races provided some amazing competition to get the weekend underway! In front of a loud and enthusiastic crowd that turned out mainly to cheer for their hometown hero, the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing star Jorge Prado did not let his supporters down, with a stunning victory that involved passes on two of his main rivals. That was after the first World Championship chequered flag at this circuit was waved for Thibault Benistant of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team, but it was so nearly a very different story!

In a fascinating morning of action on a circuit that only local boy and reigning MXGP World Champion Pradohad any prior knowledge of, the world’s fastest Motocross riders were soon cutting their lap times down to get the best possible gate pick. Some riders took their time to gradually reduce their lap times as they learnt the circuit, but the pack looked close on the timing charts in both classes heading into the afternoon’s RAM Qualifying Races. And all of them were able to come out in full attack mode when the gate dropped!

World Championship leader Tim Gajser put down his marker for Team HRC with the fastest time in Free Practice, with Prado in second. Then in Time Practice it was the turn of Jeffrey Herlings to show his hand for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, flying to the pole position lap, only half a tenth of a second ahead of Gajser!

Herlings used the inside gate to good effect and led into the first corner, but Gajser cut a stunning line out of turn two to grab the lead! The Dutchman was not rolling over, however, and made a brilliant pass to take it back, before the Slovenian used a big, 450-only triple jump into the wave section to retake the advantage that Herlings would not get to take back.

Meanwhile, Prado had been battling with the fast-starting Calvin Vlaanderen, who had fought the Spaniard back to keep third for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP. A decisive move on the second lap allowed Prado to clear the #10 rider and chase down Herlings, and Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre followed him through immediately!

From there, Prado built his momentum with the crowd urging him on through every twist of the throttle! Five laps later, he drove past the KTM talisman to take second, and Febvre would also get past Herlings a lap later. With the fastest lap of the race, Prado closed in on Gajser, and squeezed into the lead just after crossing the finish line to start lap seven!

From there, the lead positions were set until a small mistake from Febvre three laps from the end allowed Herlings to regain third, as Vlaanderen recovered to claim fifth ahead of the Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jeremy Seewer.

The result for Prado, a race where he moved forward better than at any time before in this Championship, was probably more important than just the one-point gain over Gajser, and the series lead is now just 13 points for the Slovenian heading into tomorrow’s main Grand Prix races!

Jorge Prado: “It wasn’t too bad of a start but I think I was around 4th or 5th in the first two laps and there were good battles with some of the guys too but once I made few passes and got to Jeffrey I knew I had to pass straight away. I was checking out the rhythm see how he went. As soon as I saw that they slowed down a bit I made my attacks. I got to Gajser after, made the pass and controlled the race so yeah, I really enjoyed the ride”

MXGP – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GASGAS), 23:56.718; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:00.631; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:07.465; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:13.756; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Yamaha), +0:14.672; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Kawasaki), +0:15.933; 7. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +0:32.929; 8. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:36.028; 9. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Honda), +0:43.118; 10. Cornelius Toendel (NOR, KTM), +0:43.829

MXGP – World Championship Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 261 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 248 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 227 p.; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 206 p.; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 194 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 162 p.; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 157 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 149 p.; 9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, HON), 108 p.; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON), 95 p

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing again saw their riders at the top in MX2, as Kay de Wolf and Lucas Coenen finished 1-2 in both Free and Time Practice, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s defending Champion Andrea Adamo coming to the line in third.

A terrible start for the red plate holder De Wolf left him buried in the pack, while the holeshot went to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing flyer Sacha Coenen! Returning from injury was Team HRC rookie Ferruccio Zanchi, and all the pent-up aggression bore fruit as he held 2nd from title chaser Simon Laengenfelder, himself racing after surgery on a broken collarbone sustained in Portugal! The German on the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing machine looked in fine form despite the injury, and would finish in fifth position.

Thibault Benistant moved forward into second place by the end of the first full lap, but behind him there was a three-bike pile-up involving Sacha’s teammates Liam Everts and Adamo, as well as Mikkel Haarup for Monster Energy Triumph Racing! There was no catching Sacha Coenen who looked in total command for almost the entire race. Zanchi also held firm in third. Kay de Wolf was charging through the pack and would eventually get to seventh, losing just two points to Laengenfelder.

On the last few laps, everything changed! Lucas Coenen had been hassling Laengenfelder, and finally moved up to fourth as they took the 2-Lap board, then immediately dived on Zanchi to take third! With half a lap to go, there was heartbreak for Sacha Coenen who crashed in the wooded section out of the lead, and then dropped the bike again as he tried to get going!

Restarting just in front of his brother, Lucas was merciless in getting through to second with his best ride for some time. Sacha would have to console himself with third and forget about what might have been. He could be a serious threat on Sunday!

It was Benistant, however, who took his first Qualifying victory for well over a year, and with Everts unable to get back into the top ten, the Frenchman reclaims third in the Championship standings, while De Wolf holds an advantage of 28 points and a mission to get a better start tomorrow!

Thibault Benistant: “I was quite patient all the race actually and I was feeling good. I still feel a bit tight but I took a good start which I wanted for a long time. It’s really nice to start at the front and kept pushing until the end and Sacha (Coenen) made a mistake so I can say I was a bit luck yin the end..but I stayed on the wheels and I won so I’m very happy!”

MX2 – RAM Qualifying Race – Classification: 1. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), 24:15.094; 2. Lucas Coenen (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:11.495; 3. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:13.108; 4. Ferruccio Zanchi (ITA, Honda), +0:15.460; 5. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:20.181; 6. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +0:24.142; 7. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:26.524; 8. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:31.410; 9. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), +0:34.755; 10. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA, GASGAS), +0:36.321

MX2 – World Championship Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 250 points; 2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 222 p.; 3. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 195 p.; 4. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 188 p.; 5. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 180 p.; 6. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 168 p.; 7. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 164 p.; 8. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 154 p.; 9. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, TRI), 126 p.; 10. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 112 p

MXGP OF GALICIA QUICK FACTS:
Circuit length: 1550m
Type of ground: Dark Sand Soil
Temperature: 22°
Weather conditions: Sunny

TIMETABLE

SUNDAY: 09:40 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 WMX Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

For more news check out our dedicated MXGP/MX2 News page

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

Quiles wins over Salmela and Carpe in great Rookies Race 1 Le Mans battle

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

Màximo Quiles was congratulated by Marc Márquez in Parc firmé after a brilliantly executed last-lap pass on Rico Salmela stole victory in 15 thrilling laps of Le Mans.

The 3rd Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup podium of the season was completed by Álvaro Carpe and the 16-year-old Spaniards share the points lead going into Sunday’s race.

Finland’s Salmela is tied for 3rd on points with Argentina’s Valentin Perrone who took 4th in only his third Rookies Cup race, backing up the 2nd he grabbed in the season opener in Spain.

Fellow countryman Marco Morelli, winner of that first race, did his Cup chances no favours by falling on lap 1.

Max had it all worked out
“It was a great race, we could see a big crowd watching us and that also made me happy.”

“I tried to push from the beginning, to open a gap and I was able to stretch the group a bit but then one guy overtook me and slowed us a bit and the group closed up again. Then Rico tried to push again, I kept behind him because he had good rhythm and was fast.”

“Then on the last lap, I prepared to overtake him in corner 8, I managed it and it worked well. Then in the last sector, I just pushed hard to make sure no one could overtake me.”

“Then I crossed the line first and it was a great feeling, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

“It wasn’t an easy win at all. Rico was really fast, very late braking in corner 7 and some others. His riding style is really different to mine. I am carrying more mid-corner speed and a bit softer in braking so I can’t pass him everywhere but I made it work.”

“The bike was not totally comfortable because I had to save the front quite a few times and I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted and I felt the bike was better in FP2 and Quali but perhaps it was because the track was so hot I don’t know. Tomorrow in the morning will be cooler so maybe I won’t change anything.”

Rico will have a new plan for Sunday
“It’s my first podium of the year so I am happy with that. The race was good, I felt more or less good on the bike. I was struggling a bit on the front but I have a good feeling for tomorrow and I will take a look at the race and try to make another plan for Race 2.”

“I was not the best in the last sector and it was not possible for me to overtake Max at the end of the last lap. It was already difficult for me to stay with them in the last sector so I knew I did not have anything extra for the last lap there. I just decided to take the P2.”

“P1 was not possible but I tried, I came close to Maximo in the back straight on the last lap and he hit the limiter but was right on the white line and there was no way past. Now I will focus on tomorrow.”

“I do have a different style to Max, I am braking late and the only thing I am missing now is the mid-corner turning, I still need to practice this a bit but it is coming better all the time. I’m not planning to change the bike, I lost the front just a few times but more from my mistake I think than anything else.”

Alvaro already playing it clever
“I enjoyed that race so much,” enthused the 16-year-old. “It was a race with not too many overtakes but still a lot of fun, a great way to start the weekend. Max and Rico had a great pace, they were pushing very hard. I was at the back but still in the first group.”

“I think it was a really fast race, I did a really good job, thinking a little about the championship, making sure to get some good points. Finally, I got third and I can be very happy with that.”

“Tomorrow I plan to do the same, my KTM is working well, no thought to change anything, a little bit of chatter on the brakes, but nothing to worry about and I plan to run the same sort of race again.”

Valentin had nothing left
“It was a really difficult race,” stated the 16-year-old. “In the beginning, I was pushing so hard and closing the line all the time so no one could get past. Then in the last 5 laps I paid for it because Rico was in front pushing so hard with really good pace and doing 44s, I was on my limit.”

“The last lap was a bit crazy because I overtook Uriarte and then it was impossible to overtake Carpe but it is still a good finish and good points for the championship.”

“The bike is great I feel really comfortable and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Brian Uriarte 5th after a big risk
“I’m happy with that,” the Spanish 15-year-old stated plainly. “Yesterday I struggled a bit in qualifying and today I did better. I checked the lines some of the other guys were using and I learn from that.”

“So for my first time in Le Mans, I think it was OK, I will talk to the guys about maybe changing the bike a bit for tomorrow but also I am still learning.”

“There is time to be made using different lines but also perhaps with the bike if I can find more grip at the rear. The others didn’t seem to slide as much as me.”

“I was really fast in corner 11and I tried the move there with a couple of laps to go but lost the front so that was not the place on the last lap. Instead, I tried in the chicane off the back straight and risked a lot there, it didn’t work but you have to try.”

Hakim Danish wanted more than 6th
“I had a good start,” explained the Malaysian 16-year-old. “In the beginning, I was a little bit struggling with the pace because when the riders passed me their pace was very quick and it was a little bit difficult for me to follow.”

“I tried to find something more and to follow. I managed to stay in the group but then in the last couple of laps I made a little mistake and one rider passed me a little bit hard and I lost the group. I managed to push more and get the group back but it was only P6.”

“The bike is good, I will watch the race and see what I can do better for tomorrow.”

Ruche Moodley knows what he must do to better 7th
“It was a really fast race compared to last year and I struggled a lot in the first chicane,” The South African 17-year-old pointed out. “It seemed every time I went into the first chicane I made a mistake because my line going in is wrong and I would lose the group.”

“Then I would have to catch the group again and so I could never make my way through the group, I was always playing catch up.”

“So I’ve got to get to get that fixed tomorrow, work out what I need to do differently, then I can have a better race.”

Marco looking forward
“I feel OK, nothing hurt from the crash, this is the main thing,” said the 16-year-old. “I made a good start and I pushed, OK so I pushed a little too hard but this is racing.”

“Today it was too much, it might be different tomorrow, or in Mugello, in Racing you have to push and anything can happen.”

Broadcast
This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.

Race 2 is on Sunday at 08:45, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.

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/

Spinelli completes the double after a last lap duel with Casadei

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

The Italian took both race wins in Le Mans after a thrilling battle with reigning champion Casadei and rookie sensation Gutierrez.

Race 2 at Round 2 of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship gave us everything we could ask for with drama by the boat load and a last-lap battle for victory. Ultimately, Nicholas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) showed his cool head and class to double up on Saturday in Le Mans. Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) was forced to settle for second in a thrilling conclusion that Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) had the best seat in the house for as he crossed the line third.

Once again it was Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) that led into Turn 1 but his lead was short-lived with as Spinelli found a way through at Turn 3. Casadei, determined at the sight of one of his main title rivals in the lead, soon managed to make his way into second. Lap 2 then saw some thrilling action as Casadei surged past Spinelli at the head of the pack.

For polesitter Garzo though, disaster would strike. On just Lap 3 of 8, Garzo crashed out at Turn 12, resulting in a second DNF of the day. Another big name would hit the deck too as Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) would fall as a result of contact with Andrea Mantovani (KLINT Forward Factory Team) the following lap.

Back at the front the laps wound down and it was clear we were in for an epic three-rider conclusion. The final lap saw Spinelli charge into it leading the trio but through the long Turn 6 Casadei would incredibly find a way to turn under Spinelli to lead for a brief moment. The #29 came diving back at the very next corner and somehow kept it tight to the apex, making it impossible for Casadei to respond. Despite his best efforts in the final sector, Casadei’s efforts were thwarted by Spinelli as the Tech3 E-Racing rider completed the dream double at the team’s home round.

Rookie sensation Gutierrez took his second podium of the season 1.5 seconds clear of a lonely fourth place for Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing). Mantovani rounded out the top five after finishing ahead of Lukas Tulovic (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) in sixth. Seventh after crashing out of Race 1 was Miquel Pons (Axxis-MSI), storming to the line ahead of Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™). Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team) was unable to replicate a second podium of the day, crossing the line in ninth ahead of Alessio Finello (Felo Gresini MotoE™) despite a long lap penalty for a shortcut at Turn 4.

The next chapter of the MotoE™ season will take place at the legendary Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for another exciting two races, so make sure you keep up to date with all the action on motogp.com!

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoE News page

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Spinelli takes top honours in Race 1 as Garzo and Zaccone slide out

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

The Italian was back on the top step of the podium for the third time in four races ahead of Zannoni and Casadei.

The FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship treated the French fans to an incredible Race 1 with Nicholas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) pulling off an unbelievable performance at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France. The Italian continues to add to his win tally, taking victory by over one second from Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team) who stormed from 10th on the grid. Behind, Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) claimed third for his tenth consecutive podium and a new record run.

Once the lights went out Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) shot off into the race lead from pole position. It was a tense first lap with moves made at every opportunity. Garzo led from Spinelli in what would be the start of things to come.

The nail-biting action at the front kicked off on lap two as Spinelli launched up the inside. Garzo soon battled back until the key moment of the race unfolded on Lap 4. Garzo would surge to inside in a daring Turn 1 move before Spinelli then fought back into the Dunlop Chicane, only for Garzo to tuck the front at that very chicane and extinguish his victory hopes.

Once at the front, Spinelli began to put the hammer down as he began to create a gap between himself and podium contenders Casadei and Zannoni. The battle for second was truly on with Casadei and Zannoni going head-to-head and swapping position a total of five times, making contact along the way too. Their battling only then brought the riders behind into the mix for the closing laps.

The action wasn’t only at the front, but also behind. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) and Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) went toe-to-toe with contact between the two ultimately ending with the latter crashing out at Turn 4 – no further action was taken.

At the front Spinelli demonstrated his superior pace and as he entered the final lap had managed to build up a gap of just over one second. Behind, Zannoni managed to hold on from Casadei as the pair crossed the line second and third.

Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) took fourth despite last lap contact with Casadei while attempting to pinch third. Andrea Mantovani (KLINT Forward Factory Team) rounded out the top five, with Granado, Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI), the Felo Gresini MotoE™ duo of Matteo Ferrari and Alessio Finello behind, as Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the top 10.

For more info checkout our dedicated MotoE News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

Martin hits back, Marquez charges, Bagnaia fails to score as drama hits in the Sprint

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

The Championship twists again after bad luck for Bagnaia and a stunner for his fellow frontrunners in France.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) bounced back from Jerez in style at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, getting an incredible launch from pole to take off and escape to his 12th Tissot Sprint win. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) pulled off an awesome comeback to thread through to second from P13 on the grid, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) completing the Sprint podium. Where was reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)? Read on…

It was a stunning start from Martin to take the holeshot, and the exact opposite for Bagnaia as he plummeted from second to mid-pack, seemingly with some sort of issue. Meanwhile some friendly-fire – within the limit – between the Aprilias added another shuffle, and with that it was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) slotting into second on the chase behind Martin.

Meanwhile, as Bagnaia went backwards, Marc Marquez was storming forwards. The number 93 threaded the needle to perfection off the start and was into fifth within a few corners. Within a few laps, he was the rider on the chase behind the Martin-Bezzecchi duel at the front.

Aleix Espargaro was then the next to drop out of that front battle as his start proved too good to be true, given a double Long Lap for the jump start. The drama then amped up again for Bagnaia just behind that, as he ran wide from the back of the field. Something was definitely wrong for the #1 as he then headed into pitlane. The reigning Champion was out of the Sprint.

That left Martin leading Bezzecchi leading Marquez, with Viñales next up. A gaggle of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had the gloves off too, and Espargaro then rejoined in their midst.

Suddenly, there was more drama at the front. Yellow flashed across the run off at Turn 9 as Bezzecchi slid out from that second place, leaving Marquez on the chase behind Martin. The gap between the two was now at over two seconds, however, and the clock was counting down. The Sprint King was on his way to another Saturday stunner, and he got the job done in style to capitalise on a tough Sprint for Bagnaia.

Behind Martin’s impressive charge at the front, Marquez took second after an awesome comeback ride from P13 on the grid, with Viñales holding onto third in the last laps as Bastianini put in a late charge for glory. The ‘Beast’ had to settle for fourth.

Espargaro recovered from his double Long Lap to finish fifth, with Acosta taking a solid sixth and putting in a final corner save. Di Giannantonio held off Miller for seventh, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) taking the final point on Saturday… just marginally ahead of home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).

Another 27 laps await the grid on Sunday, with Bagnaia now the rider looking to hit back, Martin needing another showstopper to keep that ground gained, and Marquez looking down the barrel of the start from P13 once again. Can he pull it off twice? Will there be fireworks? Find out at 14:00 (UTC +2)!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Canet claims heroic pole ahead of Roberts and Garcia

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) came out the blocks swinging in France to secure a heroic pole position, fighting through from Q1 to pull off a spectacular 1:35.037.

A late crash couldn’t dampen spirits as he looks to get back in the fight at the front, with the Spaniard passed fit after his ankle injury from Jerez and now set to start from pole.

Joining Canet on a competitive front row will be the World Championship leader, Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), who was a mere 0.136s behind, with the rider Roberts’ stole the lead from last time out, Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI), set to line up third.

Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) heads Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) on Row 2, with Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) rounding off a strong second row to just deny Izan Guevara (CFMoto Inde Aspar Team).

Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp), meanwhile, starts from 12th as he aims to put in another comeback through the field.

Ready for more? Tune in for lights out on Sunday at 12:15 (UTC +2)!

For more Moto2 info checkout our dedicated Moto2 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

Alonso looks to hit back ahead of Holgado and Rueda

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

Third time lucky? After taking his first pole three GPs ago, David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) hasn’t started from anywhere else since.

His third consecutive pole position saw him destroy the lap record yet again with a 1:40.114 on his final flying lap in France as he looks to bounce back from a crash out the lead in Spain.

It was extremely close at the front, however, with Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) securing second, missing out on pole position by 0.011s, with Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) returning to the action and the front row at once.

Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) will start from fourth after the last lap for Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) cancelled due to yellow flags, putting the Jerez winner fifth. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) will round out the second row and hopes to close the gap to Alonso and Holgado on Sunday.

For more Moto3 info checkout our dedicated Moto3 News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website motogp.com

Martin beats Bagnaia to pole, Viñales third as Marquez fails to move through from Q1

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

Lap records, drama and surprise exits? The stage is set for fireworks in France.

Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will start from pole at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, although the journey to the top, via a stunning new lap record in the 1:29s, was far from drama-free. But neither was it for his now closest-challenger in the standings either, reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), as the #1 followed a tumble for Martin with one of his own. They’ll start 1-2 on the grid though, and they’ll have company from another fast, fast challenger: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as the 2017 winner gears up for another shot at it.

Q1 TURNS THE TABLES
As ever, plenty of contenders were looking for a way through to Q2. As ever, nothing is ever as simple as it seems in motorcycle racing either. After a number of yellow flags and dramas, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) managed to thread the needle to put in a fast, clean lap, leaving early leader Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) in second.

But there was one last shot at the top left for Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) and the Portuguese rider made it count, knocking the eight-time World Champion out of the top two and moving through along with Bastianini. MM93 is left to launch from P13, although that’s a little further forward than another rider who expected to fight at the front: Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) starts last after a nightmare weekend so far.

CALM FROM THE CHAOS
Despite one of the messiest ends to Q2 in recent memory, the front row is a fairly calm appraisal of who has seemed fastest so far in France. Martin put in a stunner to take over on top and then slid out when trying to better it again, leaving the baton with Bagnaia to respond. The reigning Champion was putting in the red sectors too, but he then slid out of contention, leaving it in Championship order at the front of the grid. Viñales, meanwhile, lurks in third and with some serious speed…

Bastianini looked like he could attack for pole late on, and for one sector so did Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), but it faded and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team were on the charge.

THE GRID
Behind that front row, it is indeed Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and teammate and 2023 Le Mans winner Marco Bezzecchi in fourth and fifth, ahead of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) who was another of those late crashers bringing out yellow flags.

Row 3 is headed by Acosta, with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) in P8 after a serious push on home turf. He starts just ahead of former teammate and now Prima Pramac Racing rider Franco Morbidelli.

After not finding quite enough to improve, Bastianini lines up in P10 ahead of Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the final Q2 crasher, with Oliveira P12 just ahead of Marc Marquez in the first of those in Q1.

The stage is set for a stunning show in Sarthe, so first tune in for the Tissot Sprint at 15:00 today, before the Grand Prix at 14:00 tomorrow. See you there!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Born on the track. Unleashed on the street. Oxford NEXUS leathers

Frank Duggan

May 11, 2024

Oxford NEXUS: Born on the track. Unleashed on the streets.

For over 40 years, Oxford has been a steadfast presence in the race paddock, supporting teams and nurturing talent. By continually assimilating insights from the track with feedback from the road, we have been able to engineer the highest performing real-world product range available anywhere today.

Designed and engineered from the ground up, NEXUS is the culmination of 4 years of research and development and more than 40 years of experience since racers started tearing around tracks wearing Oxford branded leathers.

Nexus: 4 Points Converge

Ultimate Protection
Exceptional comfort
Bold Styling
Racing Pedigree

NEXUS ONE-PIECE LEATHER SUIT
The NEXUS leather one-piece suit offers CE AAA rated protection, CE level 2 protectors at the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips, removable knee sliders, TPU abrasion resistant cups and engineered stretch zones at movement critical areas.

Sizes: S-5XL
RRP: £499.99

Black / Red – LM223204
Stealth Black – LM223205
Black / White – LM223206

NEXUS TWO-PIECE LEATHER SUIT
The NEXUS leather jacket & pant offers CE AAA rated protection, internal CE level 2 protectors at the shoulders, elbows, knees & hips, external TPU abrasion resistant cups at the shoulders and elbows, replaceable knee sliders and engineered stretch zones in movement-critical areas.

Sizes: S-5XL
Jacket RRP: £299.99
Pants RRP: £249.99

Stealth Black
Jacket – LM228101
Pant – LM223101

Black / White
Jacket – LM228102
Pant – LM223102

Black / Red
Jacket – LM228103

FEATURES

Protection

CE AAA Certified (EN 17092-2:2020)
CE level 2 protectors at the shoulder, elbow, hip & knee (EN 1621-1:2012)
External TPU shoulder, elbow and knee sliders for impact and abrasion resistance
Replaceable knee sliders (hook-and-loop attachment)
Back protector pocket (protector available separately)

Climate Control

Perforation zones across the suit
Stretch textiles enhance air flow and air circulation
Breathable mesh lining (fully removable)

Fabric & Construction

1.2mm genuine cowhide leather
Leather reinforcements at impact abrasion zones
Highly abrasion and tear resistant stretch textile
Neoprene rolled collar
Race hump for improved aerodynamics and airflow
Reinforced safety seams
Air mesh collar lining for increased comfort and breathability

Adjustability & Fit

Accordion leather stretch panels at the upper back, above the knee and waist offer improved flexibility
Large stretch panels at the shoulders, elbow, inner arm, crotch, inside knee/calf and waist for improved fit and movement on the bike
YKK semi-auto lock zippers at sleeve and hem openings
Pre-curved leg construction for an improved riding fit
Stretch Internal mesh lining works in conjunction with outer stretch zones
Coccyx padding on the seat
Zipper guards at the cuff, hem and main zipper openings

NEXUS KNEE SLIDERS
Nexus Knee Sliders are included with all Nexus leather pants and 1-piece race suits. Replacements are also available to purchase separately. Made from a hardwearing compound, with an excellent combination of skim performance and feel, these pads are ideal for racing, track days and normal road use.

RRP: £29.99
Code: OX926

For more Oxford Products news check out our new dedicated page

or head to the official Oxford Products website oxfordproducts.com/

Pole man Quiles and Salmela the ones to beat after Rookies Le Mans Qualifying

Frank Duggan

May 10, 2024

A hot afternoon, already a packed crowd and 25 teenagers determined to get their KTMs set up for the second round of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies at Le Mans.

It was Finland’s Rico Salmela who spent the most time on top of the timing screens but Màximo Quiles stole the show by 0.028 seconds to take pole for Spain.

Cup points leader and Jerez Race 2 winner Álvaro Carpe was 3rd quickest but the 16-year-old Spaniard will start Saturday’s race from P9 on the grid thanks to a penalty for exiting the pit lane past a red light.

That promotes Malaysian 16-year-old Hakim Danish to the front row with Jerez Race 1 winner Marco Morelli heading up Row 2 as the Argentine 16-year-old looks to better his second place in the points chase.

Màximo on pole by a fraction
“That was good,” enthused the 16-year-old. “I changed the bike between FP2 and Quali. In FP2 I had a lot of chatter in the chicane, corners 9 and 10 when I went in on the brakes. So I talked with the suspension guy and they fixed it, it was better.”

“I knew I needed to improve it for the Quali because you have the new tyre and with much more grip that puts more pressure on the suspension and it will be the same in the race. Then I felt really good on the bike.”

“At the beginning of Quali, I was on my own because I didn’t want to get stuck in the group. I preferred to find the rhythm that I want to run in the race. Then luckily I caught the group at the right time, had some good laps, the slipstream and a reference and I did a 44.2. Still not perfect because in the last corner, I had to brake, I lost like .2 of a second there.”

“But I am really happy, we know I have pace for tomorrow and I will really push. I will try to break away, I will find my rhythm and be strong, we’ll see.”

Rico will do better
“That was OK, it was better than Jerez, Quali was a struggle there,” commented the 16-year-old with his usual grin, referring to his P9 in Spain.

“All day I had a good feeling with the bike, I could do P1 in FP1 and 2. Now, in the Quali I was feeling good, I couldn’t do a perfect lap but it put me second, I’m happy and tomorrow we’ll see, I’ll try to do a better race and improve the position from last year.” He was robbed of a win in both races.

“I wanted to run alone, there was a lot of slowing down in the group, I kept catching them in the wrong places. I didn’t want to do too many slow sectors otherwise you get penalised so I was a bit stuck in the group and I had to pass many riders on my fast lap but still it was OK.”

“The bike is good, more or less right, I had some moments with the front but I’m not sure if I will change anything or not, I will think about it.”

Álvaro in good shape
“I am happy with P3, that’s good. I had problems in FP1 and 2. But my KTM improved so much through the sessions and in the end, I am happy with the time, the place and the bike, it’s really good.”

“I have a penalty for the first race, dropping 6 places on the grid. But I am feeling OK because I am sure I am going to be in the race.”

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow, a lot more confident than last year because then I qualified way back.”

Hakim expecting a hot race
“I feel good with the bike, I finished P4, that’s good and I think I can do a good job in the race. I think it’s going to be a hot day tomorrow and I am confident in this bike in hot conditions.”

“I feel that I have the pace, I tried running alone and I can do that and go faster without anyone around so I think that will help in the race.”

“I am happy with the bike but I think we can still improve it so I’m going to talk to the guys and see if we should try something in the race.”

Marco loves the track and is ready to race
“I’m happy with that, very happy. The day was all good really. In FP2 I tried to get confidence, but it wasn’t quite there. Then in Quali with the new tyre, I pushed and I found the confidence and the limit.”

“I rode alone, this is good for the race, I know what I can do and I had a good pace and rhythm by myself.”

“I think that tomorrow with more adrenaline and pushing harder on race day I can go a little bit faster.”

“We’ll see because for sure it’s going to be a big group, the times are close. Maybe Rico can break, I don’t know, I will try to run with whoever is at the front, I like the bike and I love the track so let’s go.”

Ruche Moodley will be in the hunt
“I think I am well prepared for the race,” commented the South African 17-year-old who was 6th fastest but lines up in the middle of Row 2 thanks to Carpe’s penalty. “That’s the important thing. I don’t think it matters if you are on the front row or not because it’s a long race and I’m confident that I have the pace to run at the front.”

“I like this track a lot and last year I started further back so it really doesn’t matter. I’m happy with the bike, it’s really working well.”
Broadcast

This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.

Race 1 is at 17:00 CEST on Saturday and Race 2 is on Sunday at 08:45, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.

a href=”https://www.fanatics.co.uk/en/motogp/o-2322318799+z-984148-3867365807″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>

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/

Martin outpaces Pecco with new lap record as Marquez faces Q1

Frank Duggan

May 10, 2024

The stage is set for another super Saturday with key names split across Q1 and Q2 – and a home hero through.

It was an intense shootout for direct entry into Q2 at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, with the spots in the top 10 going down to the wire. At the end of Friday it was tight at the top too, with just 0.187s separating the top three. Thanks to a new lap record, however, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) reigns supreme ahead of 2023 duelling partner Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), with rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) making a statement in third and on team home turf.

For Martin it was a building session, with the #89 consistently running inside the top 10 before a fast lap with 10 minutes to go before improving to set a remarkable 1:30.388 on the Pramac rider’s final run. Bagnaia tried to fight back late, after briefly occupying the top spot with 20 minutes to go. However, Martin’s final sector was too good to match, leaving the reigning World Champion in second with Acosta finding time in the last 10 minutes of the the day to jump to third on the #31’s first time at Le Mans on a MotoGP™ bike.

In fourth after another cracking day was Aprilia Racing’s Maverick Viñales, who was a mere 0.269s from the top spot at the end of the opening day of action at the French GP. The Americas GP winner was ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) in sixth who had a positive Friday after putting a fresh soft rear tyre in his final run.

Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was sixth after a strong finish to the day – setting a 1:30.699. However, it was not smooth sailing for Miller after saving a crash after running through the gravel at turn two. However at the other side of the box, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a tough day crashing for the third time on Friday, ending the day outside of the Q2 spots.

Aleix Espargaro ended a strong day for the Aprilia Racing squad, finishing the day in seventh, after briefly claiming the top spot. Behind Espargaro in eighth position after a great day was Prima Pramac Racing’s Franco Morbidelli who earned direct entry into Q2 onnce again after finding late time late in the session.

2023 winner Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing) was ninth clinching a Q2 spot and just 0.397 away from the top spot in the highly competitive field. And to the delight of the French crowd, home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) took the final spot inside the top 10 and by 0.010s, leaving some huge names to battle in Q1.

Most notably Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) is now forced to go through Q1 on Saturday after ending the day in 13th. The #93 had a crash in the opening stage of the session, remounting, and then began to push in the last 10 minutes but he was unable to piece together a lap good enough for the top 10. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) will join him in Q1 tomorrow, after spending most of Practice outside the top 10 and crossing the line to end the day in 19th.

Binder and Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) will also prepare for a Q1 appearance on Saturday, hoping to join their teammates in Q2. Further down the order, the French crowd will also be cheering on Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR), who was 20th with work to do to improve.

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

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The Colombian defends to perfection in France to move to within a single point of Holgado’s Championship lead