Aegerter fastest as MotoE™ gets back on track at Jerez
Energica bring a new battery for 2022 as the opening day of testing in Jerez ends with the Swiss rider on top
Monday, 07 March 2022
Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) has ended the first day of the Official FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto top of the timesheets thanks to a 1:48.634, opening a gap at the top. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) was second fastest as he changes team, the Brazilian’s best time a 1:48.925, with inaugural Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) third quickest out the blocks.
Day 1 consisted of three sessions, the first of which was 15 minutes long and the latter two 20 minutes each. One big headline saw the riders and teams get to grips with Energica’s new battery for the 2022 season, with lower weight a key aim of the evolution.
Two-time and defending MotoE World Cup Champion Jordi Torres (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Behind the top three, Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) and 2020 and 2021 Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) were the riders completing the fastest five runners on Monday, but there are still two more days of track action ahead in Andalucia.
It was a warm welcome back to MotoE™ action for Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team), his teammate Niccolo Canepa and Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing) too, the trio all returning to the fold after at least a year away from the electric class.
The only rider from the 2022 line-up that was absent was sophomore Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) after the Spaniard had to undergo surgery due to appendicitis.
Make sure to stay up to date with highlights and interviews on motogp.com throughout the three days of testing in Jerez!
Yamaha Celebrates its “Spirit of Challenge” with Return to the Iconic Daytona International Speedway
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., makes its official return to the high banks of the iconic Daytona International Speedway, with MotoAmerica partnering with the venue to host the 80th running of the renowned Daytona 200 on March 10-12. Leading the campaign for the top honors is the Attack Performance Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team with defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne and Cameron Petersen aboard Attack Performance Yamaha R6 machines sporting special 60th Anniversary red-and-white livery.
Yamaha’s deep-rooted “Spirit of Challenge” was born from the company’s first racing success in 1955 at the Mt. Fuji Ascent Race in Japan, which amazingly occurred just weeks after its first product, the YA-1, was introduced to the world.
Then, in 1972, a young Californian, Don Emde, son of 1948 Daytona 200 winner Floyd Emde, took his Yamaha TR3 road racer to a stunning victory on the high banks, marking the first Daytona 200 victory for Yamaha and beginning a 13-year streak for the brand. In addition to that debut victory 50 years ago, Yamaha riders swept the podium. The brand has gone on to record the most wins of any manufacturer at the historic event, amassing a total of 27 victories over the past five decades.
“March 12, 1972, holds a true lifetime memory for my entire family and myself, as working together, we took that little TR3 Yamaha giant-killer to victory,” said Don Emde. “I took the checkered flag about five or six bike lengths ahead of the second-place rider, and the feeling of that victory 50 years ago remains fresh to this very day! I still must credit my dad, who instilled in me that my biggest goal in racing was always very possible, and that day proved him right.”
Yamaha looks to carry on that winning tradition as it returns to racing at Daytona International Speedway in 2022.
“Yamaha is very proud to have the most wins by a manufacturer in the renowned Daytona 200,” said Tom Halverson, Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS. “Many of these wins were legendary, and none came easy. We are very excited that Attack Performance decided to take on this challenge in which every team member is actively involved. We are looking forward to getting back to the Beach!”
MotoAmerica makes its debut at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the first time since it took stewardship of the U.S. AMA National Road Racing Championship in 2015. So, although it will be the first Daytona 200 for the team that fields Yamaha’s factory-supported effort in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, Attack Performance owner and Team Manager Richard Stanboli has enjoyed success in his previous endeavors.
“We couldn’t be more excited for the new Attack Performance Yamaha Racing team to reach for this goal of winning the re-energized Daytona 200,” said Stanboli. “The Daytona 200 is unlike any other race where team strategy, coordination, and above all, a passion to win makes the difference. I’m confident that our team and our Yamaha R6 is up to the task!”
Jake Gagne is also looking forward to returning to Daytona International Speedway for another shot at the Daytona 200 victory after an eight-year absence.
“I’m excited to get back to the high banks for the Daytona 200!” said Gagne. “Yamaha has always had great performances at Daytona, so I look forward to getting back on an R6 and going racing. I’m sure the field will be deep, and it’s always interesting throwing some pit stops in there.”
The team’s newest addition, Cameron Petersen, will make his debut at the legendary racing venue and looks for a top result.
“It’s my first time racing the Daytona 200,” said Petersen. “It’s a race that I’ve wanted to compete in since I first heard about it as a kid, and to finally have the opportunity to line up with the guys is awesome. I can’t wait to get up on the banking for the first time and feel the sensation. I know Yamaha has a rich history at this event, and I would love to be able to give them another win, and I know that is possible with a team backing me like Attack Yamaha!”
Westby Racing Providing Support For N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto And Rider Blake Davis For 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship
Tulsa, OK – March 7, 2022 – Westby Racing is proud to announce that they will be providing support for N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto and 15-year-old rider Blake Davis for the 2022 MotoAmerica season. Blake will race the #22 N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 in the 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship. The announcement was made by Tryg Westby, team owner of Westby Racing.
“We’re delighted to be able to support the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto team this year and help promising young rider Blake Davis advance his road racing career in the 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship,” Tryg said. “We worked with N2 Racing and BobbleHeadMoto last year in the Junior Cup Championship, and it’s been a really good relationship. Blake will be aboard the new Yamaha R7, and we’re excited to help him and his team develop the bike in the Twins Cup series.”
As part of the support program, Westby Racing technician Dustin Meador will be embedded with the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto team throughout the 2022 MotoAmerica season, and he’ll work alongside crew chief Shiloh Salopek.
Shiloh said, “I am very excited to be working together with Westby Racing for contention in the 2022 Twins Cup. Chuck Giacchetto and the whole Westby Racing crew have helped me since I began working in the MotoAmerica paddock in 2018. Chuck has personally had a huge impact on my quick development, and to be working with people that you look up to is a great feeling. We are confident in the program that we have put together, and l am looking forward to seeing how we stack up against this very competitive field.”
A former AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year and winner of the Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award, Blake has had a lot of road racing success despite only being 15 years old. He joined the MotoAmerica series in 2020 right after turning 14 and becoming age-eligible for the Junior Cup Championship, and last year, in his first full season of MotoAmerica competition, the Lynchburg, Virginia-based rider finished sixth in the championship. For 2022, Blake moves up to the highly competitive Twins Cup Championship.
“I’m really happy to be working with Westby Racing, Blake commented. “They have a ton of knowledge and have been a huge help in getting the R7 set up. With Yamaha, N2 Racing, BobbleHeadMoto, and Westby Racing all on board, this is shaping up to be an amazing season”
Look for Blake on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway later this week as he makes his MotoAmerica Twins Cup debut with N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto. Twins Cup race one will go green on Friday, March 11 at 2 p.m. ET, and race two is at 11:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 12. Both races will be streamed on MotoAmerica Live+.
Michelin to remain sole tyre supplier to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup
The iconic French brand will continue as tyre supplier to MotoE™ until at least 2024
Monday, 07 March 2022
Dorna Sports is pleased to confirm that Michelin will remain the sole, official tyre supplier to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup until at least 2024, extending a partnership that has bred success and close competition since it began – both on-track and off.
Michelin has been a partner of MotoE™ since its inception in 2019, playing a vital role in the creation of the Cup’s identity as a fast, ultra-competitive motorcycle series racing alongside the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship. Michelin’s racing DNA is already showcased to perfection by the company’s ongoing tenure as sole tyre supplier to the MotoGP™ class, which began in 2016, and their commitment to quality and competition has continued shining through in MotoE™ since the series began.
Michelin’s commitment to MotoE™ goes beyond competition, with the company achieving increased and ever-increasing sustainability in their MotoE™ tyres, including the use of recycled and bio-sourced materials. The front tyres are composed of 33% sustainable resources and the rear tyres 40%, including materials such as lemon and orange peel, pine resin, sunflower oil, worn car and truck tyres, and scrap steel.
This seamless intersection between sustainability and performance makes Michelin the perfect match for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. This new agreement until 2024 strengthens the partnership between Dorna and Michelin yet further, maintaining the iconic tyre brand’s presence across MotoGP™, MotoE™ and the MotoGP™ eSport Championship, of which it was also a founding partner.
Maria Esperanza Gaspar Aguilon, Michelin Senior Vice President Business Line 2 Wheels Worldwide: “Michelin is investing significantly in all the forms of motorsport that place the emphasis on sustainability and forward-looking technologies. Such series include the FIM MotoE World Cup. For three years now, it has provided Michelin with an invaluable laboratory for the development of tyres that contain a high proportion of bio-sourced, recycled and regenerated sustainable materials. We are delighted today to be extending our commitment to MotoE and to see the trust its players have in Michelin. For us, MotoE serves as a first-class opportunity to work hand in hand not only with Dorna Sports, but also with the teams and riders to take our innovations forward for the benefit of all Michelin road tyres in the future.”
Marc Saurina, Senior Director of Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to confirm that Michelin will continue as the tyre supplier for MotoE. Since the Cup began, the close competition has been a calling card for the series and Michelin is a cornerstone of that, with exceptional performance. Their proven commitment to increased sustainability is also vital to MotoE, and a perfect fit for the Cup. Racing is one of the best laboratories to develop new technologies and solutions, and we’re very proud that Michelin has committed to MotoE as the perfect place to develop, test and assess what will likely become the tyre technology of the future for millions of vehicles.”
FUELL and Tucker Powersports Announce Ambitious Partnership in the US.
March 7th, 2022 – New York, Fort Worth – FUELL Inc. and Tucker Powersports are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership that kicks off in March of 2022.
This powerful new collaboration will feature Tucker as the exclusive distributor of FUELL’s premium products to the powersports industry for the USA.
As part of this multi-year, renewable partnership, Tucker will distribute the complete line of FUELL’s premium Flluid e-Bikes as well as FUELL’s branded accessories and replacement parts.
Tucker Powersports is a world-class distributor with more than 50 years of experience serving thousands of dealers in the United States and Canada. With a support team of nearly 100 regional sales staff, 7,000 active dealers and strong marketing capabilities, Tucker is the ideal partner for FUELL to bring the brand to a wider audience and develop the brand, while adding a US premium brand to its portfolio of e-vehicles.
This is an exciting time for electric bikes as the worldwide electric bike industry has experienced tremendous growth and is expected to grow by over 50% to reach nearly $70 billion by 2027.
“This new partnership is a real success for both brands. Providing desirable products through an exceptional dealer network that provides outlets and service near every rider has been Tucker’s forte for a long time. FUELL’s strengths are in innovative product design and manufacture. In the exploding marketplace for electric mobility, this makes a dream pairing for enthusiasts who want cutting edge designs but need solid local support. Tucker’s leadership team has the breadth of knowledge and experience to go full bore into this emerging marketplace, and the leadership at FUELL is very excited for the future together” ~ Erik Buell – CTO at FUELL Inc.
“Our dealers have been tremendously receptive to having ePower products in their dealerships. They will absolutely love the addition of FUELL e-bicycles to our offering. The outstanding performance and stunning design of FUELL Flluid, along with the personal touch offered by Tucker dealers is a great combination to offer consumers looking for an electric bicycle” ~ Jamie Kempinski – Director of Business Development at Tucker Powersports
Everyone at FUELL and Tucker Powersports are excited about this new partnership and looking forward to many years of success for both brands.
ENERGICA READY FOR FIRST OFFICIAL MOTOE TEST OF 2022 AT JEREZ
Single Manufacturer Energica is ready to tackle the first of two official tests for the 2022 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, starting tomorrow (7th of March 2022) at the ‘Circuito de Jerez’ in southern Spain. Three days and nine practice sessions await this year’s competitors, who will be able to get to grips with the Energica Ego Corsa machines around the iconic Andalusian track, which also hosts the traditional season opener (29 April – 1 May).
This year’s MotoE field is as competitive as ever, with last season’s protagonists squaring off against returning riders as well as some high calibre rookies. Two-time reigning and defending MotoE World Cup champion Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) is eager to defend his crown once more, following the dramatic 2021 season finale which saw him lifting the ultimate prize after a fierce battle against Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt IntactGP MotoE). Torres will team up this year with MotoE podium finisher Mattia Casadei, who joins the team led by Sito Pons after three years spent with team Ongetta Sic58 Squadracorse (who instead hired Kevin Zannoni).
2019 title winner Matteo Ferrari will once again take to the track with Gresini Racing, while multiple race winner Eric Granado joins the LCR E-Team and Miquél Pons, with the latter looking forward to making good use of the experience gathered last year. After showing flashes of great speed in 2021, Japan’s Hikari Okubo returns to MotoE with the same Avant Ajo MotoE team he raced with last year. Xavi Cardelus is also back in action, once again with team Avintia Esponsorama Racing.
Speaking of welcome returns, three former protagonists are coming back to the fold after some time away from the series: Bradley Smith and Niccolò Canepa team up with WithU GRT RNF MotoE, while Hector Garzó re-joins Tech 3 E-Racing.
This season will also see new faces getting in the mix, including former MotoGP and WorldSBK rider Javier ‘Xavi’ Forés and former World Supersport rider Kevin Manfredi, both racing with the Octo Pramac MotoE Team.
The opening free practice session will get underway tomorrow at 9:30 local time (GMT +1).
ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A
Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycles and is the single manufacturer chosen by Dorna for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.
MICHAEL BARNES WILL NOT COMPETE IN KING OF THE BAGGERS AT DAYTONA
As of 2/24/22, Michael Barnes and DTF Performance have been unable to negotiate contract terms for the 2022 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championship. It’s a very unfortunate turn of events that will prevent Barnes from building on the 2021 program he put his full focus on developing, with much success.
Michael Barnes raced under the DTF Performance / Horsepower Inc. / Hoban Brothers Racing banner last year and secured a win at the inaugural Bagger Racing League round in Utah and a 3rd place at MotoAmerica’s Laguna Seca round. Despite some complex technical issues that plagued the team at the start of the season, he qualified in the top 3 at every round they attended. After the last race in 2021, DTF Performance demanded complete control of the team, only to recently abandon the program 3 weeks before the current season starts.
“I feel the worst for Michael with the demise of this team,” says John Dahmer / crew chief and GM of Hoban Brothers Racing. “DTF Performance pulled the plug on our 2022 effort at the 11th hour, which eliminated any chance for us to successfully field a competitive Harley-Davidson at Daytona on such short notice. With the hard work Michael put in last year, helping this team to develop our Harley-Davidson Roadglide, to witness this is heartbreaking. I know he has all the potential of being extremely competitive in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers class. Michael is a professional and we are certainly looking at and entertaining all of our possibilities so we can get him on a bike within the next couple of rounds.”
Barnes remarks, “This is not how I had envisioned my final season in racing. I’d like to thank John Dahmer of Hoban Brothers Racing, Darkhorse Crankworks, Jimmy Light at HPi, and all of our gracious sponsors for their support of our bagger effort. Additionally, I’d like to mention Audrey Menarik of Moto-Liberty as a long time personal sponsor of mine. She has continually provided me with the best RS-Taichi gear for many years.”
“I felt like we made huge strides in developing our Harley-Davidson Roadglide last year. I was prepared and excited for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, DTF Performance and I couldn’t come to a financial agreement, specifically contingency, which is one of the primary driving forces for me to win for my team and sponsors. I’m an extremely capable rider, bringing decades of experience to the table. With the amount of effort and risk required to ride these motorcycles at a winning pace, I need to stand my ground and be fairly compensated for my work. I’ll be at Daytona with my gear bag and MotoAmerica license. Hopefully no one needs a replacement rider, but if they do, I’m available to fill in. I’d like to wish the best of luck to all racers and teams participating in the event.”
“The support from our sponsors always amazes me,” says Dahmer. “I called all of our industry partners to let them know of what has just transpired, right before our first race of the season. Everyone pledged their continued support for Michael and our program, whenever we are able put something together. The goal is to be back on track at Road America, as that’s the home track for Hoban Brothers Racing.”
A beauty from the Beast: Bastianini victorious in Qatar
History is made in the desert as Gresini win the opener ahead of KTM and Honda, with a night of surprises kicking off the season
Sunday, 06 March 2022
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
There was history on the table in the first Grand Prix of the season, and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) stepped up to the plate. The ‘Beast’ delivered a masterclass in the Grand Prix of Qatar to claim an emotional victory under the lights, which he dedicated to the late Fausto Gresini. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) produced a terrific ride to seal P2 and KTM’s best at the track by some margin, the South African ultimately just 0.3s away from the win. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), after leading the way for much of the race, completed the podium on the opening night, taking his second rostrum with Honda. And the headlines didn’t stop there.
As the lights went out and the curtain went up on the season, polesitter Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) got an uncharacteristically poor start, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) grabbed the holeshot from the outside of the front row and his teammate Pol Espargaro then shot past into the lead. Brad Binder made a great start to go P3 early doors, with Bastianini slotting into P4. World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was eighth battling with Martin, and just up the road, 2020 World Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was making rapid gains. Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati Lenovo Team teammate Jack Miller didn’t get away well, however, and both were outside the top ten.
Four laps in, it was as you were. Pol Espargaro led Marc Marquez, Brad Binder, Mir, Bastianini, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Martin. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) picked off Quartararo on the front straight for P8. Pecco recovered to P10, the Italian sitting behind Quartararo, and the top 10 were all line astern – the riders not yet on the limit, tyre consumption on their minds.
After going in hot on Lap 2 at Turn 1, Marc Marquez was then wide again on Lap 6 to allow Brad Binder into P2. On the next lap, the eight-time World Champion lost out to Bastianini into the first corner too, with Aleix Espargaro and Mir scrapping away for P5 and P6. Miller then pulled into pitlane at the end of Lap 7 to retire from the race, a technical issue seeing his season off to a disappointing start.
Meanwhile, the race had settled down at the front and the pace was starting to pick up between the leaders. Needing to make up time, Bagnaia was trying to get up the inside of Martin at Turn 1 on Lap 12, and drama was about to unfold. The Italian tucked the front, leaving Martin with nowhere to go and the Ducati duo both crashing out of contention, thankfully both riders ok but compounding a difficult evening for the Borgo Panigale factory with Miller, Pecco, Martin, and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), the latter crashing out of points contention, out of the Qatar GP.
Back at the front, Pol Espargaro was a second clear of Brad Binder with 10 laps to go. Second place then changed though as Bastianini, flying the flag for Ducati, picked off the KTM on the run into Turn 1. The Beast then started chipping away at Pol Espargaro’s lead, and with seven laps to go it was back down to under a second. It was 0.6s at the beginning of Lap 17 of 22, and just 0.189s on Lap 18. Bastianini set the fastest lap of the race to slash Pol Espargaro’s advantage, as Aleix Espargaro got the better of Marc Marquez for P4 and homed in.
With four laps to go, Bastianini blasted past Pol Espargaro on the straight to take the lead, and to compound the problem for the Repsol Honda, the number 44 was then in too hot at Turn 1. That allowed Brad Binder to carve past into second as the HRC rider went from P1 to P3 in a matter of seconds, leaving Bastianini with a 1.4s lead with three to go.
Two to go and it was 1.2s for Bastianini over Binder, Pol Espargaro was 0.7s off the KTM, and Aleix Espargaro was threatening his younger brother for the final podium spot – Pol on the soft rear, Aleix on the medium.
Onto the last lap. Bastianini lost another tenth to Binder on the penultimate lap, and the gap was 1.1s. It was down to as little as 0.6s heading into the final sector too, but the Beast held on. The Italian powered his GP21 out the final corner and took an incredible, emotional victory under the lights in Qatar, the perfect tribute to the late, great Fausto Gresini and a history-making first premier class win.
Brad Binder’s second place was a warning shot for their rivals after a more muted pre-season on the timesheets for KTM, and the South African, as he so often does, pulled a rabbit out the hat on Sunday. Pol Espargaro, after leading for so long, held onto a fantastic podium too – his second with HRC.
Aleix Espargaro was 0.8s away from the rostrum in the end but becomes the Aprilia rider to finish closest to victory – 2.2s. Marc Marquez’s return to action in Qatar for the first time since 2019 was celebrated with a solid P5, a good opening weekend for the eight-time Champion. It was, however, the first time the number 93 has finished a MotoGP™ race at Lusail and not come home as top Honda.
The two Suzukis, meanwhile, finished a low key sixth and seventh – Mir leading teammate Rins by 3.9s and both looking for more although still showing off some serious top speed gains from the Hamamatsu factory.
So where are the Yamahas? Quartararo looked set to take home P8 but Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), on the run to the line, demoted the reigning Champion to P9. A disappointing start to El Diablo’s season, and a surprise for the factory who took two wins last season in Qatar with Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) coming home in P11.
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) split the Yamahas in P10, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) a lonely 12th. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) edged out Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) in P13 and P14.
The fight for the final points went down to the wire as reigning Moto2™ World Champion Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) won the rookie battle for 15th, despite still struggling with a wrist broken in pre-season. Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) gave it one final lap push but the South African was just 0.012s away from a debut premier class point in the end, nevertheless impressing as second rookie as he moves from Moto3™ to MotoGP™.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) leave Round 1 empty handed, and Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) crashed out unhurt, separately, at Turn 1.
And that’s all she wrote in the season opener. What a night it was under the lights in Qatar, with a new MotoGP™ race winner in the field. Surprises and drama aplenty, and The Beast delivered a beauty. Indonesia is next up – bring it on as Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit welcomes the paddock back to Lombok.
Enea Bastianini: “My feeling now is incredible because I pushed from the start but the most important was to save the tyre until the end of the race. When I saw Pol pushing a lot, I overtook Binder during the race. In the end Pol was really close to me and then I thought I could try to win the race. Then I overtook him on the first corner when he went wide. I want to dedicate this victory to Fausto because he has pushed me a lot from the sky. It’s fantastic for all the team I think we have cried, all the guys. I’m very happy for my family back home, I want to say thanks to everybody for this.”
Celestino Vietti (13). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Vietti victorious after a Moto2™ masterclass
The sophomore took his maiden Moto2™ win by some margin, with Canet second and Lowes third after a four-way fight to complete the podium
Leading from start to finish, Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) converted pole position into a dominant victory at the Grand Prix of Qatar to kickstart his season in perfect fashion. The Italian beat Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) by a whopping 6.154s on Sunday evening in the desert, the duo also finishing comfortably up the road from third place Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). The Brit stayed cool and profited from late drama between Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) as the two tangled – but stayed upright – at the final corner.
Vietti got a clean getaway from pole as reigning Moto3™ World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went into Turn 1 too hot, as did Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up). Acosta dropped to the back of the field as Canet made great gains in the opening three laps to go from P9 on the grid to P2. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was P3 and Fernandez was P4.
With six laps gone, Vietti boasted a 0.9s lead over Canet as Ogura picked off Fernandez and Arbolino in quick succession. A mistake at Turn 6 on Lap 9 then saw Arbolino lose touch with the Ogura, Fernandez and Lowes train, and at the front Vietti saw his lead over Canet hit the two-second mark for the first time. That didn’t last long though. With 10 laps left, Canet was just 1.5s shy and in two consecutive laps, the Spaniard reeled Vietti in by 0.3s. But on Lap 14 of 20, Vietti had reopened the gap and the Italian was 2.3s up the road, with Canet 5.4s clear of the podium fight behind him.
Ultimately Vietti was dominant from start to finish; Canet comfortable in P2 and the fight to complete the podium a close on.
Lowes had got the better of Fernandez and Ogura within a lap, with his teammate Arbolino back in contention too. But with two to go, Fernandez dived up the inside of Lowes at Turn 10 for P4, and Ogura held P3 heading into the final lap. Fernandez was climbing all over the back of the Japanese rider, but he was holding firm. Fernandez then lunged at Turn 15, made it stick, and trying to bite back at the final corner, Ogura tucked the front. He slid into the side of Fernandez, which somehow kept Ogura upright, but the contact cost both a podium. Lowes said thank you very much and scythed through for third.
Fernandez was so close to a debut rostrum with Red Bull KTM Ajo but it wasn’t to be for the Spaniard. Arbolino was in the podium hunt throughout and impressed in fifth, the Italian managing to finish ahead of Ogura as somehow, the Japanese rider still finished in P6. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40) was a lonely but solid seventh ahead of an all-American duel between eighth place Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) and ninth place Cameron Beaubier (American Racing).
Injured Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) picked up a commendable P10 after breaking his left hand at the Portimao Test, the German rider managing to hold off a recovering Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) – the British rider slipped to P20 on the opening lap from P7 on the grid. Acosta climbed his way back up to P12 in his first Moto2™ race, and the 2021 Moto3™ World Champion beat Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) and Romano Fenati (MB Conveyors Speed Up) – with those three closing out the points.
Rookie Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™) highsided out of contention at Turn 5 on Lap 3, and Barry Baltus (RW Racing GP) crashed out late on.
That’s all she wrote in Doha, and it was utter domination for Vietti as he takes home a magnificent 25 points from the opening round. What will Mandalika bring? We’ll find out in just under two weeks as the intermediate class get set for Indonesia.
Celestino Vietti: “I can’t believe it now! We worked well yesterday, we did good work from FP3 to QP but I didn’t expect this, to stay all the race in front. We knew we were starting from first position so if we were first at the first corner, we had to push as much as possible. We did this, I’m happy for the team, a very good job from the winter test to now. Thank to all the people who believed in me, to all the sponsors and all the team that makes us work like this.”
The Moto3 race finish with Andrea Migno (16) beating Sergio Garcia (11) to the checkered flag. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Migno brings the magic to deny Garcia by 0.037
The first Moto3™ showdown of the season gets decided by hundredths as 2022 starts as it means to go on
Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) is back on top! The veteran Italian is a Grand Prix winner for the first time since 2017 after taking victory in the Grand Prix of Qatar, just staying ahead of a late attack from Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team). The two were split by just 0.037 over the line, with Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) completing the podium.
Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) took the holeshot from pole, the Japanese rider promoted to the front of the grid as fastest qualifier Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), Dennis Foggia and Leopard Racing teammate Tatsuki Suzuki were all sent to the back of the grid for being slow on the line exiting pitlane in qualifying. Each also had a Long Lap to take, and Foggia two as the Italian was also found to have made abrupt changes of direction on the main straight.
The classic freight train formed as Foggia, Guevara and Suzuki tried to slice back through, with Sasaki at the front of the field holding station and with quite a gap. The three on the fight back made some good progress and then took the Long Lap, but drama struck for Suzuki not long after as Lorenzo Fellon (SIC58 Squadra Corse) made contact with the Japanese rider. That was after contact between Garcia and Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) that saw the former get given a Long Lap penalty and the latter forced to retire. The next? A tangle between Toba and Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with the latter crashing out but no further action taken.
At the front, Sasaki pounded on. But heartbreak then struck as the number 71 suffered a huge moment and lost much of his three-second gap. He was then swallowed by the pack, and soon enough forced to pull into pitlane with an issue.
That left a group fight for the win heading the field, with Migno, Garcia, Toba and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) key players at the front. The Snipers machine was a rocket in a straight line, so it looked like attack would be the plan for Garcia, and attack the Spaniard always does…
On the final lap, Toba struck early but Garcia fought back, and the number 11 then put the hammer down to tag back onto Migno. And the two managed to pull out a sliver of daylight, making it a duel for victory into the final few corners. Garcia went for it but found the door shut, and the duo thundered onto the main straight with Migno ahead. The Italian moved over to try and limit the slipstream and that just did the trick, the Honda just staying ahead over the line and the veteran taking his first win in five years and second ever victory – by just 0.037. Garcia takes second despite earlier serving his Long Lap, starting his campaign off with a solid 20 points, with previous Qatar winner Toba beating Öncü to third.
Behind the Turk, John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) had a solid opener to take fifth, ahead of an impressive debut for Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI). The Brazilian rookie produced a superb ride to claim P6 in his first Moto3™ race, 0.4s ahead of the hard-charging Foggia by the flag. Foggia did all he could after a back of the grid start and two Long Laps, as did Guevera after his back of the grid start and single Long Lap. The Saturday hero ended the Qatar GP in P8, so the pair made it a good day for damage limitation at the very least.
Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) and Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) rounded out the top 10, just ahead of rookie Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team). Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and rookie Joel Kelso (CIP Green Power) were the final point scorers. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was given a time penalty and lost out.
That’s it from Doha, now the field get ready to saddle up at Mandalika. It’ll be first touch for the lightweight class, so who will come out on top? We’ll find out in just under two weeks!
Andrea Migno: “It’s incredible. I’m really, really happy. I tried to do my best during the whole race. I saw Sasaki was really fast and I didn’t have more, the only thing I could do was push and see what happened, and fight for the second place. Then in the moment I saw he lost something, so I said ‘come on let’s push’, and in the end he had a problem. I’m really, really happy because we did a great job. I have to say thanks to the team because they worked well this weekend and to VR46, they are at home, to everyone, they helped me always a lot. I have to say thanks to my family, friends and fans, to everyone. Thank you! I’m really, really happy, I can’t describe the sensation, I still have to realise the moment.”
Dominique Aegerter (77), as seen during testing at Jerez. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aegerter fastest as MotoE™ gets back on track at Jerez
Energica bring a new battery for 2022 as the opening day of testing in Jerez ends with the Swiss rider on top
Monday, 07 March 2022
Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) has ended the first day of the Official FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup Test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto top of the timesheets thanks to a 1:48.634, opening a gap at the top. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) was second fastest as he changes team, the Brazilian’s best time a 1:48.925, with inaugural Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) third quickest out the blocks.
Day 1 consisted of three sessions, the first of which was 15 minutes long and the latter two 20 minutes each. One big headline saw the riders and teams get to grips with Energica’s new battery for the 2022 season, with lower weight a key aim of the evolution.
Two-time and defending MotoE World Cup Champion Jordi Torres (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Behind the top three, Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) and 2020 and 2021 Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) were the riders completing the fastest five runners on Monday, but there are still two more days of track action ahead in Andalucia.
It was a warm welcome back to MotoE™ action for Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team), his teammate Niccolo Canepa and Hector Garzo (Tech3 E-Racing) too, the trio all returning to the fold after at least a year away from the electric class.
The only rider from the 2022 line-up that was absent was sophomore Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) after the Spaniard had to undergo surgery due to appendicitis.
Make sure to stay up to date with highlights and interviews on motogp.com throughout the three days of testing in Jerez!
Yamaha Celebrates its “Spirit of Challenge” with Return to the Iconic Daytona International Speedway
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., makes its official return to the high banks of the iconic Daytona International Speedway, with MotoAmerica partnering with the venue to host the 80th running of the renowned Daytona 200 on March 10-12. Leading the campaign for the top honors is the Attack Performance Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team with defending MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne and Cameron Petersen aboard Attack Performance Yamaha R6 machines sporting special 60th Anniversary red-and-white livery.
Yamaha’s deep-rooted “Spirit of Challenge” was born from the company’s first racing success in 1955 at the Mt. Fuji Ascent Race in Japan, which amazingly occurred just weeks after its first product, the YA-1, was introduced to the world.
Then, in 1972, a young Californian, Don Emde, son of 1948 Daytona 200 winner Floyd Emde, took his Yamaha TR3 road racer to a stunning victory on the high banks, marking the first Daytona 200 victory for Yamaha and beginning a 13-year streak for the brand. In addition to that debut victory 50 years ago, Yamaha riders swept the podium. The brand has gone on to record the most wins of any manufacturer at the historic event, amassing a total of 27 victories over the past five decades.
“March 12, 1972, holds a true lifetime memory for my entire family and myself, as working together, we took that little TR3 Yamaha giant-killer to victory,” said Don Emde. “I took the checkered flag about five or six bike lengths ahead of the second-place rider, and the feeling of that victory 50 years ago remains fresh to this very day! I still must credit my dad, who instilled in me that my biggest goal in racing was always very possible, and that day proved him right.”
Yamaha looks to carry on that winning tradition as it returns to racing at Daytona International Speedway in 2022.
“Yamaha is very proud to have the most wins by a manufacturer in the renowned Daytona 200,” said Tom Halverson, Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS. “Many of these wins were legendary, and none came easy. We are very excited that Attack Performance decided to take on this challenge in which every team member is actively involved. We are looking forward to getting back to the Beach!”
MotoAmerica makes its debut at the iconic venue in Daytona Beach, Florida, for the first time since it took stewardship of the U.S. AMA National Road Racing Championship in 2015. So, although it will be the first Daytona 200 for the team that fields Yamaha’s factory-supported effort in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, Attack Performance owner and Team Manager Richard Stanboli has enjoyed success in his previous endeavors.
“We couldn’t be more excited for the new Attack Performance Yamaha Racing team to reach for this goal of winning the re-energized Daytona 200,” said Stanboli. “The Daytona 200 is unlike any other race where team strategy, coordination, and above all, a passion to win makes the difference. I’m confident that our team and our Yamaha R6 is up to the task!”
Jake Gagne is also looking forward to returning to Daytona International Speedway for another shot at the Daytona 200 victory after an eight-year absence.
“I’m excited to get back to the high banks for the Daytona 200!” said Gagne. “Yamaha has always had great performances at Daytona, so I look forward to getting back on an R6 and going racing. I’m sure the field will be deep, and it’s always interesting throwing some pit stops in there.”
The team’s newest addition, Cameron Petersen, will make his debut at the legendary racing venue and looks for a top result.
“It’s my first time racing the Daytona 200,” said Petersen. “It’s a race that I’ve wanted to compete in since I first heard about it as a kid, and to finally have the opportunity to line up with the guys is awesome. I can’t wait to get up on the banking for the first time and feel the sensation. I know Yamaha has a rich history at this event, and I would love to be able to give them another win, and I know that is possible with a team backing me like Attack Yamaha!”
The Westby Racing-supported N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 MotoAmerica Twins Cup racebike of Blake Davis. Photo courtesy Westby Racing.
Westby Racing Providing Support For N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto And Rider Blake Davis For 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship
Tulsa, OK – March 7, 2022 – Westby Racing is proud to announce that they will be providing support for N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto and 15-year-old rider Blake Davis for the 2022 MotoAmerica season. Blake will race the #22 N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 in the 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship. The announcement was made by Tryg Westby, team owner of Westby Racing.
“We’re delighted to be able to support the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto team this year and help promising young rider Blake Davis advance his road racing career in the 2022 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship,” Tryg said. “We worked with N2 Racing and BobbleHeadMoto last year in the Junior Cup Championship, and it’s been a really good relationship. Blake will be aboard the new Yamaha R7, and we’re excited to help him and his team develop the bike in the Twins Cup series.”
As part of the support program, Westby Racing technician Dustin Meador will be embedded with the N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto team throughout the 2022 MotoAmerica season, and he’ll work alongside crew chief Shiloh Salopek.
Shiloh said, “I am very excited to be working together with Westby Racing for contention in the 2022 Twins Cup. Chuck Giacchetto and the whole Westby Racing crew have helped me since I began working in the MotoAmerica paddock in 2018. Chuck has personally had a huge impact on my quick development, and to be working with people that you look up to is a great feeling. We are confident in the program that we have put together, and l am looking forward to seeing how we stack up against this very competitive field.”
A former AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year and winner of the Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award, Blake has had a lot of road racing success despite only being 15 years old. He joined the MotoAmerica series in 2020 right after turning 14 and becoming age-eligible for the Junior Cup Championship, and last year, in his first full season of MotoAmerica competition, the Lynchburg, Virginia-based rider finished sixth in the championship. For 2022, Blake moves up to the highly competitive Twins Cup Championship.
“I’m really happy to be working with Westby Racing, Blake commented. “They have a ton of knowledge and have been a huge help in getting the R7 set up. With Yamaha, N2 Racing, BobbleHeadMoto, and Westby Racing all on board, this is shaping up to be an amazing season”
Look for Blake on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway later this week as he makes his MotoAmerica Twins Cup debut with N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto. Twins Cup race one will go green on Friday, March 11 at 2 p.m. ET, and race two is at 11:15 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 12. Both races will be streamed on MotoAmerica Live+.
Jordi Torres (40) leads a group of riders during a MotoE World Cup race in 2021. Photo by Jesus Robledo, courtesy Energica.
Michelin to remain sole tyre supplier to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup
The iconic French brand will continue as tyre supplier to MotoE™ until at least 2024
Monday, 07 March 2022
Dorna Sports is pleased to confirm that Michelin will remain the sole, official tyre supplier to the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup until at least 2024, extending a partnership that has bred success and close competition since it began – both on-track and off.
Michelin has been a partner of MotoE™ since its inception in 2019, playing a vital role in the creation of the Cup’s identity as a fast, ultra-competitive motorcycle series racing alongside the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship. Michelin’s racing DNA is already showcased to perfection by the company’s ongoing tenure as sole tyre supplier to the MotoGP™ class, which began in 2016, and their commitment to quality and competition has continued shining through in MotoE™ since the series began.
Michelin’s commitment to MotoE™ goes beyond competition, with the company achieving increased and ever-increasing sustainability in their MotoE™ tyres, including the use of recycled and bio-sourced materials. The front tyres are composed of 33% sustainable resources and the rear tyres 40%, including materials such as lemon and orange peel, pine resin, sunflower oil, worn car and truck tyres, and scrap steel.
This seamless intersection between sustainability and performance makes Michelin the perfect match for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. This new agreement until 2024 strengthens the partnership between Dorna and Michelin yet further, maintaining the iconic tyre brand’s presence across MotoGP™, MotoE™ and the MotoGP™ eSport Championship, of which it was also a founding partner.
Maria Esperanza Gaspar Aguilon, Michelin Senior Vice President Business Line 2 Wheels Worldwide: “Michelin is investing significantly in all the forms of motorsport that place the emphasis on sustainability and forward-looking technologies. Such series include the FIM MotoE World Cup. For three years now, it has provided Michelin with an invaluable laboratory for the development of tyres that contain a high proportion of bio-sourced, recycled and regenerated sustainable materials. We are delighted today to be extending our commitment to MotoE and to see the trust its players have in Michelin. For us, MotoE serves as a first-class opportunity to work hand in hand not only with Dorna Sports, but also with the teams and riders to take our innovations forward for the benefit of all Michelin road tyres in the future.”
Marc Saurina, Senior Director of Commercial Partnerships at Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to confirm that Michelin will continue as the tyre supplier for MotoE. Since the Cup began, the close competition has been a calling card for the series and Michelin is a cornerstone of that, with exceptional performance. Their proven commitment to increased sustainability is also vital to MotoE, and a perfect fit for the Cup. Racing is one of the best laboratories to develop new technologies and solutions, and we’re very proud that Michelin has committed to MotoE as the perfect place to develop, test and assess what will likely become the tyre technology of the future for millions of vehicles.”
A FUELL electric bicycle. Photo courtesy Tucker Powersports.
FUELL and Tucker Powersports Announce Ambitious Partnership in the US.
March 7th, 2022 – New York, Fort Worth – FUELL Inc. and Tucker Powersports are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership that kicks off in March of 2022.
This powerful new collaboration will feature Tucker as the exclusive distributor of FUELL’s premium products to the powersports industry for the USA.
As part of this multi-year, renewable partnership, Tucker will distribute the complete line of FUELL’s premium Flluid e-Bikes as well as FUELL’s branded accessories and replacement parts.
Tucker Powersports is a world-class distributor with more than 50 years of experience serving thousands of dealers in the United States and Canada. With a support team of nearly 100 regional sales staff, 7,000 active dealers and strong marketing capabilities, Tucker is the ideal partner for FUELL to bring the brand to a wider audience and develop the brand, while adding a US premium brand to its portfolio of e-vehicles.
This is an exciting time for electric bikes as the worldwide electric bike industry has experienced tremendous growth and is expected to grow by over 50% to reach nearly $70 billion by 2027.
“This new partnership is a real success for both brands. Providing desirable products through an exceptional dealer network that provides outlets and service near every rider has been Tucker’s forte for a long time. FUELL’s strengths are in innovative product design and manufacture. In the exploding marketplace for electric mobility, this makes a dream pairing for enthusiasts who want cutting edge designs but need solid local support. Tucker’s leadership team has the breadth of knowledge and experience to go full bore into this emerging marketplace, and the leadership at FUELL is very excited for the future together” ~ Erik Buell – CTO at FUELL Inc.
“Our dealers have been tremendously receptive to having ePower products in their dealerships. They will absolutely love the addition of FUELL e-bicycles to our offering. The outstanding performance and stunning design of FUELL Flluid, along with the personal touch offered by Tucker dealers is a great combination to offer consumers looking for an electric bicycle” ~ Jamie Kempinski – Director of Business Development at Tucker Powersports
Everyone at FUELL and Tucker Powersports are excited about this new partnership and looking forward to many years of success for both brands.
An Energica MotoE electric racebike. Photo by Jesus Robledo, courtesy Energica.
ENERGICA READY FOR FIRST OFFICIAL MOTOE TEST OF 2022 AT JEREZ
Single Manufacturer Energica is ready to tackle the first of two official tests for the 2022 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, starting tomorrow (7th of March 2022) at the ‘Circuito de Jerez’ in southern Spain. Three days and nine practice sessions await this year’s competitors, who will be able to get to grips with the Energica Ego Corsa machines around the iconic Andalusian track, which also hosts the traditional season opener (29 April – 1 May).
This year’s MotoE field is as competitive as ever, with last season’s protagonists squaring off against returning riders as well as some high calibre rookies. Two-time reigning and defending MotoE World Cup champion Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) is eager to defend his crown once more, following the dramatic 2021 season finale which saw him lifting the ultimate prize after a fierce battle against Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt IntactGP MotoE). Torres will team up this year with MotoE podium finisher Mattia Casadei, who joins the team led by Sito Pons after three years spent with team Ongetta Sic58 Squadracorse (who instead hired Kevin Zannoni).
2019 title winner Matteo Ferrari will once again take to the track with Gresini Racing, while multiple race winner Eric Granado joins the LCR E-Team and Miquél Pons, with the latter looking forward to making good use of the experience gathered last year. After showing flashes of great speed in 2021, Japan’s Hikari Okubo returns to MotoE with the same Avant Ajo MotoE team he raced with last year. Xavi Cardelus is also back in action, once again with team Avintia Esponsorama Racing.
Speaking of welcome returns, three former protagonists are coming back to the fold after some time away from the series: Bradley Smith and Niccolò Canepa team up with WithU GRT RNF MotoE, while Hector Garzó re-joins Tech 3 E-Racing.
This season will also see new faces getting in the mix, including former MotoGP and WorldSBK rider Javier ‘Xavi’ Forés and former World Supersport rider Kevin Manfredi, both racing with the Octo Pramac MotoE Team.
The opening free practice session will get underway tomorrow at 9:30 local time (GMT +1).
ABOUT ENERGICA MOTOR COMPANY S.p.A
Energica Motor Company is the first Italian manufacturer of high-performing electric motorcycles and is the single manufacturer chosen by Dorna for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. Energica Motorcycles are on sale worldwide.
Michael Barnes (34), as seen at Road America in 2021. Photo by Rick Hentz, courtesy Hoban Brothers Racing.
MICHAEL BARNES WILL NOT COMPETE IN KING OF THE BAGGERS AT DAYTONA
As of 2/24/22, Michael Barnes and DTF Performance have been unable to negotiate contract terms for the 2022 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championship. It’s a very unfortunate turn of events that will prevent Barnes from building on the 2021 program he put his full focus on developing, with much success.
Michael Barnes raced under the DTF Performance / Horsepower Inc. / Hoban Brothers Racing banner last year and secured a win at the inaugural Bagger Racing League round in Utah and a 3rd place at MotoAmerica’s Laguna Seca round. Despite some complex technical issues that plagued the team at the start of the season, he qualified in the top 3 at every round they attended. After the last race in 2021, DTF Performance demanded complete control of the team, only to recently abandon the program 3 weeks before the current season starts.
“I feel the worst for Michael with the demise of this team,” says John Dahmer / crew chief and GM of Hoban Brothers Racing. “DTF Performance pulled the plug on our 2022 effort at the 11th hour, which eliminated any chance for us to successfully field a competitive Harley-Davidson at Daytona on such short notice. With the hard work Michael put in last year, helping this team to develop our Harley-Davidson Roadglide, to witness this is heartbreaking. I know he has all the potential of being extremely competitive in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers class. Michael is a professional and we are certainly looking at and entertaining all of our possibilities so we can get him on a bike within the next couple of rounds.”
Barnes remarks, “This is not how I had envisioned my final season in racing. I’d like to thank John Dahmer of Hoban Brothers Racing, Darkhorse Crankworks, Jimmy Light at HPi, and all of our gracious sponsors for their support of our bagger effort. Additionally, I’d like to mention Audrey Menarik of Moto-Liberty as a long time personal sponsor of mine. She has continually provided me with the best RS-Taichi gear for many years.”
“I felt like we made huge strides in developing our Harley-Davidson Roadglide last year. I was prepared and excited for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, DTF Performance and I couldn’t come to a financial agreement, specifically contingency, which is one of the primary driving forces for me to win for my team and sponsors. I’m an extremely capable rider, bringing decades of experience to the table. With the amount of effort and risk required to ride these motorcycles at a winning pace, I need to stand my ground and be fairly compensated for my work. I’ll be at Daytona with my gear bag and MotoAmerica license. Hopefully no one needs a replacement rider, but if they do, I’m available to fill in. I’d like to wish the best of luck to all racers and teams participating in the event.”
“The support from our sponsors always amazes me,” says Dahmer. “I called all of our industry partners to let them know of what has just transpired, right before our first race of the season. Everyone pledged their continued support for Michael and our program, whenever we are able put something together. The goal is to be back on track at Road America, as that’s the home track for Hoban Brothers Racing.”
A beauty from the Beast: Bastianini victorious in Qatar
History is made in the desert as Gresini win the opener ahead of KTM and Honda, with a night of surprises kicking off the season
Sunday, 06 March 2022
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
There was history on the table in the first Grand Prix of the season, and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) stepped up to the plate. The ‘Beast’ delivered a masterclass in the Grand Prix of Qatar to claim an emotional victory under the lights, which he dedicated to the late Fausto Gresini. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) produced a terrific ride to seal P2 and KTM’s best at the track by some margin, the South African ultimately just 0.3s away from the win. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), after leading the way for much of the race, completed the podium on the opening night, taking his second rostrum with Honda. And the headlines didn’t stop there.
As the lights went out and the curtain went up on the season, polesitter Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) got an uncharacteristically poor start, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) grabbed the holeshot from the outside of the front row and his teammate Pol Espargaro then shot past into the lead. Brad Binder made a great start to go P3 early doors, with Bastianini slotting into P4. World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was eighth battling with Martin, and just up the road, 2020 World Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was making rapid gains. Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati Lenovo Team teammate Jack Miller didn’t get away well, however, and both were outside the top ten.
Four laps in, it was as you were. Pol Espargaro led Marc Marquez, Brad Binder, Mir, Bastianini, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Martin. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) picked off Quartararo on the front straight for P8. Pecco recovered to P10, the Italian sitting behind Quartararo, and the top 10 were all line astern – the riders not yet on the limit, tyre consumption on their minds.
After going in hot on Lap 2 at Turn 1, Marc Marquez was then wide again on Lap 6 to allow Brad Binder into P2. On the next lap, the eight-time World Champion lost out to Bastianini into the first corner too, with Aleix Espargaro and Mir scrapping away for P5 and P6. Miller then pulled into pitlane at the end of Lap 7 to retire from the race, a technical issue seeing his season off to a disappointing start.
Meanwhile, the race had settled down at the front and the pace was starting to pick up between the leaders. Needing to make up time, Bagnaia was trying to get up the inside of Martin at Turn 1 on Lap 12, and drama was about to unfold. The Italian tucked the front, leaving Martin with nowhere to go and the Ducati duo both crashing out of contention, thankfully both riders ok but compounding a difficult evening for the Borgo Panigale factory with Miller, Pecco, Martin, and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), the latter crashing out of points contention, out of the Qatar GP.
Back at the front, Pol Espargaro was a second clear of Brad Binder with 10 laps to go. Second place then changed though as Bastianini, flying the flag for Ducati, picked off the KTM on the run into Turn 1. The Beast then started chipping away at Pol Espargaro’s lead, and with seven laps to go it was back down to under a second. It was 0.6s at the beginning of Lap 17 of 22, and just 0.189s on Lap 18. Bastianini set the fastest lap of the race to slash Pol Espargaro’s advantage, as Aleix Espargaro got the better of Marc Marquez for P4 and homed in.
With four laps to go, Bastianini blasted past Pol Espargaro on the straight to take the lead, and to compound the problem for the Repsol Honda, the number 44 was then in too hot at Turn 1. That allowed Brad Binder to carve past into second as the HRC rider went from P1 to P3 in a matter of seconds, leaving Bastianini with a 1.4s lead with three to go.
Two to go and it was 1.2s for Bastianini over Binder, Pol Espargaro was 0.7s off the KTM, and Aleix Espargaro was threatening his younger brother for the final podium spot – Pol on the soft rear, Aleix on the medium.
Onto the last lap. Bastianini lost another tenth to Binder on the penultimate lap, and the gap was 1.1s. It was down to as little as 0.6s heading into the final sector too, but the Beast held on. The Italian powered his GP21 out the final corner and took an incredible, emotional victory under the lights in Qatar, the perfect tribute to the late, great Fausto Gresini and a history-making first premier class win.
Brad Binder’s second place was a warning shot for their rivals after a more muted pre-season on the timesheets for KTM, and the South African, as he so often does, pulled a rabbit out the hat on Sunday. Pol Espargaro, after leading for so long, held onto a fantastic podium too – his second with HRC.
Aleix Espargaro was 0.8s away from the rostrum in the end but becomes the Aprilia rider to finish closest to victory – 2.2s. Marc Marquez’s return to action in Qatar for the first time since 2019 was celebrated with a solid P5, a good opening weekend for the eight-time Champion. It was, however, the first time the number 93 has finished a MotoGP™ race at Lusail and not come home as top Honda.
The two Suzukis, meanwhile, finished a low key sixth and seventh – Mir leading teammate Rins by 3.9s and both looking for more although still showing off some serious top speed gains from the Hamamatsu factory.
So where are the Yamahas? Quartararo looked set to take home P8 but Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), on the run to the line, demoted the reigning Champion to P9. A disappointing start to El Diablo’s season, and a surprise for the factory who took two wins last season in Qatar with Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) coming home in P11.
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) split the Yamahas in P10, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) a lonely 12th. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) edged out Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) in P13 and P14.
The fight for the final points went down to the wire as reigning Moto2™ World Champion Remy Gardner (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) won the rookie battle for 15th, despite still struggling with a wrist broken in pre-season. Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) gave it one final lap push but the South African was just 0.012s away from a debut premier class point in the end, nevertheless impressing as second rookie as he moves from Moto3™ to MotoGP™.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Raul Fernandez (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing) leave Round 1 empty handed, and Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) crashed out unhurt, separately, at Turn 1.
And that’s all she wrote in the season opener. What a night it was under the lights in Qatar, with a new MotoGP™ race winner in the field. Surprises and drama aplenty, and The Beast delivered a beauty. Indonesia is next up – bring it on as Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit welcomes the paddock back to Lombok.
Enea Bastianini: “My feeling now is incredible because I pushed from the start but the most important was to save the tyre until the end of the race. When I saw Pol pushing a lot, I overtook Binder during the race. In the end Pol was really close to me and then I thought I could try to win the race. Then I overtook him on the first corner when he went wide. I want to dedicate this victory to Fausto because he has pushed me a lot from the sky. It’s fantastic for all the team I think we have cried, all the guys. I’m very happy for my family back home, I want to say thanks to everybody for this.”
Celestino Vietti (13). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Vietti victorious after a Moto2™ masterclass
The sophomore took his maiden Moto2™ win by some margin, with Canet second and Lowes third after a four-way fight to complete the podium
Leading from start to finish, Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) converted pole position into a dominant victory at the Grand Prix of Qatar to kickstart his season in perfect fashion. The Italian beat Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) by a whopping 6.154s on Sunday evening in the desert, the duo also finishing comfortably up the road from third place Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). The Brit stayed cool and profited from late drama between Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) as the two tangled – but stayed upright – at the final corner.
Vietti got a clean getaway from pole as reigning Moto3™ World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) went into Turn 1 too hot, as did Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up). Acosta dropped to the back of the field as Canet made great gains in the opening three laps to go from P9 on the grid to P2. Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was P3 and Fernandez was P4.
With six laps gone, Vietti boasted a 0.9s lead over Canet as Ogura picked off Fernandez and Arbolino in quick succession. A mistake at Turn 6 on Lap 9 then saw Arbolino lose touch with the Ogura, Fernandez and Lowes train, and at the front Vietti saw his lead over Canet hit the two-second mark for the first time. That didn’t last long though. With 10 laps left, Canet was just 1.5s shy and in two consecutive laps, the Spaniard reeled Vietti in by 0.3s. But on Lap 14 of 20, Vietti had reopened the gap and the Italian was 2.3s up the road, with Canet 5.4s clear of the podium fight behind him.
Ultimately Vietti was dominant from start to finish; Canet comfortable in P2 and the fight to complete the podium a close on.
Lowes had got the better of Fernandez and Ogura within a lap, with his teammate Arbolino back in contention too. But with two to go, Fernandez dived up the inside of Lowes at Turn 10 for P4, and Ogura held P3 heading into the final lap. Fernandez was climbing all over the back of the Japanese rider, but he was holding firm. Fernandez then lunged at Turn 15, made it stick, and trying to bite back at the final corner, Ogura tucked the front. He slid into the side of Fernandez, which somehow kept Ogura upright, but the contact cost both a podium. Lowes said thank you very much and scythed through for third.
Fernandez was so close to a debut rostrum with Red Bull KTM Ajo but it wasn’t to be for the Spaniard. Arbolino was in the podium hunt throughout and impressed in fifth, the Italian managing to finish ahead of Ogura as somehow, the Japanese rider still finished in P6. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40) was a lonely but solid seventh ahead of an all-American duel between eighth place Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) and ninth place Cameron Beaubier (American Racing).
Injured Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) picked up a commendable P10 after breaking his left hand at the Portimao Test, the German rider managing to hold off a recovering Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) – the British rider slipped to P20 on the opening lap from P7 on the grid. Acosta climbed his way back up to P12 in his first Moto2™ race, and the 2021 Moto3™ World Champion beat Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) and Romano Fenati (MB Conveyors Speed Up) – with those three closing out the points.
Rookie Filip Salač (Gresini Racing Moto2™) highsided out of contention at Turn 5 on Lap 3, and Barry Baltus (RW Racing GP) crashed out late on.
That’s all she wrote in Doha, and it was utter domination for Vietti as he takes home a magnificent 25 points from the opening round. What will Mandalika bring? We’ll find out in just under two weeks as the intermediate class get set for Indonesia.
Celestino Vietti: “I can’t believe it now! We worked well yesterday, we did good work from FP3 to QP but I didn’t expect this, to stay all the race in front. We knew we were starting from first position so if we were first at the first corner, we had to push as much as possible. We did this, I’m happy for the team, a very good job from the winter test to now. Thank to all the people who believed in me, to all the sponsors and all the team that makes us work like this.”
The Moto3 race finish with Andrea Migno (16) beating Sergio Garcia (11) to the checkered flag. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Migno brings the magic to deny Garcia by 0.037
The first Moto3™ showdown of the season gets decided by hundredths as 2022 starts as it means to go on
Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) is back on top! The veteran Italian is a Grand Prix winner for the first time since 2017 after taking victory in the Grand Prix of Qatar, just staying ahead of a late attack from Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team). The two were split by just 0.037 over the line, with Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) completing the podium.
Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) took the holeshot from pole, the Japanese rider promoted to the front of the grid as fastest qualifier Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), Dennis Foggia and Leopard Racing teammate Tatsuki Suzuki were all sent to the back of the grid for being slow on the line exiting pitlane in qualifying. Each also had a Long Lap to take, and Foggia two as the Italian was also found to have made abrupt changes of direction on the main straight.
The classic freight train formed as Foggia, Guevara and Suzuki tried to slice back through, with Sasaki at the front of the field holding station and with quite a gap. The three on the fight back made some good progress and then took the Long Lap, but drama struck for Suzuki not long after as Lorenzo Fellon (SIC58 Squadra Corse) made contact with the Japanese rider. That was after contact between Garcia and Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) that saw the former get given a Long Lap penalty and the latter forced to retire. The next? A tangle between Toba and Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), with the latter crashing out but no further action taken.
At the front, Sasaki pounded on. But heartbreak then struck as the number 71 suffered a huge moment and lost much of his three-second gap. He was then swallowed by the pack, and soon enough forced to pull into pitlane with an issue.
That left a group fight for the win heading the field, with Migno, Garcia, Toba and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) key players at the front. The Snipers machine was a rocket in a straight line, so it looked like attack would be the plan for Garcia, and attack the Spaniard always does…
On the final lap, Toba struck early but Garcia fought back, and the number 11 then put the hammer down to tag back onto Migno. And the two managed to pull out a sliver of daylight, making it a duel for victory into the final few corners. Garcia went for it but found the door shut, and the duo thundered onto the main straight with Migno ahead. The Italian moved over to try and limit the slipstream and that just did the trick, the Honda just staying ahead over the line and the veteran taking his first win in five years and second ever victory – by just 0.037. Garcia takes second despite earlier serving his Long Lap, starting his campaign off with a solid 20 points, with previous Qatar winner Toba beating Öncü to third.
Behind the Turk, John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) had a solid opener to take fifth, ahead of an impressive debut for Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI). The Brazilian rookie produced a superb ride to claim P6 in his first Moto3™ race, 0.4s ahead of the hard-charging Foggia by the flag. Foggia did all he could after a back of the grid start and two Long Laps, as did Guevera after his back of the grid start and single Long Lap. The Saturday hero ended the Qatar GP in P8, so the pair made it a good day for damage limitation at the very least.
Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) and Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) rounded out the top 10, just ahead of rookie Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team). Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), Adrian Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and rookie Joel Kelso (CIP Green Power) were the final point scorers. Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was given a time penalty and lost out.
That’s it from Doha, now the field get ready to saddle up at Mandalika. It’ll be first touch for the lightweight class, so who will come out on top? We’ll find out in just under two weeks!
Andrea Migno: “It’s incredible. I’m really, really happy. I tried to do my best during the whole race. I saw Sasaki was really fast and I didn’t have more, the only thing I could do was push and see what happened, and fight for the second place. Then in the moment I saw he lost something, so I said ‘come on let’s push’, and in the end he had a problem. I’m really, really happy because we did a great job. I have to say thanks to the team because they worked well this weekend and to VR46, they are at home, to everyone, they helped me always a lot. I have to say thanks to my family, friends and fans, to everyone. Thank you! I’m really, really happy, I can’t describe the sensation, I still have to realise the moment.”
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