The Repsol Honda Team rider has already shown very favourable improvements with his diplopia after visiting the Hospital Clínic and an examination from Dr. Sánchez Dalmau.
Marc Marquez visited his ophthalmologist, Dr. Sánchez Dalmau, at the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona yesterday, Monday, where he underwent his second medical check-up after the crash in Warm Up for the Indonesian GP a week ago. In this new examination, Dr. Sánchez Dalmau confirmed that Marc Marquez’s diplopia shows a notable improvement and reaffirms that the progression of his vision is very favourable. As happened with the last episode of diplopia, Marc Marquez will continue to carry out a conservative treatment regime with regular check-ups.
The Repsol Honda Team rider will not take part in the next round of the MotoGP World Championship that takes place this weekend in Argentina as he continues his recovery.
Doctor Sánchez Dalmau
Ophthalmologist
“The second neuro-ophthalmological evaluation carried out on Marc Marquez this past Monday has shown a very favourable evolution in the paralysis of the fourth right nerve affected by the fall that occurred at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Recovery is not yet complete, and Marc Marquez must follow the established therapeutic regime with conservative treatment.”
NEARLY 10,000 SPECTATORS AT LE MANS TO ATTEND THE DEBISE MASTERCLASS
Eagerly awaited by all speed enthusiasts, the first round of the FSBK-FE French Superbike Championship on the Circuit Bugatti was a success on and off the track. The local club, the ACO and the FFM, represented by its President Sébastien Poirier, are delighted with the enthusiasm surrounding this flagship event bringing together the elite of French speed.
SUPERBIKE
RACE 1: DEBISE, PRELUDE TO A RECITAL!
The excitement and tension are palpable at the start of this first race of the season in the premier category. The drivers observed each other in qualifying, now it is in the race that they will be able to measure themselves.
The holeshot is to the credit of poleman Valentin DEBISE (Yamaha – Michelin) who is ahead of Mathieu GINES (Yamaha Tech Solutions – Pirelli), Kenny FORAY (BMW Tecmas – Michelin) and Gregory LEBLANC (Ducati TWR – Pirelli) at the end of the 1st round. Despite several falls, without gravity, in the heart of the peloton during the first lap, the favorites are not affected.
In the second lap, the 4 leading men increased the intensity ahead of Alan TECHER (Honda CBO – Michelin), 5th who made a mistake and saw his competitors move away.
The skimming operates at the forefront, after 7 laps, DEBISE and GINES escape, like an air of deja vu… FORAY and LEBLANC remain wheel in wheel to fight for 3rd place. TECHER, isolated in 5th position, gradually took shelter from his pursuers and pushed to come back to the DEBISE – TECHER duo. Behind him, Axel MAURIN (Yamaha CMS – Pirelli) is struggling with the two Challengers Martin RENAUDIN (Yamaha Moto&GP Addict – Pirelli) and Valentin SUCHET (Suzuki Junior Team LMS – Pirelli). Diverse fortune for Maximilien BAU (BMW – Michelin), well placed in the top 10, the 2019 French Champion in Supersport 600 is unfortunately forced to retire.
5 laps from the finish, DEBISE stepped up its efforts to get rid of GINES who was gradually losing ground to his rival, same scenario between FORAY, 3rd, and LEBLANC, 4th. Alan TECHER manages his effort in 5th place while RENAUDIN, SUCHET and MAURIN are still close.
At the checkered flag, DEBISE celebrates another victory in the premier class with a 2”203 lead over GINES, who is still just as rigorous. It is the driver of the BMW 78, Kenny FORAY who climbs on the last step of the podium.
Also very diligent, we can count on Grégory LEBLANC, 4th today, to disrupt this top 3, the multiple French champion, more and more comfortable on his Ducati, intends to interfere regularly on the podium this season. Alan TECHER finished 5th and demonstrated a very good adaptation to his new machine.
6th at the finish, MAURIN resists the ardor of the young local drivers RENAUDIN, 7th, and SUCHET, 8th in front of their public. The latter therefore climb on the two highest steps of the podium in the Challenger category. Podium temporarily completed by Tom BERCOT (Honda CBO – Michelin), indeed, the latter will finally be downgraded by decision of the jury. The situation benefits Joseph FORAY (BMW – Dunlop) who inherits his first top 3 Superbike Challenger.
RACE 2: DEBISE IMPERIAL
This time, Mathieu GINES (Yamaha Tech Solutions – Pirelli) got the better of the start and took the lead after the Dunlop chicane ahead of Valentin DEBISE (Yamaha – Michelin) and Axel MAURIN (Yamaha CMS – Pirelli) who also got off to a superb start.
After 3 laps, we find a configuration similar to that of race 1 with GINES and DEBISE in the lead in that order. After his good start to the race, Axel MAURIN was successively overtaken by Kenny FORAY (BMW Tecmas – Michelin), Alan TECHER (Honda CBO – Michelin), and Gregory LEBLANC (Ducati TWR – Pirelli), the rider of the retrograde Yamaha n°89 so in 6th place . In addition, the resident of Team CMS quickly finds himself under threat from Guillaume ANTIGA (Ducati – Pirelli), David MUSCAT (Ducati – Michelin), and Martin RENAUDIN (Yamaha Moto&GP Addict -Pirelli).
No notable change at the front after 9 laps, apart from an increase in the gaps between the different groups and the retirement of David MUSCAT due to mechanical problems. 6 laps from the finish, following an authoritarian overtaking by DEBISE, the latter got the better of GINES and immediately increased his lead.
In the last laps of the race, DEBISE manages its lead and wins again in the premier category. GINES is once again on the second step of the podium completed by FORAY, like in race 1.
For TECHER , no podium but a great weekend which ended with a fine 4th place ahead of MAURIN, 5th , LEBLANC , 6th and ANTIGA , 7th .
In Challenger, RENAUDIN wins for the second time of the weekend, a great performance for him who does not hide his ambition to win the title. Valentin SUCHET is once again 2 nd thanks to his 9 th place overall, ahead of Alexandre SANTO DOMINGUES (Yamaha – Pirelli) in both categories.
SUPERSPORT 600
RACE 1: DEBISE AFFIRMS ITS STATUS
Author of an excellent start, Valentin DEBISE, keeps the advantage of his pole position and places his Yamaha n°153 in the lead on the first lap. However, the Albigensian was quickly put under pressure by Loïc ARBEL (Yamaha – Pirelli) and the young Mathieu GREGORIO (Yamaha – Michelin) who also started particularly well from the starting grid.
The leading trio imposes its rhythm in the first laps, only Matthieu LUSSIANA (Yamaha – Dunlop), very applied, remains in contact.
Before halfway, GREGORIO took control ahead of ARBEL, 2nd and DEBISE, 3rd. Behind, Matthieu LUSSIANA is slightly behind the leading men, while Cédric TANGRE (Yamaha – Pirelli) and Enzo DE LA VEGA (Yamaha – Pirelli) are fighting for 5th place by less than 2 seconds.
2 laps from the finish, ARBEL gives way to DEBISE and GREGORIO whose pace is still just as high. At the same time, DE LA VEGA successively overtook TANGRE and LUSSIANA to gain 4th place.
Put to the test by GREGORIO, DEBISE remains faithful to his habits and begins this 2022 season with a new victory, just ahead of the Challenger driver, 2nd in the race. For its return to FSBK-FE, ARBEL distinguished itself with a fine 3rd place. In the very last meters, TANGRE surprised his two adversaries and took 4th place ahead of DE LA VEGA, 5th and LUSSIANA, 6th.
Mathieu GREGORIO is therefore the best ranked among the Supersport Challenger riders, he is ahead of Vincent FALCONE (Yamaha – Pirelli), 7th overall after a fight with Johan GIMBERT (Yamaha – Pirelli) in particular, 9th and who completes the podium in the category .
RACE 2: UNTOUCHABLE DEBISE
As in race 1, Valentin DEBISE (Yamaha – Pirelli), Loïc ARBEL (Yamaha – Pirelli) and Mathieu GREGORIO (Yamaha – Michelin) take the lead. Once again we find Matthieu LUSSIANA (Yamaha – Dunlop) in ambush, but this time the rider of Yamaha n°95 remains very close to the trio of leaders, slightly behind Cédric TANGRE (Yamaha – Pirelli), is in 5th position after 5 rounds.
Halfway through the race, while LUSSIANA is gaining momentum and is placed in the suction of GREGORIO, the latter makes a slight error, spontaneously exploited by the resident of Moto Team 95. GREGORIO is now 3 seconds behind the trio of head. Cédric TANGRE is isolated in 5th place in front of 4 pilots, Johan GIMBERT (Yamaha – Pirelli), Kilian AEBI (Yamaha – Pirelli), Felix PERON (Triumph – Pirelli) and Vincent FALCONE (Yamaha – Pirelli) who give themselves up pass of arms.
Two laps from the finish, and after passing the laggards, a slight gap is created between DEBISE, 1st, ARBEL, 2nd, and LUSSIANA, 3rd.
Finally DEBISE took advantage of the duel between LUSSIANA and ARBEL to widen the gap definitively and win for the second time of the weekend with a 1”180 lead over ARBEL, 2nd. The latter managed to resist the repeated attacks of LUSSIANA, 3rd. Impossible to come back for GREGORIO who still retains 4th place, synonymous with the best Challenger. Cédric TANGRE also keeps his 5th position until the finish, the 2015 and 2017 French Supersport Champion ends a positive and encouraging weekend at Le Mans for the rest of the season.
To complete the Top 6, FALCONE dominates GIMBERT, 7th, AEBI, 8th and Félix PERON, 9th. Note, PERON is the only rider on a machine other than Yamaha to make it into the top 15!
On the Challenger podium, the public finds the same men: GREGORIO, 1st, FALCONE, 2nd and GIMBERT, 3rd.
GRAND PRIZE OBJECTIVE
In order to put all drivers on an equal footing, the tire manufacturer is unique in the Objective Grand Prix category from this season. Bridgestone equips all the machines, a way for these young talents to get closer to the regulations in force in the international championships.
PRE-MOTO 3
RACE 1: ROSTAGNI CONFIRMS
Mathias ROSTAGNI (Béon) took off well, ultra dominating in qualifying, he was put to the test from the start of the race by Loris VENEMAN (KTM) who started 2nd on the starting grid. The two young drivers dominate the debates and increase their lead to more than 15 seconds over the 3rd , Célestin MASY (Béon), after 5 laps.
Halfway through the race, VENEMAN felt the blow, the driver of KTM n°71 was powerless against the pace set by ROSTAGNI who was racing alone towards victory. For his part, Célestin MASY, still 3rd, is racing alone while Camil BISSANE (KTM), Swan EMPRIN (Béon) and Quentin MANDINE (Béon) explain themselves for 4th place .
“Amazed by the performance of his machine”, he confided to the microphone of France 3 Pays de la Loire, ROSTAGNI is victorious for his first race in the category of hopes of French speed! VENEMAN manages his end of the race and retains 2nd place, just like MASY who gets on the box.
The battle for 4 th place ended on the last lap and it was BISSANE who took advantage of it ahead of EMPRIN, 5 th , and MANDINE, 6 th .
RACE 2: OPPORTUNIST VENEMAN
Like in race 1, Mathias ROSTAGNY (Béon) took the lead from the first lap . This time, the driver of Béon n°13 quickly took the lead despite Loris VENEMAN (KTM) trying to resist. Once again, Célestin MASY (Béon) finds himself isolated in 3rd position , already far from the drivers ahead of him after 5 laps.
Further on, we find Camil BISSANE (KTM) and Quentin MANDINE (Béon) in less than 2 seconds who claim 4th place .
A stroke of luck for Mathias ROSTAGNI two laps from the finish… After taking pole position in qualifying and winning race 1, the driver was unfortunately forced to retire due to a mechanical breakdown. Delicate situation which VENEMAN took advantage of to win during this race 2.
After having made the difference in front of MANDINE, 3 rd , BISSANE climbs on the second step of the podium. Nice 4th place for Quentin GODEFROY (KTM) who finished ahead of Nathan DELAUNAY (KTM), 5th .
NSF-250
RACE 1: SOLID, CAILLET WINS
Very good start from the leading trio led by Benjamin CAILLET (Honda) ahead of Lucas BOSSON (Honda) and Kyle PAYNE (Honda). The tone is set, 12 laps will allow to decide between these young drivers who do not shun their pleasure to evolve on the Bugatti circuit.
Despite starting in 6th position, Evan BOXBERGER (Honda) went up one by one each of his competitors to complete the first lap in the lead.
2 laps later, it was Jules BERCOT (Honda) who distinguished himself, passing in front of BOXBERGER. The driver N°25 finished the 7th lap at the head of the category. There followed a great battle between Lorenzo GUYAU, Jules BERCOT, Evan BOXBERGER and Benjamin CAILLET.
Kyle PAYNE, victim of a mechanical problem, is idling after 9 laps, he is forced to take the escape route. The member of MC Pau Arnos will not leave.
Author of a particularly diligent second part of the race, Benjamin CAILLET moved up from 6th to 1st position to win ahead of Lorenzo GUYAU and Jules BERCOT. Evan BOXBERGER, very prominent throughout the race, however, finished at the foot of the podium, ahead of Lucas BOSSON.
RACE 2: THE DOUBLE FOR CAILLET
Like the first race this morning, Evan BOXBERGER negotiates his start well and finishes the first lap in the lead ahead of Jules BERCOT and Benjamin CAILLET. The trio is closely followed by Lucas BOSSON who spares no effort to set the pace, so much so that at mid-race, the N°28 driver passes Evan BOXBERGER to enter the top 3 behind Jules BERCOT and Benjamin CAILLET who took the lead.
Placed in 6th position, Kyle PAYNE, although author of good timed practice sessions yesterday, is struggling to keep pace with the leading men. Halfway through the race, he was nearly 15 seconds behind Evan BOXBERGER, 6th. Lorenzo GUYAU and Elliot KASSIGIAN bring up the rear.
Still just as consistent, Benjamin CAILLET completed this first leg with a double victory, a full card for the No. 6 driver, who collected precious points for the rest of the season. It is Jules BERCOT, who we find in 2nd position, after having fought well with Lucas BOSSON. the driver N°28 climbs on the 3rd step of the podium leaving Livio MIRABEL in 4th place.
Despite good starts and good performances at the start of each of the 2 races of the weekend, Evan BOXBERGER finished 5th and again saw the podium elude him. Let’s bet that it will improve in regularity to win, too, on the gearbox during the next race at Nogaro in May.
SUPERSPORT 300
RACE 1: DAHMANI DOMINATES FRIEH AND PLAINDOUX
From pole position, Dorian JOULIN (Yamaha – Pirelli) took the best start and kept the lead ahead of Louca FRIEH (- Pirelli) and Enzo DAHMANI (Yamaha – Pirelli). The 3 leading men imposed the pace and escaped, only Evan PLAINDOUX (Yamaha – Pirelli) remained in contact with the leaders.
Despite a good qualifying and a start from the front row, Noa POTVIN (Kawasaki – Pirelli) was slow to get up to speed and dropped considerably in the standings.
Halfway through the race, the JOULIN – FRIEH – DAHMANI – PLAINDOUX quartet evolved in the same second, the four boys taking turns in the lead. For his part, David DA COSTA (Yamaha – Pirelli), alone in 5th place , had a fine first race in the Supersport 300 category.
A stroke of luck for Dorian JOULIN, while the driver was fighting for his very first podium in FSBK-FE, he fell two laps from the finish. At the finish, DAHMANI is ahead of FRIEH and PLAINDOUX and wins. FRIEH is therefore 2 nd and PLAINDOUX, 3 rd . Discreet and promising, DA COSTA is at the foot of the podium while POTVIN manages to save the points for 7th place .
RACE 2: DAHMANI WINS A SECOND TIME
In the 1st lap, Louca FRIEH (- Pirelli) took control of the race ahead of his adversaries Enzo DAHMANI (Yamaha – Pirelli), Dorian JOULIN (Yamaha – Pirelli) and Evan PLAINDOUX (Yamaha – Pirelli).
Once again the 4 drivers escaped to engage in battle, but this time, on the 4th lap, PLAINDOUX made a mistake and fell into the Dunlop chicane, leaving the trio FRIEH – DAHMANI – JOULIN to slip towards the podium.
Behind the leading men a group of drivers is positioned to take 4th place: Kilian ROSSIGNOL (Kawasaki – Pirelli), Noa POTVIN (Kawasaki – Pirelli), Cyprien BABY (Yamaha – Pirelli) and David DA COSTA (Yamaha – Pirelli ) .
Perfect race strategy for DAHMANI who attacks FRIEH and JOULIN on the last lap and overtakes them before the checkered flag. DAHMANI therefore narrowly won ahead of FRIEH, 2 nd , and JOULIN, 3 rd . At the same time, the battle for 4 th place benefits ROSSIGNOL ahead of DA COSTA, 5 th , POTVIN, 6 th and BABY, 7 th .
SIDECAR
RACE 2: NEW BUGATTI DOUBLE FOR REEVES / ROUSSEAU
In the first laps, REEVES / ROUSSEAU took the lead of the race. The leading crew is pursued by PAYNE / WILKES and PEUGEOT / PEUGEOT. Side n°74 is determined to stay in contact to play for victory.
Positioned in 4 th position, LEGLISE / FARNIER is solid but the pace imposed by the 3 leading crews is too high.
5 laps from the finish, REEVES / ROUSSEAU put on a tough call to try to secure victory.
Paying strategy for the side n°77 which distances its adversaries and imposes itself for the 2 nd time of the weekend. PEUGEOT / PEUGEOT took advantage of the retirement of PAYNE / WILKES on the very last lap to take 2nd place. PERILLAT / KOTCHAN is also opportunistic and climbs on the 3rd step of the podium. Note, VINET / VINET is back at the forefront with a nice 4th place.
In F2, we find PALACOEUR / CESCUTTI, 6th and best in its category, CHANAL / LAVOREL, 12th and CROCHEMORE / CARRE, 14th .
FOLLOW THE 2022 FRENCH FE-SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Fsbk.fr, the website dedicated to the French Superbike Championship always offers to follow live the news of the weekend, detailed information, photos, results, videos…
For this 2022 season, the FFM will broadcast a video of the best moments of the day each event night on the official FSBK-FE Facebook page and the fsbk.fr website.
Other meetings will punctuate the weekend through a device specifically focused on social networks via Facebook: fsbk , Youtube: ffmfsbk and Instagram: fsbk
CALENDAR 2022
May 06 – 08 – Nogaro (32) – ASM Armagnac Bigorre
May 27 – 29 – Lédenon (30) – MC Lédenon
June 17 – 19 – Circuit Pau Arnos (64) – MC Pau Arnos
July 01 – 03 – Magny-Cours (58) – MC Nevers and Nièvre
August 19 – 21 – Circuit Carole (93) – MC Motors Events
September 23 – 25 – Circuit Paul Ricard (30) – MC Circuit Paul Ricard
Ezra Beaubier, a 21-year-old from Roseville, California, will race in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup classes in 2022.
“It’s a dream come true,” Beaubier told Roadracingworld.com, “and I never thought I would get here.”
Beaubier, the younger brother of five-time AMA Superbike Champion and current Moto2 World Championship racer Cameron Beaubier, only raced part-time for several seasons over the last few years but came on strong last season.
The younger Beaubier competed in MotoAmerica’s KTM RC Cup in 2015 and 2016, earning two top-10 finishes. In 2017, he earned top-10 finishes in MotoAmerica Superstock 600 and won AFM Championships in 600 Superstock and 600 Superbike.
But Beaubier then sat out most of 2018, missed the majority of 2019 due to a broken collarbone, and didn’t ride on a road race track at all in 2020.
“Then at the start of 2021 I got hooked up with the Motorsport Exotica guys,” said Beaubier, who spent the 2021 season racing a Kawasaki ZX-10R with AFM in California.
Beaubier won three out of seven AFM Formula Pacific races (AFM’s premier class) but came up short of winning the Championship, which went to fellow MotoAmerica racer Cory Ventura.
For 2022, Beaubier will ride a Motorsport Exotica/Orange Cat Racing/BST Vodka BMW M 1000 RR in all rounds of the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Championships starting April 8-10 at Circuit of The Americas.
More, from a press release issued by Motorsport Exotica:
Motorsport Exotica Orange Cat Racing BST Vodka Team to make the jump from SoCal club racing to the MotoAmerica grid.
After many years of club racing championships and podium status, Motorsport Exotica the SoCal based race shop has entered into a partnership with Orange Cat Racing and Blood Sweat and Tears Vodka (BST) to create the Motorsport Exotica Orange Cat Racing Blood Sweat and Tears Team.
Proudly fielding Ezra Beaubier #16 aboard a 2022 BMW M1000RR, they will make an aggressive run at the top step in both Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup for all 10 rounds of the 2022 MotoAmerica Series.
The MSE team and Ezra were dialed and ready for another season of Race CRA and AFM on the west coast on board a recently purchased 2022 BMW S1000RR but after discussions with Andrew Sieja (founder of Orange Cat Racing based out of Chicago) and Umberto Luchini and Brian Kirschenmann from Wolf Distilleries / Blood Sweat and Tears Vodka they were able to make the jump up to Nationals with a mere 5 weeks. This time frame includes obtaining bikes, building, figuring out logistics, staffing and prepping for the season.
“Andrew and I, alongside our existing sponsors came to this final arrangement for the team’s inception on February 23rd of 2022 and the MSE staff haven’t slept since. BMW really stepped up and helped us secure not one but two of the 2022 M1000RR’s. We have had a steady stream of parts rolling in daily in an attempt to get these bikes ready and dialed in for C.O.T.A.” – Team manager and crew chief Jarred Fixler states.
The Motorsport Exotica Orange Cat Racing Blood Sweat and Tears team is supported by not only OCR and BST but also help from Motoworks Chicago, a BMW dealership helping with all OEM needs. Followed by support from CTML IT Consultants providing IT assistance trackside, Apex Assassins providing track time for testing, Core Moto, Superlite Sprockets, CT Racing, Weir Everywhere Racing, and Bell helmets, Ezra should be a force to be reckoned with.
“I have been training and preparing for an opportunity like this for a long long time. I was stoked when the Exotica guys called me 2 years ago to ride with them at the club level, but this really is my dream. With my family name being fairly common in the MotoAmerica paddock I am really looking forward to giving people another Beaubier to talk about!” – Team Rider Ezra Beaubier
“We really couldn’t be happier with this program. We are excited to step up and generate a name for the new team! With our opening race being the same weekend as MotoGP and Moto2, in C.O.T.A. I know both the Beaubier brothers are surely ready to roll!” -Jarred Fixler
Arizona Legalizes Lane Filtering; Utah Extends Law for an Additional Five Years
Arizona the latest state to allow lane filtering, while Utah is seeing success
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a law legalizing lane filtering after the bill cruised through both the Senate and House chambers with strong bipartisan support. The law now puts the state in the company of Utah and Montana.
The passage of Senate Bill 1273, sponsored by Sen. Tyler Pace (R-Mesa District 23) and championed by ABATE of Arizona, allows riders to cruise slowly between lanes at speeds no faster than 15 mph if the other vehicles are stopped. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the practice can only be done on roads posted at 45 mph or less. It does not allow riders to pass on the shoulder or on the median
“This law has been four years in the making,” said Michael Infanzon, legislative director for ABATE of Arizona. “But we had a really great sponsor for the bill this year with Senator Pace. He is an active motorcycle rider and it was key to have someone who understood the danger of being rear-ended. This is all about safety and nothing more than part of the plan to reduce motorcycle fatalities in Arizona.”
With the law set to be in effect 90 days after adjournment, likely to be mid-September, ABATE of Arizona and the Arizona Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Foundation will be working with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Department of Public Safety to educate riders and the public on the new legislation.
“Once the legislation was sent to the Governor’s desk, we started collaborating with the government to get PSAs and TV spots moving,” said Infanzon.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s most recent data, 30 percent of all motorcycle crashes in 2020, including 11 out of 106 fatal motorcycle collisions, were the result of rear-end collisions.
“ABATE of Arizona put up a strong showing to successfully get this law signed,” said the American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) Western States Representative Nicholas Haris. “It is a welcome sight to see more states adopting commonsense safety laws that protect motorcyclists when they are most vulnerable to a collision. The AMA is committed to working with riders nationwide on efforts to pass similar legislation and educating the public about its benefits.”
Meanwhile, Utah has extended the authorization for motorcyclists to lane filter for an additional five years to allow state officials to review the practice and gather data on its safety benefits. With the passage of H.B. 10 on March 22, the state is affirming that its initial experience has been a success worth continuing.
“With the signing of H.B. 10 Utahans have recognized the benefits of lane filtering,” said AMA On-Highway Government Relations Manager Tiffany Cipoletti, “which allows motorcyclists the choice to filter in traffic when it is safe to do so.”
Utah legalized lane filtering in 2018 with the initial bill and now the extension sponsored by state Rep. Walt Brooks (R-St. George District 75).
“I am very happy to have the support of the Department of Public Safety and of the legislature to extend lane filtering for an addition five years,” said Rep. Brooks. “The original sunset of three years, and dealing with COVID, did not provide the data needed to remove the sunset. I am confident that as riders use lane filtering properly over the next five years, the general public will become familiar with the practice and the data will prove this is a good policy for Utah, and will become permanent.”
Rep. Brooks has been a vocal supporter of the practice as a motorcyclist himself, and has assisted efforts in other states like Arizona to legalize the practice. The AMA is grateful for Rep. Brooks’ support of motorcyclists and the safe practice of lane-filtering.
“We are fortunate to have motorcyclists in elected office like Representative Brooks and Senator Pace,” said AMA Director of Government Relations Michael Sayre. “Brooks’ firsthand experience as a rider and work to gain the support of law enforcement in Utah were very important and have helped lay the groundwork for success in other states.”
The AMA endorses lane splitting, given the long-term success in California and the University of California-Berkeley research study showing that the practice enhances motorcycle safety. The AMA will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting and/or filtering to their state.
“As lane-splitting support continues to gain traction across the country,” the AMA’s Cipoletti said, “we are eager to help more motorcyclists engage their state legislatures on this issue.”
Currently, the AMA is actively engaged in supporting a lane filtering bill in Oklahoma (H.B. 2667), too.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
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FHO RACING COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL FIRST TEST OF 2022
THE FHO Racing team kicked-off its second Bennetts British Superbike Championship season with a successful test at Snetterton over the weekend.
Superbike riders Peter Hickman and Ryan Vickers and the team’s Superstock riders Alex Olsen and Jack Nixon took to the Norfolk track for three days of action in mainly sunny conditions.
Hickman and Vickers spent the weekend working through various ideas, strategies and settings with the BMW M 1000 R as they began an intense programme of testing to get ready for the first race of the year next month.
And while the test was about gaining vital data and giving the chance the riders to share feedback rather than worry about times, both riders emerged strong, with Hickman ending the weekend eighth quickest while Vickers ended his debut weekend with the team 14th.
Alex Olsen, back with the team for a second season in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship, was quick from the outset, consistently running within the top three to end the weekend second quickest and a mere 0.032secs off the top spot.
Reigning Pirelli National Junior Superstock Champion Jack Nixon enjoyed his first weekend with the team as he steps up to the Superstock class, quickly getting to grips with the larger machinery to post the 14th best time.
Peter Hickman (Superbike) P8, 1:47.314:
“It’s been five and a half months since I’d ridden a Superbike so Friday was a little bit of a shock to the system but it did feel pretty much the same as last year and it felt like coming home which was really nice.
“It’s been good just getting back into the swing of things. We had some new ideas some new strategies to try which we have been trying and while it’s not quite right yet, we’re working through it. I’ve got a new engine spec so we’re working with that and trying to get everything working together. For now we’re working through things which we believe will be an improvement in the long run and we’re happy with the progress we’ve made over the weekend.”
Ryan Vickers (Superbike) P14, 1:47.557
“I’ve really enjoyed the first test, we were quite lucky with weather so it was the perfect opportunity to get used to the new bike. It’s really good having Pete as a team-mate as I can listen to his feedback and find out more about how this bike is different to last year’s and it’s great that we can overlay our thoughts and data and everything else to understand the changes and make things better.
“I’ve been working on getting myself comfortable and understanding what I need to make me feel how I need to. I’m feeling better every time I ride the bike and I can’t wait to get out again.”
Alex Olsen (Superstock) P2, 1:49.260
“I’ve gelled with the bike really well and felt really comfortable straight away. There’s a few things we’ve tried that we didn’t get a chance to try last year but I think we’ve found something in the bike and I feel fitter in myself. Last year I wasn’t 100 per cent but now we’ve worked a lot over the winter getting my fitness back up and I feel good.
“Last year when we came here, we struggled a bit but we just worked on setting our own pace all weekend and we’ve found something so it’s worked. Whatever we’ve done has worked which is great.”
Jack Nixon (Superstock) P14, 1:50.796
“It’s been a brilliant few days, I’ve got to meet and know my team better and of course, it’s been a bit of a learning curve to say the least, but the crew have really helped shorten that learning curve for me.
“I’ve been making lots of progress every day. I managed to get to about a second and a half off Alex which at this stage I’m fairly happy with but we’ll look to keep improving. It’s going to take a bit of time but I want to be at the top as soon as possible, the team believe in me, I believe in myself, the bike’s good so I’m really looking forward to getting back out soon.”
Faye Ho, FHO Racing team owner:
“It’s been a really strong and solid test for the whole team at Snetterton. We’ve got two new riders with Ryan and Jack so for them, it’s been a weekend of getting to know the bikes and the team and I’ve been really pleased to see how quickly they’ve fitted in.
“I’m happy with the progress all of the team has made. Peter has returned from the winter really fired up and ready to work even harder this year and while this is still just testing and not about lap times, he’s worked very hard and has come back with great feedback the whole team can work with. Alex, too, has had a great start and I think we can say the first test has been a success. On to the next one, where hopefully we can make even more progress in anticipation for the season ahead.”
For more information please visit www.fhoracing.com
AFTER THE INDONESIAN RACE, APRILIA RACING SEEKS CONFIRMATION ON THE TERMAS DE RIO HONDO TRACK
After a two-year absence in 2020 and 2021, skipped due to the health situation, MotoGP returns to do a round in Argentina on the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. A race the not only embraces the passion of all South America, but which also represents an important sign of gradual return to normalcy for the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Championship circus.
The start of the season was important, both for Aleix and for Maverick. While the former solidified his good performance in Doha with a solid race on the Mandalika circuit too, for Viñales, the Indonesian race represented a potential turning point in his progress adapting to the new Aprilia RS-GP.
Both are therefore headed to Argentina with the right dose of enthusiasm, with the goal of further confirming the progress demonstrated thus far by the entire Aprilia Racing Team.
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“I am extremely happy to be returning to Argentina to race. It’s a country where you really feel the support for our sport, as well as a track where I have always felt rather good in the past. We got off on the right foot this season and now we have two races in a row ahead of us where it will be fundamental to hold the line and earn as many points as possible before returning to Europe.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“If it were up to me, I’d have raced in Argentina as soon as the Indonesian race was over. At Mandalika, we made an important step forward in terms of settings which did not come out fully in the race due to the difficult conditions, but which makes me highly optimistic for the upcoming rounds. I’m convinced that we are extremely close to finding full confidence but in the current MotoGP championship, every tiny improvement takes a lot of work for both the team and the rider. It’s a matter of putting a lot of details together and creating a perfect synergy but we are on the right path.”
Editorial Note: American Julian Correa was fifth-fastest during British Talent Cup (BTC) testing at Snetterton. Scroll down to see the BTC test results.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Racing Vision:
O’Halloran ups the pace at Snetterton to edge out Sykes at opening Official Test
Jason O’Halloran held off his Bennetts British Superbike Championship rivals to top the opening R&G Official Test of the 2022 season.
The McAMS Yamaha rider continued to build momentum at Snetterton, setting a pace 0.004s faster than his best time yesterday to maintain the leading position on the timesheets, narrowly ahead of returning star Tom Sykes on the final day.
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy MSVR.
The opening action of the new season began with an intense pace at the top as the leading six riders ended the test inside the existing lap record. O’Halloran’s benchmark lap from the final session was an impressive 0.572s under the existing record, with five manufacturers featuring inside the top ten.
O’Halloran said: “First test of the year done and it’s been a really good few days for us, the weather has been perfect so we’ve had loads of track time. I’ve tried so many different versions of the bike here, at least one maybe two per session which is perfect for information and data.
“To go fast at the end is good, I made quite a big mistake on the fast lap too, but more importantly testing is to gain information and feeling and I am very happy with what we have achieved. The whole team have done a great job and I’m looking forward to the next test.”
Sykes rapidly adapted to the MCE Ducati on his first visit to the Snetterton 300 layout, as the former World Superbike Champion ended his debut test with the team just 0.072s adrift of the leading time.
Bradley Ray saved his best until the final session of the three-day test as he continues his preparations for the new season after a change in manufacturer and he fired the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha into third place.
Double champion Josh Brookes was back at the sharp end, holding fourth place as he lapped under the circuit record on his return to the circuit and just 0.115s adrift on the timesheets. The MCE Ducati team opted to sit out the final session of the weekend with both riders inside the top four, as they bid for a ninth Championship title.
FS-3 Racing Kawasaki’s Rory Skinner had topped the penultimate session of the weekend as he set his personal best lap at the Norfolk circuit. The Scot couldn’t quite better his time in the final run of the day, but completed the top five ahead of next week’s R&G Official Test at Donington Park.
Danny Buchan was sixth fastest for the SYNETIQ BMW team; he had been the pace-setter during the early stages of the Official Test, with his best lap coming from the opening day of action.
Defending Champion Tarran Mackenzie was back in action running the number one plate for the first time in 2022, and on his return from a pre-season training injury. He set the seventh fastest time, just 0.013s adrift of the existing lap record for McAMS Yamaha.
Peter Hickman was the leading FHO Racing BMW rider in eighth place as he held off Buildbase Suzuki’s Danny Kent. Tommy Bridewell completed the top ten for the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team.
As the times began to tumble just 0.995s covered the top 15 riders with Andrew Irwin, Lee Jackson and Kyle Ryde just edged outside the top ten. 2018 Champion Leon Haslam ended the test 17th fastest as he continued to work with his new VisionTrack Kawasaki team.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, R&G Official Test, Snetterton, combined session result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 1m:46.571s
Tom Sykes (MCE Ducati) +0.072s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.098s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.115s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.164s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.540s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.585s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.743s
Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.746s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.821s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Sykes And Brookes On Record Pace At Snetterton Test
The MCE Ducati British Superbike Championship Team successfully concluded the three-day official test in great conditions at Snetterton with 2022 riders Tom Sykes and Josh Brookes both inside the top four and bettering the existing lap record.
Yorkshireman Sykes, who won the World Superbike Championship in 2013, was making his debut at the Norfolk track’s 300 configuration and gradually upped the pace for Paul Bird’s Penrith-based team to record his best time on Saturday afternoon with a 1:46.643, over half a second inside Shane Byrne’s five-year-old lap record set on a PBM Ducati.
Double BSB champion Brookes was also on lap record pace, topping the second session on Saturday with a best lap of 1:46.686 on the factory-supported MCE Ducati V4R, to put the Australian in fourth overall at the conclusion of today’s sessions, two of which both PBM riders sat out.
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy PBM Ducati.
Tom Sykes: “Day three at Snetterton saw the weather start out a bit tricky so we missed the first session this morning, but we’d only planned on doing one anyway today. We used it just to try a few things and understand the package a little bit more, but overall, it has been a really positive three-day test. We got lucky with the weather, everything seems to have gone to plan, and now I understand quite a lot more. Now we need to look where we need to improve and keep working. We have the next test at Donington Park on Thursday but looking at the forecast it doesn’t look like we are going to get as many blessings there, but the season is getting closer and after these three days I definitely feel more prepared. The main thing was to get an understanding on where we need to improve. The Ducati has a lot of strong areas and I know there are areas also to work on and so it has been a positive start at this test in that respect.”
Josh Brookes (25). Photo courtesy PBM Ducati.
Josh Brookes: “We’ve had a great test at Snetterton, the weather has been unbelievable for the time of year, and we’ve managed to work through some key points. Today was critical to finish the circle of changes. The session we did wasn’t particularly important for the lap time that we could achieve, but more the feeling that I was getting from the bike. Yesterday’s bike I was happy with, we were under the lap record, and I was able to do competitive times, today’s bike was more difficult to ride, so that gives everyone in the team a clear direction of which way to go, and I think moving forward now we can make some good progress. A big thanks to the team and my crew who put a big shift in this weekend, and we are looking forward to seeing what Donington brings us next week.”
John Mowatt, Team Co-Ordinator: “We have had a solid test at Snetterton, and the team and riders have made excellent progress. We had everything dialled in by Saturday evening, but we just wanted to try one more thing which we did today in the one session we competed in. We have a good direction and it’s great to see both riders with smiles on their faces. Josh has some good chassis and engine settings he’s happy with and it’s as if Tom has never been away from the team. He has slotted right in and when you consider it’s his first time on the new track at Snetterton on a bike with different electronics to what he’s used to, he’s done a fantastic job. We will see what the weather is like for Donington on Thursday and hope we can get some more positive testing in there.”
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, R&G Official Test, Snetterton, combined session result:
1. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 1m:46.571s
2. Tom Sykes (MCE Ducati) +0.072s
3. Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.098s
4. Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.115s
5. Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.164s
6. Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.540s
7. Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.585s
8. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.743s
9. Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.746s
10. Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.821s
The opening round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Silverstone over the Easter weekend of 15/17 April.
Further details can be found at the 2022 Paul Bird Motorsport website coming soon – check out www.pbmuk.net and for information on the championship. Please visit www.britishsuperbike.com.
Editorial Note: American Julian Correa was eighth-fastest during British Talent Cup testing Saturday at Snetterton. Scroll down to see those test time.
O’Halloran 0.568s under the Snetterton lap record to top times from Sykes
Jason O’Halloran set a blistering pace on the second day of Bennetts British Superbike Championship Official Testing at Snetterton this afternoon, lapping 0.568s under the existing circuit record to top the times by 0.068s for the McAMS Yamaha team.
There was a frantic end to the final session of the day as O’Halloran saved his best until last to post his lap-record breaking time with just under three minutes remaining before the chequered flag.
O’Halloran said: “It has been a really productive day for us and it is nice to be at the top of the timesheets. It wasn’t really part of the plan today, we just ended up there which was good. We worked through a lot of changes so thanks to the team as they put in a really big shift today.
“We are just continually working to see where we can take the bike and gain valuable information for the start of the season. There has been a lot of mental energy put into today and we want to keep improving.”
The Australian had snatched the leading position away from rival Josh Brookes who had been the first rider to dip into the 1m:46s barrier in the session earlier in the afternoon. The double champion had been heading the timesheets in the closing action of the day, before a small crash at Murrays in the final minutes, but he was uninjured and returned to the pitlane.
As Brookes returned to the garage, his teammate Tom Sykes proved he was continuing to get to grips with the Ducati on his return to Bennetts BSB. The former World Champion fired himself into second place and just 0.068s adrift of O’Halloran on his final run of the day.
Bradley Ray continued to hold his position in the top five, setting the fourth fastest time for Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha, edging out yesterday’s pace-setter Danny Buchan on the SYNETIQ BMW. The leading five riders setting a pace within the lap record time at the Norfolk circuit.
Rory Skinner was the leading Kawasaki contender in sixth place, as four manufacturers featured in the top six positions after day two on track.
FHO Racing BMW’s Peter Hickman narrowly held off Danny Kent for seventh position, the Buildbase Suzuki rider had a crash at Palmer in the closing stages, but just 0.003s separated the pair at the chequered flag.
Andrew Irwin made it both SYNETIQ BMWs in the leading ten as Tommy Bridewell completed the top ten after day two, with 0.091s covering the top 12 contenders with Kyle Ryde and Christian Iddon.
Former champion Leon Haslam was 15th for the VisionTrack Kawasaki team whilst defending champion Tarran Mackenzie was 16th.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, R&G Official Test, Snetterton, combined day two result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 1m:46.575s
Tom Sykes (MCE Ducati) +0.068s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.111s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.456s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.536s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.699s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.739s
Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.742s
Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.832s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.837s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Razgatlioglu tops rain-affected Day 2 at Catalunya as all five manufacturers make the top seven
The rain fell and interrupted running on the second day at Catalunya as Razgatlioglu topped the times on Saturday
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship continued testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with rain interrupting the second day of action in Spain. Reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) topped the timesheets with the fastest lap of the day coming before the rain fell which limited running as the time ticked over into the afternoon.
FIVE MANUFACTURERS IN THE TOP SEVEN
In a show of what WorldSBK could be like in 2022, five manufacturers finished inside the top seven positions on day two. Razgatlioglu’s fastest time was a 1’40.571s as he completed 51 laps with Yamaha trialling a new exhaust throughout the test as well as continuing to work on their electronics package. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was 11th for the second day as he, like his teammate, worked on Yamaha’s electronics package. Both Razgatlioglu and Locatelli ventured out into the wet on Saturday. The Pata Yamaha team were not the only Yamaha representation in the top five, with Garrett Gerloff (GRT GYRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in fifth place. Gerloff was testing in the wet conditions to trial Yamaha’s electronics package. Teammate Kohta Nozane also ventured out into the wet, posting a best time of 1’42.509s.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) put his Panigale V4 R machine into second place as the team looked to focus on a modified swingarm compared to the one seen at Portimao as well as new items inside the front forks. Bautista completed 67 laps and posted a best time of 1’40.952s to claim second spot. Teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi made it two Ducatis in the top six as he finished sixth with a best time of 1’41.610s. He completed 34 laps on day two, opting not to test in the wet conditions.
Team HRC showed strong pace on Saturday with two riders in the top eight. Iker Lecuona claimed third spot with a best time of 1’41.033s and 62 laps completed, while Xavi Vierge was eighth after completing 55 laps. Vierge’s day came to an early end on Saturday after he had a highside crash at Turn 12, bringing out the Red Flags for a short period. Vierge was initially taken to the medical centre for a check-up before being transported to hospital with rib injuries, although he was conscious. Honda tested some new double ducts on their brakes on day one of the test to assist with cooling in hotter conditions, while the CBR1000RR-R also has a new exhaust for 2022.
At the team’s home circuit, Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK claimed fourth with Jonathan Rea on day two of the two-day test after posting a 1’41.168s and completing 32 laps. Throughout the test, Rea tried the fuel tanks fins used by teammate Alex Lowes as well as trying small components including on the clutch. Lowes finished the day in 12th place, with a best time of 1’41.99s and 36 laps to his name. Both riders opted against testing in the afternoon after the rain fell.
Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) overcame technical issues in the morning to finish in seventh place for the day, racking up 50 laps and posting a best lap time of 1’41.636s. Redding spent day one working on BMW’s electronics package and was hoping for dry running to keep the momentum heading in the right direction. Despite not staying dry, Redding did test in the wet conditions while stand-in teammate Ilya Mikhalchik finished his day when the rain came. The Ukrainian rider’s best time was a 1’42.763s and he completed 16 laps.
INDEPENDENT SQUADS ROUND OUT THE TOP TEN
There were two Independent riders who rounded out the top ten on day two in Barcelona. German rookie Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) claimed ninth place as he looked to continue evaluating a new exhaust after the team switched to Spark over the winter. Oettl took advantage of the wet conditions in the afternoon to get some wet-weather practice in, having never ridden a WorldSBK machine in wet conditions before. His best time was a 1’41.735s with 55 laps to his name.
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) took a different approach to the afternoon’s running after the rain, with the Frenchman ending his day early. Over the winter, Kawasaki Puccetti switched suspension suppliers to Öhlins, with Mahias continuing to evaluate this change in Catalunya. Mahias posted a best time just 0.009s shy of Oettl while adding 23 laps to his tally.
ROUNDING OUT THE WorldSBK FIELD ON DAY TWO…
Bonovo Action BMW duo Eugene Laverty and Loris Baz were 15th and 16th respectively on the second day. Laverty had been working on a change of rider position throughout the test while working on some traction control strategies on day one. The Irishman completed 30 laps on day two, with a best time of 1’43.305s, while Baz was half-a-second down on his teammate as the Frenchman completed 29 laps; neither ventured out onto the track in the wet conditions.
Sammarinese rookie Luca Bernardi (Barni Spark Racing Team) was 17th on day two as he continued to adjust to WorldSBK action. He posted a best time of 1’43.823s, completing 23 laps but not taking to the wet track. His time was a second clear of fellow rookie Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) who added 34 laps to his tally; like Bernardi, König did not go out in the rain.
Now entering his second season in WorldSBK, Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) was 19th on his ZX-10RR. the Belgian rider had a highside crash at Turn 2 on day one in the change of direction but was okay to ride on Saturday, finishing as the penultimate rider in the field. Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin (MIE Racing Honda Team) was last in the WorldSBK classification, completing 49 laps with a best time of 1’45.539s.
RACE LAP RECORD PACE FOR BULEGA
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) continued his form of lapping under existing race lap records throughout testing as he sent the benchmark in WorldSSP on day two. His best time was a 1’45.110s, faster than both Cresson and Syahrin, as he added 38 laps to his tally. He was the only WorldSSP rider to hit the track in the wet conditions, with Raffaele De Rosa (Ducati Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and Oli Bayliss (Barni Spark Racing Team) opting to not test in the afternoon. De Rosa’s best time was a 1’46.971s, almost two seconds back from Bulega, while Bayliss posted a 1’47.253s as his best time.
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
KRT Ready To Race After Catalunya Test
Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes left the final private winter tests of the 2022 season in confident mood after two days at their Kawasaki Racing Team’s local track, Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya.
A dry opening day on Friday 25 March at the 4.657km long venue, situated just a few hundred yards from the team’s HQ, provided both KRT riders and the vast majority of their 2022 rivals consistent track conditions to work with.
The second day started out dry, but cooler than day one, with the expected rains finally appearing in the middle of the day, ending all meaningful track action.
On the 2022 Ninja ZX-10RR six-times World Champion Rea set his best time of 1’41.062 on Day One of the tests. That put him overall second fastest at that stage, before finishing up fourth quickest in the combined times.
Rea and his crew confirmed their season-starting base settings before making more specific set-up steps to race at Barcelona in the autumn. Rea also worked on some tyre options, to be ready for whatever the real race conditions will provide when the championship heads there to race.
A now fully fit Lowes worked on his machine set-up with his pit crew throughout the test. Like his team-mate Jonathan, Alex set his best lap time – a 1’41.664 – on the slightly warmer opening day.
Even though Lowes lost some potential track time to the rains that arrived just after 12.00 he leaves Catalunya in a positive and motivated frame of mind, and fully fit after a 2021 season which was impacted by injury.
Catalunya will ultimately host Round Eight of the WorldSBK championship between 23-25 September.
The final pre-season on-track preparations will be made at the Organiser’s Supported test days at Motorland Aragon, between 4-5 April. The first round of the season will take place at that same venue, from 8-10 April.
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “I had a good feeling here. We confirmed the items that we had found positive results with in both the Jerez and Portimao tests. The weather conditions were not perfect here and the temperature was quite low, but we were able to make a lot of laps, especially on Day One. Day Two was colder but we kept working with the base of the bike. I did some more practice starts on Day Two, so that is getting better. We made some progress in that area. I ended the test with a good feeling on the bike and I am really excited to go to Aragon. Everybody there will have the same strategy – to set-up for the weekend and then go into Free Practice 1. It has been a long but exciting off-season, with a lot of testing, and I have been healthy throughout. I am thankful to the team for all the hard work they have done. Now we get to go to a race weekend very soon. Thanks for the big effort, to everyone in KRT.”
Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “We had a good first day here. We did lot of laps, consistent laps, and confirmed a lot of the changes we had made in the previous winter tests. This morning we were limited on track time, and we wanted to try some different things on the back of the bike. The forecast had been quite bad so we were happy to get the good laps we did on the final day. The laps we did get were better than we expected after the weather forecast. I am ready to go now in Motorland Aragon in a couple of weeks. It has been nice to do a proper test with lots of good laps. My previous injuries feel good, my body feels good and that means I am ready to racing.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “This is the first test that all manufacturers, teams and riders have attended. Everybody was here, so it has been a little bit different compared to the previous ones. The riders always check the lap times, who is in front, which tyre the others are using. At this track the difference between times on the soft and hard tyres are quite big. Yesterday everybody was making a fast time on the soft tyres but this is maybe not realistic. The race in 19 laps, not five. We focused on our own testing. The first thing was to confirm the things we had already tested at Jerez and Portimao. The result has been positive. Then we also tried to understand some changes in the set-up, thinking about race weekend. We worked on the soft tyres and the hard tyres, so we can be ready for whatever we use when we come back to race here. We collected very good information, we did a race simulation, and we have the base package to start the championship in Motorland Aragon. We will check that again in the two days of official testing there. We feel ready. For sure this year will be very tough, as many people are going fast, but we are all happy.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We had an early finish because it started to spit a bit with rain at lunchtime. It was a good test because Catalunya has always been hard for us in the past, but we arrived here with a clear idea about what our base bike would be for the first race in Aragon. We just had another opportunity to test some important items again on a different track. That is what we did on Day One. We had a nice day then, did a lot of laps and we had the same results from all our new components, like we had at Jerez and Portimao. We are confident we can say that our bike specification for Race One is done. Alex did a lot of laps on the first day and he was very fit from the first lap to the last. I appreciate and admire the efforts he has made over the winter to prepare himself. Now we are looking forward to Aragon. We are ready to start the season.”
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was also at the Catalunya tests, posting strong times as the Frenchman approaches his second WorldSBK season in his Italian-based team. Independent riders Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) and Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) also made their final private tests of the pre-season on their Ninja ZX-10RR machines.
More, from a press release issued by GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
GOOD PROGRESS MADE AT PENULTIMATE TEST IN BARCELONA FOR GERLOFF AND NOZANE
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
The renewed GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team concluded its penultimate test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 25-26 March with over 20 riders involved as the start of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship gets ever closer. Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff could finally run their Yamaha R1 bikes with the new liveries, following the official Team Launch on 24 March.
On the first day, both riders could run in good weather conditions, but the low grip made it difficult to maximise their potential. With track open from 10:00 to 18:00, without any break, and just a little stop at the end of the day due to a red flag, Gerloff and Nozane were able to continue the work done at the Misano World Circuit just one week ago.
Therefore, Gerloff set a 1’41.229 (85 laps), despite a small crash in the middle of the day at Turn 10. Anyway, that didn’t prevent the American rider from finding pace, ending Day 1 third fastest. On the other side of the box, Nozane picked up his rhythm run after run, and finished with a 1’42.428 (74 laps), which saw him go 14th.
On Day 2, despite the overcast conditions, the rain held off in the morning and Gerloff kept working on his pace to go fifth fastest with a 1’41.320 (45 laps). Teammate Nozane did the same and was 14th overall on a 1’42.509 after 25 laps.
Just before the halfway stage, heavy rain disrupted the remainder of the test. That didn’t prevent the team from running though, and both Nozane and Gerloff went out with the Pirelli rain tyres to test the new Yamaha R1 in wet conditions. In the afternoon, the Japanese rider recorded a 1’57.208 (20 laps), while the American did a 1’56.332 (17 laps), with the team opting to end the test prematurely due to the colder conditions.
From now on, the last step for the GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team before the 2022 FIM World Superbike Championship season commences will be the official Aragòn test set for 4-5 April, which will also host the opening round on 8-10 April.
Garrett Gerloff: “Day 1 here in Barcelona wasn’t the easiest as the track didn’t have much grip. Anyway, we did a good job and I’m glad the things we tried in Misano worked here as well. We kept working on the electronics, and we made step forward with that. I’m happy that we were able to try numerous parts and settings, and the race pace was good as well. I had a small crash on the first day at Turn 10, but that didn’t stop us from getting everything done. On Day 2 we continued with our schedule, confirming the improvements we’ve made. Moreover, we could do some laps in the wet condition and it was important because we needed the data. We’re in a good spot, and now I’m focused on the final test at Motorland Aragòn.”
Kohta Nozane: “The first day was a bit more difficult than expected. At the Misano World Circuit the track had good grip, but here in Barcelona the asphalt was very green. Anyway, we kept working and took some positives from this test. We were able to complete some laps in the rain too, which was important as we might face wet conditions during the season and we need to be ready for that. Now I’ll keep working to be prepared for the final test before the beginning of the championship.”
Filippo Conti: “It was very emotional to see our new Yamaha R1 bikes on track after the official unveiling on 24 March. Overall, it was once again a good test and we had the chance to ride in wet conditions as well. Testing in every condition is really important to be as prepared as possible for the upcoming season. In just one week we’ll have the final test in Aragòn and then the 2022 season will get underway. We’re more than ready and I would like to thank the whole crew for the massive job they’re doing, Yamaha and every partner which is believing in our project.”
More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:
BMW Motorrad Motorsport continues WorldSBK season preparations with two day of testing at Barcelona.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Bonovo action BMW Racing Team in action at the two-day test in Spain.
Ilya Mikhalchik stands in for injured Michael van der Mark.
Marc Bongers: “In general, we are happy but we still have to work on the pace to get closer to the top”.
Barcelona. BMW Motorrad Motorsport continued is preparations for the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship with two days of testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (ESP). The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team again had a comprehensive test schedule and evaluated numerous new components and set-up solutions for the BMW M 1000 RR. The weather was mainly dry with some rain only on the afternoon of the second day.
At Scott Redding’s (GBR) side, BMW Motorrad factory rider Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) stood in for injured Michael van der Mark (NED) in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Together with the two Bonovo action BMW Racing Team riders, Eugene Laverty (IRL) and Loris Baz (FRA), they worked, among other things, on rims, wiring loom and electronics and tested several chassis components.
The next test is scheduled for 4th and 5th April at MotorLand Aragón (ESP). The same venue will host the 2022 WorldSBK season opener from 8th to 10th April.
Quotes after the Barcelona test. Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “Ilya did a solid job. He worked through several test items for us and got used to the Superbike. He completed many kilometres and we made good progress with him. In the end, he was the second-fastest BMW rider in the dry. Michael’s surgery was successful but we don’t know yet when he can ride again. In case he can’t, Ilya would be a potential substitute for the season opener. On Scott’s side, the test went partly positively, partly we have still some work to do. We confirmed the engine with all riders as a positive step. We also were strong in regards to top speed but we clearly lose in sectors two and four, especially when accelerating out of the fast corners. Here we definitely still have to work on our package, in combination with set-up and traction control. We were able to go through a lot of test items also with the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team. Loris unfortunately had a crash that cost him a lot of time. In addition, we had some minor technical issues here and there, but that’s the purpose of the tests, to identify them at an early stage. Those were topics we can well react on. In general, we are happy but we still have to work on the pace to close up to the top.”
Scott Redding, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was good to have two days of testing here in Barcelona. We have made some improvements with the bike and the electronics which is important for me and the team. Then we had to try a few test items, tried the different tyres to get a feeling, tried again the electronics. We worked a lot and we did make some improvements which is good. But the goal post is always moving. You close the gap to the first one and then someone goes faster again. But we have to look at our situation, what we are doing and how we are improving. That’s where we need to focus. Then we had some rain in the afternoon of the second day which was interesting. It was good for me to get on the wet track and just get the feeling. It’s not too different to how it was in the past. I felt quite good. We need to do a bit more with the set-up and stuff but the temperature dropped quite a lot so we decided to test some other parts, practice starts a bit more because I haven’t done many starts on this bike and then we improved which was good. We also tried some other things for the conditions. In general, we did quite a lot but we still have more to do. We are moving on to Aragón, and I think we have some more things that we need to confirm there.”
Ilya Mikhalchik, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “First of all I want to say a big thank you to BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the team for giving me this opportunity, and secondly a speedy recovery and a get well soon to Michael. I hope he can back on his bike soon. I am happy to be here and for sure, the World Superbike is completely different. You need to know how to work on this bike to go fast. We got this feeling more with every lap we did. Lap by lap I felt where we should go and this brought me more speed and more fun on the bike. Hopefully we can continue in the same way and soon I will get more confidence and will be faster on the bike. Barcelona was a new track for me and it was a kind of a new bike, but I enjoyed it and really felt like home. At the next test at Aragón, we know each other already, I am acquainted to the bike so I think this will be a small advantage for me there and our work will be even better than here.”
Eugene Laverty, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “Especially the first day was really good. We continued our progress from Misano day two in the same direction. We improved the braking again and in the afternoon we worked a lot on electronic strategies to help because this asphalt is usually slippery so it was a big chance to work on power reduction and traction control to improve that for the 20-lap races. We made good lap times. Still it’s too far to the top, we need to reduce this, but I am happy with the way the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team is working and it was positive.”
Loris Baz, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “Yesterday morning, we did a quite a good job. At the beginning, I did not have the feeling I wanted with the bike. We improved this, I was pretty fast, but then I made a small mistake and crashed in an in-lap. That was basically the end of our test because we were not able to re-start after the crash yesterday. This morning we had some issues due to the crash I guess. We did in and out-laps trying to find the problem today. It is frustrating but for sure it is better to happen here than at Aragón. Before the crash we were pretty fast, not as fast as we want for sure, but on a track where the grip is so low, I think that’s our weakest point at the moment and we need to improve in these kinds of conditions. It has not been a productive test like Jerez or Misano but sometimes this happens. I am looking forward to Aragón now.”
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Bautista ends second the private tests in Barcelona. Rinaldi sixth. Bulega (WorldSSP) also does well with the Panigale V2.
The last private tests of the 2022 pre-season ended today at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya (Spain).
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team riders worked profitably on their Ducati Panigale V4R during the two intense days (with cold temperature).
Alvaro Bautista also had the chance to lap in wet conditions after the heavy rain that fell during the lunch break today.
DAY-1
Alvaro Bautista and Michael Rinaldi took to the track on their Ducati Panigale V4R and immediately showed a good feeling.
The Spanish rider completed 93 laps, recording an extremely convincing race pace and finishing with a best time of 1’40.824 using race tyres.
Michael Rinaldi also lapped consistently, finishing fourth at the end of the day after completing 80 laps.
Day-1 Standings
1 – A. Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’40.824
2 – J. Rea (Kawasaki) 1’41.062
3 – G. Gerloff (Yamaha) 1’41.229
4 – M. Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’41.360
5 – T. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) 1’41.523
DAY-2
Despite the very low temperature, both Bautista and Rinaldi were still able to push hard continuing to work on race tyres, without using the new qualifying tyre introduced by Pirelli (SCQ).
In the afternoon Bautista returned to the track in wet conditions and concluded 18 LAPS
Day-2 Standings
1 – T. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) 1’40.571
2 – A. Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’40.952
3 – I. Lecuona (Honda) 1’41.033
4 – J. Rea (Kawasaki) 1’41.168
5 – G. Gerloff (Yamaha) 1’41.320
6 – M. Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’41.610 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“I’m satisfied with these two days of testing. We’ve worked a lot on the bike, trying some interesting solutions that have given positive results. We’ve also tried the new rear tyre that Pirelli should bring to Barcelona round, although obviously, the weather conditions will be different. We are making constant progress and this gives us great confidence. Let’s go to the Aragon tests to fix the last details that will allow us to be ready for the first round”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“It’s been a profitable test in which we’ve worked especially in view Aragon race. This morning, unfortunately, I could not try to set the time with the SCX due to the rain. In any case, the feeling has improved since the Misano test and I feel we have taken a big step forward. For sure we are not at our 100% yet and that’s why the Aragon tests will be very important. * I have the feeling we are* on the right track. We just have to continue working in this direction”.
#WorldSSP
Concrete steps forward for Nicolò Bulega who completed 111 laps, increasing the feeling with the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team. Although the asphalt was much colder than yesterday, the Italian rider was able to lower the time recorded in day-1 by more than three tenths, closing with an interesting 1’45.110. This afternoon Bulega had the chance to test the Ducati Panigale V2 for the first time in wet conditions.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP team)
“I’m satisfied with what we did both yesterday and today. We have worked well and understood many things. Maybe we’re not as close to the fastest times as we have been on other circuits but it’s clear that the temperature didn’t help us. The balance of these tests, in any case, is positive, also because I was able to ride the Panigale V2 for the first time in wet conditions”.
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
Team HRC completes its penultimate pre-season test in Barcelona
Team HRC has shared the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit with many other WorldSBK teams during the penultimate pre-season test, with the final sessions scheduled to take place at Motorland Aragón on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 April before round 1 of the 2022 Superbike World Championship gets underway at the same track on Friday 8 April.
After a couple of weeks of rain and mixed weather conditions in the local area, the squad was lucky enough to enjoy a dry, albeit windy and cool, first day of testing on Friday, with temperatures of around 16°C. Saturday on the other hand brought colder conditions and cloudy skies, before it began to rain around midday.
During the intense one and half day of dry testing, riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge worked hard with their respective crews as they focused on various aspects of the bike’s set-up and continued to adapt to what is a new category for them both. Having put in a qualifying tyre, Lecuona ultimately set the third fastest time in the combined classification (1’41.033), while Xavi Vierge finished 10 overall with a best time of 1’41.719.
In the afternoon, and considering the worsening weather, both riders took the opportunity to try out some rain set-ups and wet tyres. The conditions proved tricky for Xavi Vierge however, and the Spaniard suffered his first fall since joining the team. Despite the turn 12 crash not appearing to be particularly major, Xavi reported a strong pain to his ribs and was therefore taken first to the medical centre and then to the Sant Cugat Barcelona Hospital for further checks. The x-rays reported a fracture to his twelfth rib. The plan is to start immediately with physiotherapy and rehabilitation so as to be back on track as soon as possible.
The next week the team will move on to the Motorland Aragón circuit for a final pre-season test session before the 2022 WorldSBK Championship season opener takes place on 8-10 April.
Iker Lecuona 7
“On day one, we worked on every aspect of the bike set-up in order to adapt to the Montmelo circuit, looking to improve particularly in terms of the braking, and corner speed too. The feeling has been different compared to Jerez and Portimão, and the weather was not as good as it was during previous tests, but we worked really hard on the bike all the same. I’m also focusing on myself, in terms of adapting to the aspects of this category that are very different to what I was used to, like the electronics for example. I also need to understand the Pirelli tyres a bit better, but we are getting there. Day by day I feel better on the bike and I’m also very happy with the team; they support me at all times and in every way. On Saturday it was good to have a dry morning session, during which we worked to fine tune the set-up before putting in a soft tyre to make a flying lap. I was happy with that lap time but of course it’s just a single lap and in a race you must be fast from start to finish. After lunch the rain came, so let’s say that the afternoon was a good opportunity to learn more about the wet tyres and wet settings. We have room to improve there, so we must keep working. We will now approach Aragón with an open mind, well aware that we still have work to do but also that we have worked well in recent months and will continue to do our best to keep improving throughout the season”.
Xavi Vierge 97
“The crash was a real shame and came at the end of what’s been a constructive testing session. Yesterday we had the first good weather we’ve seen for a while and were able to make the most of it. Montmelo is kind of a home track for me, but also a new track for me on the CBR, so the first goal was to build confidence with the bike and understand the areas where we need to work and improve the set-up. We focused on those aspects and took some steps forwards over the two days, getting into quite a good rhythm and collating a lot of information. On Saturday afternoon the conditions worsened and after lunch the rain came. We took the opportunity to work on some rain set-ups and wet Pirelli tyres but unfortunately, I suffered a crash which has left me in quite a bit of pain. I will start immediately with physiotherapy and rehabilitation so as to be back on track as soon as possible”.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Razgatlıoğlu Sets Blistering Pace in Barcelona Test with 2022 Pata Yamaha with Brixx R1 WorldSBK
Defending WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu set the fastest lap time across two days of pre-testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as he and Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK teammate Andrea Locatelli continued preparations for start of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship in Spain.
Razgatlıoğlu took to the track for the first time with #1 on his Yamaha R1 WorldSBK yesterday, completing 82 of his total 133 laps – but it was today that the team found a step forward. This enabled him to post the 1’40.571 lap-time which saw him take the number one spot, ahead of 19 riders from the full 24-strong WorldSBK field in attendance. The Turkish ace ended the test more than two-tenths clear of nearest rival Alvaro Bautista (Ducati).
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK and Yamaha Motor Europe’s Research & Development engineers worked hard across the two days of testing to finalise electronic and mechanical upgrades for the 2022 season, making progress in both dry and wet conditions as rain fell from midday today.
Despite two crashes hampering Locatelli’s pre-season preparations and ending his day early yesterday, the #55 crew were able to re-join the action this morning and shift their focus to help deliver positive pace in wet conditions. The Italian completed a total of 117 laps of the 4.657 km venue.
The official WorldSBK test at MotorLand Aragon will provide two further days of testing before the opening round of the 2022 season, which takes place at the same venue from 8-10 April.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: P1 (1’40.571) – 133 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Yesterday for me was not an easy day because we tried to find the set up, but the feeling was not so good. But, this morning the start was very positive because we find a good set-up and see the problem – and also very good lap time for me! After, we try also the new tyre from Pirelli but then the rain started. We could try the new electronic in wet condition, which was also working very good. We are also improving set-up again with electronics and I’m very happy today. It’s a good feeling and looks ready to race. We have one more test in Aragon, where we will try some new set-up and new parts.”
Andrea Locatelli: P12 (1’41.865) – 117 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Yesterday morning we were fast and the feeling was great! I had a small crash in the morning, but it was ok. In the afternoon I struggled a little bit with the feeling and we had some problems which meant we lost a lot of time on track. It was quite a strange day for us but today we tried to restart fresh. Unfortunately we had another small problem and lost more time in the morning. In the middle of the day it started to rain and it meant we could do some laps in the wet. The feeling was good and in general after the two days I am really happy because in the rain we rode really well, so this is another good point. We tried the updated electronics, we tried everything and the feeling is good. Now in Aragon, we will reset everything and start again – not from zero because we have a base set-up and a lot of good parts – but we have two days to focus on the bike in the official test and prepare. In the end we were a little unlucky here in Barcelona but it’s the life! We’ve already tested in Aragon so we have more of an idea, we will finish the work there and start ready for the first race of the season.”
Phil Marron – #1 Crew Chief
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Yesterday we understood a few limitations with the bike, and fortunately, we were able to figure out the direction that we needed to go for today. We had a very unhappy rider last night and on the first few exits today, he was reasonably happy though not quite convinced with the package – but towards the afternoon, Toprak was quite content with the progress made with the electronics package and the hardware package on the R1 WorldSBK. We were fortunate to get a chance to try the upgraded electronics in the wet and that was very beneficial not only for Toprak to understand it, but for us as well. He got a chance to get his head around it and we get a chance to really get our teeth into it from an analysis point of view. We still have work to do in Aragon, and what we’ve done here has helped us but the fact that we’ve already been to Aragon is bound to help as well, so we’re looking forward to getting there.”
Andrew Pitt – #55 Crew Chief
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“On Locatelli’s side, the first half of the day went really well yesterday as we worked through our programme and got some very good, clear information. We improved the bike and he was really happy with it, running right at the front. We put a soft tyre in and tried to push for a lap time, and unfortunately Loka just lost the front into Turn 1 and did quite a lot of damage on his main bike. We lost a bit of momentum at that point, working to transfer the latest updates for his second bike – which then had some problems in the afternoon and the day ended with a crash at Turn 4. It was a late night to get everything ready for today and a little bit frustrating as we only got one good run in before the rain came. But on the positive side, we did focus on some runs this afternoon in the wet. Loka didn’t have a good feeling in Race 1 here last year and has never been super happy on the bike in the wet, but today he went out and within two laps had a really good feeling and went really quick. Electronically, the feeling is very good, the base is very good and we’ve got a set-up that works. Riding this afternoon in the wet helped him a lot and now we’ll get the bikes ready for Aragon. We know we have a good base there from the test, so we just need to come out and hit the ground running to work on speed and fine tuning.”
The Repsol Honda Team rider has already shown very favourable improvements with his diplopia after visiting the Hospital Clínic and an examination from Dr. Sánchez Dalmau.
Marc Marquez visited his ophthalmologist, Dr. Sánchez Dalmau, at the Hospital Clínic in Barcelona yesterday, Monday, where he underwent his second medical check-up after the crash in Warm Up for the Indonesian GP a week ago. In this new examination, Dr. Sánchez Dalmau confirmed that Marc Marquez’s diplopia shows a notable improvement and reaffirms that the progression of his vision is very favourable. As happened with the last episode of diplopia, Marc Marquez will continue to carry out a conservative treatment regime with regular check-ups.
The Repsol Honda Team rider will not take part in the next round of the MotoGP World Championship that takes place this weekend in Argentina as he continues his recovery.
Doctor Sánchez Dalmau
Ophthalmologist
“The second neuro-ophthalmological evaluation carried out on Marc Marquez this past Monday has shown a very favourable evolution in the paralysis of the fourth right nerve affected by the fall that occurred at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Recovery is not yet complete, and Marc Marquez must follow the established therapeutic regime with conservative treatment.”
Former MotoAmerica regular Valentin Debise (153) celebrates one of his four race victories at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Team33accessoires.fr by VRT81.
NEARLY 10,000 SPECTATORS AT LE MANS TO ATTEND THE DEBISE MASTERCLASS
Eagerly awaited by all speed enthusiasts, the first round of the FSBK-FE French Superbike Championship on the Circuit Bugatti was a success on and off the track. The local club, the ACO and the FFM, represented by its President Sébastien Poirier, are delighted with the enthusiasm surrounding this flagship event bringing together the elite of French speed.
SUPERBIKE
RACE 1: DEBISE, PRELUDE TO A RECITAL!
The excitement and tension are palpable at the start of this first race of the season in the premier category. The drivers observed each other in qualifying, now it is in the race that they will be able to measure themselves.
The holeshot is to the credit of poleman Valentin DEBISE (Yamaha – Michelin) who is ahead of Mathieu GINES (Yamaha Tech Solutions – Pirelli), Kenny FORAY (BMW Tecmas – Michelin) and Gregory LEBLANC (Ducati TWR – Pirelli) at the end of the 1st round. Despite several falls, without gravity, in the heart of the peloton during the first lap, the favorites are not affected.
In the second lap, the 4 leading men increased the intensity ahead of Alan TECHER (Honda CBO – Michelin), 5th who made a mistake and saw his competitors move away.
The skimming operates at the forefront, after 7 laps, DEBISE and GINES escape, like an air of deja vu… FORAY and LEBLANC remain wheel in wheel to fight for 3rd place. TECHER, isolated in 5th position, gradually took shelter from his pursuers and pushed to come back to the DEBISE – TECHER duo. Behind him, Axel MAURIN (Yamaha CMS – Pirelli) is struggling with the two Challengers Martin RENAUDIN (Yamaha Moto&GP Addict – Pirelli) and Valentin SUCHET (Suzuki Junior Team LMS – Pirelli). Diverse fortune for Maximilien BAU (BMW – Michelin), well placed in the top 10, the 2019 French Champion in Supersport 600 is unfortunately forced to retire.
5 laps from the finish, DEBISE stepped up its efforts to get rid of GINES who was gradually losing ground to his rival, same scenario between FORAY, 3rd, and LEBLANC, 4th. Alan TECHER manages his effort in 5th place while RENAUDIN, SUCHET and MAURIN are still close.
At the checkered flag, DEBISE celebrates another victory in the premier class with a 2”203 lead over GINES, who is still just as rigorous. It is the driver of the BMW 78, Kenny FORAY who climbs on the last step of the podium.
Also very diligent, we can count on Grégory LEBLANC, 4th today, to disrupt this top 3, the multiple French champion, more and more comfortable on his Ducati, intends to interfere regularly on the podium this season. Alan TECHER finished 5th and demonstrated a very good adaptation to his new machine.
6th at the finish, MAURIN resists the ardor of the young local drivers RENAUDIN, 7th, and SUCHET, 8th in front of their public. The latter therefore climb on the two highest steps of the podium in the Challenger category. Podium temporarily completed by Tom BERCOT (Honda CBO – Michelin), indeed, the latter will finally be downgraded by decision of the jury. The situation benefits Joseph FORAY (BMW – Dunlop) who inherits his first top 3 Superbike Challenger.
RACE 2: DEBISE IMPERIAL
This time, Mathieu GINES (Yamaha Tech Solutions – Pirelli) got the better of the start and took the lead after the Dunlop chicane ahead of Valentin DEBISE (Yamaha – Michelin) and Axel MAURIN (Yamaha CMS – Pirelli) who also got off to a superb start.
After 3 laps, we find a configuration similar to that of race 1 with GINES and DEBISE in the lead in that order. After his good start to the race, Axel MAURIN was successively overtaken by Kenny FORAY (BMW Tecmas – Michelin), Alan TECHER (Honda CBO – Michelin), and Gregory LEBLANC (Ducati TWR – Pirelli), the rider of the retrograde Yamaha n°89 so in 6th place . In addition, the resident of Team CMS quickly finds himself under threat from Guillaume ANTIGA (Ducati – Pirelli), David MUSCAT (Ducati – Michelin), and Martin RENAUDIN (Yamaha Moto&GP Addict -Pirelli).
No notable change at the front after 9 laps, apart from an increase in the gaps between the different groups and the retirement of David MUSCAT due to mechanical problems. 6 laps from the finish, following an authoritarian overtaking by DEBISE, the latter got the better of GINES and immediately increased his lead.
In the last laps of the race, DEBISE manages its lead and wins again in the premier category. GINES is once again on the second step of the podium completed by FORAY, like in race 1.
For TECHER , no podium but a great weekend which ended with a fine 4th place ahead of MAURIN, 5th , LEBLANC , 6th and ANTIGA , 7th .
In Challenger, RENAUDIN wins for the second time of the weekend, a great performance for him who does not hide his ambition to win the title. Valentin SUCHET is once again 2 nd thanks to his 9 th place overall, ahead of Alexandre SANTO DOMINGUES (Yamaha – Pirelli) in both categories.
SUPERSPORT 600
RACE 1: DEBISE AFFIRMS ITS STATUS
Author of an excellent start, Valentin DEBISE, keeps the advantage of his pole position and places his Yamaha n°153 in the lead on the first lap. However, the Albigensian was quickly put under pressure by Loïc ARBEL (Yamaha – Pirelli) and the young Mathieu GREGORIO (Yamaha – Michelin) who also started particularly well from the starting grid.
The leading trio imposes its rhythm in the first laps, only Matthieu LUSSIANA (Yamaha – Dunlop), very applied, remains in contact.
Before halfway, GREGORIO took control ahead of ARBEL, 2nd and DEBISE, 3rd. Behind, Matthieu LUSSIANA is slightly behind the leading men, while Cédric TANGRE (Yamaha – Pirelli) and Enzo DE LA VEGA (Yamaha – Pirelli) are fighting for 5th place by less than 2 seconds.
2 laps from the finish, ARBEL gives way to DEBISE and GREGORIO whose pace is still just as high. At the same time, DE LA VEGA successively overtook TANGRE and LUSSIANA to gain 4th place.
Put to the test by GREGORIO, DEBISE remains faithful to his habits and begins this 2022 season with a new victory, just ahead of the Challenger driver, 2nd in the race. For its return to FSBK-FE, ARBEL distinguished itself with a fine 3rd place. In the very last meters, TANGRE surprised his two adversaries and took 4th place ahead of DE LA VEGA, 5th and LUSSIANA, 6th.
Mathieu GREGORIO is therefore the best ranked among the Supersport Challenger riders, he is ahead of Vincent FALCONE (Yamaha – Pirelli), 7th overall after a fight with Johan GIMBERT (Yamaha – Pirelli) in particular, 9th and who completes the podium in the category .
RACE 2: UNTOUCHABLE DEBISE
As in race 1, Valentin DEBISE (Yamaha – Pirelli), Loïc ARBEL (Yamaha – Pirelli) and Mathieu GREGORIO (Yamaha – Michelin) take the lead. Once again we find Matthieu LUSSIANA (Yamaha – Dunlop) in ambush, but this time the rider of Yamaha n°95 remains very close to the trio of leaders, slightly behind Cédric TANGRE (Yamaha – Pirelli), is in 5th position after 5 rounds.
Halfway through the race, while LUSSIANA is gaining momentum and is placed in the suction of GREGORIO, the latter makes a slight error, spontaneously exploited by the resident of Moto Team 95. GREGORIO is now 3 seconds behind the trio of head. Cédric TANGRE is isolated in 5th place in front of 4 pilots, Johan GIMBERT (Yamaha – Pirelli), Kilian AEBI (Yamaha – Pirelli), Felix PERON (Triumph – Pirelli) and Vincent FALCONE (Yamaha – Pirelli) who give themselves up pass of arms.
Two laps from the finish, and after passing the laggards, a slight gap is created between DEBISE, 1st, ARBEL, 2nd, and LUSSIANA, 3rd.
Finally DEBISE took advantage of the duel between LUSSIANA and ARBEL to widen the gap definitively and win for the second time of the weekend with a 1”180 lead over ARBEL, 2nd. The latter managed to resist the repeated attacks of LUSSIANA, 3rd. Impossible to come back for GREGORIO who still retains 4th place, synonymous with the best Challenger. Cédric TANGRE also keeps his 5th position until the finish, the 2015 and 2017 French Supersport Champion ends a positive and encouraging weekend at Le Mans for the rest of the season.
To complete the Top 6, FALCONE dominates GIMBERT, 7th, AEBI, 8th and Félix PERON, 9th. Note, PERON is the only rider on a machine other than Yamaha to make it into the top 15!
On the Challenger podium, the public finds the same men: GREGORIO, 1st, FALCONE, 2nd and GIMBERT, 3rd.
GRAND PRIZE OBJECTIVE
In order to put all drivers on an equal footing, the tire manufacturer is unique in the Objective Grand Prix category from this season. Bridgestone equips all the machines, a way for these young talents to get closer to the regulations in force in the international championships.
PRE-MOTO 3
RACE 1: ROSTAGNI CONFIRMS
Mathias ROSTAGNI (Béon) took off well, ultra dominating in qualifying, he was put to the test from the start of the race by Loris VENEMAN (KTM) who started 2nd on the starting grid. The two young drivers dominate the debates and increase their lead to more than 15 seconds over the 3rd , Célestin MASY (Béon), after 5 laps.
Halfway through the race, VENEMAN felt the blow, the driver of KTM n°71 was powerless against the pace set by ROSTAGNI who was racing alone towards victory. For his part, Célestin MASY, still 3rd, is racing alone while Camil BISSANE (KTM), Swan EMPRIN (Béon) and Quentin MANDINE (Béon) explain themselves for 4th place .
“Amazed by the performance of his machine”, he confided to the microphone of France 3 Pays de la Loire, ROSTAGNI is victorious for his first race in the category of hopes of French speed! VENEMAN manages his end of the race and retains 2nd place, just like MASY who gets on the box.
The battle for 4 th place ended on the last lap and it was BISSANE who took advantage of it ahead of EMPRIN, 5 th , and MANDINE, 6 th .
RACE 2: OPPORTUNIST VENEMAN
Like in race 1, Mathias ROSTAGNY (Béon) took the lead from the first lap . This time, the driver of Béon n°13 quickly took the lead despite Loris VENEMAN (KTM) trying to resist. Once again, Célestin MASY (Béon) finds himself isolated in 3rd position , already far from the drivers ahead of him after 5 laps.
Further on, we find Camil BISSANE (KTM) and Quentin MANDINE (Béon) in less than 2 seconds who claim 4th place .
A stroke of luck for Mathias ROSTAGNI two laps from the finish… After taking pole position in qualifying and winning race 1, the driver was unfortunately forced to retire due to a mechanical breakdown. Delicate situation which VENEMAN took advantage of to win during this race 2.
After having made the difference in front of MANDINE, 3 rd , BISSANE climbs on the second step of the podium. Nice 4th place for Quentin GODEFROY (KTM) who finished ahead of Nathan DELAUNAY (KTM), 5th .
NSF-250
RACE 1: SOLID, CAILLET WINS
Very good start from the leading trio led by Benjamin CAILLET (Honda) ahead of Lucas BOSSON (Honda) and Kyle PAYNE (Honda). The tone is set, 12 laps will allow to decide between these young drivers who do not shun their pleasure to evolve on the Bugatti circuit.
Despite starting in 6th position, Evan BOXBERGER (Honda) went up one by one each of his competitors to complete the first lap in the lead.
2 laps later, it was Jules BERCOT (Honda) who distinguished himself, passing in front of BOXBERGER. The driver N°25 finished the 7th lap at the head of the category. There followed a great battle between Lorenzo GUYAU, Jules BERCOT, Evan BOXBERGER and Benjamin CAILLET.
Kyle PAYNE, victim of a mechanical problem, is idling after 9 laps, he is forced to take the escape route. The member of MC Pau Arnos will not leave.
Author of a particularly diligent second part of the race, Benjamin CAILLET moved up from 6th to 1st position to win ahead of Lorenzo GUYAU and Jules BERCOT. Evan BOXBERGER, very prominent throughout the race, however, finished at the foot of the podium, ahead of Lucas BOSSON.
RACE 2: THE DOUBLE FOR CAILLET
Like the first race this morning, Evan BOXBERGER negotiates his start well and finishes the first lap in the lead ahead of Jules BERCOT and Benjamin CAILLET. The trio is closely followed by Lucas BOSSON who spares no effort to set the pace, so much so that at mid-race, the N°28 driver passes Evan BOXBERGER to enter the top 3 behind Jules BERCOT and Benjamin CAILLET who took the lead.
Placed in 6th position, Kyle PAYNE, although author of good timed practice sessions yesterday, is struggling to keep pace with the leading men. Halfway through the race, he was nearly 15 seconds behind Evan BOXBERGER, 6th. Lorenzo GUYAU and Elliot KASSIGIAN bring up the rear.
Still just as consistent, Benjamin CAILLET completed this first leg with a double victory, a full card for the No. 6 driver, who collected precious points for the rest of the season. It is Jules BERCOT, who we find in 2nd position, after having fought well with Lucas BOSSON. the driver N°28 climbs on the 3rd step of the podium leaving Livio MIRABEL in 4th place.
Despite good starts and good performances at the start of each of the 2 races of the weekend, Evan BOXBERGER finished 5th and again saw the podium elude him. Let’s bet that it will improve in regularity to win, too, on the gearbox during the next race at Nogaro in May.
SUPERSPORT 300
RACE 1: DAHMANI DOMINATES FRIEH AND PLAINDOUX
From pole position, Dorian JOULIN (Yamaha – Pirelli) took the best start and kept the lead ahead of Louca FRIEH (- Pirelli) and Enzo DAHMANI (Yamaha – Pirelli). The 3 leading men imposed the pace and escaped, only Evan PLAINDOUX (Yamaha – Pirelli) remained in contact with the leaders.
Despite a good qualifying and a start from the front row, Noa POTVIN (Kawasaki – Pirelli) was slow to get up to speed and dropped considerably in the standings.
Halfway through the race, the JOULIN – FRIEH – DAHMANI – PLAINDOUX quartet evolved in the same second, the four boys taking turns in the lead. For his part, David DA COSTA (Yamaha – Pirelli), alone in 5th place , had a fine first race in the Supersport 300 category.
A stroke of luck for Dorian JOULIN, while the driver was fighting for his very first podium in FSBK-FE, he fell two laps from the finish. At the finish, DAHMANI is ahead of FRIEH and PLAINDOUX and wins. FRIEH is therefore 2 nd and PLAINDOUX, 3 rd . Discreet and promising, DA COSTA is at the foot of the podium while POTVIN manages to save the points for 7th place .
RACE 2: DAHMANI WINS A SECOND TIME
In the 1st lap, Louca FRIEH (- Pirelli) took control of the race ahead of his adversaries Enzo DAHMANI (Yamaha – Pirelli), Dorian JOULIN (Yamaha – Pirelli) and Evan PLAINDOUX (Yamaha – Pirelli).
Once again the 4 drivers escaped to engage in battle, but this time, on the 4th lap, PLAINDOUX made a mistake and fell into the Dunlop chicane, leaving the trio FRIEH – DAHMANI – JOULIN to slip towards the podium.
Behind the leading men a group of drivers is positioned to take 4th place: Kilian ROSSIGNOL (Kawasaki – Pirelli), Noa POTVIN (Kawasaki – Pirelli), Cyprien BABY (Yamaha – Pirelli) and David DA COSTA (Yamaha – Pirelli ) .
Perfect race strategy for DAHMANI who attacks FRIEH and JOULIN on the last lap and overtakes them before the checkered flag. DAHMANI therefore narrowly won ahead of FRIEH, 2 nd , and JOULIN, 3 rd . At the same time, the battle for 4 th place benefits ROSSIGNOL ahead of DA COSTA, 5 th , POTVIN, 6 th and BABY, 7 th .
SIDECAR
RACE 2: NEW BUGATTI DOUBLE FOR REEVES / ROUSSEAU
In the first laps, REEVES / ROUSSEAU took the lead of the race. The leading crew is pursued by PAYNE / WILKES and PEUGEOT / PEUGEOT. Side n°74 is determined to stay in contact to play for victory.
Positioned in 4 th position, LEGLISE / FARNIER is solid but the pace imposed by the 3 leading crews is too high.
5 laps from the finish, REEVES / ROUSSEAU put on a tough call to try to secure victory.
Paying strategy for the side n°77 which distances its adversaries and imposes itself for the 2 nd time of the weekend. PEUGEOT / PEUGEOT took advantage of the retirement of PAYNE / WILKES on the very last lap to take 2nd place. PERILLAT / KOTCHAN is also opportunistic and climbs on the 3rd step of the podium. Note, VINET / VINET is back at the forefront with a nice 4th place.
In F2, we find PALACOEUR / CESCUTTI, 6th and best in its category, CHANAL / LAVOREL, 12th and CROCHEMORE / CARRE, 14th .
FOLLOW THE 2022 FRENCH FE-SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Fsbk.fr, the website dedicated to the French Superbike Championship always offers to follow live the news of the weekend, detailed information, photos, results, videos…
For this 2022 season, the FFM will broadcast a video of the best moments of the day each event night on the official FSBK-FE Facebook page and the fsbk.fr website.
Other meetings will punctuate the weekend through a device specifically focused on social networks via Facebook: fsbk , Youtube: ffmfsbk and Instagram: fsbk
CALENDAR 2022
May 06 – 08 – Nogaro (32) – ASM Armagnac Bigorre
May 27 – 29 – Lédenon (30) – MC Lédenon
June 17 – 19 – Circuit Pau Arnos (64) – MC Pau Arnos
July 01 – 03 – Magny-Cours (58) – MC Nevers and Nièvre
August 19 – 21 – Circuit Carole (93) – MC Motors Events
September 23 – 25 – Circuit Paul Ricard (30) – MC Circuit Paul Ricard
Ezra Beaubier and his Motorsport Exotica BMW M 1000 RR. Photo courtesy Motorsport Exotica.
Ezra Beaubier, a 21-year-old from Roseville, California, will race in the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup classes in 2022.
“It’s a dream come true,” Beaubier told Roadracingworld.com, “and I never thought I would get here.”
Beaubier, the younger brother of five-time AMA Superbike Champion and current Moto2 World Championship racer Cameron Beaubier, only raced part-time for several seasons over the last few years but came on strong last season.
The younger Beaubier competed in MotoAmerica’s KTM RC Cup in 2015 and 2016, earning two top-10 finishes. In 2017, he earned top-10 finishes in MotoAmerica Superstock 600 and won AFM Championships in 600 Superstock and 600 Superbike.
But Beaubier then sat out most of 2018, missed the majority of 2019 due to a broken collarbone, and didn’t ride on a road race track at all in 2020.
“Then at the start of 2021 I got hooked up with the Motorsport Exotica guys,” said Beaubier, who spent the 2021 season racing a Kawasaki ZX-10R with AFM in California.
Beaubier won three out of seven AFM Formula Pacific races (AFM’s premier class) but came up short of winning the Championship, which went to fellow MotoAmerica racer Cory Ventura.
For 2022, Beaubier will ride a Motorsport Exotica/Orange Cat Racing/BST Vodka BMW M 1000 RR in all rounds of the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Championships starting April 8-10 at Circuit of The Americas.
More, from a press release issued by Motorsport Exotica:
Motorsport Exotica Orange Cat Racing BST Vodka Team to make the jump from SoCal club racing to the MotoAmerica grid.
After many years of club racing championships and podium status, Motorsport Exotica the SoCal based race shop has entered into a partnership with Orange Cat Racing and Blood Sweat and Tears Vodka (BST) to create the Motorsport Exotica Orange Cat Racing Blood Sweat and Tears Team.
Proudly fielding Ezra Beaubier #16 aboard a 2022 BMW M1000RR, they will make an aggressive run at the top step in both Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup for all 10 rounds of the 2022 MotoAmerica Series.
The MSE team and Ezra were dialed and ready for another season of Race CRA and AFM on the west coast on board a recently purchased 2022 BMW S1000RR but after discussions with Andrew Sieja (founder of Orange Cat Racing based out of Chicago) and Umberto Luchini and Brian Kirschenmann from Wolf Distilleries / Blood Sweat and Tears Vodka they were able to make the jump up to Nationals with a mere 5 weeks. This time frame includes obtaining bikes, building, figuring out logistics, staffing and prepping for the season.
“Andrew and I, alongside our existing sponsors came to this final arrangement for the team’s inception on February 23rd of 2022 and the MSE staff haven’t slept since. BMW really stepped up and helped us secure not one but two of the 2022 M1000RR’s. We have had a steady stream of parts rolling in daily in an attempt to get these bikes ready and dialed in for C.O.T.A.” – Team manager and crew chief Jarred Fixler states.
The Motorsport Exotica Orange Cat Racing Blood Sweat and Tears team is supported by not only OCR and BST but also help from Motoworks Chicago, a BMW dealership helping with all OEM needs. Followed by support from CTML IT Consultants providing IT assistance trackside, Apex Assassins providing track time for testing, Core Moto, Superlite Sprockets, CT Racing, Weir Everywhere Racing, and Bell helmets, Ezra should be a force to be reckoned with.
“I have been training and preparing for an opportunity like this for a long long time. I was stoked when the Exotica guys called me 2 years ago to ride with them at the club level, but this really is my dream. With my family name being fairly common in the MotoAmerica paddock I am really looking forward to giving people another Beaubier to talk about!” – Team Rider Ezra Beaubier
“We really couldn’t be happier with this program. We are excited to step up and generate a name for the new team! With our opening race being the same weekend as MotoGP and Moto2, in C.O.T.A. I know both the Beaubier brothers are surely ready to roll!” -Jarred Fixler
Motorcyclists in Arizona will now be able to slowly filter through stopped traffic on some roads. Photo by Kevin Wing, courtesy American Honda.
Arizona Legalizes Lane Filtering; Utah Extends Law for an Additional Five Years
Arizona the latest state to allow lane filtering, while Utah is seeing success
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a law legalizing lane filtering after the bill cruised through both the Senate and House chambers with strong bipartisan support. The law now puts the state in the company of Utah and Montana.
The passage of Senate Bill 1273, sponsored by Sen. Tyler Pace (R-Mesa District 23) and championed by ABATE of Arizona, allows riders to cruise slowly between lanes at speeds no faster than 15 mph if the other vehicles are stopped. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the practice can only be done on roads posted at 45 mph or less. It does not allow riders to pass on the shoulder or on the median
“This law has been four years in the making,” said Michael Infanzon, legislative director for ABATE of Arizona. “But we had a really great sponsor for the bill this year with Senator Pace. He is an active motorcycle rider and it was key to have someone who understood the danger of being rear-ended. This is all about safety and nothing more than part of the plan to reduce motorcycle fatalities in Arizona.”
With the law set to be in effect 90 days after adjournment, likely to be mid-September, ABATE of Arizona and the Arizona Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Foundation will be working with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Department of Public Safety to educate riders and the public on the new legislation.
“Once the legislation was sent to the Governor’s desk, we started collaborating with the government to get PSAs and TV spots moving,” said Infanzon.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s most recent data, 30 percent of all motorcycle crashes in 2020, including 11 out of 106 fatal motorcycle collisions, were the result of rear-end collisions.
“ABATE of Arizona put up a strong showing to successfully get this law signed,” said the American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) Western States Representative Nicholas Haris. “It is a welcome sight to see more states adopting commonsense safety laws that protect motorcyclists when they are most vulnerable to a collision. The AMA is committed to working with riders nationwide on efforts to pass similar legislation and educating the public about its benefits.”
Meanwhile, Utah has extended the authorization for motorcyclists to lane filter for an additional five years to allow state officials to review the practice and gather data on its safety benefits. With the passage of H.B. 10 on March 22, the state is affirming that its initial experience has been a success worth continuing.
“With the signing of H.B. 10 Utahans have recognized the benefits of lane filtering,” said AMA On-Highway Government Relations Manager Tiffany Cipoletti, “which allows motorcyclists the choice to filter in traffic when it is safe to do so.”
Utah legalized lane filtering in 2018 with the initial bill and now the extension sponsored by state Rep. Walt Brooks (R-St. George District 75).
“I am very happy to have the support of the Department of Public Safety and of the legislature to extend lane filtering for an addition five years,” said Rep. Brooks. “The original sunset of three years, and dealing with COVID, did not provide the data needed to remove the sunset. I am confident that as riders use lane filtering properly over the next five years, the general public will become familiar with the practice and the data will prove this is a good policy for Utah, and will become permanent.”
Rep. Brooks has been a vocal supporter of the practice as a motorcyclist himself, and has assisted efforts in other states like Arizona to legalize the practice. The AMA is grateful for Rep. Brooks’ support of motorcyclists and the safe practice of lane-filtering.
“We are fortunate to have motorcyclists in elected office like Representative Brooks and Senator Pace,” said AMA Director of Government Relations Michael Sayre. “Brooks’ firsthand experience as a rider and work to gain the support of law enforcement in Utah were very important and have helped lay the groundwork for success in other states.”
The AMA endorses lane splitting, given the long-term success in California and the University of California-Berkeley research study showing that the practice enhances motorcycle safety. The AMA will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting and/or filtering to their state.
“As lane-splitting support continues to gain traction across the country,” the AMA’s Cipoletti said, “we are eager to help more motorcyclists engage their state legislatures on this issue.”
Currently, the AMA is actively engaged in supporting a lane filtering bill in Oklahoma (H.B. 2667), too.
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
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Peter Hickman (60) testing at Snetterton. Photo courtesy FHO Racing.
FHO RACING COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL FIRST TEST OF 2022
THE FHO Racing team kicked-off its second Bennetts British Superbike Championship season with a successful test at Snetterton over the weekend.
Superbike riders Peter Hickman and Ryan Vickers and the team’s Superstock riders Alex Olsen and Jack Nixon took to the Norfolk track for three days of action in mainly sunny conditions.
Hickman and Vickers spent the weekend working through various ideas, strategies and settings with the BMW M 1000 R as they began an intense programme of testing to get ready for the first race of the year next month.
And while the test was about gaining vital data and giving the chance the riders to share feedback rather than worry about times, both riders emerged strong, with Hickman ending the weekend eighth quickest while Vickers ended his debut weekend with the team 14th.
Alex Olsen, back with the team for a second season in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship, was quick from the outset, consistently running within the top three to end the weekend second quickest and a mere 0.032secs off the top spot.
Reigning Pirelli National Junior Superstock Champion Jack Nixon enjoyed his first weekend with the team as he steps up to the Superstock class, quickly getting to grips with the larger machinery to post the 14th best time.
Peter Hickman (Superbike) P8, 1:47.314:
“It’s been five and a half months since I’d ridden a Superbike so Friday was a little bit of a shock to the system but it did feel pretty much the same as last year and it felt like coming home which was really nice.
“It’s been good just getting back into the swing of things. We had some new ideas some new strategies to try which we have been trying and while it’s not quite right yet, we’re working through it. I’ve got a new engine spec so we’re working with that and trying to get everything working together. For now we’re working through things which we believe will be an improvement in the long run and we’re happy with the progress we’ve made over the weekend.”
Ryan Vickers (Superbike) P14, 1:47.557
“I’ve really enjoyed the first test, we were quite lucky with weather so it was the perfect opportunity to get used to the new bike. It’s really good having Pete as a team-mate as I can listen to his feedback and find out more about how this bike is different to last year’s and it’s great that we can overlay our thoughts and data and everything else to understand the changes and make things better.
“I’ve been working on getting myself comfortable and understanding what I need to make me feel how I need to. I’m feeling better every time I ride the bike and I can’t wait to get out again.”
Alex Olsen (Superstock) P2, 1:49.260
“I’ve gelled with the bike really well and felt really comfortable straight away. There’s a few things we’ve tried that we didn’t get a chance to try last year but I think we’ve found something in the bike and I feel fitter in myself. Last year I wasn’t 100 per cent but now we’ve worked a lot over the winter getting my fitness back up and I feel good.
“Last year when we came here, we struggled a bit but we just worked on setting our own pace all weekend and we’ve found something so it’s worked. Whatever we’ve done has worked which is great.”
Jack Nixon (Superstock) P14, 1:50.796
“It’s been a brilliant few days, I’ve got to meet and know my team better and of course, it’s been a bit of a learning curve to say the least, but the crew have really helped shorten that learning curve for me.
“I’ve been making lots of progress every day. I managed to get to about a second and a half off Alex which at this stage I’m fairly happy with but we’ll look to keep improving. It’s going to take a bit of time but I want to be at the top as soon as possible, the team believe in me, I believe in myself, the bike’s good so I’m really looking forward to getting back out soon.”
Faye Ho, FHO Racing team owner:
“It’s been a really strong and solid test for the whole team at Snetterton. We’ve got two new riders with Ryan and Jack so for them, it’s been a weekend of getting to know the bikes and the team and I’ve been really pleased to see how quickly they’ve fitted in.
“I’m happy with the progress all of the team has made. Peter has returned from the winter really fired up and ready to work even harder this year and while this is still just testing and not about lap times, he’s worked very hard and has come back with great feedback the whole team can work with. Alex, too, has had a great start and I think we can say the first test has been a success. On to the next one, where hopefully we can make even more progress in anticipation for the season ahead.”
For more information please visit www.fhoracing.com
Maverick Vinales (12) at speed on his Aprilia RS-GP. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
MOTOGP RETURNS TO ARGENTINA
AFTER THE INDONESIAN RACE, APRILIA RACING SEEKS CONFIRMATION ON THE TERMAS DE RIO HONDO TRACK
After a two-year absence in 2020 and 2021, skipped due to the health situation, MotoGP returns to do a round in Argentina on the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. A race the not only embraces the passion of all South America, but which also represents an important sign of gradual return to normalcy for the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing Championship circus.
The start of the season was important, both for Aleix and for Maverick. While the former solidified his good performance in Doha with a solid race on the Mandalika circuit too, for Viñales, the Indonesian race represented a potential turning point in his progress adapting to the new Aprilia RS-GP.
Both are therefore headed to Argentina with the right dose of enthusiasm, with the goal of further confirming the progress demonstrated thus far by the entire Aprilia Racing Team.
ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
“I am extremely happy to be returning to Argentina to race. It’s a country where you really feel the support for our sport, as well as a track where I have always felt rather good in the past. We got off on the right foot this season and now we have two races in a row ahead of us where it will be fundamental to hold the line and earn as many points as possible before returning to Europe.”
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“If it were up to me, I’d have raced in Argentina as soon as the Indonesian race was over. At Mandalika, we made an important step forward in terms of settings which did not come out fully in the race due to the difficult conditions, but which makes me highly optimistic for the upcoming rounds. I’m convinced that we are extremely close to finding full confidence but in the current MotoGP championship, every tiny improvement takes a lot of work for both the team and the rider. It’s a matter of putting a lot of details together and creating a perfect synergy but we are on the right path.”
Jason O'Halloran (22) as seen during pre-season testing at Snetterton Circuit. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Editorial Note: American Julian Correa was fifth-fastest during British Talent Cup (BTC) testing at Snetterton. Scroll down to see the BTC test results.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Racing Vision:
O’Halloran ups the pace at Snetterton to edge out Sykes at opening Official Test
Jason O’Halloran held off his Bennetts British Superbike Championship rivals to top the opening R&G Official Test of the 2022 season.
The McAMS Yamaha rider continued to build momentum at Snetterton, setting a pace 0.004s faster than his best time yesterday to maintain the leading position on the timesheets, narrowly ahead of returning star Tom Sykes on the final day.
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy MSVR.
The opening action of the new season began with an intense pace at the top as the leading six riders ended the test inside the existing lap record. O’Halloran’s benchmark lap from the final session was an impressive 0.572s under the existing record, with five manufacturers featuring inside the top ten.
O’Halloran said: “First test of the year done and it’s been a really good few days for us, the weather has been perfect so we’ve had loads of track time. I’ve tried so many different versions of the bike here, at least one maybe two per session which is perfect for information and data.
“To go fast at the end is good, I made quite a big mistake on the fast lap too, but more importantly testing is to gain information and feeling and I am very happy with what we have achieved. The whole team have done a great job and I’m looking forward to the next test.”
Sykes rapidly adapted to the MCE Ducati on his first visit to the Snetterton 300 layout, as the former World Superbike Champion ended his debut test with the team just 0.072s adrift of the leading time.
Bradley Ray saved his best until the final session of the three-day test as he continues his preparations for the new season after a change in manufacturer and he fired the Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha into third place.
Double champion Josh Brookes was back at the sharp end, holding fourth place as he lapped under the circuit record on his return to the circuit and just 0.115s adrift on the timesheets. The MCE Ducati team opted to sit out the final session of the weekend with both riders inside the top four, as they bid for a ninth Championship title.
FS-3 Racing Kawasaki’s Rory Skinner had topped the penultimate session of the weekend as he set his personal best lap at the Norfolk circuit. The Scot couldn’t quite better his time in the final run of the day, but completed the top five ahead of next week’s R&G Official Test at Donington Park.
Danny Buchan was sixth fastest for the SYNETIQ BMW team; he had been the pace-setter during the early stages of the Official Test, with his best lap coming from the opening day of action.
Defending Champion Tarran Mackenzie was back in action running the number one plate for the first time in 2022, and on his return from a pre-season training injury. He set the seventh fastest time, just 0.013s adrift of the existing lap record for McAMS Yamaha.
Peter Hickman was the leading FHO Racing BMW rider in eighth place as he held off Buildbase Suzuki’s Danny Kent. Tommy Bridewell completed the top ten for the Oxford Products Racing Ducati team.
As the times began to tumble just 0.995s covered the top 15 riders with Andrew Irwin, Lee Jackson and Kyle Ryde just edged outside the top ten. 2018 Champion Leon Haslam ended the test 17th fastest as he continued to work with his new VisionTrack Kawasaki team.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, R&G Official Test, Snetterton, combined session result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 1m:46.571s
Tom Sykes (MCE Ducati) +0.072s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.098s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.115s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.164s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.540s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.585s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.743s
Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.746s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.821s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Sykes And Brookes On Record Pace At Snetterton Test
The MCE Ducati British Superbike Championship Team successfully concluded the three-day official test in great conditions at Snetterton with 2022 riders Tom Sykes and Josh Brookes both inside the top four and bettering the existing lap record.
Yorkshireman Sykes, who won the World Superbike Championship in 2013, was making his debut at the Norfolk track’s 300 configuration and gradually upped the pace for Paul Bird’s Penrith-based team to record his best time on Saturday afternoon with a 1:46.643, over half a second inside Shane Byrne’s five-year-old lap record set on a PBM Ducati.
Double BSB champion Brookes was also on lap record pace, topping the second session on Saturday with a best lap of 1:46.686 on the factory-supported MCE Ducati V4R, to put the Australian in fourth overall at the conclusion of today’s sessions, two of which both PBM riders sat out.
Tom Sykes (66). Photo courtesy PBM Ducati.
Tom Sykes: “Day three at Snetterton saw the weather start out a bit tricky so we missed the first session this morning, but we’d only planned on doing one anyway today. We used it just to try a few things and understand the package a little bit more, but overall, it has been a really positive three-day test. We got lucky with the weather, everything seems to have gone to plan, and now I understand quite a lot more. Now we need to look where we need to improve and keep working. We have the next test at Donington Park on Thursday but looking at the forecast it doesn’t look like we are going to get as many blessings there, but the season is getting closer and after these three days I definitely feel more prepared. The main thing was to get an understanding on where we need to improve. The Ducati has a lot of strong areas and I know there are areas also to work on and so it has been a positive start at this test in that respect.”
Josh Brookes (25). Photo courtesy PBM Ducati.
Josh Brookes: “We’ve had a great test at Snetterton, the weather has been unbelievable for the time of year, and we’ve managed to work through some key points. Today was critical to finish the circle of changes. The session we did wasn’t particularly important for the lap time that we could achieve, but more the feeling that I was getting from the bike. Yesterday’s bike I was happy with, we were under the lap record, and I was able to do competitive times, today’s bike was more difficult to ride, so that gives everyone in the team a clear direction of which way to go, and I think moving forward now we can make some good progress. A big thanks to the team and my crew who put a big shift in this weekend, and we are looking forward to seeing what Donington brings us next week.”
John Mowatt, Team Co-Ordinator: “We have had a solid test at Snetterton, and the team and riders have made excellent progress. We had everything dialled in by Saturday evening, but we just wanted to try one more thing which we did today in the one session we competed in. We have a good direction and it’s great to see both riders with smiles on their faces. Josh has some good chassis and engine settings he’s happy with and it’s as if Tom has never been away from the team. He has slotted right in and when you consider it’s his first time on the new track at Snetterton on a bike with different electronics to what he’s used to, he’s done a fantastic job. We will see what the weather is like for Donington on Thursday and hope we can get some more positive testing in there.”
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, R&G Official Test, Snetterton, combined session result:
1. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 1m:46.571s
2. Tom Sykes (MCE Ducati) +0.072s
3. Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.098s
4. Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.115s
5. Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.164s
6. Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.540s
7. Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +0.585s
8. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.743s
9. Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.746s
10. Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.821s
The opening round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place at Silverstone over the Easter weekend of 15/17 April.
Further details can be found at the 2022 Paul Bird Motorsport website coming soon – check out www.pbmuk.net and for information on the championship. Please visit www.britishsuperbike.com.
Jason O'Halloran (22) as seen during pre-season testing at Snetterton Circuit. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Editorial Note: American Julian Correa was eighth-fastest during British Talent Cup testing Saturday at Snetterton. Scroll down to see those test time.
O’Halloran 0.568s under the Snetterton lap record to top times from Sykes
Jason O’Halloran set a blistering pace on the second day of Bennetts British Superbike Championship Official Testing at Snetterton this afternoon, lapping 0.568s under the existing circuit record to top the times by 0.068s for the McAMS Yamaha team.
There was a frantic end to the final session of the day as O’Halloran saved his best until last to post his lap-record breaking time with just under three minutes remaining before the chequered flag.
O’Halloran said: “It has been a really productive day for us and it is nice to be at the top of the timesheets. It wasn’t really part of the plan today, we just ended up there which was good. We worked through a lot of changes so thanks to the team as they put in a really big shift today.
“We are just continually working to see where we can take the bike and gain valuable information for the start of the season. There has been a lot of mental energy put into today and we want to keep improving.”
The Australian had snatched the leading position away from rival Josh Brookes who had been the first rider to dip into the 1m:46s barrier in the session earlier in the afternoon. The double champion had been heading the timesheets in the closing action of the day, before a small crash at Murrays in the final minutes, but he was uninjured and returned to the pitlane.
As Brookes returned to the garage, his teammate Tom Sykes proved he was continuing to get to grips with the Ducati on his return to Bennetts BSB. The former World Champion fired himself into second place and just 0.068s adrift of O’Halloran on his final run of the day.
Bradley Ray continued to hold his position in the top five, setting the fourth fastest time for Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha, edging out yesterday’s pace-setter Danny Buchan on the SYNETIQ BMW. The leading five riders setting a pace within the lap record time at the Norfolk circuit.
Rory Skinner was the leading Kawasaki contender in sixth place, as four manufacturers featured in the top six positions after day two on track.
FHO Racing BMW’s Peter Hickman narrowly held off Danny Kent for seventh position, the Buildbase Suzuki rider had a crash at Palmer in the closing stages, but just 0.003s separated the pair at the chequered flag.
Andrew Irwin made it both SYNETIQ BMWs in the leading ten as Tommy Bridewell completed the top ten after day two, with 0.091s covering the top 12 contenders with Kyle Ryde and Christian Iddon.
Former champion Leon Haslam was 15th for the VisionTrack Kawasaki team whilst defending champion Tarran Mackenzie was 16th.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, R&G Official Test, Snetterton, combined day two result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 1m:46.575s
Tom Sykes (MCE Ducati) +0.068s
Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +0.111s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.456s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.536s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.699s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.739s
Danny Kent (Buildbase Suzuki) +0.742s
Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.832s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.837s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Razgatlioglu tops rain-affected Day 2 at Catalunya as all five manufacturers make the top seven
The rain fell and interrupted running on the second day at Catalunya as Razgatlioglu topped the times on Saturday
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship continued testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with rain interrupting the second day of action in Spain. Reigning Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) topped the timesheets with the fastest lap of the day coming before the rain fell which limited running as the time ticked over into the afternoon.
FIVE MANUFACTURERS IN THE TOP SEVEN
In a show of what WorldSBK could be like in 2022, five manufacturers finished inside the top seven positions on day two. Razgatlioglu’s fastest time was a 1’40.571s as he completed 51 laps with Yamaha trialling a new exhaust throughout the test as well as continuing to work on their electronics package. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was 11th for the second day as he, like his teammate, worked on Yamaha’s electronics package. Both Razgatlioglu and Locatelli ventured out into the wet on Saturday. The Pata Yamaha team were not the only Yamaha representation in the top five, with Garrett Gerloff (GRT GYRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in fifth place. Gerloff was testing in the wet conditions to trial Yamaha’s electronics package. Teammate Kohta Nozane also ventured out into the wet, posting a best time of 1’42.509s.
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) put his Panigale V4 R machine into second place as the team looked to focus on a modified swingarm compared to the one seen at Portimao as well as new items inside the front forks. Bautista completed 67 laps and posted a best time of 1’40.952s to claim second spot. Teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi made it two Ducatis in the top six as he finished sixth with a best time of 1’41.610s. He completed 34 laps on day two, opting not to test in the wet conditions.
Team HRC showed strong pace on Saturday with two riders in the top eight. Iker Lecuona claimed third spot with a best time of 1’41.033s and 62 laps completed, while Xavi Vierge was eighth after completing 55 laps. Vierge’s day came to an early end on Saturday after he had a highside crash at Turn 12, bringing out the Red Flags for a short period. Vierge was initially taken to the medical centre for a check-up before being transported to hospital with rib injuries, although he was conscious. Honda tested some new double ducts on their brakes on day one of the test to assist with cooling in hotter conditions, while the CBR1000RR-R also has a new exhaust for 2022.
At the team’s home circuit, Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK claimed fourth with Jonathan Rea on day two of the two-day test after posting a 1’41.168s and completing 32 laps. Throughout the test, Rea tried the fuel tanks fins used by teammate Alex Lowes as well as trying small components including on the clutch. Lowes finished the day in 12th place, with a best time of 1’41.99s and 36 laps to his name. Both riders opted against testing in the afternoon after the rain fell.
Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) overcame technical issues in the morning to finish in seventh place for the day, racking up 50 laps and posting a best lap time of 1’41.636s. Redding spent day one working on BMW’s electronics package and was hoping for dry running to keep the momentum heading in the right direction. Despite not staying dry, Redding did test in the wet conditions while stand-in teammate Ilya Mikhalchik finished his day when the rain came. The Ukrainian rider’s best time was a 1’42.763s and he completed 16 laps.
INDEPENDENT SQUADS ROUND OUT THE TOP TEN
There were two Independent riders who rounded out the top ten on day two in Barcelona. German rookie Philipp Oettl (Team GoEleven) claimed ninth place as he looked to continue evaluating a new exhaust after the team switched to Spark over the winter. Oettl took advantage of the wet conditions in the afternoon to get some wet-weather practice in, having never ridden a WorldSBK machine in wet conditions before. His best time was a 1’41.735s with 55 laps to his name.
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) took a different approach to the afternoon’s running after the rain, with the Frenchman ending his day early. Over the winter, Kawasaki Puccetti switched suspension suppliers to Öhlins, with Mahias continuing to evaluate this change in Catalunya. Mahias posted a best time just 0.009s shy of Oettl while adding 23 laps to his tally.
ROUNDING OUT THE WorldSBK FIELD ON DAY TWO…
Bonovo Action BMW duo Eugene Laverty and Loris Baz were 15th and 16th respectively on the second day. Laverty had been working on a change of rider position throughout the test while working on some traction control strategies on day one. The Irishman completed 30 laps on day two, with a best time of 1’43.305s, while Baz was half-a-second down on his teammate as the Frenchman completed 29 laps; neither ventured out onto the track in the wet conditions.
Sammarinese rookie Luca Bernardi (Barni Spark Racing Team) was 17th on day two as he continued to adjust to WorldSBK action. He posted a best time of 1’43.823s, completing 23 laps but not taking to the wet track. His time was a second clear of fellow rookie Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) who added 34 laps to his tally; like Bernardi, König did not go out in the rain.
Now entering his second season in WorldSBK, Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) was 19th on his ZX-10RR. the Belgian rider had a highside crash at Turn 2 on day one in the change of direction but was okay to ride on Saturday, finishing as the penultimate rider in the field. Malaysian rider Hafizh Syahrin (MIE Racing Honda Team) was last in the WorldSBK classification, completing 49 laps with a best time of 1’45.539s.
RACE LAP RECORD PACE FOR BULEGA
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) continued his form of lapping under existing race lap records throughout testing as he sent the benchmark in WorldSSP on day two. His best time was a 1’45.110s, faster than both Cresson and Syahrin, as he added 38 laps to his tally. He was the only WorldSSP rider to hit the track in the wet conditions, with Raffaele De Rosa (Ducati Orelac Racing VerdNatura) and Oli Bayliss (Barni Spark Racing Team) opting to not test in the afternoon. De Rosa’s best time was a 1’46.971s, almost two seconds back from Bulega, while Bayliss posted a 1’47.253s as his best time.
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
KRT Ready To Race After Catalunya Test
Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes left the final private winter tests of the 2022 season in confident mood after two days at their Kawasaki Racing Team’s local track, Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya.
A dry opening day on Friday 25 March at the 4.657km long venue, situated just a few hundred yards from the team’s HQ, provided both KRT riders and the vast majority of their 2022 rivals consistent track conditions to work with.
The second day started out dry, but cooler than day one, with the expected rains finally appearing in the middle of the day, ending all meaningful track action.
On the 2022 Ninja ZX-10RR six-times World Champion Rea set his best time of 1’41.062 on Day One of the tests. That put him overall second fastest at that stage, before finishing up fourth quickest in the combined times.
Rea and his crew confirmed their season-starting base settings before making more specific set-up steps to race at Barcelona in the autumn. Rea also worked on some tyre options, to be ready for whatever the real race conditions will provide when the championship heads there to race.
A now fully fit Lowes worked on his machine set-up with his pit crew throughout the test. Like his team-mate Jonathan, Alex set his best lap time – a 1’41.664 – on the slightly warmer opening day.
Even though Lowes lost some potential track time to the rains that arrived just after 12.00 he leaves Catalunya in a positive and motivated frame of mind, and fully fit after a 2021 season which was impacted by injury.
Catalunya will ultimately host Round Eight of the WorldSBK championship between 23-25 September.
The final pre-season on-track preparations will be made at the Organiser’s Supported test days at Motorland Aragon, between 4-5 April. The first round of the season will take place at that same venue, from 8-10 April.
Jonathan Rea (65). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “I had a good feeling here. We confirmed the items that we had found positive results with in both the Jerez and Portimao tests. The weather conditions were not perfect here and the temperature was quite low, but we were able to make a lot of laps, especially on Day One. Day Two was colder but we kept working with the base of the bike. I did some more practice starts on Day Two, so that is getting better. We made some progress in that area. I ended the test with a good feeling on the bike and I am really excited to go to Aragon. Everybody there will have the same strategy – to set-up for the weekend and then go into Free Practice 1. It has been a long but exciting off-season, with a lot of testing, and I have been healthy throughout. I am thankful to the team for all the hard work they have done. Now we get to go to a race weekend very soon. Thanks for the big effort, to everyone in KRT.”
Alex Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Kawasaki.
Alex Lowes, stated: “We had a good first day here. We did lot of laps, consistent laps, and confirmed a lot of the changes we had made in the previous winter tests. This morning we were limited on track time, and we wanted to try some different things on the back of the bike. The forecast had been quite bad so we were happy to get the good laps we did on the final day. The laps we did get were better than we expected after the weather forecast. I am ready to go now in Motorland Aragon in a couple of weeks. It has been nice to do a proper test with lots of good laps. My previous injuries feel good, my body feels good and that means I am ready to racing.”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “This is the first test that all manufacturers, teams and riders have attended. Everybody was here, so it has been a little bit different compared to the previous ones. The riders always check the lap times, who is in front, which tyre the others are using. At this track the difference between times on the soft and hard tyres are quite big. Yesterday everybody was making a fast time on the soft tyres but this is maybe not realistic. The race in 19 laps, not five. We focused on our own testing. The first thing was to confirm the things we had already tested at Jerez and Portimao. The result has been positive. Then we also tried to understand some changes in the set-up, thinking about race weekend. We worked on the soft tyres and the hard tyres, so we can be ready for whatever we use when we come back to race here. We collected very good information, we did a race simulation, and we have the base package to start the championship in Motorland Aragon. We will check that again in the two days of official testing there. We feel ready. For sure this year will be very tough, as many people are going fast, but we are all happy.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We had an early finish because it started to spit a bit with rain at lunchtime. It was a good test because Catalunya has always been hard for us in the past, but we arrived here with a clear idea about what our base bike would be for the first race in Aragon. We just had another opportunity to test some important items again on a different track. That is what we did on Day One. We had a nice day then, did a lot of laps and we had the same results from all our new components, like we had at Jerez and Portimao. We are confident we can say that our bike specification for Race One is done. Alex did a lot of laps on the first day and he was very fit from the first lap to the last. I appreciate and admire the efforts he has made over the winter to prepare himself. Now we are looking forward to Aragon. We are ready to start the season.”
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was also at the Catalunya tests, posting strong times as the Frenchman approaches his second WorldSBK season in his Italian-based team. Independent riders Loris Cresson (TPR Team Pedercini Racing) and Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) also made their final private tests of the pre-season on their Ninja ZX-10RR machines.
More, from a press release issued by GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team:
GOOD PROGRESS MADE AT PENULTIMATE TEST IN BARCELONA FOR GERLOFF AND NOZANE
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team.
The renewed GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team concluded its penultimate test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 25-26 March with over 20 riders involved as the start of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship gets ever closer. Kohta Nozane and Garrett Gerloff could finally run their Yamaha R1 bikes with the new liveries, following the official Team Launch on 24 March.
On the first day, both riders could run in good weather conditions, but the low grip made it difficult to maximise their potential. With track open from 10:00 to 18:00, without any break, and just a little stop at the end of the day due to a red flag, Gerloff and Nozane were able to continue the work done at the Misano World Circuit just one week ago.
Therefore, Gerloff set a 1’41.229 (85 laps), despite a small crash in the middle of the day at Turn 10. Anyway, that didn’t prevent the American rider from finding pace, ending Day 1 third fastest. On the other side of the box, Nozane picked up his rhythm run after run, and finished with a 1’42.428 (74 laps), which saw him go 14th.
On Day 2, despite the overcast conditions, the rain held off in the morning and Gerloff kept working on his pace to go fifth fastest with a 1’41.320 (45 laps). Teammate Nozane did the same and was 14th overall on a 1’42.509 after 25 laps.
Just before the halfway stage, heavy rain disrupted the remainder of the test. That didn’t prevent the team from running though, and both Nozane and Gerloff went out with the Pirelli rain tyres to test the new Yamaha R1 in wet conditions. In the afternoon, the Japanese rider recorded a 1’57.208 (20 laps), while the American did a 1’56.332 (17 laps), with the team opting to end the test prematurely due to the colder conditions.
From now on, the last step for the GRT GYTR Yamaha WorldSBK Team before the 2022 FIM World Superbike Championship season commences will be the official Aragòn test set for 4-5 April, which will also host the opening round on 8-10 April.
Garrett Gerloff: “Day 1 here in Barcelona wasn’t the easiest as the track didn’t have much grip. Anyway, we did a good job and I’m glad the things we tried in Misano worked here as well. We kept working on the electronics, and we made step forward with that. I’m happy that we were able to try numerous parts and settings, and the race pace was good as well. I had a small crash on the first day at Turn 10, but that didn’t stop us from getting everything done. On Day 2 we continued with our schedule, confirming the improvements we’ve made. Moreover, we could do some laps in the wet condition and it was important because we needed the data. We’re in a good spot, and now I’m focused on the final test at Motorland Aragòn.”
Kohta Nozane: “The first day was a bit more difficult than expected. At the Misano World Circuit the track had good grip, but here in Barcelona the asphalt was very green. Anyway, we kept working and took some positives from this test. We were able to complete some laps in the rain too, which was important as we might face wet conditions during the season and we need to be ready for that. Now I’ll keep working to be prepared for the final test before the beginning of the championship.”
Filippo Conti: “It was very emotional to see our new Yamaha R1 bikes on track after the official unveiling on 24 March. Overall, it was once again a good test and we had the chance to ride in wet conditions as well. Testing in every condition is really important to be as prepared as possible for the upcoming season. In just one week we’ll have the final test in Aragòn and then the 2022 season will get underway. We’re more than ready and I would like to thank the whole crew for the massive job they’re doing, Yamaha and every partner which is believing in our project.”
More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:
BMW Motorrad Motorsport continues WorldSBK season preparations with two day of testing at Barcelona.
BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Bonovo action BMW Racing Team in action at the two-day test in Spain.
Ilya Mikhalchik stands in for injured Michael van der Mark.
Marc Bongers: “In general, we are happy but we still have to work on the pace to get closer to the top”.
Barcelona. BMW Motorrad Motorsport continued is preparations for the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship with two days of testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (ESP). The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team again had a comprehensive test schedule and evaluated numerous new components and set-up solutions for the BMW M 1000 RR. The weather was mainly dry with some rain only on the afternoon of the second day.
At Scott Redding’s (GBR) side, BMW Motorrad factory rider Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR) stood in for injured Michael van der Mark (NED) in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Together with the two Bonovo action BMW Racing Team riders, Eugene Laverty (IRL) and Loris Baz (FRA), they worked, among other things, on rims, wiring loom and electronics and tested several chassis components.
The next test is scheduled for 4th and 5th April at MotorLand Aragón (ESP). The same venue will host the 2022 WorldSBK season opener from 8th to 10th April.
Quotes after the Barcelona test. Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “Ilya did a solid job. He worked through several test items for us and got used to the Superbike. He completed many kilometres and we made good progress with him. In the end, he was the second-fastest BMW rider in the dry. Michael’s surgery was successful but we don’t know yet when he can ride again. In case he can’t, Ilya would be a potential substitute for the season opener. On Scott’s side, the test went partly positively, partly we have still some work to do. We confirmed the engine with all riders as a positive step. We also were strong in regards to top speed but we clearly lose in sectors two and four, especially when accelerating out of the fast corners. Here we definitely still have to work on our package, in combination with set-up and traction control. We were able to go through a lot of test items also with the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team. Loris unfortunately had a crash that cost him a lot of time. In addition, we had some minor technical issues here and there, but that’s the purpose of the tests, to identify them at an early stage. Those were topics we can well react on. In general, we are happy but we still have to work on the pace to close up to the top.”
Scott Redding, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was good to have two days of testing here in Barcelona. We have made some improvements with the bike and the electronics which is important for me and the team. Then we had to try a few test items, tried the different tyres to get a feeling, tried again the electronics. We worked a lot and we did make some improvements which is good. But the goal post is always moving. You close the gap to the first one and then someone goes faster again. But we have to look at our situation, what we are doing and how we are improving. That’s where we need to focus. Then we had some rain in the afternoon of the second day which was interesting. It was good for me to get on the wet track and just get the feeling. It’s not too different to how it was in the past. I felt quite good. We need to do a bit more with the set-up and stuff but the temperature dropped quite a lot so we decided to test some other parts, practice starts a bit more because I haven’t done many starts on this bike and then we improved which was good. We also tried some other things for the conditions. In general, we did quite a lot but we still have more to do. We are moving on to Aragón, and I think we have some more things that we need to confirm there.”
Ilya Mikhalchik, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “First of all I want to say a big thank you to BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the team for giving me this opportunity, and secondly a speedy recovery and a get well soon to Michael. I hope he can back on his bike soon. I am happy to be here and for sure, the World Superbike is completely different. You need to know how to work on this bike to go fast. We got this feeling more with every lap we did. Lap by lap I felt where we should go and this brought me more speed and more fun on the bike. Hopefully we can continue in the same way and soon I will get more confidence and will be faster on the bike. Barcelona was a new track for me and it was a kind of a new bike, but I enjoyed it and really felt like home. At the next test at Aragón, we know each other already, I am acquainted to the bike so I think this will be a small advantage for me there and our work will be even better than here.”
Eugene Laverty, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “Especially the first day was really good. We continued our progress from Misano day two in the same direction. We improved the braking again and in the afternoon we worked a lot on electronic strategies to help because this asphalt is usually slippery so it was a big chance to work on power reduction and traction control to improve that for the 20-lap races. We made good lap times. Still it’s too far to the top, we need to reduce this, but I am happy with the way the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team is working and it was positive.”
Loris Baz, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “Yesterday morning, we did a quite a good job. At the beginning, I did not have the feeling I wanted with the bike. We improved this, I was pretty fast, but then I made a small mistake and crashed in an in-lap. That was basically the end of our test because we were not able to re-start after the crash yesterday. This morning we had some issues due to the crash I guess. We did in and out-laps trying to find the problem today. It is frustrating but for sure it is better to happen here than at Aragón. Before the crash we were pretty fast, not as fast as we want for sure, but on a track where the grip is so low, I think that’s our weakest point at the moment and we need to improve in these kinds of conditions. It has not been a productive test like Jerez or Misano but sometimes this happens. I am looking forward to Aragón now.”
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Bautista ends second the private tests in Barcelona. Rinaldi sixth. Bulega (WorldSSP) also does well with the Panigale V2.
The last private tests of the 2022 pre-season ended today at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya (Spain).
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team riders worked profitably on their Ducati Panigale V4R during the two intense days (with cold temperature).
Alvaro Bautista also had the chance to lap in wet conditions after the heavy rain that fell during the lunch break today.
DAY-1
Alvaro Bautista and Michael Rinaldi took to the track on their Ducati Panigale V4R and immediately showed a good feeling.
The Spanish rider completed 93 laps, recording an extremely convincing race pace and finishing with a best time of 1’40.824 using race tyres.
Michael Rinaldi also lapped consistently, finishing fourth at the end of the day after completing 80 laps.
Day-1 Standings
1 – A. Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’40.824
2 – J. Rea (Kawasaki) 1’41.062
3 – G. Gerloff (Yamaha) 1’41.229
4 – M. Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’41.360
5 – T. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) 1’41.523
DAY-2
Despite the very low temperature, both Bautista and Rinaldi were still able to push hard continuing to work on race tyres, without using the new qualifying tyre introduced by Pirelli (SCQ).
In the afternoon Bautista returned to the track in wet conditions and concluded 18 LAPS
Day-2 Standings
1 – T. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) 1’40.571
2 – A. Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’40.952
3 – I. Lecuona (Honda) 1’41.033
4 – J. Rea (Kawasaki) 1’41.168
5 – G. Gerloff (Yamaha) 1’41.320
6 – M. Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’41.610 Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19)
“I’m satisfied with these two days of testing. We’ve worked a lot on the bike, trying some interesting solutions that have given positive results. We’ve also tried the new rear tyre that Pirelli should bring to Barcelona round, although obviously, the weather conditions will be different. We are making constant progress and this gives us great confidence. Let’s go to the Aragon tests to fix the last details that will allow us to be ready for the first round”.
Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“It’s been a profitable test in which we’ve worked especially in view Aragon race. This morning, unfortunately, I could not try to set the time with the SCX due to the rain. In any case, the feeling has improved since the Misano test and I feel we have taken a big step forward. For sure we are not at our 100% yet and that’s why the Aragon tests will be very important. * I have the feeling we are* on the right track. We just have to continue working in this direction”.
#WorldSSP
Concrete steps forward for Nicolò Bulega who completed 111 laps, increasing the feeling with the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team. Although the asphalt was much colder than yesterday, the Italian rider was able to lower the time recorded in day-1 by more than three tenths, closing with an interesting 1’45.110. This afternoon Bulega had the chance to test the Ducati Panigale V2 for the first time in wet conditions.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP team)
“I’m satisfied with what we did both yesterday and today. We have worked well and understood many things. Maybe we’re not as close to the fastest times as we have been on other circuits but it’s clear that the temperature didn’t help us. The balance of these tests, in any case, is positive, also because I was able to ride the Panigale V2 for the first time in wet conditions”.
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
Team HRC completes its penultimate pre-season test in Barcelona
Team HRC has shared the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit with many other WorldSBK teams during the penultimate pre-season test, with the final sessions scheduled to take place at Motorland Aragón on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 April before round 1 of the 2022 Superbike World Championship gets underway at the same track on Friday 8 April.
After a couple of weeks of rain and mixed weather conditions in the local area, the squad was lucky enough to enjoy a dry, albeit windy and cool, first day of testing on Friday, with temperatures of around 16°C. Saturday on the other hand brought colder conditions and cloudy skies, before it began to rain around midday.
During the intense one and half day of dry testing, riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge worked hard with their respective crews as they focused on various aspects of the bike’s set-up and continued to adapt to what is a new category for them both. Having put in a qualifying tyre, Lecuona ultimately set the third fastest time in the combined classification (1’41.033), while Xavi Vierge finished 10 overall with a best time of 1’41.719.
In the afternoon, and considering the worsening weather, both riders took the opportunity to try out some rain set-ups and wet tyres. The conditions proved tricky for Xavi Vierge however, and the Spaniard suffered his first fall since joining the team. Despite the turn 12 crash not appearing to be particularly major, Xavi reported a strong pain to his ribs and was therefore taken first to the medical centre and then to the Sant Cugat Barcelona Hospital for further checks. The x-rays reported a fracture to his twelfth rib. The plan is to start immediately with physiotherapy and rehabilitation so as to be back on track as soon as possible.
The next week the team will move on to the Motorland Aragón circuit for a final pre-season test session before the 2022 WorldSBK Championship season opener takes place on 8-10 April.
Iker Lecuona 7
“On day one, we worked on every aspect of the bike set-up in order to adapt to the Montmelo circuit, looking to improve particularly in terms of the braking, and corner speed too. The feeling has been different compared to Jerez and Portimão, and the weather was not as good as it was during previous tests, but we worked really hard on the bike all the same. I’m also focusing on myself, in terms of adapting to the aspects of this category that are very different to what I was used to, like the electronics for example. I also need to understand the Pirelli tyres a bit better, but we are getting there. Day by day I feel better on the bike and I’m also very happy with the team; they support me at all times and in every way. On Saturday it was good to have a dry morning session, during which we worked to fine tune the set-up before putting in a soft tyre to make a flying lap. I was happy with that lap time but of course it’s just a single lap and in a race you must be fast from start to finish. After lunch the rain came, so let’s say that the afternoon was a good opportunity to learn more about the wet tyres and wet settings. We have room to improve there, so we must keep working. We will now approach Aragón with an open mind, well aware that we still have work to do but also that we have worked well in recent months and will continue to do our best to keep improving throughout the season”.
Xavi Vierge 97
“The crash was a real shame and came at the end of what’s been a constructive testing session. Yesterday we had the first good weather we’ve seen for a while and were able to make the most of it. Montmelo is kind of a home track for me, but also a new track for me on the CBR, so the first goal was to build confidence with the bike and understand the areas where we need to work and improve the set-up. We focused on those aspects and took some steps forwards over the two days, getting into quite a good rhythm and collating a lot of information. On Saturday afternoon the conditions worsened and after lunch the rain came. We took the opportunity to work on some rain set-ups and wet Pirelli tyres but unfortunately, I suffered a crash which has left me in quite a bit of pain. I will start immediately with physiotherapy and rehabilitation so as to be back on track as soon as possible”.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Razgatlıoğlu Sets Blistering Pace in Barcelona Test with 2022 Pata Yamaha with Brixx R1 WorldSBK
Defending WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu set the fastest lap time across two days of pre-testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as he and Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK teammate Andrea Locatelli continued preparations for start of the 2022 FIM Superbike World Championship in Spain.
Razgatlıoğlu took to the track for the first time with #1 on his Yamaha R1 WorldSBK yesterday, completing 82 of his total 133 laps – but it was today that the team found a step forward. This enabled him to post the 1’40.571 lap-time which saw him take the number one spot, ahead of 19 riders from the full 24-strong WorldSBK field in attendance. The Turkish ace ended the test more than two-tenths clear of nearest rival Alvaro Bautista (Ducati).
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK and Yamaha Motor Europe’s Research & Development engineers worked hard across the two days of testing to finalise electronic and mechanical upgrades for the 2022 season, making progress in both dry and wet conditions as rain fell from midday today.
Despite two crashes hampering Locatelli’s pre-season preparations and ending his day early yesterday, the #55 crew were able to re-join the action this morning and shift their focus to help deliver positive pace in wet conditions. The Italian completed a total of 117 laps of the 4.657 km venue.
The official WorldSBK test at MotorLand Aragon will provide two further days of testing before the opening round of the 2022 season, which takes place at the same venue from 8-10 April.
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu: P1 (1’40.571) – 133 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Yesterday for me was not an easy day because we tried to find the set up, but the feeling was not so good. But, this morning the start was very positive because we find a good set-up and see the problem – and also very good lap time for me! After, we try also the new tyre from Pirelli but then the rain started. We could try the new electronic in wet condition, which was also working very good. We are also improving set-up again with electronics and I’m very happy today. It’s a good feeling and looks ready to race. We have one more test in Aragon, where we will try some new set-up and new parts.”
Andrea Locatelli: P12 (1’41.865) – 117 laps
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Yesterday morning we were fast and the feeling was great! I had a small crash in the morning, but it was ok. In the afternoon I struggled a little bit with the feeling and we had some problems which meant we lost a lot of time on track. It was quite a strange day for us but today we tried to restart fresh. Unfortunately we had another small problem and lost more time in the morning. In the middle of the day it started to rain and it meant we could do some laps in the wet. The feeling was good and in general after the two days I am really happy because in the rain we rode really well, so this is another good point. We tried the updated electronics, we tried everything and the feeling is good. Now in Aragon, we will reset everything and start again – not from zero because we have a base set-up and a lot of good parts – but we have two days to focus on the bike in the official test and prepare. In the end we were a little unlucky here in Barcelona but it’s the life! We’ve already tested in Aragon so we have more of an idea, we will finish the work there and start ready for the first race of the season.”
Phil Marron – #1 Crew Chief
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“Yesterday we understood a few limitations with the bike, and fortunately, we were able to figure out the direction that we needed to go for today. We had a very unhappy rider last night and on the first few exits today, he was reasonably happy though not quite convinced with the package – but towards the afternoon, Toprak was quite content with the progress made with the electronics package and the hardware package on the R1 WorldSBK. We were fortunate to get a chance to try the upgraded electronics in the wet and that was very beneficial not only for Toprak to understand it, but for us as well. He got a chance to get his head around it and we get a chance to really get our teeth into it from an analysis point of view. We still have work to do in Aragon, and what we’ve done here has helped us but the fact that we’ve already been to Aragon is bound to help as well, so we’re looking forward to getting there.”
Andrew Pitt – #55 Crew Chief
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK
“On Locatelli’s side, the first half of the day went really well yesterday as we worked through our programme and got some very good, clear information. We improved the bike and he was really happy with it, running right at the front. We put a soft tyre in and tried to push for a lap time, and unfortunately Loka just lost the front into Turn 1 and did quite a lot of damage on his main bike. We lost a bit of momentum at that point, working to transfer the latest updates for his second bike – which then had some problems in the afternoon and the day ended with a crash at Turn 4. It was a late night to get everything ready for today and a little bit frustrating as we only got one good run in before the rain came. But on the positive side, we did focus on some runs this afternoon in the wet. Loka didn’t have a good feeling in Race 1 here last year and has never been super happy on the bike in the wet, but today he went out and within two laps had a really good feeling and went really quick. Electronically, the feeling is very good, the base is very good and we’ve got a set-up that works. Riding this afternoon in the wet helped him a lot and now we’ll get the bikes ready for Aragon. We know we have a good base there from the test, so we just need to come out and hit the ground running to work on speed and fine tuning.”
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