Granado denies Torres by less than a tenth for third E-Pole of 2021
The Brazilian does it again in Barcelona, heading the grid from Torres and Aegerter at Round 3 of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup
Saturday, 05 June 2021
It’s three E-Poles from three at the beginning of 2021 for Eric Granado (One Energy Racing) after the Brazilian produced a sterling 1:50.446 to beat reigning World Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) by less than a tenth on Saturday afternoon in Barcelona. Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) completes the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup front row at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.
After the first few laps, 2019 World Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE) set a 1:51.187 to set title chase leader Alessandro Zaccone (Octo Pramac MotoE) a time to beat, and that’s exactly what the latter Italian did. Zaccone was the first rider into the 1:50s in E-Pole – a 1:50.813 – as nine riders waited their turn in the one-lap dash for glory in Barcelona.
Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadracorse) slotted his Energica Ego Corsa into P2, 0.264s off Zaccone’s time, before Aegerter set his best lap of the weekend to go provisional pole position by 0.094s. Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) was the next rider to set a lap time and the Spaniard missed out on beating Aegerter by a whisker, the rookie going second by just 0.007s.
Torres soon rose to the fore though, setting a 1:50.517 to go P1 by over two tenths. It was then Lukas Tulovic’s (Tech 3 E-Racing) turn to power his way around the lap and in Sector 1, the German was 0.408s under Torres’ time. However, Tulovic failed to hold his advantage to the line and slotted into P4, with just Granado and Fermin Aldeguer (Openbank Aspar Team) left to go…
Granado’s first split was a stunner – 0.337s under Torres, and it was pretty much the same through Sector 2. Granado was two tenths up through the third split and sure enough, the Le Mans winner crossed the line and took provisional pole by 0.071s. Next up: Free Practice pacesetter Aldeguer. Could the rookie do it?
The first half of the lap didn’t quite hook up, and the 16-year-old was 0.404s down on Granado’s time. That became half a second at the third split and ultimately, Aldeguer took the chequered flag in P7, half a second down on Granado. The Brazilian had done it again and taken E-Pole in Barcelona.
Behind the leading trio of Granado, Torres and Aegerter sits Pons at the head of Row 2, with Tulovic and Zaccone ready to pounce from P5 and P6 respectively. Aldeguer leads Row 3 from Casadei and Ferrari, with Cardelus completing a top 10 covered by 0.952. It will surely be another stunner on Sunday…
Tune into the MotoE™ race from Barcelona at 16:00 local time (GMT+2).
Eric Granado: “I’m feeling good, very happy with this result, it’s a new track for us so we worked a lot with the bike to understand the best setting for the circuit. I was struggling a bit yesterday and in the morning today I wasn’t at 100%. And even on the E-Pole lap I was trying to be careful and not make mistakes! Finally it was good, I’m happy with the job we’ve done but the important thing is tomorrow and we’re ready for this.”
Gardner grabs pole as Red Bull KTM Ajo duel rolls on in Barcelona
The Australian beats rookie teammate Raul Fernandez to the top, with Bendsneyder impressing in third
Another day, another Red Bull KTM Ajo 1-2! World Championship leader Remy Gardner secured his second pole position of the season at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the Australian’s 1:42.977 enough to fend off teammate Raul Fernandez by 0.158. Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) bags his second front row of the year in third, the Dutchman impressing once again.
Q1
Jorge Navarro (MB Conveyors Speed Up) came out on top in Q1, the Spaniard having a tougher weekend of it so far, and that’s also true of the man who followed him through: Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), who suffered a mammoth highside in FP3. But both got the job done, and were joined by Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), the latter coming back from his shoulder injury sustained in Mugello.
Q2
The Red Bull KTM Ajo superiority was on show again as Gardner and Raul Fernandez exchanged P1 a couple of times, but the Australian was able to just take it by the end with a new lap record just under the 1:43 barrier – stretching his advantage from 0.036 to over a tenth. Bendsneyder was 0.265 off Raul Fernandez in second place, but the Dutchman had a tenth in hand over the fourth-placed Fernandez: Augusto (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). His teammate, Sam Lowes, had a more muted Saturday to take eighth.
The Grid
Gardner vs Raul Fernandez rolls on with Bendsneyder alongside, and Augusto Fernandez heads Row 2 from Di Giannantonio as the Italian bounced back in style to take fifth. Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) takes sixth on home turf to complete Row 2, ahead of rookie Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia). The Japanese rider heads Lowes and Chantra on the third row.
Behind them comes a surprising P10 for Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), the Italian one of those most definitely looking for more on Sunday, and the same can be said for Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) as the American will start P17.
That’s it from Saturday, with Gardner in the driving seat… for now. Will another duel on Sunday change the momentum again? Find out at the later time of 14:30 (GMT +2).
Remy Gardner: “It’s a good day, I’ve had worse days! It’s always nice to start from pole but the race is tomorrow. It’s nice to get a watch but tomorrow is when the points count! I had to push hard to beat Raul but I managed it in the end.”
More, from a press release issued by Italtrans Racing:
Fifth and sixth row for Italtrans Racing Team in Barcelona
Italtrans Racing Team is ready for the Grand Prix of Catalunya at Montmelò Circuit after a brilliant home Grand Prix with Joe Roberts third but demoted one position and Lorenzo Dalla Porta out following a contact caused by another rider.
Determined to redeem himself from last Sunday, Dalla Porta kept speed and pace going straight to Q2 as done in Mugello. Even in Catalunya the Tuscan rider showed the good progress made in recent races by finishing 15th with a time of 1’44”102.
Straight to Q2 Roberts too. Despite the excellent results of the tests here at Montmelò, today the American rider did not find the right feeling and placed 17th with a time of 1’44”346.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta
15° | 1’44”102
“I’m happy with the progress made in the last few races. I had a steady pace since the first free practice. Today’s result isn’t great, but we have a good pace. We are very confident and we know we can do well tomorrow”.
Joe Roberts
17° | 1’44”346
“Unfortunately, I can’t get the right feeling with the bike. Now we will analyze the data to understand what happened. We’ll do our best tomorrow”.
Giovanni Sandi, Technical Director
“I was expecting a different weekend, because in the tests we had very good results. Joe doesn’t have a good feeling and now we will find the best solution to make him comfortable; Lorenzo was once again consistent and I hope tomorrow he will redeem himself from Mugello”.
High five: Quartararo defeats Miller for fifth pole in a row
El Diablo can’t be stopped at Catalunya, but Miller runs him close despite a crash and a trip to Q1
Saturday, 05 June 2021
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was most definitely the favourite for pole at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, but the Frenchman was ultimately run close for the honour as Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team), despite a crash in Q2 and a trip through Q1, managed to end the session just 0.037 back. Nevertheless, it’s a fifth pole in a row for El Diablo – the first time anyone has managed that since Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in 2014, and the first time a Yamaha rider has done it since Jorge Lorenzo in 2010. It’s a French front row party once again in Catalunya in third too, with Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) top Independent Team rider in P3.
Q1
Q1 saw the fireworks begin early as Miller found himself looking to move through, and with Marc Marquez for company rolling down pitlane the Aussie was this time asked for a tow, rather than his more usual taxi service. The response? Get on with the job, but not before rubbing his fingers together at the number 93 in a perfectly-timed “it’ll cost ya” gesture on the way out of the pits.
In the end it didn’t, with Miller going quickest and Marquez briefly second as he followed the Ducati round, but the next man in the train, Marquez’ teammate Pol Espargaro, then crossed the line… and knocked him out by just 0.011. Marquez was left in Q1, and it was Miller and the number 44 Honda heading through.
Q2
Quartararo didn’t take long to find his way to the top of the timesheets in Q2, his 1:39.351 the first benchmark for everyone to try and beat. Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) did on his second flying lap but Quartararo firmly laid down the gauntlet on his next flyer – a 1:38.853, the best of the weekend. The Frenchman’s advantage was 0.421 after the first set of runs, with Morbidelli and Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) on the provisional front row.
This was far from a done deal for El Diablo though. His competitors were finding speed on their second runs as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), teammate Miguel Oliveira, Zarco and Miller all took turns on the provisional front row, Miller especially a threat going just 0.037s off.
The Australian then slammed in a red sector in the first part of his next lap, but that was all she wrote as he then highsided out at Turn 3, rider ok. That meant yellow flags ended Quartararo’s final push, too, although a few remained on a charge further round the lap.
Zarco, forcing his way past Binder at the updated Turn 10, was one of them and he shot to P3 on his final flying lap, shoving Oliveira off the front row by just 0.050.
The Grid
Quartararo, Miller and Zarco therefore have the clearest view to Turn 1, with Oliveira heading the second row from Morbidelli by another tiny margin of just 0.010. Viñales completes Row 2.
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) starts seventh at his home race, with Binder for company in P8 and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) in ninth by just 0.016.
Reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), meanwhile, starts tenth. But the 2020 Catalan GP podium finisher has made quick progress in the past and has more podiums from off the front two rows than on them. So will that stat continue at Catalunya?
Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) starts P11 after a Q2 crash, and Pol Espargaro P12 after the same, riders ok.
That’s a wrap on Saturday action in Barcelona, with half a second covering the top ten on the grid. Quartararo holds the cards so far, but does anyone have an ace on Sunday? We’ll find out at the slightly earlier time of 13:00 (GMT +2) as the lights go out for the premier class at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.
Fabio Quartararo: “I’m really happy, feeling great with the bike. In FP4 we wanted to try both tyres, medium and hard, and both are working good but I don’t know which one to choose. The feeling is similar and laptimes are really good. Really happy, qualifying was great, I had a bit more on the last lap but there was a yellow flag. But I’m really happy and I think we can have a great race tomorrow. Just the question mark is which tyre we’ll use.”
HAPPINESS AND HEARTBREAK IN A FRACTION OF A SECOND
Road America Offers Up Close Racing as the MotoAmerica Series Returns June 11-13
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Fast racetracks breed close races. And there are none faster on the MotoAmerica schedule than Road America. Thus, there is nowhere like the iconic racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where the difference between happiness and heartbreak is minute.
Just ask Cameron Beaubier and Roger Hayden – two previous MotoAmerica riders on the opposite end of the Road America winning/losing spectrum.
The average margin of victory in the 14 MotoAmerica Superbike races held at Road America since 2015 is 2.49 seconds. And that includes Josh Hayes’ “runaway” win over Cameron Beaubier in race two in 2015 by 4.586 seconds.
Other riders than Beaubier who have won Superbike races at Road America since MotoAmerica took charge are Hayes and Toni Elias. In keeping with the theme, Elias beat Roger Hayden by just .131 of a second in race two in 2017.
The closest Superbike race was .002 of a second when Beaubier beat Josh Herrin in race one in 2018. The next day he beat him again by .195 of a second.
Here’s betting all of those classes feature close finishes again.
For 2021, fans can enjoy qualifying on Friday and all-day racing Saturday and Sunday. Seven classes of road racing – Superbikes, Supersport, Stock 100, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, King of the Baggers & Mini Cup. Meet the riders in the open race paddock!
Another highlight of the weekend is Vintage MotoFest on Saturday, June 12. Widely regarded as the premier Wisconsin ride-in motorcycle show and party featuring an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese and American vintage café racers, choppers, sport bikes, racers, supermotos, scooters, and sidecars. All makes and models are welcome; it’s a mash of bikes competing for space alongside dealers and vendors of all things motorcycling, including craft beer tasting, arm wrestling, live bands, and more.
Off the track, the CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex will be open for public karting, and The Twin Stunts Stunt Show will also be performing in the North paddock. There will also be a FREE gear check on the corporate pad. On Friday night, fans can also check out the Dairyland Classic Flat Track Races at the Plymouth Fairgrounds.
In addition to the racing action, fans with motorcycles are encouraged to pre-register for a unique ‘Salute to Cycles’ on-track riding experience. The Salute to Cycles provides participants with the rare chance to ride the Road America circuit and develop a genuine appreciation for the undulating road course where pro racers battle it out for glory and fame.
Tickets are available, and fans are welcome. Additional event details, ticket pricing, and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223. Anyone 16-years-old and under is FREE with a paying adult at the gate. Racing runs rain or shine.
To plan your visit, check out Road America’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage at www.roadamerica.com/faq
Elkhart Lake, WI – Zalusky Advanced Riding School and Track Days (ZARS) recently held its Shootout and Rider Challenge Championship Series on May 31 and June 1 at Elkhart Lake’s Road America.
The event was held prior to MotoAmerica and attracted top racers and riders from across the USA. The series stop was presented by Blown Concepts and awarded over $1000 in cash prizes to the top finishers in each of the 4 classes.
In the expert ranks, MotoAmerica racer Danilo Lewis ran away with a big win for the GP 3/4 Expert class. In the Novice ranks, Tony Boshart landed a first and second in GP 3/4.
ZARS hosted the kick off to the Rider Challenge. The Rider Challenge provides experienced track day riders with an opportunity to participate in a spirited sprint! Austin Tschida scored another win and rookie Kent Dubois landed on top of the podium in his first spirited sprint.
ZARS heads to Brainerd International Raceway for our Pro Practice & Testing days, June 15 -16. This is an opportunity for racers to prepare for the MotoAmerica at Brainerd International Raceway, along with our Moto Jam 2021, June 26-27.
About – Zalusky Advanced Riding School and Track Days (ZARS) is a Track Day organization based in the Upper Midwest that provides riding and education opportunities for riders and racers of all skill levels at Road America, Brainerd International Raceway and Blackhawk Farms Raceway. For more information, visit www.ridezars.com
While riding a bicycle in training yesterday (Thursday June 3rd) at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Alex Rins suffered a crash which caused trauma to his right wrist with significant bruising, as well as a cranial impact.
A CT scan was performed once the Team Suzuki Ecstar rider had been taken to the Dexeus University hospital in Barcelona, and this found a Trans-styloid Intrarticular Fracture of the Distal Radius. In order to facilitate a speedy recovery, he went into surgery this morning (June 4th) and the operation went smoothly.
Dr. Xavier Mir – Head of the Hand, Elbow and Microsurgery Surgery Unit, Dexeus University Hospital:
“Today Alex Rins underwent a minimally invasive fixation with compression cannulated screws. If there are no complications, I think he will be able to start functional recovery next Monday, and we do not rule out the possibility that he could compete within two weeks in Sachsenring.”
Alex Rins:
“The operation went well and I am already thinking about my recovery and returning to 100% as soon as possible. This whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth, and I apologise to the team for not being able to compete as we would have liked this weekend. Last year here we had a great result with both bikes on the podium and it is a pity that we cannot go for that again this year. Today’s operation hopefully means the shortest possible recovery time, and that’s why we made the decision to have the surgery. I’ll do my best to be back for the German Grand Prix. Thank you to everyone for the messages of support.”
Team Suzuki Ecstar send best wishes to Alex for his ongoing recovery, and further updates will be given when available.
Tulovic vs Torres: duo split by half a tenth on Day 1
The first taste of Barcelona for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup sees the German come out on top
Lukas Tulovic (3). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 04 June 2021
Lukas Tulovic (Tech3 E-Racing) duelled home hero Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) for top spot on Day 1 of Round 3 of the 2021 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, and the German came out on top by half a tenth. Behind the two, there was a slightly bigger gap of a few tenths back to MotoE™ rookie Yonny Hernandez (Octo Pramac MotoE) as the Colombian impressed to complete the top three.
The fastest top speed in MotoE™ history was also set at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. The previous best was a 249.1 km/hr from Valencia 2019, but that was bettered in FP1 in Barcelona as Dominique Aegerter did 262.1 km/hr. And in the afternoon it was broken again, with Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE’s Andrea Mantovani registering 262.7km/hr.
FP1
The grid took a few minutes to head out, but when they did it was Aegerter fastest first, before Hernandez took over mid-session for a good chunk of time, the Medellin native impressive from the off. By the end, Le Mans winner Eric Granado (ONE Energy Racing) hit back to go quickest, with Torres denying him once but the Brazilian returned the favour to end the session fastest by a tenth and a half, ahead of Torres, Tulovic and Hernandez. Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the top five.
One rider seemingly out of place by the end was Aegerter, as the Swiss rider slipped down to P13. There was one technical problem for Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), but the Andorran was able to rejoin. No riders crashed.
FP2
The same familiar names showed their speed in FP2, with Tulovic coming out on top with his 1:50.808 and no one able to depose him by the end of play. Torres tried and got close, 0.049 the deficit, and Hernandez impressed once again to take third in FP2.
Granado was fourth fastest and the afternoon saw a few on the grid waiting to get a guided tour of the circuit from the Brazilian, waiting for him to head out first – but the tail was soon dropped as the number 51 headed through pit lane next time round. Fermin Aldeguer (Openbank Aspar Team) moved up one place in the afternoon to complete the top five in the session.
Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE) had a small crash at Turn 5, but rider OK and rejoining.
Combined timesheets
The top three from FP2 lead the way: Tulovic, Torres, Hernandez, with Granado in fourth – as he was in the afternoon – but by virtue of a marginally quicker FP1 best. Aldeguer completed the top five, just pipping Aegerter to it as the Swiss rider improved in the afternoon.
Rookie Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) was seventh by the end of play, with points leader Alessandro Zaccone (Octo Pramac MotoE) having a quieter start to the weekend in P8, sure to be looking for a lot more on Saturday. Casadei likewise in P9, with Cardelus completing the top ten.
Tune in for E-Pole on Saturday from 16:10 (GMT +2) as the grid gets decided, before the lights go out for the race at 16:00 on Sunday.
Granado denies Torres by less than a tenth for third E-Pole of 2021
The Brazilian does it again in Barcelona, heading the grid from Torres and Aegerter at Round 3 of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup
Saturday, 05 June 2021
It’s three E-Poles from three at the beginning of 2021 for Eric Granado (One Energy Racing) after the Brazilian produced a sterling 1:50.446 to beat reigning World Cup winner Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) by less than a tenth on Saturday afternoon in Barcelona. Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) completes the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup front row at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.
After the first few laps, 2019 World Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE) set a 1:51.187 to set title chase leader Alessandro Zaccone (Octo Pramac MotoE) a time to beat, and that’s exactly what the latter Italian did. Zaccone was the first rider into the 1:50s in E-Pole – a 1:50.813 – as nine riders waited their turn in the one-lap dash for glory in Barcelona.
Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadracorse) slotted his Energica Ego Corsa into P2, 0.264s off Zaccone’s time, before Aegerter set his best lap of the weekend to go provisional pole position by 0.094s. Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) was the next rider to set a lap time and the Spaniard missed out on beating Aegerter by a whisker, the rookie going second by just 0.007s.
Torres soon rose to the fore though, setting a 1:50.517 to go P1 by over two tenths. It was then Lukas Tulovic’s (Tech 3 E-Racing) turn to power his way around the lap and in Sector 1, the German was 0.408s under Torres’ time. However, Tulovic failed to hold his advantage to the line and slotted into P4, with just Granado and Fermin Aldeguer (Openbank Aspar Team) left to go…
Granado’s first split was a stunner – 0.337s under Torres, and it was pretty much the same through Sector 2. Granado was two tenths up through the third split and sure enough, the Le Mans winner crossed the line and took provisional pole by 0.071s. Next up: Free Practice pacesetter Aldeguer. Could the rookie do it?
The first half of the lap didn’t quite hook up, and the 16-year-old was 0.404s down on Granado’s time. That became half a second at the third split and ultimately, Aldeguer took the chequered flag in P7, half a second down on Granado. The Brazilian had done it again and taken E-Pole in Barcelona.
Behind the leading trio of Granado, Torres and Aegerter sits Pons at the head of Row 2, with Tulovic and Zaccone ready to pounce from P5 and P6 respectively. Aldeguer leads Row 3 from Casadei and Ferrari, with Cardelus completing a top 10 covered by 0.952. It will surely be another stunner on Sunday…
Tune into the MotoE™ race from Barcelona at 16:00 local time (GMT+2).
Eric Granado: “I’m feeling good, very happy with this result, it’s a new track for us so we worked a lot with the bike to understand the best setting for the circuit. I was struggling a bit yesterday and in the morning today I wasn’t at 100%. And even on the E-Pole lap I was trying to be careful and not make mistakes! Finally it was good, I’m happy with the job we’ve done but the important thing is tomorrow and we’re ready for this.”
Gardner grabs pole as Red Bull KTM Ajo duel rolls on in Barcelona
The Australian beats rookie teammate Raul Fernandez to the top, with Bendsneyder impressing in third
Another day, another Red Bull KTM Ajo 1-2! World Championship leader Remy Gardner secured his second pole position of the season at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, the Australian’s 1:42.977 enough to fend off teammate Raul Fernandez by 0.158. Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) bags his second front row of the year in third, the Dutchman impressing once again.
Q1
Jorge Navarro (MB Conveyors Speed Up) came out on top in Q1, the Spaniard having a tougher weekend of it so far, and that’s also true of the man who followed him through: Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), who suffered a mammoth highside in FP3. But both got the job done, and were joined by Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), the latter coming back from his shoulder injury sustained in Mugello.
Q2
The Red Bull KTM Ajo superiority was on show again as Gardner and Raul Fernandez exchanged P1 a couple of times, but the Australian was able to just take it by the end with a new lap record just under the 1:43 barrier – stretching his advantage from 0.036 to over a tenth. Bendsneyder was 0.265 off Raul Fernandez in second place, but the Dutchman had a tenth in hand over the fourth-placed Fernandez: Augusto (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team). His teammate, Sam Lowes, had a more muted Saturday to take eighth.
The Grid
Gardner vs Raul Fernandez rolls on with Bendsneyder alongside, and Augusto Fernandez heads Row 2 from Di Giannantonio as the Italian bounced back in style to take fifth. Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) takes sixth on home turf to complete Row 2, ahead of rookie Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia). The Japanese rider heads Lowes and Chantra on the third row.
Behind them comes a surprising P10 for Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), the Italian one of those most definitely looking for more on Sunday, and the same can be said for Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) as the American will start P17.
That’s it from Saturday, with Gardner in the driving seat… for now. Will another duel on Sunday change the momentum again? Find out at the later time of 14:30 (GMT +2).
Remy Gardner: “It’s a good day, I’ve had worse days! It’s always nice to start from pole but the race is tomorrow. It’s nice to get a watch but tomorrow is when the points count! I had to push hard to beat Raul but I managed it in the end.”
More, from a press release issued by Italtrans Racing:
Fifth and sixth row for Italtrans Racing Team in Barcelona
Italtrans Racing Team is ready for the Grand Prix of Catalunya at Montmelò Circuit after a brilliant home Grand Prix with Joe Roberts third but demoted one position and Lorenzo Dalla Porta out following a contact caused by another rider.
Determined to redeem himself from last Sunday, Dalla Porta kept speed and pace going straight to Q2 as done in Mugello. Even in Catalunya the Tuscan rider showed the good progress made in recent races by finishing 15th with a time of 1’44”102.
Straight to Q2 Roberts too. Despite the excellent results of the tests here at Montmelò, today the American rider did not find the right feeling and placed 17th with a time of 1’44”346.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta
15° | 1’44”102
“I’m happy with the progress made in the last few races. I had a steady pace since the first free practice. Today’s result isn’t great, but we have a good pace. We are very confident and we know we can do well tomorrow”.
Joe Roberts
17° | 1’44”346
“Unfortunately, I can’t get the right feeling with the bike. Now we will analyze the data to understand what happened. We’ll do our best tomorrow”.
Giovanni Sandi, Technical Director
“I was expecting a different weekend, because in the tests we had very good results. Joe doesn’t have a good feeling and now we will find the best solution to make him comfortable; Lorenzo was once again consistent and I hope tomorrow he will redeem himself from Mugello”.
High five: Quartararo defeats Miller for fifth pole in a row
El Diablo can’t be stopped at Catalunya, but Miller runs him close despite a crash and a trip to Q1
Saturday, 05 June 2021
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was most definitely the favourite for pole at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, but the Frenchman was ultimately run close for the honour as Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team), despite a crash in Q2 and a trip through Q1, managed to end the session just 0.037 back. Nevertheless, it’s a fifth pole in a row for El Diablo – the first time anyone has managed that since Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in 2014, and the first time a Yamaha rider has done it since Jorge Lorenzo in 2010. It’s a French front row party once again in Catalunya in third too, with Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) top Independent Team rider in P3.
Q1
Q1 saw the fireworks begin early as Miller found himself looking to move through, and with Marc Marquez for company rolling down pitlane the Aussie was this time asked for a tow, rather than his more usual taxi service. The response? Get on with the job, but not before rubbing his fingers together at the number 93 in a perfectly-timed “it’ll cost ya” gesture on the way out of the pits.
In the end it didn’t, with Miller going quickest and Marquez briefly second as he followed the Ducati round, but the next man in the train, Marquez’ teammate Pol Espargaro, then crossed the line… and knocked him out by just 0.011. Marquez was left in Q1, and it was Miller and the number 44 Honda heading through.
Q2
Quartararo didn’t take long to find his way to the top of the timesheets in Q2, his 1:39.351 the first benchmark for everyone to try and beat. Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) did on his second flying lap but Quartararo firmly laid down the gauntlet on his next flyer – a 1:38.853, the best of the weekend. The Frenchman’s advantage was 0.421 after the first set of runs, with Morbidelli and Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) on the provisional front row.
This was far from a done deal for El Diablo though. His competitors were finding speed on their second runs as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), teammate Miguel Oliveira, Zarco and Miller all took turns on the provisional front row, Miller especially a threat going just 0.037s off.
The Australian then slammed in a red sector in the first part of his next lap, but that was all she wrote as he then highsided out at Turn 3, rider ok. That meant yellow flags ended Quartararo’s final push, too, although a few remained on a charge further round the lap.
Zarco, forcing his way past Binder at the updated Turn 10, was one of them and he shot to P3 on his final flying lap, shoving Oliveira off the front row by just 0.050.
The Grid
Quartararo, Miller and Zarco therefore have the clearest view to Turn 1, with Oliveira heading the second row from Morbidelli by another tiny margin of just 0.010. Viñales completes Row 2.
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) starts seventh at his home race, with Binder for company in P8 and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) in ninth by just 0.016.
Reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), meanwhile, starts tenth. But the 2020 Catalan GP podium finisher has made quick progress in the past and has more podiums from off the front two rows than on them. So will that stat continue at Catalunya?
Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) starts P11 after a Q2 crash, and Pol Espargaro P12 after the same, riders ok.
That’s a wrap on Saturday action in Barcelona, with half a second covering the top ten on the grid. Quartararo holds the cards so far, but does anyone have an ace on Sunday? We’ll find out at the slightly earlier time of 13:00 (GMT +2) as the lights go out for the premier class at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya.
Fabio Quartararo: “I’m really happy, feeling great with the bike. In FP4 we wanted to try both tyres, medium and hard, and both are working good but I don’t know which one to choose. The feeling is similar and laptimes are really good. Really happy, qualifying was great, I had a bit more on the last lap but there was a yellow flag. But I’m really happy and I think we can have a great race tomorrow. Just the question mark is which tyre we’ll use.”
Road America is hosting a full slate of MotoAmerica racing on track and a weekend full of fan activities off track June 11-13. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
HAPPINESS AND HEARTBREAK IN A FRACTION OF A SECOND
Road America Offers Up Close Racing as the MotoAmerica Series Returns June 11-13
ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Fast racetracks breed close races. And there are none faster on the MotoAmerica schedule than Road America. Thus, there is nowhere like the iconic racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where the difference between happiness and heartbreak is minute.
Just ask Cameron Beaubier and Roger Hayden – two previous MotoAmerica riders on the opposite end of the Road America winning/losing spectrum.
The average margin of victory in the 14 MotoAmerica Superbike races held at Road America since 2015 is 2.49 seconds. And that includes Josh Hayes’ “runaway” win over Cameron Beaubier in race two in 2015 by 4.586 seconds.
Other riders than Beaubier who have won Superbike races at Road America since MotoAmerica took charge are Hayes and Toni Elias. In keeping with the theme, Elias beat Roger Hayden by just .131 of a second in race two in 2017.
The closest Superbike race was .002 of a second when Beaubier beat Josh Herrin in race one in 2018. The next day he beat him again by .195 of a second.
Here’s betting all of those classes feature close finishes again.
For 2021, fans can enjoy qualifying on Friday and all-day racing Saturday and Sunday. Seven classes of road racing – Superbikes, Supersport, Stock 100, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, King of the Baggers & Mini Cup. Meet the riders in the open race paddock!
Another highlight of the weekend is Vintage MotoFest on Saturday, June 12. Widely regarded as the premier Wisconsin ride-in motorcycle show and party featuring an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese and American vintage café racers, choppers, sport bikes, racers, supermotos, scooters, and sidecars. All makes and models are welcome; it’s a mash of bikes competing for space alongside dealers and vendors of all things motorcycling, including craft beer tasting, arm wrestling, live bands, and more.
Off the track, the CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex will be open for public karting, and The Twin Stunts Stunt Show will also be performing in the North paddock. There will also be a FREE gear check on the corporate pad. On Friday night, fans can also check out the Dairyland Classic Flat Track Races at the Plymouth Fairgrounds.
In addition to the racing action, fans with motorcycles are encouraged to pre-register for a unique ‘Salute to Cycles’ on-track riding experience. The Salute to Cycles provides participants with the rare chance to ride the Road America circuit and develop a genuine appreciation for the undulating road course where pro racers battle it out for glory and fame.
Tickets are available, and fans are welcome. Additional event details, ticket pricing, and camping information can be found at www.roadamerica.com or by calling 800-365-7223. Anyone 16-years-old and under is FREE with a paying adult at the gate. Racing runs rain or shine.
To plan your visit, check out Road America’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage at www.roadamerica.com/faq
Jake Schmotter (36) finished second in the GP 3/4 Expert race. Photo by Chris Holden Photography, courtesy ZARS.
Elkhart Lake, WI – Zalusky Advanced Riding School and Track Days (ZARS) recently held its Shootout and Rider Challenge Championship Series on May 31 and June 1 at Elkhart Lake’s Road America.
The event was held prior to MotoAmerica and attracted top racers and riders from across the USA. The series stop was presented by Blown Concepts and awarded over $1000 in cash prizes to the top finishers in each of the 4 classes.
In the expert ranks, MotoAmerica racer Danilo Lewis ran away with a big win for the GP 3/4 Expert class. In the Novice ranks, Tony Boshart landed a first and second in GP 3/4.
ZARS hosted the kick off to the Rider Challenge. The Rider Challenge provides experienced track day riders with an opportunity to participate in a spirited sprint! Austin Tschida scored another win and rookie Kent Dubois landed on top of the podium in his first spirited sprint.
ZARS heads to Brainerd International Raceway for our Pro Practice & Testing days, June 15 -16. This is an opportunity for racers to prepare for the MotoAmerica at Brainerd International Raceway, along with our Moto Jam 2021, June 26-27.
About – Zalusky Advanced Riding School and Track Days (ZARS) is a Track Day organization based in the Upper Midwest that provides riding and education opportunities for riders and racers of all skill levels at Road America, Brainerd International Raceway and Blackhawk Farms Raceway. For more information, visit www.ridezars.com
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy Team Suzuki ECSTAR.
While riding a bicycle in training yesterday (Thursday June 3rd) at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Alex Rins suffered a crash which caused trauma to his right wrist with significant bruising, as well as a cranial impact.
A CT scan was performed once the Team Suzuki Ecstar rider had been taken to the Dexeus University hospital in Barcelona, and this found a Trans-styloid Intrarticular Fracture of the Distal Radius. In order to facilitate a speedy recovery, he went into surgery this morning (June 4th) and the operation went smoothly.
Dr. Xavier Mir – Head of the Hand, Elbow and Microsurgery Surgery Unit, Dexeus University Hospital:
“Today Alex Rins underwent a minimally invasive fixation with compression cannulated screws. If there are no complications, I think he will be able to start functional recovery next Monday, and we do not rule out the possibility that he could compete within two weeks in Sachsenring.”
Alex Rins:
“The operation went well and I am already thinking about my recovery and returning to 100% as soon as possible. This whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth, and I apologise to the team for not being able to compete as we would have liked this weekend. Last year here we had a great result with both bikes on the podium and it is a pity that we cannot go for that again this year. Today’s operation hopefully means the shortest possible recovery time, and that’s why we made the decision to have the surgery. I’ll do my best to be back for the German Grand Prix. Thank you to everyone for the messages of support.”
Team Suzuki Ecstar send best wishes to Alex for his ongoing recovery, and further updates will be given when available.
Tulovic vs Torres: duo split by half a tenth on Day 1
The first taste of Barcelona for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup sees the German come out on top
Lukas Tulovic (3). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Friday, 04 June 2021
Lukas Tulovic (Tech3 E-Racing) duelled home hero Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) for top spot on Day 1 of Round 3 of the 2021 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup, and the German came out on top by half a tenth. Behind the two, there was a slightly bigger gap of a few tenths back to MotoE™ rookie Yonny Hernandez (Octo Pramac MotoE) as the Colombian impressed to complete the top three.
The fastest top speed in MotoE™ history was also set at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. The previous best was a 249.1 km/hr from Valencia 2019, but that was bettered in FP1 in Barcelona as Dominique Aegerter did 262.1 km/hr. And in the afternoon it was broken again, with Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE’s Andrea Mantovani registering 262.7km/hr.
FP1
The grid took a few minutes to head out, but when they did it was Aegerter fastest first, before Hernandez took over mid-session for a good chunk of time, the Medellin native impressive from the off. By the end, Le Mans winner Eric Granado (ONE Energy Racing) hit back to go quickest, with Torres denying him once but the Brazilian returned the favour to end the session fastest by a tenth and a half, ahead of Torres, Tulovic and Hernandez. Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the top five.
One rider seemingly out of place by the end was Aegerter, as the Swiss rider slipped down to P13. There was one technical problem for Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), but the Andorran was able to rejoin. No riders crashed.
FP2
The same familiar names showed their speed in FP2, with Tulovic coming out on top with his 1:50.808 and no one able to depose him by the end of play. Torres tried and got close, 0.049 the deficit, and Hernandez impressed once again to take third in FP2.
Granado was fourth fastest and the afternoon saw a few on the grid waiting to get a guided tour of the circuit from the Brazilian, waiting for him to head out first – but the tail was soon dropped as the number 51 headed through pit lane next time round. Fermin Aldeguer (Openbank Aspar Team) moved up one place in the afternoon to complete the top five in the session.
Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE) had a small crash at Turn 5, but rider OK and rejoining.
Combined timesheets
The top three from FP2 lead the way: Tulovic, Torres, Hernandez, with Granado in fourth – as he was in the afternoon – but by virtue of a marginally quicker FP1 best. Aldeguer completed the top five, just pipping Aegerter to it as the Swiss rider improved in the afternoon.
Rookie Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) was seventh by the end of play, with points leader Alessandro Zaccone (Octo Pramac MotoE) having a quieter start to the weekend in P8, sure to be looking for a lot more on Saturday. Casadei likewise in P9, with Cardelus completing the top ten.
Tune in for E-Pole on Saturday from 16:10 (GMT +2) as the grid gets decided, before the lights go out for the race at 16:00 on Sunday.
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