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MotoAmerica: Scholtz Leads Superbikes Into Road America

Michael Gougis
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MotoAmerica: Scholtz Leads Superbikes Into Road America

MotoAmerica makes its annual stop in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend for the highly anticipated Road America round.

Last year’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at Road America event was the most-attended motorcycle road racing weekend in the track’s 71-year history, and “America’s National Park of Speed” is ready to break attendance records once again. The iconic 4.048-mile circuit will showcase the world-class talent and breathtaking performance of the Quad Lock Superbike riders and their machines as they reach top speeds of nearly 200 miles an hour.

Road America is a proving ground for pure horsepower, heavy braking, and speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. Success requires riders and machines with the courage and conviction to hold the throttle open until the last-possible millisecond before braking for the rapidly approaching turns

The track layout throws a massive challenge directly at Strack Racing Yamaha’s Mathew Scholtz, who is the current Quad Lock Superbike championship leader. While the Yamaha YZF-R1 is known for superb handling, it lacks the raw top-end power of its rivals. To succeed, Scholtz and the other Yamaha riders must perfectly nail their corner exits and use precise drafting tactics to stay within striking distance.

Sean Dylan Kelly sits second in the Quad Lock Superbike Championship and has been a familiar face on the podium early in the season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Much like Scholtz, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing teammates JD Beach and Bobby Fong will also need to lean on their impeccable braking skills to maximize corner entry and use the Yamaha’s razor-sharp agility to nail every apex in order to be in the hunt on the long Wisconsin straights.

For others, the power-hungry layout heavily favors bikes with top-end speed like that of OrangeCat Racing BMW’s Sean Dylan Kelly. The Floridian and his BMW M 1000 RR possess the outright skill and machine speed necessary to slice through the draft and challenge for the win, and has hit the podium at least once in each of the first two Superbike rounds, showing a solid connection to his new “Beemer Screamer”.

Meanwhile, the Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law Ducati Panigale V4 R sitting underneath six-time champion Cameron Beaubier will be eager to stretch its legs at Road America. The 33-year-old Californian has the added confidence of 11 career wins at Road America, the most of any Superbike rider in history, and he is still hunting for his first double-podium of the season.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki riders Richie Escalante and Brandon Paasch bring their high-revving Suzuki GSX-R1000Rs into the Badger State. Both riders look to use the shrieking inline-four cylinder to their advantage on the long straights and claw closer to the leading pack.

Early season top-five contenders are looking to improve their consistency in Wisconsin and finish in the points for both races. This group includes Wrench Motorcycles’ Cameron Petersen aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R, OrangeCat Racing’s Jayson Uribe on his BMW M 1000 RR, and Real Steel Honda’s Hayden Gillim on his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

Andrew Lee and his Real Steel Honda team face a high-speed test of their own. Lee is heavily focused on using the strong engine platform of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to extend his championship lead.

Hayes Named Grand Marshal

As the season-long celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing” continues, MotoAmerica is honoring four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes as Grand Marshal during the Road America race weekend. A true icon of American road racing, the “Mississippi Madman” remains a fierce force in the paddock. Hayes continues to actively rewrite the record books, with the most recent of his 89 career AMA victories coming just last year at Barber Motorsports Park, and he shows no signs of slowing down as he remains a perennial fan favorite while campaigning a BPR Racing Yamaha YZF-R9 in the Supersport class this season.

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Aragon

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Aragon

Nicolo Bulega was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at MotorLand Aragon, in Spain. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 3.15-mile (5.08 km) track, the Italian recorded a 1:48.916 to lead the field of 22 riders.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona, was the best of the rest with a 1:48.938.

Alex Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:49.442 on his bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team KB998 Rimini.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 12th with a 1:50.077 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

 

Results 2

 

 

More from a press release issued by WSBK:

Bulega pips Lecuona by 0.022s in WorldSBK FP1 at Aragon, both Bimotas in the top four. The two factory Ducati riders were the riders to beat on Friday morning, with the #11 coming out on top. 

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was the fastest MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rider in Free Practice 1 at MotorLand Aragon, although there was little to separate ‘Bulegas’ from teammate Iker Lecuona. Just two hundredths of a second kept the pair apart in the opening session of the Aragon Round as Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed the top three.

Lecuona was quick to take a slender advantage over his teammate in the early stages of FP1, initially running 0.011s ahead of Bulega, but he extended that to more than two tenths with around 22 minutes remaining when he posted a 1’48.938s. However, with 12 minutes remaining, Bulega usurped the #7 with a 1’48.916s to claim top spot by just 0.022s ahead of home hero Lecuona.

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) finished in third with a 1’49.442s as he led Bimota’s charge, although both riders from the Italian manufacturer were in the top four.

Bassani was less than a tenth away from his teammate after he set a 1’49.495s, with just 0.053s between the #47 and the #22. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) finished in fifth despite completing just two timed laps in FP1 after he crashed at Turn 12 right after he set the fastest time in Sector 2. He did attempt to re-join the session after his bike was repaired but issues kept him in the box. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) finished in sixth after he set a 1’49.609s.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was seventh but lost the final minutes of FP1 due to a technical issue at Turn 2, forcing ‘Balda’ to use the service roads to make his way back to pit lane. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) finished in eighth, 0.853s away from Bulega, while Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) and Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) rounded out the top ten. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) finished 11th after he was declared fit for FP1 following the ankle injuries he sustained at Most. He was exactly one second off Bulega’s pacesetting time.

The red flags were shown after a crash for Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) at Turn 12 around 13 minutes into the session, with the #96 losing the front of his CBR1000RR-R SP; the red flags were shown to recover the bike which rolled after catching the kerbs. He finished the session in 17th place with a 1’50.486s, completing just a couple of timed laps.

 

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

  1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’48.916s
  2. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.022s
  3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.526s
  4. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.579s
  5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.635s
  6. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.693s

 

Don’t miss WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 30% off!

WorldSSP: Oncu Quickest In Opening Practice At Aragon

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
WorldSSP: Oncu Quickest In Opening Practice At Aragon

Can Oncu was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at MotorLand Aragon, in Spain. Riding his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, Oncu covered the 3.15-mile (5.08 km) road course in 1:53.503, topping the field of 34 riders.

Lucas Mahias was the best of the rest with a 1:53.519 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

Alessandro Zaccone was third with a lap time of 1:53.599 on his Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 8th with a 1:53.666 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

 

Results

Moto3: Ogden Is Best Friday Afternoon in Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto3: Ogden Is Best Friday Afternoon in Mugello

Scott Ogden led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. The Brit used his Pirelli-shod CIP Green Power KTM to lap the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) track in 1:55.812 to lead the field of 26 riders.

Marco Morelli was second-best with a time of 1:55.848 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.

Adrian Fernandez, piloting his Leopard Racing Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:55.963. 

 

IMG 7609

 

 

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Ogden powers to Friday P1 at Mugello. The Brit was in mighty form to surge up the order with his final flying lap on Friday afternoon. 

It was a fine Friday at the Mugello office for Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) who left it late to blast himself up the order and bag top spot on the opening day of action at the Italian GP. With the chequered flag already out, the #19 put himself in the driving seat to lead the Moto3 charge into the rest of the weekend.

Ogden’s 1’55.812 was just enough to see him fend of Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) for P1 honours, with the Argentinean in good form too. Yet to finish outside the top three so far this weekend after topping the opening session of the day, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) was third and had good pace across the course of the session, vital for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Behind the top three, David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) was able to secure P4 whilst teammate David Almansa was sixth, the pair split by Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3). The #73 left it very late to elevate himself up the order, placing fifth having been down in 23rd. Further down the field, Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) scraped through to Q2 in 14th place but was disgruntled as he arrived to the box at the end of the session.

Headlining names in Q1 include Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who was on the front row last time out in Barcelona and missed out on an automatic Q2 spot by just 0.072s. For a fourth successive round, home-hero Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) find himself in Q1 after he took 17th whilst fellow countryman Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP-MTA) will also face the Q1 music having managed only 20th. Hakim Danish (AEON-Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) suffered a big fall at Turn 14 but went back out but finds himself in Q1 after P21 on Friday.

Full Moto3 Friday Practice results from Mugello!

H-D Bagger World Cup: Iannone Tops FP2 at Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
H-D Bagger World Cup: Iannone Tops FP2 at Mugello

Andrea Iannanone was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 2 (FP2) Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Italian rider covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 1:57.484, topping the field of 10 riders.

His teammate, Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 1:58.047.

Eric Granado was third with a lap time of 1:58.084 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Travis Wyman (2:01.551), Cory West (2:02.386), and Jake Lewis (2:02.389) finished 7th, 9th, and 10th respectively.

Cody Wyman was 8th with a time of 2:02.083 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

 

Session for ITA BWC FP2

Moto2: Arbolino Tops Opening Practice at Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto2: Arbolino Tops Opening Practice at Mugello

Tony Arbolino was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Pirelli-shod REDS Fantic Racing Kalex on the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) track, the Italian rider recorded a 1:53.619 to lead the field of 27 riders.

Alex Escrig was the best of the rest with a 1:54.012 on his KLINT Racing Team Forward.

Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:54.155 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 7th with a 1:56.557 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex. 

 

IMG 7605

Moto3: Fernandez Quickest In Opening Practice In Italy

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto3: Fernandez Quickest In Opening Practice In Italy

Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship wet Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 2:09.930, topping the field of 26 riders.

Joel Esteban was the best of the rest with a 2:10. 169 on his LEVEL UP – MTA KTM.

Maximo Quiles was third with a lap time of 2:10.264 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM. 

 

IMG 7604

MotoGP: Di Giannantonio Heads Opening Practice at Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP: Di Giannantonio Heads Opening Practice at Mugello

Fabio Di Giannantonio was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Michelin-shod Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26, the Italian rider covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 1:46.242, topping the field of 22 riders.

Jorge Martin was second-best with a 1:46.611 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Ai Ogura was third with a lap of 1:46.680 on his Aprilia Trackhouse RS-GP26. 

Maverick Viñales got fourth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 with a time of 1:46.694. 

Jack Miller finished the first practice session fifth on his Prima Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1 V4 with a lap time of 1:46.744. 

 

IMG 7601

 

 

 

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Di Giannantonio fastest in Mugello FP1, Marc Marquez returns with P15. The Catalan GP winner continued his P1 presence whilst the 2025 World Champion made a return to the track. 

Straight out the box and fastest in FP1, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) picked up from where he left off in Barcelona to top the opening session at home. A 1’46.242 was good enough for ‘Diggia’ to lead the charge into the afternoon, whilst reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) returned to action and was a steady and tentative 15th at the flag.

It was a damp start to Friday for MotoGP at Mugello but the rain stayed away and it was slicks all round. Whilst the lap record wasn’t troubled, home-heroes were pushing hard and the fans have something to cheer about with Di Giannantonio on top. The #49 was 0.369s ahead of Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) who suffered a late run on at Turns 4 and 5. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was right behind him in third with a late lap putting the Japanese rider into the mix. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) was the best for the Austrian manufacturer in fourth whilst the best-placed V4 Yamaha was fifth, courtesy of Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP).

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) wrestled his way to sixth place ahead of Catalan GP podium finisher Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). Fast and leading the way for much of the session, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had a small tumble at Turn 1 having run into the gravel before tipping over. Pecco finished in eighth, just ahead of Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) who made it three Aprilias in the top ten, whilst Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was tenth.

Away from the top ten in FP1, the best Honda was Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) in 13th, one place ahead of Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who had a quiet opening session – until his Practice Start session, where he made a bit of a mess of it. Then came Marc Marquez, with the #93 taking it easy in the opening session; post-FP1, his pre-planned medical revision saw him declared fit for the remainder of the weekend. In terms of the super subs, Michele Pirro (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was 16th whilst Cal Crutchlow (Castrol Honda LCR) was 22nd.

MotoGP FP1 results from Mugello!

H-D Bagger World Cup: Granado Fastest in FP1 at Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
H-D Bagger World Cup: Granado Fastest in FP1 at Mugello

Eric Granado was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Brazilian rider covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 2:19.395, topping the field of 10 riders.

Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:19.619 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.

Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:21.587), Travis Wyman (2:21.764), and Cory West (2:21.785) finished 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively.

Cody Wyman was 8 with a time of 2:28.261 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

 

IMG 7600

 

 

 

MotoGP: Crutchlow Confirmed as Zarco Replacement In Mugello

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP: Crutchlow Confirmed as Zarco Replacement In Mugello
The Castrol Honda LCR team announces that Johann Zarco will be replaced by former LCR rider Cal Crutchlow.
A reunion for the present, with memories from the past, as the British rider joined the team in 2015 and raced with LCR until 2020. During those six seasons, Crutchlow and the team achieved 12 podium finishes, including three victories. His first win came in Brno in 2016, marking the first MotoGP victory in LCR’s history.

As Johann Zarco is set to undergo surgery in the coming weeks and continues his recovery process, Cal Crutchlow will stand in for him at the Italian Grand Prix.

LCR would like to thank Cal Crutchlow for his availability, commitment, and willingness to ride the Honda RC213V, reflecting the long-standing bond between the rider and the team throughout the years, and the valuable memories shared together.

Meanwhile, the Castrol Honda LCR team sends its full support to Johann Zarco during this time, wishing him strength and a smooth recovery.

 
 
Lucio Cecchinello – Team Principal: “We are all with Johann Zarco and wish him a strong recovery. In our effort to replace Johann, we feel fortunate to be able to count on our former rider Cal Crutchlow, with whom we have shared many great moments and with whom we have always maintained a strong bond. We would like to thank him for his availability, and we will do our best to make the most of this time together while Zarco recovers.”

 

 

Cal Crutchlow: “First of all, I wish Johann Zarco a smooth recovery. As a rider, it’s never easy to face situations like these. As for this weekend, I have great memories with LCR; the years we spent together were amazing. So, when I received the call to replace Zarco, I felt privileged and honored, and I had to give it a try. We know it will be an intense weekend, but I’m ready to give my best alongside the rest of the team and make the most of it. Let’s see how it goes!”

MotoAmerica: Scholtz Leads Superbikes Into Road America

Superbike pre
Mathew Scholtz (11). Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

MotoAmerica makes its annual stop in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, this weekend for the highly anticipated Road America round.

Last year’s MotoAmerica Superbikes at Road America event was the most-attended motorcycle road racing weekend in the track’s 71-year history, and “America’s National Park of Speed” is ready to break attendance records once again. The iconic 4.048-mile circuit will showcase the world-class talent and breathtaking performance of the Quad Lock Superbike riders and their machines as they reach top speeds of nearly 200 miles an hour.

Road America is a proving ground for pure horsepower, heavy braking, and speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. Success requires riders and machines with the courage and conviction to hold the throttle open until the last-possible millisecond before braking for the rapidly approaching turns

The track layout throws a massive challenge directly at Strack Racing Yamaha’s Mathew Scholtz, who is the current Quad Lock Superbike championship leader. While the Yamaha YZF-R1 is known for superb handling, it lacks the raw top-end power of its rivals. To succeed, Scholtz and the other Yamaha riders must perfectly nail their corner exits and use precise drafting tactics to stay within striking distance.

Sean Dylan Kelly sits second in the Quad Lock Superbike Championship and has been a familiar face on the podium early in the season. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Much like Scholtz, Attack Performance Progressive Yamaha Racing teammates JD Beach and Bobby Fong will also need to lean on their impeccable braking skills to maximize corner entry and use the Yamaha’s razor-sharp agility to nail every apex in order to be in the hunt on the long Wisconsin straights.

For others, the power-hungry layout heavily favors bikes with top-end speed like that of OrangeCat Racing BMW’s Sean Dylan Kelly. The Floridian and his BMW M 1000 RR possess the outright skill and machine speed necessary to slice through the draft and challenge for the win, and has hit the podium at least once in each of the first two Superbike rounds, showing a solid connection to his new “Beemer Screamer”.

Meanwhile, the Warhorse HSBK Ducati Flo4Law Ducati Panigale V4 R sitting underneath six-time champion Cameron Beaubier will be eager to stretch its legs at Road America. The 33-year-old Californian has the added confidence of 11 career wins at Road America, the most of any Superbike rider in history, and he is still hunting for his first double-podium of the season.

M4 ECSTAR Suzuki riders Richie Escalante and Brandon Paasch bring their high-revving Suzuki GSX-R1000Rs into the Badger State. Both riders look to use the shrieking inline-four cylinder to their advantage on the long straights and claw closer to the leading pack.

Early season top-five contenders are looking to improve their consistency in Wisconsin and finish in the points for both races. This group includes Wrench Motorcycles’ Cameron Petersen aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R, OrangeCat Racing’s Jayson Uribe on his BMW M 1000 RR, and Real Steel Honda’s Hayden Gillim on his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

Andrew Lee and his Real Steel Honda team face a high-speed test of their own. Lee is heavily focused on using the strong engine platform of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP to extend his championship lead.

Hayes Named Grand Marshal

As the season-long celebration of “50 Years Of Superbike Racing” continues, MotoAmerica is honoring four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes as Grand Marshal during the Road America race weekend. A true icon of American road racing, the “Mississippi Madman” remains a fierce force in the paddock. Hayes continues to actively rewrite the record books, with the most recent of his 89 career AMA victories coming just last year at Barber Motorsports Park, and he shows no signs of slowing down as he remains a perennial fan favorite while campaigning a BPR Racing Yamaha YZF-R9 in the Supersport class this season.

WorldSBK: Bulega Tops Opening Practice At Aragon

image
Nicolo Bulega (11) at Aragon. Photo courtesy WSBK.

Nicolo Bulega was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at MotorLand Aragon, in Spain. Riding his Pirelli-shod Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R on the 3.15-mile (5.08 km) track, the Italian recorded a 1:48.916 to lead the field of 22 riders.

His teammate, Iker Lecuona, was the best of the rest with a 1:48.938.

Alex Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:49.442 on his bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team KB998 Rimini.

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 12th with a 1:50.077 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.

 

Results 2

 

 

More from a press release issued by WSBK:

Bulega pips Lecuona by 0.022s in WorldSBK FP1 at Aragon, both Bimotas in the top four. The two factory Ducati riders were the riders to beat on Friday morning, with the #11 coming out on top. 

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was the fastest MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship rider in Free Practice 1 at MotorLand Aragon, although there was little to separate ‘Bulegas’ from teammate Iker Lecuona. Just two hundredths of a second kept the pair apart in the opening session of the Aragon Round as Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed the top three.

Lecuona was quick to take a slender advantage over his teammate in the early stages of FP1, initially running 0.011s ahead of Bulega, but he extended that to more than two tenths with around 22 minutes remaining when he posted a 1’48.938s. However, with 12 minutes remaining, Bulega usurped the #7 with a 1’48.916s to claim top spot by just 0.022s ahead of home hero Lecuona.

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) finished in third with a 1’49.442s as he led Bimota’s charge, although both riders from the Italian manufacturer were in the top four.

Bassani was less than a tenth away from his teammate after he set a 1’49.495s, with just 0.053s between the #47 and the #22. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) finished in fifth despite completing just two timed laps in FP1 after he crashed at Turn 12 right after he set the fastest time in Sector 2. He did attempt to re-join the session after his bike was repaired but issues kept him in the box. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) finished in sixth after he set a 1’49.609s.

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was seventh but lost the final minutes of FP1 due to a technical issue at Turn 2, forcing ‘Balda’ to use the service roads to make his way back to pit lane. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) finished in eighth, 0.853s away from Bulega, while Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) and Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) rounded out the top ten. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) finished 11th after he was declared fit for FP1 following the ankle injuries he sustained at Most. He was exactly one second off Bulega’s pacesetting time.

The red flags were shown after a crash for Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) at Turn 12 around 13 minutes into the session, with the #96 losing the front of his CBR1000RR-R SP; the red flags were shown to recover the bike which rolled after catching the kerbs. He finished the session in 17th place with a 1’50.486s, completing just a couple of timed laps.

 

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

  1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’48.916s
  2. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.022s
  3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.526s
  4. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.579s
  5. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.635s
  6. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.693s

 

Don’t miss WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 30% off!

WorldSSP: Oncu Quickest In Opening Practice At Aragon

IMG 7611
Can Oncu (61) at Aragon. Photo courtesy Pata Yamaha Ten Kate.

Can Oncu was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at MotorLand Aragon, in Spain. Riding his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, Oncu covered the 3.15-mile (5.08 km) road course in 1:53.503, topping the field of 34 riders.

Lucas Mahias was the best of the rest with a 1:53.519 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.

Alessandro Zaccone was third with a lap time of 1:53.599 on his Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2.

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 8th with a 1:53.666 on his Eastroc Evan Bros ZXMOTO 820RR.

 

Results

Moto3: Ogden Is Best Friday Afternoon in Mugello

IMG 7610
Scott Ogden (19) in Mugello. Photo courtesy CIP.

Scott Ogden led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. The Brit used his Pirelli-shod CIP Green Power KTM to lap the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) track in 1:55.812 to lead the field of 26 riders.

Marco Morelli was second-best with a time of 1:55.848 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.

Adrian Fernandez, piloting his Leopard Racing Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:55.963. 

 

IMG 7609

 

 

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Ogden powers to Friday P1 at Mugello. The Brit was in mighty form to surge up the order with his final flying lap on Friday afternoon. 

It was a fine Friday at the Mugello office for Scott Ogden (CIP GreenPower) who left it late to blast himself up the order and bag top spot on the opening day of action at the Italian GP. With the chequered flag already out, the #19 put himself in the driving seat to lead the Moto3 charge into the rest of the weekend.

Ogden’s 1’55.812 was just enough to see him fend of Marco Morelli (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) for P1 honours, with the Argentinean in good form too. Yet to finish outside the top three so far this weekend after topping the opening session of the day, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) was third and had good pace across the course of the session, vital for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Behind the top three, David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) was able to secure P4 whilst teammate David Almansa was sixth, the pair split by Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3). The #73 left it very late to elevate himself up the order, placing fifth having been down in 23rd. Further down the field, Championship leader Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) scraped through to Q2 in 14th place but was disgruntled as he arrived to the box at the end of the session.

Headlining names in Q1 include Brian Uriarte (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who was on the front row last time out in Barcelona and missed out on an automatic Q2 spot by just 0.072s. For a fourth successive round, home-hero Guido Pini (Leopard Racing) find himself in Q1 after he took 17th whilst fellow countryman Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP-MTA) will also face the Q1 music having managed only 20th. Hakim Danish (AEON-Credit – MT Helmets – MSI) suffered a big fall at Turn 14 but went back out but finds himself in Q1 after P21 on Friday.

Full Moto3 Friday Practice results from Mugello!

H-D Bagger World Cup: Iannone Tops FP2 at Mugello

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Andrea Iannone (29) in Mugello. Photo courtesy Bagger World Cup.

Andrea Iannanone was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 2 (FP2) Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Italian rider covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 1:57.484, topping the field of 10 riders.

His teammate, Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 1:58.047.

Eric Granado was third with a lap time of 1:58.084 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Travis Wyman (2:01.551), Cory West (2:02.386), and Jake Lewis (2:02.389) finished 7th, 9th, and 10th respectively.

Cody Wyman was 8th with a time of 2:02.083 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

 

Session for ITA BWC FP2

Moto2: Arbolino Tops Opening Practice at Mugello

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Tony Arbolino (14) at Catalunya. Photo courtesy Fantic.

Tony Arbolino was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Pirelli-shod REDS Fantic Racing Kalex on the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) track, the Italian rider recorded a 1:53.619 to lead the field of 27 riders.

Alex Escrig was the best of the rest with a 1:54.012 on his KLINT Racing Team Forward.

Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:54.155 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt IntactGP Kalex.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 7th with a 1:56.557 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex. 

 

IMG 7605

Moto3: Fernandez Quickest In Opening Practice In Italy

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Adrian Fernandez (31) at Montmelo. Photo courtesy Leopard.

Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship wet Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 2:09.930, topping the field of 26 riders.

Joel Esteban was the best of the rest with a 2:10. 169 on his LEVEL UP – MTA KTM.

Maximo Quiles was third with a lap time of 2:10.264 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM. 

 

IMG 7604

MotoGP: Di Giannantonio Heads Opening Practice at Mugello

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Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) in Mugello. Photo courtesy VR46 Team.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Michelin-shod Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP26, the Italian rider covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 1:46.242, topping the field of 22 riders.

Jorge Martin was second-best with a 1:46.611 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.

Ai Ogura was third with a lap of 1:46.680 on his Aprilia Trackhouse RS-GP26. 

Maverick Viñales got fourth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16 with a time of 1:46.694. 

Jack Miller finished the first practice session fifth on his Prima Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1 V4 with a lap time of 1:46.744. 

 

IMG 7601

 

 

 

More from a press release issued by MotoGP:

Di Giannantonio fastest in Mugello FP1, Marc Marquez returns with P15. The Catalan GP winner continued his P1 presence whilst the 2025 World Champion made a return to the track. 

Straight out the box and fastest in FP1, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) picked up from where he left off in Barcelona to top the opening session at home. A 1’46.242 was good enough for ‘Diggia’ to lead the charge into the afternoon, whilst reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) returned to action and was a steady and tentative 15th at the flag.

It was a damp start to Friday for MotoGP at Mugello but the rain stayed away and it was slicks all round. Whilst the lap record wasn’t troubled, home-heroes were pushing hard and the fans have something to cheer about with Di Giannantonio on top. The #49 was 0.369s ahead of Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) who suffered a late run on at Turns 4 and 5. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was right behind him in third with a late lap putting the Japanese rider into the mix. Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) was the best for the Austrian manufacturer in fourth whilst the best-placed V4 Yamaha was fifth, courtesy of Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP).

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) wrestled his way to sixth place ahead of Catalan GP podium finisher Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). Fast and leading the way for much of the session, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) had a small tumble at Turn 1 having run into the gravel before tipping over. Pecco finished in eighth, just ahead of Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) who made it three Aprilias in the top ten, whilst Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was tenth.

Away from the top ten in FP1, the best Honda was Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) in 13th, one place ahead of Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who had a quiet opening session – until his Practice Start session, where he made a bit of a mess of it. Then came Marc Marquez, with the #93 taking it easy in the opening session; post-FP1, his pre-planned medical revision saw him declared fit for the remainder of the weekend. In terms of the super subs, Michele Pirro (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was 16th whilst Cal Crutchlow (Castrol Honda LCR) was 22nd.

MotoGP FP1 results from Mugello!

H-D Bagger World Cup: Granado Fastest in FP1 at Mugello

Archie Mcdonald (69), Eric Granado (51), Jake Lewis (85) and Oscar Gutierrez (99) during Bagger World Cup Race 2 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Eric Granado was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Mugello, in Italy. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Brazilian rider covered the 3.26-mile (5.25 km) road course in 2:19.395, topping the field of 10 riders.

Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:19.619 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.

Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:21.587), Travis Wyman (2:21.764), and Cory West (2:21.785) finished 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively.

Cody Wyman was 8 with a time of 2:28.261 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.

 

IMG 7600

 

 

 

MotoGP: Crutchlow Confirmed as Zarco Replacement In Mugello

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Cal Crutchlow, three-time MotoGP winner and former LCR rider makes his return as he stands in for the injured Johann Zarco at Mugello. Photo courtesy MotoGP.
The Castrol Honda LCR team announces that Johann Zarco will be replaced by former LCR rider Cal Crutchlow.
A reunion for the present, with memories from the past, as the British rider joined the team in 2015 and raced with LCR until 2020. During those six seasons, Crutchlow and the team achieved 12 podium finishes, including three victories. His first win came in Brno in 2016, marking the first MotoGP victory in LCR’s history.

As Johann Zarco is set to undergo surgery in the coming weeks and continues his recovery process, Cal Crutchlow will stand in for him at the Italian Grand Prix.

LCR would like to thank Cal Crutchlow for his availability, commitment, and willingness to ride the Honda RC213V, reflecting the long-standing bond between the rider and the team throughout the years, and the valuable memories shared together.

Meanwhile, the Castrol Honda LCR team sends its full support to Johann Zarco during this time, wishing him strength and a smooth recovery.

 
 
Lucio Cecchinello – Team Principal: “We are all with Johann Zarco and wish him a strong recovery. In our effort to replace Johann, we feel fortunate to be able to count on our former rider Cal Crutchlow, with whom we have shared many great moments and with whom we have always maintained a strong bond. We would like to thank him for his availability, and we will do our best to make the most of this time together while Zarco recovers.”

 

 

Cal Crutchlow: “First of all, I wish Johann Zarco a smooth recovery. As a rider, it’s never easy to face situations like these. As for this weekend, I have great memories with LCR; the years we spent together were amazing. So, when I received the call to replace Zarco, I felt privileged and honored, and I had to give it a try. We know it will be an intense weekend, but I’m ready to give my best alongside the rest of the team and make the most of it. Let’s see how it goes!”
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