Wayne Maxwell has secured the Elite Roads Pole Position Award for Round 3 of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, with another scorching lap around Wakefield Park Raceway in this afternoon’s qualifying session.
Maxwell’s supremacy at the top of the timesheets was tested by Troy Herfoss, the form rider at Wakefield Park in recent times, but in the end Maxwell recorded a 56.920 lap, virtually matching the 56.916 he achieved during practice yesterday.
Herfoss ended the session 0.021s adrift in second position while Mike Jones was a further 0.4s back in third.
Maxwell said the tyre and bike combination were well-suited to the track conditions.
“It’s a massive credit to Boost Mobile Racing With K-Tech – we’ve worked really hard on the back of the success we had at Winton,” Maxwell said.
“Sometimes it’s not down to the rider so much as the tyre, and whether it suits the conditions or not. I know tyres are going to be a massive challenge for us tomorrow, but we’ve put in a fair bit of work and we know we’re up to the challenge.”
Glenn Allerton was unable to match the 56-second time he achieved in practice yesterday and was only able to qualify seventh; instead, it was Allerton’s team-mate Lachlan Epis who led the BMW brigade, qualifying an impressive fourth ahead of Cru Halliday and Bryan Staring.
Oli Bayliss, Josh Waters and Arthur Sissis completed the top 10.
Tomorrow’s Alpinestars Superbike action consists of a pair of 20-lap races, at 11:30am and 3:10pm.
Lowes denies Gardner by just 0.023 as the duel rolls on
The Brit remains undefeated on Saturday. But will the same be true on Sunday? Gardner is homing in…
Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) has made it three from three in 2021 as the Championship leader took pole once more for the Grande Premio 888 de Portugal. It was close though, with Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) just 0.023 off as the 2020 winner at the track remains the man closest on the chase. Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) went from Q1 to P3 as he completes the front row.
In Q1, Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) came out on top, the Thai rider moving through along with Albert Arenas (Solunion Aspar Team), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) and Xavi Vierge. Jorge Navarro (Lightech Speed Up) crashed, as did Lorenzo Baldassarri (MV Agusta Forward Racing), riders ok but the former especially losing out as he didn’t set a time. Nevertheless, the clock rolled on and Q2 began.
Lowes was the early leader in Q2 as the first laps of the second part of qualifying were fired in, but Gardner soon took after after setting a 1:43.032. However, the fight between Gardner and Lowes had already begun. The British rider was back on top by 0.114s after two flying laps, but the number 22 had a hairy moment heading into the tight Turn 5 left-hander on his third flyer. Responding, Gardner improved his lap time to lie just 0.006s behind Lowes.
Q1 graduate Vierge was in P3 already, having shown some impressive pace in the early stages of Q2, and the Spaniard was ahead of two rookies in the form of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Albert Arenas. The reigning Moto3™ World Champion was shuffled down to P7 rather rapidly though as Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) and Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) moved to P5 and P6 respectively.
Another great lap from Lowes came in next and his advantage over Gardner grew to 0.023s – not a lot – but the Brit was then down at Turn 11, ending his session a little early. No one could better him regardless, although Gardner runs him closest in P2 once again and the top two in the title fight so far line up side by side. Vierge joins them on the front row.
Ogura takes fourth and that’s the Japanese rookie’s best Moto2™ qualifying performance, just 0.220s down on Lowes and showing his Doha GP speed was no flash in the pan. Bezzecchi and Augusto Fernandez join Ogura on Row 2, which is Augusto Fernandez’s best Saturday result of the year. Arenas is another rookie to bag his best Moto2™ qualifying in P7, the Spaniard beating one of the pre-qualifying favourites in Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) by just 0.010s. The American is P8 on the grid, just ahead of Aron Canet (Solunion Aspar Team) and a seemingly disappointed 10th fastest Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The rookie sensation, who won in Moto3™ at the track last year in some style, will be hoping to shoot through to the podium fight on Sunday.
Chantra, Hector Garzo (Flexbox HP 40), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing), Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) complete the fastest 15 in Q2.
It’s three from three for Lowes on a Saturday this year, but will it be a hat-trick of wins on Sunday? And a Lowes vs Gardner shootout for victory again? Find out when the Moto2™ riders go racing in Portimão at 14:30 local time (GMT+1) on Sunday afternoon.
Sam Lowes: “It was a bit different from this morning, yesterday I think the grip was down in general, the laptimes were not so fast. Today was more similar to last year, laptimes were similar. This afternoon maybe a bit of temperature and a bit of wind and the laptimes were a bit slower but I felt good. We improved the bike a lo over the weekend. It was the first time with a new tyre and low fuel in qualifying, the bike was feeling good and we could make a good rhythm. I’m happy with the work we’ve done and I’m looking forward to the race.”
More, from a press release issued by Marc VDS Racing Team:
Lowes powers to pole position in Portugal
Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Sam Lowes and Augusto Fernandez showed they have podium potential in tomorrow’s 23-lap Portuguese Grand Prix after both qualified inside the top six for the first European race of 2021.
Lowes maintained his perfect pole position record in 2021 by powering to top spot for the third successive race in Q2, with Fernandez also excelling in the 15-minute session to claim a place on the second row.
The Moto2 race will conclude the action at the Algarve International Circuit tomorrow and is scheduled to follow the MotoGP clash at 14:30pm local time.
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.
Augusto Fernandez
6th, 1’43.259
The Spaniard went into this afternoon’s crucial Q2 session with confidence high after a brilliant last lap of 1’43.239 in FP3 was only 0.3s away from the top three, with Fernandez making huge progress in finding more front-end feel this morning.
With track temperatures almost 10 degrees hotter for Q2, Fernandez produced another impressive flying lap in the 1.43.2 bracket to claim a place on the second row, with a richly deserved sixth his best grid position in 11 races since the Styrian Grand Prix in Austria.
“Starting from the second row is very positive”
“It was a good Q2 session, and we have to be happy to be on the second row of the grid. We made a very big step with the bike compared to yesterday and I was much happier with how the front-end was working. It wasn’t easy to improve in Q2 because there was quite a lot of wind, but I still managed to make a good lap and starting from the second row is very positive. We can still improve in some areas to help me feel comfortable at setting consistent lap times. The good thing is we have the pace, but I’d like to feel like the times are coming a little bit easier. If we make another step in the Warm-up I’m sure we can have a strong race.”
Sam Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.
Sam Lowes
1st, 1’42.901
A lap of 1’42.939 was the fourth quickest of FP3 and ensured Briton Lowes eased into Q2 where he produced yet another masterful display to secure his third pole in three races and 14th of his Moto2 career.
A small improvement to a 1’42.901, despite a late crash at turn 11, means Lowes remains firmly on course to be the first rider in 20 years to win the opening three intermediate category World Championship races since Daijiro Kato did in the 250cc class back in 2001.
“I’m confident we can keep this great start to the season going”
“I’m really happy with this pole position because this weekend has been more difficult than the first two races in Qatar and we’ve had to work hard for this result. I’ve got to say a big thanks to the team because we have worked hard to be well prepared for the race by doing a lot of laps with a full fuel tank on worn tyres. But then we went out in Q2 with low fuel and new tyres and the feeling was incredible, so in all circumstances the team have given me a great package. Our race pace is good and I’m expecting a hard battle but I’m confident we can keep this great start to the season going.”
More, from a press release issued by Italtrans Racing Team:
Joe Roberts and Lorenzo Dalla Porta to start Portuguese Grand Prix from the 3rd and 7th row.
The MotoGP World Championship is back to Europe for the third round of the season with the Portuguese Grand Prix.
After the double race in Qatar with ups and downs Italtrans Racing Team arrives to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal, ready to make the most of the work done here during the private tests last March, with the aim of confirming among the top teams in Moto2.
After the best lap time in FP1 and FP2 and the second fastest time in FP3, Joe Roberts went straight to Q2 finishing 8th in 1’43”314, just four tenths from Lowes’ pole. An important starting point, which will allow the American rider to race in the top positions, fighting for the top five.
Tough weekend for Lorenzo Dalla Porta: he didn’t make it thru Q1, but he improved his times. With a best lap of 1’43”778 he will start 21st on the grid with the aim of finishing in the points.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing Team.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta
21° | 1’43”778
“Yesterday I struggled to keep up the pace and the gap to the other riders was a lot. Today we improved, but not enough. Tomorrow’s goal is to finish in the points. We have the right skills to do that and it will be important to push from the start”.
Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing Team.
Joe Roberts
8° | 1’43”314
“I didn’t finish exactly where I predicted to be, but we are really positive for the race. The pace is good and I’m feeling really strong. I’ll give my best for a good start, fighting in the front”.
Giovanni Sandi, Technical Director
“We are not completely satisfied with the result, because in the free practices we were very fast, while in qualifying we slowed down. Both riders were under pressure when the conditions changed and the wind was against. Anyway, the pace is good and we can ride a good race: Joe can fight for the top five, while Lorenzo for the points”.
More, from a press release issued by American Racing Team:
Beaubier, Ramirez show speed in qualifying for Portuguese Grand Prix
American Racing teammates will start Sunday’s Moto2 race midfield
PORTIMAO, Portugal (April 17, 2021) — American Racing is back to nearly full strength for the Grand Prix of Portugal, Round 3 of the FIM Moto2 World Championship.
At the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, known for its challenging elevation changes and blind corner entries, Cameron Beaubier and Marcos Ramirez delivered their best qualifying performances of the season.
In Free Practice 3, Ramirez posted the fifth-quickest lap of the session, 1:42.997, transferring directly to Qualifying 2. The 23-year-old Spaniard missed the opening two rounds of the series at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar with a shoulder injury.
Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Beaubier cut more than a second from his best lap time on Friday. He was third in Q1, advancing to Q2. The 28-year-old American will start Sunday’s 23-lap race from 13th on the grid.
Cameron Beaubier (6). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
“I felt pretty good in qualifying today, with a couple changes that we made,” said Beaubier. “I am happy because I know I could have been faster if I cleaned up some stuff. I definitely need to improve the last split.”
Marcos Ramirez (42). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Ramirez, 11th in November’s Moto2 race at Portimão, could not replicate his performance from the morning session and will start 17th.
American Racing Team Owner Eitan Butbul had mixed feelings about qualifying at the 2.85-mile circuit with its nine right-hand turns and six lefts.
“Cameron started in Q1, but he performed very well and managed to get into Q2,” said Butbul. “We were sure he would be able to get into the top 10, but he got caught in traffic all session and couldn’t made the perfect lap. Still, we are happy. We see his progress, and his lap times are consistent.
“On Marcos’ side, we started the weekend with minimum expectation due to his injury, but he showed that he is strong and managed to finish fifth in FP3. We are a bit disappointed that he couldn’t qualify in the top 10, but he, as well, couldn’t find the perfect lap and ended up 17th.”
For the third consecutive race weekend, Marc VDS rider Sam Lowes earned pole position. Lowes won the first two races and is the championship points leader.
“The race tomorrow will tough,” said Butbul, “but I know both riders are fighters and will push hard.”
About the American Racing Team
The American Racing Team is owned by Avner Kass and Eitan Butbul and competes in the FIM MotoGP World Championship. Based in California, the team fields two riders in the Moto2 class: American Cameron Beaubier (No. 6) and Spaniard Marcos Ramirez (No. 42). American Racing has grown under Butbul’s guidance and is a respected member of the MotoGP paddock.
Quartararo pips Rins to pole as Marquez and Mir play cat and mouse in qualifying
The Frenchman takes it by 0.089, Marquez plays some mind games and Bagnaia and Viñales suffer lap cancellations in Portugal
Saturday, 17 April 2021
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) is the new lap-record holder at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve as the Frenchman put in a stunner to take his 11th MotoGP™ pole position. It was a dramatic qualifying at the Grande Premio 888 de Portugal with Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) emerging as the closest challenger in second, within a tenth of Quartararo, and Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) locking out the front row as the Championship leader continues his run of fast form – this time despite a crash.
The first headlines came in Q1, however. Reigning MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and returning, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) both found themselves in the session, and the fireworks didn’t quite go off but a fuse was definitely lit. Marquez followed the Suzuki throughout their first runs and the two were split by just a tenth and a half in Marquez’ favour, before the number 93 also shadowed the Suzuki rider back into pitlane, side by side. They were 1-2, Marquez-Mir.
On the next runs, a number of riders threatened but it remained the two Champions on top, with Mir improving but remaining just in arrears, this time by only 0.049. Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) couldn’t quite break the Marc Marquez-Mir stranglehold, and the two sailed through as Alex Marquez, Pol Espargaro and Binder were left with 13th, 14th and 15th on the grid.
And so Q2 began. Home hero Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was the leader on the road but Aleix Espargaro’s (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) first lap was a quick one – a 1:39.452 put the Spaniard P1 initially, but not for long. The benchmark was set by Quartararo, the best of the weekend so far, as he put in a 1:39.028 on his first flying lap. Meanwhile, after setting two red sectors, Zarco then crashed unhurt at Turn 11… but crucially the Frenchman was able to ride his GP21 back to pitlane.
Meanwhile, Bagnaia went P2 to cut Quartararo’s advantage down to just 0.117s, with the latter having a snap on the entry to Turn 8. That ruined his second flying lap, and then Bagnaia’s lap got cancelled, as did Maverick Viñales’ (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) because of yellow flags waving for Zarco’s crash. Mir then slotted in behind second place Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to provisionally sit on the front row, but there was plenty of action left to play. After waiting it out, Marc Marquez – who was yet to set a time – then emerged from pitlane alongside eighth place Rins. And once again, alongside meant alongside for the Honda and Suzuki…
Quartararo, however, emerged ready to lay down another marker. El Diablo was 0.137s under his own time through Sector 3 and coming across the line, it was a new all-time lap record for the Frenchman. Oliveira then snuck into P5, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) went P2, and Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) – after an impressive performance to go straight through to Q2 – shot up to a magical P4. The cameras panned to Rins, Marc Marquez and Quartararo next and shadowing the Suzuki, Marc Marquez climbed onto the front row. Just behind the Spaniard, Quartararo was lurking although he couldn’t improve that time round. That’s when Q2 started to make a few headlines of its own.
Oliveira suddenly slid out at the bottom of the hill at Turn 9, although the Portuguese rider was ok, as Zarco bounced back from his own crash to slot into second. Morbidelli knocked Marquez onto the third row as the Italian took fifth, and Bagnaia was on a serious rampage. Three tenths up heading into the final sector, the Italian slammed in a new lap record – and then the lap got cancelled. Yellow flags were to blame, although it remained understandably contentious for the Italian after the fact. That left him in P11, and there was more heartbreak as Viñales instead ran afoul of track limits by the smallest of margins, leaving him down in P12.
And so Quartararo, who said it did feel a little different to his ten previous MotoGP™ poles after the drama and pace of Bagnaia, takes the top honours on Saturday and holds the new lap record. Rins snuck in a stunner to take second though, the Suzuki rider just 0.089s behind the Yamaha but nevertheless taking his equal best MotoGP™ qualifying result. Championship leader Zarco bounced back from his crash into a great position on the outside of the front row, likely remembering fondly the Ducati holeshot heroics in Qatar.
Speaking of which, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) will spearhead Row 2, and he’s joined by Morbidelli and Marc Marquez as the former slots back into his rightful place nearer the front and… so does the latter. What can the eight-time World Champion do over race distance? Points? Top ten? Top five? Podium…?
Aleix Espargaro qualifies seventh for the second consecutive race in a row, another great job done by the Spaniard on the Aprilia. Marini recovered from a rapid FP4 crash to claim his best MotoGP™ qualifying result in P8 and get a good reward for his much quicker weekend so far, and the rookie lines up ahead of Mir on the third row. Worth remembering, however, that the reigning World Champion has take more than half of his MotoGP™ podiums from outside the first two rows…
In tenth it’s not a repeat Portugal pole position for Oliveira after his crash, but he was perfectly ok and will be raring to go on Sunday afternoon from P10. Bagnaia slots into P11, ahead of Viñales in P12. Both will have a point to prove as the lights go out, and after the stunning starts from Oliveira and Bagnaia we’ve seen so far in 2021, they’ll be aiming to hit quick. Viñales, meanwhile, will likley be more of a pace man based on the form book… but could very much still threaten as Yamaha seem to have made some strides at the Algarve on take two. Viñales’ best lap had been quicker than pole…
Finally, there was some bad news for Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin on Saturday morning. Following a huge crash in FP3, the Spaniard was declared unfit and has a fractured foot and finger. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon.
That’s it from Saturday, with the grid for the Grande Premio 888 de Portugal promising a stunner. Points to prove, pace to unleash… and lots in the locker. Who will reign Portimão in 2021? Find out at 13:00 local time (GMT +1) as the next 25 points come into play… and Marc Marquez looks to make race distance for the first time since Valencia 2019.
Fabio Quartararo: “First of all, it’s pole but it doesn’t feel like usual, we saw Bagnaia was extremely fast on one lap! I’m more happy about FP3 and FP4. The main goal was the front row and we achieved it, and of course pole position. It feels really good but it’s a shame because on the last lap I had a big shake out the last corner and we could have improved the laptime but I’m feeling happy, I know the pace I can have and that one is for my team.”
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 25th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica/AMA Pro races and Championships, including nine MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (10 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2021 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Sam Lochoff on the MotoAmerica Junior Cup podium in 2020. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Sam Lochoff
Age: 18.
Current home: Boca Raton, Florida.
Current height/weight: 5’8”/120 pounds.
Current school grade level: Graduated High School
Began riding at age: 14 years.
First road race: 2016, Killarney Short Circuit, Cape Town, South Africa, NSF 100, 2nd.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2020 season, placed 3rd in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (13 podiums in 18 races), won 8 FMRRA races; 2019 season, placed 14th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (1 podium finish, missed nine of 17 races due to injury); 2018 season, awarded highest sporting achievement in South Africa – Protea Colors and Green Blazer, competed in FIM Supersport 300 World Championship (best race finish was 18th); 2017 season, won 390cc and 150cc Western Cape Regional Championships (22 wins total).
2021 racing goal: Be competitive in MotoAmerica Supersport.
Racing career goal: To succeed in whatever I do.
Racing hero: None.
Favorite track: Red Bull Ring.
Favorite hobbies: Rock climbing, working out, and cycling.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: An actor or entrepreneur.
Wayne Maxwell has set the fastest-ever lap for a Superbike around Wakefield Park Raceway, punching out a blistering 56.916 lap time in practice for Round 3 of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, this afternoon.
Maxwell’s pace was ominous from the very first practice session for the Alpinestars Superbike class, when he recorded a 57.1s lap, before he dipped into the 56s in the other two sessions of the day aboard his Boost Mobile Ducati V4 R.
The reigning ASBK Champion paid tribute to his team for giving him such a strong package from the outset.
“You can’t do those sorts of lap times without a good machine and a good crew underneath you – the boys at Boost Mobile Racing with K-Tech have done a fantastic job,” Maxwell said.
“For us, it was about the consistency – we did a lot of consistent laps and we have a lot of data to work with.
“There were some crashes this morning in some of the other classes and I was a bit concerned, but when we went out, the lap times were there straight away. To get into the 56s in the other two sessions was a big commitment though.”
Glenn Allerton also dipped into the 56s aboard his BMW, ending the day just 0.03s shy of Maxwell once times were combined from the day’s three sessions, while Mike Jones made it a pair of Ducatis in the top three.
Local hero Troy Herfoss was fourth for the day, ahead of Cru Halliday, Oli Bayliss, Lachlan Epis, Bryan Staring, Matt Walters and Josh Waters.
The Alpinestars Superbikes will return to the Wakefield Park circuit for timed practice at 10:45am AEST tomorrow, followed by a pair of qualifying sessions at 3:00pm and 3:45pm.
Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join our ASBK mailing list at www.asbk.com.au
ASBK CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 18-21 Postponed
Round 2 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC March 12-14
Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW April 16-18
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT – Supercars 2+4 (Superbikes only) June 18-20
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD August 20-22
Round 6 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA September 23-26
Wayne Maxwell (1). Photo by Optikal Photography, courtesy ASBK.
Maxwell Seals Wakefield Park Pole
Wayne Maxwell has secured the Elite Roads Pole Position Award for Round 3 of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, with another scorching lap around Wakefield Park Raceway in this afternoon’s qualifying session.
Maxwell’s supremacy at the top of the timesheets was tested by Troy Herfoss, the form rider at Wakefield Park in recent times, but in the end Maxwell recorded a 56.920 lap, virtually matching the 56.916 he achieved during practice yesterday.
Herfoss ended the session 0.021s adrift in second position while Mike Jones was a further 0.4s back in third.
Maxwell said the tyre and bike combination were well-suited to the track conditions.
“It’s a massive credit to Boost Mobile Racing With K-Tech – we’ve worked really hard on the back of the success we had at Winton,” Maxwell said.
“Sometimes it’s not down to the rider so much as the tyre, and whether it suits the conditions or not. I know tyres are going to be a massive challenge for us tomorrow, but we’ve put in a fair bit of work and we know we’re up to the challenge.”
Glenn Allerton was unable to match the 56-second time he achieved in practice yesterday and was only able to qualify seventh; instead, it was Allerton’s team-mate Lachlan Epis who led the BMW brigade, qualifying an impressive fourth ahead of Cru Halliday and Bryan Staring.
Oli Bayliss, Josh Waters and Arthur Sissis completed the top 10.
Tomorrow’s Alpinestars Superbike action consists of a pair of 20-lap races, at 11:30am and 3:10pm.
Lowes denies Gardner by just 0.023 as the duel rolls on
The Brit remains undefeated on Saturday. But will the same be true on Sunday? Gardner is homing in…
Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) has made it three from three in 2021 as the Championship leader took pole once more for the Grande Premio 888 de Portugal. It was close though, with Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) just 0.023 off as the 2020 winner at the track remains the man closest on the chase. Xavi Vierge (Petronas Sprinta Racing) went from Q1 to P3 as he completes the front row.
In Q1, Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) came out on top, the Thai rider moving through along with Albert Arenas (Solunion Aspar Team), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) and Xavi Vierge. Jorge Navarro (Lightech Speed Up) crashed, as did Lorenzo Baldassarri (MV Agusta Forward Racing), riders ok but the former especially losing out as he didn’t set a time. Nevertheless, the clock rolled on and Q2 began.
Lowes was the early leader in Q2 as the first laps of the second part of qualifying were fired in, but Gardner soon took after after setting a 1:43.032. However, the fight between Gardner and Lowes had already begun. The British rider was back on top by 0.114s after two flying laps, but the number 22 had a hairy moment heading into the tight Turn 5 left-hander on his third flyer. Responding, Gardner improved his lap time to lie just 0.006s behind Lowes.
Q1 graduate Vierge was in P3 already, having shown some impressive pace in the early stages of Q2, and the Spaniard was ahead of two rookies in the form of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Albert Arenas. The reigning Moto3™ World Champion was shuffled down to P7 rather rapidly though as Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) and Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) moved to P5 and P6 respectively.
Another great lap from Lowes came in next and his advantage over Gardner grew to 0.023s – not a lot – but the Brit was then down at Turn 11, ending his session a little early. No one could better him regardless, although Gardner runs him closest in P2 once again and the top two in the title fight so far line up side by side. Vierge joins them on the front row.
Ogura takes fourth and that’s the Japanese rookie’s best Moto2™ qualifying performance, just 0.220s down on Lowes and showing his Doha GP speed was no flash in the pan. Bezzecchi and Augusto Fernandez join Ogura on Row 2, which is Augusto Fernandez’s best Saturday result of the year. Arenas is another rookie to bag his best Moto2™ qualifying in P7, the Spaniard beating one of the pre-qualifying favourites in Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) by just 0.010s. The American is P8 on the grid, just ahead of Aron Canet (Solunion Aspar Team) and a seemingly disappointed 10th fastest Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The rookie sensation, who won in Moto3™ at the track last year in some style, will be hoping to shoot through to the podium fight on Sunday.
Chantra, Hector Garzo (Flexbox HP 40), Cameron Beaubier (American Racing), Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) complete the fastest 15 in Q2.
It’s three from three for Lowes on a Saturday this year, but will it be a hat-trick of wins on Sunday? And a Lowes vs Gardner shootout for victory again? Find out when the Moto2™ riders go racing in Portimão at 14:30 local time (GMT+1) on Sunday afternoon.
Sam Lowes: “It was a bit different from this morning, yesterday I think the grip was down in general, the laptimes were not so fast. Today was more similar to last year, laptimes were similar. This afternoon maybe a bit of temperature and a bit of wind and the laptimes were a bit slower but I felt good. We improved the bike a lo over the weekend. It was the first time with a new tyre and low fuel in qualifying, the bike was feeling good and we could make a good rhythm. I’m happy with the work we’ve done and I’m looking forward to the race.”
More, from a press release issued by Marc VDS Racing Team:
Lowes powers to pole position in Portugal
Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders Sam Lowes and Augusto Fernandez showed they have podium potential in tomorrow’s 23-lap Portuguese Grand Prix after both qualified inside the top six for the first European race of 2021.
Lowes maintained his perfect pole position record in 2021 by powering to top spot for the third successive race in Q2, with Fernandez also excelling in the 15-minute session to claim a place on the second row.
The Moto2 race will conclude the action at the Algarve International Circuit tomorrow and is scheduled to follow the MotoGP clash at 14:30pm local time.
Augusto Fernandez (37). Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.
Augusto Fernandez
6th, 1’43.259
The Spaniard went into this afternoon’s crucial Q2 session with confidence high after a brilliant last lap of 1’43.239 in FP3 was only 0.3s away from the top three, with Fernandez making huge progress in finding more front-end feel this morning.
With track temperatures almost 10 degrees hotter for Q2, Fernandez produced another impressive flying lap in the 1.43.2 bracket to claim a place on the second row, with a richly deserved sixth his best grid position in 11 races since the Styrian Grand Prix in Austria.
“Starting from the second row is very positive”
“It was a good Q2 session, and we have to be happy to be on the second row of the grid. We made a very big step with the bike compared to yesterday and I was much happier with how the front-end was working. It wasn’t easy to improve in Q2 because there was quite a lot of wind, but I still managed to make a good lap and starting from the second row is very positive. We can still improve in some areas to help me feel comfortable at setting consistent lap times. The good thing is we have the pace, but I’d like to feel like the times are coming a little bit easier. If we make another step in the Warm-up I’m sure we can have a strong race.”
Sam Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.
Sam Lowes
1st, 1’42.901
A lap of 1’42.939 was the fourth quickest of FP3 and ensured Briton Lowes eased into Q2 where he produced yet another masterful display to secure his third pole in three races and 14th of his Moto2 career.
A small improvement to a 1’42.901, despite a late crash at turn 11, means Lowes remains firmly on course to be the first rider in 20 years to win the opening three intermediate category World Championship races since Daijiro Kato did in the 250cc class back in 2001.
“I’m confident we can keep this great start to the season going”
“I’m really happy with this pole position because this weekend has been more difficult than the first two races in Qatar and we’ve had to work hard for this result. I’ve got to say a big thanks to the team because we have worked hard to be well prepared for the race by doing a lot of laps with a full fuel tank on worn tyres. But then we went out in Q2 with low fuel and new tyres and the feeling was incredible, so in all circumstances the team have given me a great package. Our race pace is good and I’m expecting a hard battle but I’m confident we can keep this great start to the season going.”
More, from a press release issued by Italtrans Racing Team:
Joe Roberts and Lorenzo Dalla Porta to start Portuguese Grand Prix from the 3rd and 7th row.
The MotoGP World Championship is back to Europe for the third round of the season with the Portuguese Grand Prix.
After the double race in Qatar with ups and downs Italtrans Racing Team arrives to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal, ready to make the most of the work done here during the private tests last March, with the aim of confirming among the top teams in Moto2.
After the best lap time in FP1 and FP2 and the second fastest time in FP3, Joe Roberts went straight to Q2 finishing 8th in 1’43”314, just four tenths from Lowes’ pole. An important starting point, which will allow the American rider to race in the top positions, fighting for the top five.
Tough weekend for Lorenzo Dalla Porta: he didn’t make it thru Q1, but he improved his times. With a best lap of 1’43”778 he will start 21st on the grid with the aim of finishing in the points.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing Team.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta
21° | 1’43”778
“Yesterday I struggled to keep up the pace and the gap to the other riders was a lot. Today we improved, but not enough. Tomorrow’s goal is to finish in the points. We have the right skills to do that and it will be important to push from the start”.
Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing Team.
Joe Roberts
8° | 1’43”314
“I didn’t finish exactly where I predicted to be, but we are really positive for the race. The pace is good and I’m feeling really strong. I’ll give my best for a good start, fighting in the front”.
Giovanni Sandi, Technical Director
“We are not completely satisfied with the result, because in the free practices we were very fast, while in qualifying we slowed down. Both riders were under pressure when the conditions changed and the wind was against. Anyway, the pace is good and we can ride a good race: Joe can fight for the top five, while Lorenzo for the points”.
More, from a press release issued by American Racing Team:
Beaubier, Ramirez show speed in qualifying for Portuguese Grand Prix
American Racing teammates will start Sunday’s Moto2 race midfield
PORTIMAO, Portugal (April 17, 2021) — American Racing is back to nearly full strength for the Grand Prix of Portugal, Round 3 of the FIM Moto2 World Championship.
At the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, known for its challenging elevation changes and blind corner entries, Cameron Beaubier and Marcos Ramirez delivered their best qualifying performances of the season.
In Free Practice 3, Ramirez posted the fifth-quickest lap of the session, 1:42.997, transferring directly to Qualifying 2. The 23-year-old Spaniard missed the opening two rounds of the series at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar with a shoulder injury.
Five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Beaubier cut more than a second from his best lap time on Friday. He was third in Q1, advancing to Q2. The 28-year-old American will start Sunday’s 23-lap race from 13th on the grid.
Cameron Beaubier (6). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
“I felt pretty good in qualifying today, with a couple changes that we made,” said Beaubier. “I am happy because I know I could have been faster if I cleaned up some stuff. I definitely need to improve the last split.”
Marcos Ramirez (42). Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Ramirez, 11th in November’s Moto2 race at Portimão, could not replicate his performance from the morning session and will start 17th.
American Racing Team Owner Eitan Butbul had mixed feelings about qualifying at the 2.85-mile circuit with its nine right-hand turns and six lefts.
“Cameron started in Q1, but he performed very well and managed to get into Q2,” said Butbul. “We were sure he would be able to get into the top 10, but he got caught in traffic all session and couldn’t made the perfect lap. Still, we are happy. We see his progress, and his lap times are consistent.
“On Marcos’ side, we started the weekend with minimum expectation due to his injury, but he showed that he is strong and managed to finish fifth in FP3. We are a bit disappointed that he couldn’t qualify in the top 10, but he, as well, couldn’t find the perfect lap and ended up 17th.”
For the third consecutive race weekend, Marc VDS rider Sam Lowes earned pole position. Lowes won the first two races and is the championship points leader.
“The race tomorrow will tough,” said Butbul, “but I know both riders are fighters and will push hard.”
About the American Racing Team
The American Racing Team is owned by Avner Kass and Eitan Butbul and competes in the FIM MotoGP World Championship. Based in California, the team fields two riders in the Moto2 class: American Cameron Beaubier (No. 6) and Spaniard Marcos Ramirez (No. 42). American Racing has grown under Butbul’s guidance and is a respected member of the MotoGP paddock.
Quartararo pips Rins to pole as Marquez and Mir play cat and mouse in qualifying
The Frenchman takes it by 0.089, Marquez plays some mind games and Bagnaia and Viñales suffer lap cancellations in Portugal
Saturday, 17 April 2021
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) is the new lap-record holder at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve as the Frenchman put in a stunner to take his 11th MotoGP™ pole position. It was a dramatic qualifying at the Grande Premio 888 de Portugal with Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) emerging as the closest challenger in second, within a tenth of Quartararo, and Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) locking out the front row as the Championship leader continues his run of fast form – this time despite a crash.
The first headlines came in Q1, however. Reigning MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and returning, eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) both found themselves in the session, and the fireworks didn’t quite go off but a fuse was definitely lit. Marquez followed the Suzuki throughout their first runs and the two were split by just a tenth and a half in Marquez’ favour, before the number 93 also shadowed the Suzuki rider back into pitlane, side by side. They were 1-2, Marquez-Mir.
On the next runs, a number of riders threatened but it remained the two Champions on top, with Mir improving but remaining just in arrears, this time by only 0.049. Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) couldn’t quite break the Marc Marquez-Mir stranglehold, and the two sailed through as Alex Marquez, Pol Espargaro and Binder were left with 13th, 14th and 15th on the grid.
And so Q2 began. Home hero Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was the leader on the road but Aleix Espargaro’s (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) first lap was a quick one – a 1:39.452 put the Spaniard P1 initially, but not for long. The benchmark was set by Quartararo, the best of the weekend so far, as he put in a 1:39.028 on his first flying lap. Meanwhile, after setting two red sectors, Zarco then crashed unhurt at Turn 11… but crucially the Frenchman was able to ride his GP21 back to pitlane.
Meanwhile, Bagnaia went P2 to cut Quartararo’s advantage down to just 0.117s, with the latter having a snap on the entry to Turn 8. That ruined his second flying lap, and then Bagnaia’s lap got cancelled, as did Maverick Viñales’ (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) because of yellow flags waving for Zarco’s crash. Mir then slotted in behind second place Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) to provisionally sit on the front row, but there was plenty of action left to play. After waiting it out, Marc Marquez – who was yet to set a time – then emerged from pitlane alongside eighth place Rins. And once again, alongside meant alongside for the Honda and Suzuki…
Quartararo, however, emerged ready to lay down another marker. El Diablo was 0.137s under his own time through Sector 3 and coming across the line, it was a new all-time lap record for the Frenchman. Oliveira then snuck into P5, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) went P2, and Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) – after an impressive performance to go straight through to Q2 – shot up to a magical P4. The cameras panned to Rins, Marc Marquez and Quartararo next and shadowing the Suzuki, Marc Marquez climbed onto the front row. Just behind the Spaniard, Quartararo was lurking although he couldn’t improve that time round. That’s when Q2 started to make a few headlines of its own.
Oliveira suddenly slid out at the bottom of the hill at Turn 9, although the Portuguese rider was ok, as Zarco bounced back from his own crash to slot into second. Morbidelli knocked Marquez onto the third row as the Italian took fifth, and Bagnaia was on a serious rampage. Three tenths up heading into the final sector, the Italian slammed in a new lap record – and then the lap got cancelled. Yellow flags were to blame, although it remained understandably contentious for the Italian after the fact. That left him in P11, and there was more heartbreak as Viñales instead ran afoul of track limits by the smallest of margins, leaving him down in P12.
And so Quartararo, who said it did feel a little different to his ten previous MotoGP™ poles after the drama and pace of Bagnaia, takes the top honours on Saturday and holds the new lap record. Rins snuck in a stunner to take second though, the Suzuki rider just 0.089s behind the Yamaha but nevertheless taking his equal best MotoGP™ qualifying result. Championship leader Zarco bounced back from his crash into a great position on the outside of the front row, likely remembering fondly the Ducati holeshot heroics in Qatar.
Speaking of which, Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) will spearhead Row 2, and he’s joined by Morbidelli and Marc Marquez as the former slots back into his rightful place nearer the front and… so does the latter. What can the eight-time World Champion do over race distance? Points? Top ten? Top five? Podium…?
Aleix Espargaro qualifies seventh for the second consecutive race in a row, another great job done by the Spaniard on the Aprilia. Marini recovered from a rapid FP4 crash to claim his best MotoGP™ qualifying result in P8 and get a good reward for his much quicker weekend so far, and the rookie lines up ahead of Mir on the third row. Worth remembering, however, that the reigning World Champion has take more than half of his MotoGP™ podiums from outside the first two rows…
In tenth it’s not a repeat Portugal pole position for Oliveira after his crash, but he was perfectly ok and will be raring to go on Sunday afternoon from P10. Bagnaia slots into P11, ahead of Viñales in P12. Both will have a point to prove as the lights go out, and after the stunning starts from Oliveira and Bagnaia we’ve seen so far in 2021, they’ll be aiming to hit quick. Viñales, meanwhile, will likley be more of a pace man based on the form book… but could very much still threaten as Yamaha seem to have made some strides at the Algarve on take two. Viñales’ best lap had been quicker than pole…
Finally, there was some bad news for Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin on Saturday morning. Following a huge crash in FP3, the Spaniard was declared unfit and has a fractured foot and finger. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon.
That’s it from Saturday, with the grid for the Grande Premio 888 de Portugal promising a stunner. Points to prove, pace to unleash… and lots in the locker. Who will reign Portimão in 2021? Find out at 13:00 local time (GMT +1) as the next 25 points come into play… and Marc Marquez looks to make race distance for the first time since Valencia 2019.
Fabio Quartararo: “First of all, it’s pole but it doesn’t feel like usual, we saw Bagnaia was extremely fast on one lap! I’m more happy about FP3 and FP4. The main goal was the front row and we achieved it, and of course pole position. It feels really good but it’s a shame because on the last lap I had a big shake out the last corner and we could have improved the laptime but I’m feeling happy, I know the pace I can have and that one is for my team.”
Sam Lochoff (57) in action in 2020. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed North America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 25th consecutive year of showcasing what is actually an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica/AMA Pro races and Championships, including nine MotoAmerica/AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
The Daytona 200 (10 times);
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2021 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
Sam Lochoff on the MotoAmerica Junior Cup podium in 2020. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Sam Lochoff
Age: 18.
Current home: Boca Raton, Florida.
Current height/weight: 5’8”/120 pounds.
Current school grade level: Graduated High School
Began riding at age: 14 years.
First road race: 2016, Killarney Short Circuit, Cape Town, South Africa, NSF 100, 2nd.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2020 season, placed 3rd in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (13 podiums in 18 races), won 8 FMRRA races; 2019 season, placed 14th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (1 podium finish, missed nine of 17 races due to injury); 2018 season, awarded highest sporting achievement in South Africa – Protea Colors and Green Blazer, competed in FIM Supersport 300 World Championship (best race finish was 18th); 2017 season, won 390cc and 150cc Western Cape Regional Championships (22 wins total).
2021 racing goal: Be competitive in MotoAmerica Supersport.
Racing career goal: To succeed in whatever I do.
Racing hero: None.
Favorite track: Red Bull Ring.
Favorite hobbies: Rock climbing, working out, and cycling.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: An actor or entrepreneur.
Wayne Maxwell (1). Photo by Optikal Photography, courtesy ASBK.
Maxwell Sets Wakefield Park Benchmark
Wayne Maxwell has set the fastest-ever lap for a Superbike around Wakefield Park Raceway, punching out a blistering 56.916 lap time in practice for Round 3 of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, this afternoon.
Maxwell’s pace was ominous from the very first practice session for the Alpinestars Superbike class, when he recorded a 57.1s lap, before he dipped into the 56s in the other two sessions of the day aboard his Boost Mobile Ducati V4 R.
The reigning ASBK Champion paid tribute to his team for giving him such a strong package from the outset.
“You can’t do those sorts of lap times without a good machine and a good crew underneath you – the boys at Boost Mobile Racing with K-Tech have done a fantastic job,” Maxwell said.
“For us, it was about the consistency – we did a lot of consistent laps and we have a lot of data to work with.
“There were some crashes this morning in some of the other classes and I was a bit concerned, but when we went out, the lap times were there straight away. To get into the 56s in the other two sessions was a big commitment though.”
Glenn Allerton also dipped into the 56s aboard his BMW, ending the day just 0.03s shy of Maxwell once times were combined from the day’s three sessions, while Mike Jones made it a pair of Ducatis in the top three.
Local hero Troy Herfoss was fourth for the day, ahead of Cru Halliday, Oli Bayliss, Lachlan Epis, Bryan Staring, Matt Walters and Josh Waters.
The Alpinestars Superbikes will return to the Wakefield Park circuit for timed practice at 10:45am AEST tomorrow, followed by a pair of qualifying sessions at 3:00pm and 3:45pm.
Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join our ASBK mailing list at www.asbk.com.au
ASBK CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 18-21 Postponed
Round 2 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC March 12-14
Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW April 16-18
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT – Supercars 2+4 (Superbikes only) June 18-20
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD August 20-22
Round 6 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA September 23-26
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