Supersport World Championship leader Adrian Huertas took pole position in Jerez at the final round of the WorldSBK season. On his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Huertas edged Jorge Navarro, also on a Ducati Panigale V2, by 0.219 seconds. Marcel Schroetter was third on an MV Agusta F3 800 RR. Stefano Manzi, Federico Caricasulo and Yari Montella completed the top six.
SSP Superpole Results
It’s been a long wait for Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) but the #21 can finally say he led a MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship session again after topping Free Practice 2, and Friday’s running, at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The Italian used the SCQ tyre to set his best lap time as he finished 0.150s clear of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in second while Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was third despite not finding time in FP2 for the Prometeon Spanish Round.
RINALDI P1, BAUTISTA P11: a topsy-turvy order
Rinaldi utilised the SCQ tyre to full potential in FP2 as he set a 1’39.591s to move into top spot with a few minutes left to go in the afternoon session, ensuring he beat Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) to P1 by just 0.150s. ‘Bulegas’ only improved his Free Practice 1 time in his final lap in FP2 as he settled for second, while Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was third in FP2 in a Ducati 1-2-3, but was fourth in the combined classification. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven), fresh from his new 2025 contract, was eighth after he set a 1’39.966s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) completed the top 10 with reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) the last Ducati rider on Friday with P11; he set a 1’40.111s as his best time.
RAZGATLIOGLU THIRD, CLOSE TO BULEGA: breaking up the Ducatis at the top
Razgatlioglu prevented it from being a Ducati 1-2-3 in the combined classification as he took third, although he was one of a handful of riders who didn’t improve his time in the afternoon. His 1’39.766s came in FP1 but it was enough to secure third despite other riders finding time throughout the day. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) made a big step from the morning to the afternoon as he moved into sixth, while Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) ensured three BMWs were in the top nine. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) was 15th but he, like Razgatlioglu, didn’t find time in FP2. He finished FP1 in seventh.
REA LEADS YAMAHA CHARGE: P5 for the #65, Locatelli 13th
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) has seemingly continued on his Estoril form at Jerez with fifth on Friday. The #65 had his best long-race result of 2024 last time out and he’ll be aiming to continue that when racing starts on Saturday, with his 1’39.874 giving him P5 and lead Yamaha honours. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was 13th but only a few tenths away from the #65. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 16th with teammate Alessandro Delbianco in 21st, with the #52 crashing at Turn 1 in the early stages of FP2. Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) claimed 19th with Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) 22nd and wildcards Kyle Ryde (OMG Racing) and Luca Bernardi (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) 24th and 27th respectively.
BASSANI ON TOP AT KAWASAKI: tech issues for Alex Lowes hamper Friday running
Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the fastest Kawasaki rider on Friday as he claimed P7, the Japanese manufacturer’s only representative in the top ten after he set a 1’39.966s – the same time as Iannone. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) entered FP2 on the backfoot after he lost 30 minutes of FP1 running. A tech issue with his ZX-10RR, with the clutch, meant he only got a few laps of running in as he finished in 12th. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 18th after the Spaniard set a 1’40.770s.
HONDA OUT OF THE TOP TEN: can they return to Estoril form?
Honda came into Jerez on a good run of form but, after the first day, it looks like it’ll be a challenge to repeat that after Friday’s running, although Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was P5 in FP1. Lecuona was the top Honda with 14th after the Estoril podium finisher posted a 1’40.241s, while teammate Xavi Vierge was 17th. Wildcard Tetsuta Nagashima (Team HRC) took 20th with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team duo of Tarran Mackenzie and Ivo Lopes, standing in for Adam Norrodin for the season finale, were 23rd and 25th respectively.
SBK FP2 Results
Memorial services for Dave Knapp will be held on Saturday, November 9th at Ray C’s Harley-Davidson of Lapeer starting at 4:00 p.m.
All are welcome.
The address is 1491 South Lapeer Road, Lapeer, Michigan 48446.
Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter will remain in an unchanged rider line-up for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship.
Moving to Yamaha and WorldSBK from MotoGP, 2023 was very much a learning year for Remy Gardner, who showed strong progress as the season went on to narrowly miss out on a debut podium in the final round in Jerez. The Australian rider has taken a further step forward in 2024, both in pace and results, claiming his debut WorldSBK podium at the TT Circuit Assen and regularly fighting within the top six throughout the season.
Aegerter graduated to the Superbike class as a double World Supersport Champion with Yamaha, and like his team-mate spent the 2023 season learning the R1 WorldSBK. His Superpole pace was quick from the off, with a front-row start in the season opener in Phillip Island showing a glimpse of the Swiss rider’s potential. A maiden WorldSBK podium came for Aegerter with a third-place finish in Jerez at the end of the year, prompting high hopes for the 2024 season.
Held back by an illness at the start of the year which saw him miss winter testing, Aegerter has shown speed throughout 2024 and was looking to build on his strongest results of the season, achieved in Portimão, in the second half of the year, until an unfortunate injury saw him back on the sidelines until Estoril last weekend.
The confirmation of the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK riders finalises Yamaha Motor Europe’s WorldSBK line-up for 2025, with Jonathan Rea and Andrea Locatelli also continuing with the Pata Prometeon Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team.
Remy Gardner
“I am happy to be staying for another year with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK team. 2024 has been a bit mixed, but overall there are a lot of positives including my first podium in WorldSBK at Assen. I’m still hungry for more and hopefully we can build on some of the steps we’ve made this year to be fighting at the front more consistently with another year under our belt in WorldSBK with the R1.”
Dominique Aegerter
“It’s been a challenging season for me with illness and injury, so I am grateful to Yamaha and the team for continuing to believe in me. I feel like I have unfinished business in WorldSBK, so I am very happy to be able to continue for another year with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. I am looking forward to getting back with the team before the end of this season so we can look at building nicely into 2025 and show exactly what we can do in the WorldSBK class.”
Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing and Research & Development Manager
“We are pleased to have retained the services of Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. Remy has had a strong season, fighting for the podium on numerous occasions as well as often finishing as the top R1 rider. We are confident he can continue this trajectory towards more success in 2025. For Dominique, it has not been the easiest of years and luck has not been on his side. We know how fast he can be and do not believe he has shown his true potential in WorldSBK yet, so given the challenges of this year, it made sense to continue with him for 2025.”
Filippo Conti, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Principal
“We are pleased to announce our 2025 lineup. We have had a good run with both Remy and Domi, and we are very happy to be able to continue with them next season. We had some great moments with this duo and we are looking forward to sharing many more. We look forward to a great 2025 together and reaping the fruits of the work done in these two years, where both proved their speed and talent and we are sure that they will continue to do so and make further progress.”
Despite a crash, Can Oncu headed Federico Caricasulo and Stefano Manzi in the first Supersport World Championship practice session at Jerez. Bo Bendsneyder, Lucas Mahias and Marcel Schroetter completed the top six.
SSP FP1 Results
Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship concluded with the top two in the Championship separated by just 0.022s. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed the advantage over Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in the opening session for the Prometeon Spanish Round as he secured P1 by the smallest of margins, while 14 riders were separated by 0.831s as the field shapes up for an epic season finale.
Razgatlioglu was quick in his first run but was overhauled by Bulega after the #11 opted to complete a longer first run, when he set a 1’39.744s on the third-last lap of that run to beat his title rival by just 0.022s as their title-deciding weekend started in favour of the Ducati rider. Razgatlioglu completed three short stints in FP1 as the pair opted for different strategies. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) secured P3 with a 1’39.967s, the final rider in the 1’39s bracket, with ‘The Maniac’ setting his best lap time following Bulega.
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) comes into Jerez fresh from his best weekend of the season at Estoril and he continued that in FP1, putting in a late lap of 1’40.048s to move into P4 and only a few tenths away from Bulega’s pace. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) continued Honda’s strong run with fifth after being demoted by the #65 inti P5, but his 1’40.241s was enough to ensure four different manufacturers in the top five. He was a tenth ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in sixth after the #14 lapped 0.603s slower than Bulega.
It was a close session in FP1, with Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) in seventh but only 0.002s behind Sam Lowes, while he was half-a-tenth quicker than Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) in eighth. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was ninth as he completed 21 laps, the joint-highest number in the session, ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in P10.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) once again enjoyed a strong start, as he did last week in Portugal, as he finished 11th while Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was 12th. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) completed 10 times laps – the fewest of anyone – with a clutch issue hampering his running during the first 30 minutes, but he returned to the track with around 15 minutes remaining and set a 1’40.569s to finish 0.006s clear of Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) in 14th; Gerloff was 0.831s down on Bulega’s time but the 14th and final rider within a second of the #11.
The top six from WorldSBK FP1:
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’39.744s
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.022s
3. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +0.223s
4. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.304s
5. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +0.497s
6. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.603s
SBK FP1 Friday Results
Husqvarna Mobility reveals water-cooled EE 5 for 2025
Electric-powered machine provides extended ride time and consistent performance
Husqvarna Mobility EE 5 2025
Husqvarna Mobility is excited to unveil a new EE 5 for 2025. By introducing water-cooling technology to the state-of-the-art motocross machine, average battery life has increased by 30%, in addition to providing a more stable power delivery for the duration of its running time. The EE 5 is also enhanced for the new model year with scaled-down bodywork from the full-size motocross line-up and finished with distinctive graphics.
Since its very successful launch in 2019, the EE 5 has provided young riders with a smooth introduction to riding and racing motocross. Powered by a capable and highly efficient 907 Wh Li-Ion battery and 5 kW electric motor, the EE 5 rivals the performance of its 50 cc, combustion engine competition. With a choice of six ride modes, the power delivery can be easily customised to suit all rider abilities.
When the lowest mode is selected, the battery offers approximately two hours of riding time. The overall running time varies depending on the track conditions and mode selected with the least restrictive option allowing for up to 30 minutes of action. Simple recharging is assured with the worldwide charger, which can be connected to any 110 or 230-Volt socket. Once plugged in, an 80% charge can be achieved in just 45 minutes while a full recharge taking only 70 minutes.
Beyond the water-cooled motor, the EE 5 is expertly crafted with a perfectly balanced and height-adjustable chassis. By simply refitting the ergonomic bodywork and seat into the lower mounting points, reinstalling the WP shock in the alternative position, and raising the WP forks through the triple clamps, the EE 5 can be altered from its standard height of 674 mm to 626 mm. This adjustability allows shorter riders to begin riding the EE 5 in its lowest setting, and as they grow, the higher setting can be re-introduced.
Further customisation comes from the WP suspension. The shock offers 193 mm of travel and adjustable preload, high and low speed compression, and rebound to ensure riders can create a personalised set-up. Together with the 35 mm forks that offer 205 mm of travel, all youngsters can ride with comfort and confidence, even on the roughest of race tracks.
With an extensive list of quality components used to assemble the small machine, the EE 5 delivers an unrivalled on-track experience for all youngsters. Hydraulic disc brakes, a high-strength, chromium-molybdenum steel frame, NEKEN handlebars and ODI grips, and MAXXIS tyres underline the high specification of the latest EE 5.
Technical highlights
*State-of-the-art, electric motor with a peak power of 5 kW and new water cooling
*New bodywork and adjustable ergonomics
*Six different ride modes to suit a wide range of riders
*Easily rechargeable, 907 Wh Li-Ion battery
*Modern chassis and adjustable WP suspension
*Proven, race-tested components
*MAXXIS ST tyres for maximum grip on all surfaces
*NEKEN handlebars and ODI grips
Alongside the launch of the 2025 EE 5, Husqvarna Mobility is excited to offer a full range of Kids Gear. The complete line-up is made from premium materials and includes a helmet, goggles, shirt, pants, and gloves, with the Flame boots, made by Sidi, creating a complete apparel set-up for all youngsters. In addition, a concise selection of Technical Accessories allows the EE 5 to be customised to suit each individual rider.
The 2025 Husqvarna EE 5 will begin to be available worldwide from now onwards at all authorised Husqvarna Mobility Dealerships. Availability may vary from country to country. For all details on pricing and availability, please refer to your national Husqvarna Mobility subsidiary or importer.
Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Phillip Island, in Australia. Riding his Gresini Racing Ducati on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:27.770.
His brother and teammate, Alex Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:27.872.
Marco Bezzecchi was third at 1:27.958 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati.
Current World Championship point leader, Jorge Martin finished the session fourth with a 1:27.967 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati.
Two-time and defending Champion, Francesco Bagnaia was fifth with a 1:28.013 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP24, making it five Ducatis in the top five.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Marc Marquez prevails on Friday as Bastianini faces Q1. The #93 climbed to the top of the standings after an intense afternoon, finishing ahead of Alex Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi.
After no running in FP1, Friday afternoon’s Practice session proved to be a crucial and intense 60 minutes of action at the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The lack of track time did not hold back Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who delivered a sensational time on Friday, clocking a remarkable 1:27.770 ahead of his brother Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The #73 improved on his final lap, ending the day a mere 0.102s behind after completing 25 laps. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top three in an impressive day for the Italian at Phillip Island.
There was plenty of drama in the opening stages of the session, with a chance of rain, riders and teams set early benchmarks in the opening five minutes. Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) would crash at Turn 4 in the opening stages – rider OK. Then, with 45 minutes remaining, the red flag was shown due to safety conditions, with both Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Martin yet to set a time. The session resumed, and Martin crucially entered the top 10 on his first flying lap.
The #89 improved further, placing a mere 0.009s behind Marc Marquez, who sat in provisional P1 before home hero Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) entered the 1:28 bracket. The #93 soon responded, eventually dipping into the 1:27 bracket as Bagnaia entered the top five spots. Marc Marquez’ time proved to be strong enough, with his brother soon joining him at the top to make it a Gresini one-two.
Martin held onto fourth at the end of Friday despite an early crash, finishing in front of title rival Bagnaia. The reigning World Champion was unable to dip into the 1:27 bracket but will sleep well after claiming a spot in Q2 tomorrow. The Italian was ahead of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) in sixth spot. The #12 was the top Aprilia rider and the only rider from the Noale factory to place inside the top 10.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took seventh, pushing hard throughout the hour session. The South African was a further 0.105s behind Viñales but did end the day ahead of the fighting fit Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who secured eighth at the end of the opening day. Di Giannantonio placed ahead of compatriot Franco Morbidelli(Prima Pramac Racing), with Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) bagging an impressive 10th.
Meanwhile, an unpredictable Q1 awaits on Saturday, with tension now beginning to build after Miller finishing Friday in 12th after suffering a second crash of the day. The Australian will be joined in Q1 by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), with the rookie also suffering a fall – riders OK. Meanwhile, Ducati Lenovo Team’s Enea Bastianini will have work to do, ending the day in 16th spot – 0.989s adrift.
Make sure you tune into Saturday’s action at Phillip Island, with an extended FP2 session kicking off MotoGP™ action at 10:00 local time (UTC +11) before the battle for pole position gets underway at 10:50 (UTC +11), which will set the grid for an unmissable Tissot Sprint at 15:00 (UTC +11)!
Fermin Aldeguer led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Phillip Island, in Australia. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.76-mile (4.44 km) road course in 1:32.718, topping the field of 27 riders.
Fastest this morning, Aron Canet was second-best with a time of 1:32.995 on his Fantic Racing Kalex.
Aldeguer’s teammate, Alonso Lopez did a third-fastest 1:33.025.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 21st with a best time of 1:34.880 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Session for AUS Moto2 P1
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Aldeguer leads Canet on a tricky Friday in Australia.
The #54 was quickest on the opening day of action in Australia, finishing ahead of Canet and Lopez.
It was an intense day for the Moto2™ field in what could be a pivotal weekend at the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, with Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) claiming the top spot on Friday. It was a sensational day for the #54, who looked unstoppable as the track began to dry in Friday afternoon’s Practice 1 session. Aldeguer led Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by 0.277s after an impressive pace from the #44 in the final three minutes – improving on his final flying lap. Meanwhile, Alonso Lopez brought his Triumph-powered Beta Tools SpeedUp machine to third.
It was an extended 55-minute Free Practice session, with wet conditions used throughout and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) setting an impressive early pace – clocking a 1:41.620. It was tough conditions, with Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) crashing at Turn 4 and was later declared unfit due to a fractured collarbone. Once Practice 1 began, conditions improved throughout the session with Pirelli slick tyres soon equipped and Aldeguer and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) trading top honours. Then, as the clock ticked down, Aldeguer improved as a hot pace formed in the final five minutes.
Round 16 winner Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) was fourth in a solid start to the weekend, placing ahead of Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team). The #96 was another rider who improved late, rounding out the top five ahead of Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in sixth. Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) took seventh in Practice 1, showing incredible pace despite a crash at Turn 4 on Friday morning. The #3 placed ahead of Gresini Moto2™’s Albert Arenas in eight, with the Spaniard setting nearly 20 laps in Practice 1.
Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) rounded out the top 10 spots at Phillip Island after an action-packed season. Further back, Italtrans Racing Team’s Diogo Moreira grabbed 11th, with Ramirez securing 12th as the clock hit zero, with the #24 unable to enter the 1:33 bracket. Championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was 13th, with Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) taking the final provisional Q2 spot.
Join us on Saturday for an action-packed day, beginning with a crucial Practice 2 at 09:15 local time (UTC +11) before the Moto2™ field battle for pole position at 13:45 (UTC +11)!
Weather played a little havoc on Friday morning at the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, obliging the cancellation of MotoGP™ FP1.
Supersport World Championship leader Adrian Huertas took pole position in Jerez at the final round of the WorldSBK season. On his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Huertas edged Jorge Navarro, also on a Ducati Panigale V2, by 0.219 seconds. Marcel Schroetter was third on an MV Agusta F3 800 RR. Stefano Manzi, Federico Caricasulo and Yari Montella completed the top six.
SSP Superpole Results
It’s been a long wait for Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) but the #21 can finally say he led a MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship session again after topping Free Practice 2, and Friday’s running, at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. The Italian used the SCQ tyre to set his best lap time as he finished 0.150s clear of Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in second while Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was third despite not finding time in FP2 for the Prometeon Spanish Round.
RINALDI P1, BAUTISTA P11: a topsy-turvy order
Rinaldi utilised the SCQ tyre to full potential in FP2 as he set a 1’39.591s to move into top spot with a few minutes left to go in the afternoon session, ensuring he beat Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) to P1 by just 0.150s. ‘Bulegas’ only improved his Free Practice 1 time in his final lap in FP2 as he settled for second, while Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was third in FP2 in a Ducati 1-2-3, but was fourth in the combined classification. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven), fresh from his new 2025 contract, was eighth after he set a 1’39.966s. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) completed the top 10 with reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) the last Ducati rider on Friday with P11; he set a 1’40.111s as his best time.
RAZGATLIOGLU THIRD, CLOSE TO BULEGA: breaking up the Ducatis at the top
Razgatlioglu prevented it from being a Ducati 1-2-3 in the combined classification as he took third, although he was one of a handful of riders who didn’t improve his time in the afternoon. His 1’39.766s came in FP1 but it was enough to secure third despite other riders finding time throughout the day. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) made a big step from the morning to the afternoon as he moved into sixth, while Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) ensured three BMWs were in the top nine. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) was 15th but he, like Razgatlioglu, didn’t find time in FP2. He finished FP1 in seventh.
REA LEADS YAMAHA CHARGE: P5 for the #65, Locatelli 13th
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) has seemingly continued on his Estoril form at Jerez with fifth on Friday. The #65 had his best long-race result of 2024 last time out and he’ll be aiming to continue that when racing starts on Saturday, with his 1’39.874 giving him P5 and lead Yamaha honours. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was 13th but only a few tenths away from the #65. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 16th with teammate Alessandro Delbianco in 21st, with the #52 crashing at Turn 1 in the early stages of FP2. Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) claimed 19th with Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) 22nd and wildcards Kyle Ryde (OMG Racing) and Luca Bernardi (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) 24th and 27th respectively.
BASSANI ON TOP AT KAWASAKI: tech issues for Alex Lowes hamper Friday running
Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the fastest Kawasaki rider on Friday as he claimed P7, the Japanese manufacturer’s only representative in the top ten after he set a 1’39.966s – the same time as Iannone. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) entered FP2 on the backfoot after he lost 30 minutes of FP1 running. A tech issue with his ZX-10RR, with the clutch, meant he only got a few laps of running in as he finished in 12th. Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was 18th after the Spaniard set a 1’40.770s.
HONDA OUT OF THE TOP TEN: can they return to Estoril form?
Honda came into Jerez on a good run of form but, after the first day, it looks like it’ll be a challenge to repeat that after Friday’s running, although Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) was P5 in FP1. Lecuona was the top Honda with 14th after the Estoril podium finisher posted a 1’40.241s, while teammate Xavi Vierge was 17th. Wildcard Tetsuta Nagashima (Team HRC) took 20th with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team duo of Tarran Mackenzie and Ivo Lopes, standing in for Adam Norrodin for the season finale, were 23rd and 25th respectively.
SBK FP2 Results
Memorial services for Dave Knapp will be held on Saturday, November 9th at Ray C’s Harley-Davidson of Lapeer starting at 4:00 p.m.
All are welcome.
The address is 1491 South Lapeer Road, Lapeer, Michigan 48446.
Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter will remain in an unchanged rider line-up for the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship.
Moving to Yamaha and WorldSBK from MotoGP, 2023 was very much a learning year for Remy Gardner, who showed strong progress as the season went on to narrowly miss out on a debut podium in the final round in Jerez. The Australian rider has taken a further step forward in 2024, both in pace and results, claiming his debut WorldSBK podium at the TT Circuit Assen and regularly fighting within the top six throughout the season.
Aegerter graduated to the Superbike class as a double World Supersport Champion with Yamaha, and like his team-mate spent the 2023 season learning the R1 WorldSBK. His Superpole pace was quick from the off, with a front-row start in the season opener in Phillip Island showing a glimpse of the Swiss rider’s potential. A maiden WorldSBK podium came for Aegerter with a third-place finish in Jerez at the end of the year, prompting high hopes for the 2024 season.
Held back by an illness at the start of the year which saw him miss winter testing, Aegerter has shown speed throughout 2024 and was looking to build on his strongest results of the season, achieved in Portimão, in the second half of the year, until an unfortunate injury saw him back on the sidelines until Estoril last weekend.
The confirmation of the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK riders finalises Yamaha Motor Europe’s WorldSBK line-up for 2025, with Jonathan Rea and Andrea Locatelli also continuing with the Pata Prometeon Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team.
Remy Gardner
“I am happy to be staying for another year with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK team. 2024 has been a bit mixed, but overall there are a lot of positives including my first podium in WorldSBK at Assen. I’m still hungry for more and hopefully we can build on some of the steps we’ve made this year to be fighting at the front more consistently with another year under our belt in WorldSBK with the R1.”
Dominique Aegerter
“It’s been a challenging season for me with illness and injury, so I am grateful to Yamaha and the team for continuing to believe in me. I feel like I have unfinished business in WorldSBK, so I am very happy to be able to continue for another year with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. I am looking forward to getting back with the team before the end of this season so we can look at building nicely into 2025 and show exactly what we can do in the WorldSBK class.”
Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing and Research & Development Manager
“We are pleased to have retained the services of Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. Remy has had a strong season, fighting for the podium on numerous occasions as well as often finishing as the top R1 rider. We are confident he can continue this trajectory towards more success in 2025. For Dominique, it has not been the easiest of years and luck has not been on his side. We know how fast he can be and do not believe he has shown his true potential in WorldSBK yet, so given the challenges of this year, it made sense to continue with him for 2025.”
Filippo Conti, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Principal
“We are pleased to announce our 2025 lineup. We have had a good run with both Remy and Domi, and we are very happy to be able to continue with them next season. We had some great moments with this duo and we are looking forward to sharing many more. We look forward to a great 2025 together and reaping the fruits of the work done in these two years, where both proved their speed and talent and we are sure that they will continue to do so and make further progress.”
Despite a crash, Can Oncu headed Federico Caricasulo and Stefano Manzi in the first Supersport World Championship practice session at Jerez. Bo Bendsneyder, Lucas Mahias and Marcel Schroetter completed the top six.
SSP FP1 Results
Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship concluded with the top two in the Championship separated by just 0.022s. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed the advantage over Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in the opening session for the Prometeon Spanish Round as he secured P1 by the smallest of margins, while 14 riders were separated by 0.831s as the field shapes up for an epic season finale.
Razgatlioglu was quick in his first run but was overhauled by Bulega after the #11 opted to complete a longer first run, when he set a 1’39.744s on the third-last lap of that run to beat his title rival by just 0.022s as their title-deciding weekend started in favour of the Ducati rider. Razgatlioglu completed three short stints in FP1 as the pair opted for different strategies. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) secured P3 with a 1’39.967s, the final rider in the 1’39s bracket, with ‘The Maniac’ setting his best lap time following Bulega.
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) comes into Jerez fresh from his best weekend of the season at Estoril and he continued that in FP1, putting in a late lap of 1’40.048s to move into P4 and only a few tenths away from Bulega’s pace. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) continued Honda’s strong run with fifth after being demoted by the #65 inti P5, but his 1’40.241s was enough to ensure four different manufacturers in the top five. He was a tenth ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in sixth after the #14 lapped 0.603s slower than Bulega.
It was a close session in FP1, with Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) in seventh but only 0.002s behind Sam Lowes, while he was half-a-tenth quicker than Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) in eighth. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was ninth as he completed 21 laps, the joint-highest number in the session, ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in P10.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) once again enjoyed a strong start, as he did last week in Portugal, as he finished 11th while Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was 12th. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) completed 10 times laps – the fewest of anyone – with a clutch issue hampering his running during the first 30 minutes, but he returned to the track with around 15 minutes remaining and set a 1’40.569s to finish 0.006s clear of Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) in 14th; Gerloff was 0.831s down on Bulega’s time but the 14th and final rider within a second of the #11.
The top six from WorldSBK FP1:
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’39.744s
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.022s
3. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +0.223s
4. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.304s
5. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +0.497s
6. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.603s
SBK FP1 Friday Results
Husqvarna Mobility reveals water-cooled EE 5 for 2025
Electric-powered machine provides extended ride time and consistent performance
Husqvarna Mobility EE 5 2025
Husqvarna Mobility is excited to unveil a new EE 5 for 2025. By introducing water-cooling technology to the state-of-the-art motocross machine, average battery life has increased by 30%, in addition to providing a more stable power delivery for the duration of its running time. The EE 5 is also enhanced for the new model year with scaled-down bodywork from the full-size motocross line-up and finished with distinctive graphics.
Since its very successful launch in 2019, the EE 5 has provided young riders with a smooth introduction to riding and racing motocross. Powered by a capable and highly efficient 907 Wh Li-Ion battery and 5 kW electric motor, the EE 5 rivals the performance of its 50 cc, combustion engine competition. With a choice of six ride modes, the power delivery can be easily customised to suit all rider abilities.
When the lowest mode is selected, the battery offers approximately two hours of riding time. The overall running time varies depending on the track conditions and mode selected with the least restrictive option allowing for up to 30 minutes of action. Simple recharging is assured with the worldwide charger, which can be connected to any 110 or 230-Volt socket. Once plugged in, an 80% charge can be achieved in just 45 minutes while a full recharge taking only 70 minutes.
Beyond the water-cooled motor, the EE 5 is expertly crafted with a perfectly balanced and height-adjustable chassis. By simply refitting the ergonomic bodywork and seat into the lower mounting points, reinstalling the WP shock in the alternative position, and raising the WP forks through the triple clamps, the EE 5 can be altered from its standard height of 674 mm to 626 mm. This adjustability allows shorter riders to begin riding the EE 5 in its lowest setting, and as they grow, the higher setting can be re-introduced.
Further customisation comes from the WP suspension. The shock offers 193 mm of travel and adjustable preload, high and low speed compression, and rebound to ensure riders can create a personalised set-up. Together with the 35 mm forks that offer 205 mm of travel, all youngsters can ride with comfort and confidence, even on the roughest of race tracks.
With an extensive list of quality components used to assemble the small machine, the EE 5 delivers an unrivalled on-track experience for all youngsters. Hydraulic disc brakes, a high-strength, chromium-molybdenum steel frame, NEKEN handlebars and ODI grips, and MAXXIS tyres underline the high specification of the latest EE 5.
Technical highlights
*State-of-the-art, electric motor with a peak power of 5 kW and new water cooling
*New bodywork and adjustable ergonomics
*Six different ride modes to suit a wide range of riders
*Easily rechargeable, 907 Wh Li-Ion battery
*Modern chassis and adjustable WP suspension
*Proven, race-tested components
*MAXXIS ST tyres for maximum grip on all surfaces
*NEKEN handlebars and ODI grips
Alongside the launch of the 2025 EE 5, Husqvarna Mobility is excited to offer a full range of Kids Gear. The complete line-up is made from premium materials and includes a helmet, goggles, shirt, pants, and gloves, with the Flame boots, made by Sidi, creating a complete apparel set-up for all youngsters. In addition, a concise selection of Technical Accessories allows the EE 5 to be customised to suit each individual rider.
The 2025 Husqvarna EE 5 will begin to be available worldwide from now onwards at all authorised Husqvarna Mobility Dealerships. Availability may vary from country to country. For all details on pricing and availability, please refer to your national Husqvarna Mobility subsidiary or importer.
Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Phillip Island, in Australia. Riding his Gresini Racing Ducati on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:27.770.
His brother and teammate, Alex Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:27.872.
Marco Bezzecchi was third at 1:27.958 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati.
Current World Championship point leader, Jorge Martin finished the session fourth with a 1:27.967 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati.
Two-time and defending Champion, Francesco Bagnaia was fifth with a 1:28.013 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP24, making it five Ducatis in the top five.
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Marc Marquez prevails on Friday as Bastianini faces Q1. The #93 climbed to the top of the standings after an intense afternoon, finishing ahead of Alex Marquez and Marco Bezzecchi.
After no running in FP1, Friday afternoon’s Practice session proved to be a crucial and intense 60 minutes of action at the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The lack of track time did not hold back Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who delivered a sensational time on Friday, clocking a remarkable 1:27.770 ahead of his brother Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The #73 improved on his final lap, ending the day a mere 0.102s behind after completing 25 laps. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top three in an impressive day for the Italian at Phillip Island.
There was plenty of drama in the opening stages of the session, with a chance of rain, riders and teams set early benchmarks in the opening five minutes. Championship leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) would crash at Turn 4 in the opening stages – rider OK. Then, with 45 minutes remaining, the red flag was shown due to safety conditions, with both Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Martin yet to set a time. The session resumed, and Martin crucially entered the top 10 on his first flying lap.
The #89 improved further, placing a mere 0.009s behind Marc Marquez, who sat in provisional P1 before home hero Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) entered the 1:28 bracket. The #93 soon responded, eventually dipping into the 1:27 bracket as Bagnaia entered the top five spots. Marc Marquez’ time proved to be strong enough, with his brother soon joining him at the top to make it a Gresini one-two.
Martin held onto fourth at the end of Friday despite an early crash, finishing in front of title rival Bagnaia. The reigning World Champion was unable to dip into the 1:27 bracket but will sleep well after claiming a spot in Q2 tomorrow. The Italian was ahead of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) in sixth spot. The #12 was the top Aprilia rider and the only rider from the Noale factory to place inside the top 10.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took seventh, pushing hard throughout the hour session. The South African was a further 0.105s behind Viñales but did end the day ahead of the fighting fit Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who secured eighth at the end of the opening day. Di Giannantonio placed ahead of compatriot Franco Morbidelli(Prima Pramac Racing), with Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) bagging an impressive 10th.
Meanwhile, an unpredictable Q1 awaits on Saturday, with tension now beginning to build after Miller finishing Friday in 12th after suffering a second crash of the day. The Australian will be joined in Q1 by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), with the rookie also suffering a fall – riders OK. Meanwhile, Ducati Lenovo Team’s Enea Bastianini will have work to do, ending the day in 16th spot – 0.989s adrift.
Make sure you tune into Saturday’s action at Phillip Island, with an extended FP2 session kicking off MotoGP™ action at 10:00 local time (UTC +11) before the battle for pole position gets underway at 10:50 (UTC +11), which will set the grid for an unmissable Tissot Sprint at 15:00 (UTC +11)!
Fermin Aldeguer led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Phillip Island, in Australia. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.76-mile (4.44 km) road course in 1:32.718, topping the field of 27 riders.
Fastest this morning, Aron Canet was second-best with a time of 1:32.995 on his Fantic Racing Kalex.
Aldeguer’s teammate, Alonso Lopez did a third-fastest 1:33.025.
American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 21st with a best time of 1:34.880 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Session for AUS Moto2 P1
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Aldeguer leads Canet on a tricky Friday in Australia.
The #54 was quickest on the opening day of action in Australia, finishing ahead of Canet and Lopez.
It was an intense day for the Moto2™ field in what could be a pivotal weekend at the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, with Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) claiming the top spot on Friday. It was a sensational day for the #54, who looked unstoppable as the track began to dry in Friday afternoon’s Practice 1 session. Aldeguer led Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by 0.277s after an impressive pace from the #44 in the final three minutes – improving on his final flying lap. Meanwhile, Alonso Lopez brought his Triumph-powered Beta Tools SpeedUp machine to third.
It was an extended 55-minute Free Practice session, with wet conditions used throughout and Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) setting an impressive early pace – clocking a 1:41.620. It was tough conditions, with Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) crashing at Turn 4 and was later declared unfit due to a fractured collarbone. Once Practice 1 began, conditions improved throughout the session with Pirelli slick tyres soon equipped and Aldeguer and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) trading top honours. Then, as the clock ticked down, Aldeguer improved as a hot pace formed in the final five minutes.
Round 16 winner Manuel Gonzalez (Gresini Moto2™) was fourth in a solid start to the weekend, placing ahead of Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team). The #96 was another rider who improved late, rounding out the top five ahead of Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in sixth. Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) took seventh in Practice 1, showing incredible pace despite a crash at Turn 4 on Friday morning. The #3 placed ahead of Gresini Moto2™’s Albert Arenas in eight, with the Spaniard setting nearly 20 laps in Practice 1.
Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) rounded out the top 10 spots at Phillip Island after an action-packed season. Further back, Italtrans Racing Team’s Diogo Moreira grabbed 11th, with Ramirez securing 12th as the clock hit zero, with the #24 unable to enter the 1:33 bracket. Championship leader Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) was 13th, with Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) taking the final provisional Q2 spot.
Join us on Saturday for an action-packed day, beginning with a crucial Practice 2 at 09:15 local time (UTC +11) before the Moto2™ field battle for pole position at 13:45 (UTC +11)!
Weather played a little havoc on Friday morning at the Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, obliging the cancellation of MotoGP™ FP1.
