Moto2 FP1
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Yamaha Picks Bridgestone BATTLAX S22 Tires For 2021 MT-09
Bridgestone BATTLAX Motorcycle Tires Selected as Original Equipment on Yamaha MT-09 ABS
BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires are now available as original fitment on the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 ABS.
Featuring advanced technology from Bridgestone, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 offers enhanced dry grip, light handling and wet performance.
The Bridgestone Group has been a long-time partner with Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
TOKYO — Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced that its BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires have been selected as original equipment on the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 ABS motorcycle released this month.
Featuring advanced technology from Bridgestone, the Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires are engineered to provide enhanced dry grip, light handling and wet performance. These features highlight the performance of the Yamaha MT-09 ABS and allow riders to have peace of mind when encountering a range of road and weather conditions.
The Yamaha MT-09 motorcycle series is engineered to provide an agile and responsive ride. The 2021 MT-09 ABS is also equipped with a powerful engine and nimble handling aimed at improving the overall driving experience. This fitment is part of a long-term collaboration in which Bridgestone has delivered its premium line of tires to Yamaha for a wide range of motorcycles.
MotoGP: Riders Expect A Great Show In Portugal
“Expect a great show”: riders ready for the rollercoaster
The Pre-Event Press Conference prefaces MotoGP™’s debut at Portimão – and a big weekend for many
Thursday, 19 November 2020
MotoGP™ arrives at a whole new track for the Grande Premio MEO de Portugal, with the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve playing host to what’s sure to be an equally spectacular season finale. In the Pre-Event Press Conference, newly-crowned MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was joined by second overall Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) before the Italian takes a sabbatical, Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) before his last race for KTM, Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) fresh from the podium, Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) as he prepares to change racing for testing and, of course, the home hero: Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3).
First to speak was Mir as he gets ready for his first race as the reigning Champion.
JOAN MIR: “We celebrated with my family and on Sunday we went to dinner, but you know not many things because today we have this weekend, the last race. We had a lot of interviews, messages, difficult one but enjoying the moment. I’m happy and now we have a mission to do here. Getting the triple crown, it would be a very good season if we don’t get it but it would be super good if we could. I’m fully focused on that, motivated also and let’s see if I can have the package to fight for victory here.
“We didn’t have this discussion already but if they ask me, I will not have any problems helping Alex get second. I think if they would ask Alex to help me get first he would do it, so it would be good from my part to do it. But it has to be the situation to help him, if not it’s not relevant.”
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “I’m very excited and curious to see how this track is going to look like on a MotoGP bike. I raced here in 2013 and rode here a couple of months ago and yeah, I remember that it’s a very high adrenaline track and yeah, it’ll be interesting. I feel good and ok with the overall package.”
If he wins on Sunday, he would also be the first Yamaha rider to win four in a season since Jorge Lorenzo in 2016, and the first Independent Team rider to win four races since 2004 when Sete Gibernau did it…
“I didn’t know those statistics until now. I will think about them maybe later. Anyway this is a great great season for me. I think I was able to discover a part of myself that I didn’t know, the serious part. The hard-working part of myself. And I liked it, when I went out on tack on Malaysia I was feeling better on the bike and be able to be more aggressive, and feel more on the bike. That gave me the chance to work better with my team and work more precisely with my crew, and I’d say a wonderful season came out. Three wins, a podium in Brno. I’m very happy overall with my season.”
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: “This is our target, we really want to finish in a good way with a good result because we are fighting for the Championship, second/third will be quite hard because Franco is a bit too far but everything is open because we are at a new track and nobody knows a lot of details. Everything is possible, anything can happen. I am happy to be on a new track for the last round and enjoy the last race with Ducati.”
The Italian is taking a planned sabbatical in 2021 and stepping away from competition, what will he miss from the box?
“For sure I will miss Piggia. He is a really good guy and our relationship improved a lot year by year. He is one of the reasons we got important results and we fought for the title because we knew each other and his way of working suited my mentality because he is an engineer, but he is closer to the riders than most engineers and that helped us and me a lot. Working on the bike, changing the set up, he understood a lot of things for me and we were able to really make a step forward and for three years we were able to make important victories and a good result at the end of the year. I will really miss him but in the end we live very close to each other so I will enjoy the time with him more at home!”
POL ESPARGARO: “It’s a special track, a different one. It’s the last race of the season so most of us are playing for something interesting in the championship but as it’s the last race, we can enjoy a bit of racing here. Also the weather is fantastic here, at this stage of the year, to have this weather, it’s nice. Especially after struggling in the morning in the last races with the cold. Also we have Miguel here, he’s used to riding in Portimao and for sure his knowledge will be important for the KTM riders. Hopefully we can have a good weekend, jump a little in the championship because we are close enough to do something interesting.”
How does he feel about leaving KTM?
“Mixed emotions this weekend. The biggest part of this project I will miss is the people, the human part of KTM history has been super good. All the electronic mechanics who built this team from zero. There’s been very hard moments for sure but as we are showing this year, super happy ones. I’m going to miss them. Hopefully the KTM future is as bright as it looks but yeah, I’m going to miss these guys!”
JACK MILLER: “I was fortunate enough to have the test here with the Superbike prior to Le Mans in quite different circumstances. It was a lot of fun, enjoying a lot with the stand-up bike, you know, making a little race simulation with Dovi and Petrucci there for a bit it was a whole heap of fun but, no, different circumstances this weekend a bit more serious but, yeah, coming in with the confidence from last weekend and a good feeling with the bike so looking forward to taking off on some jumps around the circuit.”
And how does he feel seeing his friend Cal Crutchlow hang up his racing leathers?
“I mean I think on behalf of myself and everybody I think all we can say is thank you for everything he’s done. On and off the track I think he’s been a great ambassador for the sport he’s one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever seen in this paddock and you know a lot of the times I feel he got doubted more than other riders but you know every time he was written off he came back to prove them all wrong and the best thing about him is he is never shy to tell you that he has proved you wrong so I think on behalf of myself and everyone else we’re all going to miss him but you know he is like a bad smell, he won’t go all the way away!”
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA: “I’m very happy and excited to race at home after seven years since we had the last Portuguese GP in Estoril back then and now to have the chance, still it is a different kind of season to have a home GP is great, especially because it is the last race where I think everyone is a bit more relaxed and we can enjoy racing here. I think the fans can expect the great show because this track is very very different from what we see around the world so I hope just to get a good performance so that the fans have an extra reason to enjoy the show.”
And what about leaving Tech 3 for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing?
“I would say I have also kind of the same emotions as Pol, but I think a bit less because he’s leaving a manufacturer and I’m staying in the same house let’s say. Of course to work with that Tech 3 crew was great, we built a strong relationship in two seasons and of course it makes me sad to leave and at the same time I’m stepping in a harder job for which is to be a factory ride it and I’m not expecting seems to be easier than they are right now. I’m also filling up a spot that as you know at the moment highly ‘quoted’ because Pol has been on the podium and has been setting the pace inside the KTM and so it will be a hard job but I feel I’m ready for it and to take this opportunity to develop more as a rider and to give KTM good results.”
CAL CRUTCHLOW: “Good, I feel happy and content to come to such a good circuit. Portimao, I’ve got great memories here, I won the Supersport title at this track and I’ve got some good results on the superbike here as well. I didn’t come to the test here a couple of months back but I know the circuit, it’s not like you’re going into the circuit blind and it’s a fantastic event to be able to come to. It’s nice to have this as my last one. It’s a new track for most of the riders where I’m sure everyone will be giving 100%, it’ll suit some bikes and maybe not others. It’ll be good fun because I think it will be a good race. Different parts of the track will suit different riders and bikes and yeah, I feel good. Feel good coming into the weekend with it being the last competitive race.”
And, finally, of course, his farewell to racing…
“I’ve been privileged to work with some great people: great teams, great bikes and being here for 10 years, riding some of the best bikes in the world, its been a privilege to do that. As I’ve said before, 10 years ago I didn’t expect to do what I have done so I have exceeded my own expectations. But yeah, working with great people and great crews. I don’t think I’ve left a garage where I didn’t get on with everybody in the garage and we didn’t have a great relationship. It’s nice that’s it come back full circle and I’m going back to a manufacturer that brought me into Grand Prix. But yeah, getting some of those wins I had. Brno is probably the best one because it was my first one. I was so far back in the race at the start and managed to come through, so I’ll take that one.”
That’s a wrap from Thursday. Watch the MotoGP™ field head out on track for practice on Friday as we count down to the final showdown on Sunday, when the lights go out at 14:00 (GMT).
Moto2: Triumph, Bezzecchi And The Future Of Motorcycle Road Racing
By Michael Gougis
It started as a conference call to celebrate a young racer winning a contest and getting a free motorcycle.
But it evolved into a nearly hour-long discussion Thursday morning with Moto2 racer Marco Bezzecchi, motojournalists worldwide and representatives of Triumph about the future direction of motorcycle road racing and how the company’s 765cc three-cylinder engine is helping shape that direction for GP and Supersport racing today.
As a way to increase the visibility and profile of Triumph’s involvement in Grand Prix racing (the company provides the spec powerplants for the Moto2 category), the company conducted a Triumph Triple Trophy contest for Moto2 competitors. Points were awarded for fastest top speed, pole position and fastest race lap over the course of a race weekend.
Bezzecchi, 22, scored the most points in those categories and was awarded a Triumph Triple Trophy-Livery Street Triple RS for his efforts. The unique color scheme met with Bezzecchi’s approval: “Aggressive,” he called it.
But when Bezzecchi turned his thoughts to the Triumph-powered Kalex that he has raced for SKY Racing Team VR46 to wins, podiums, fast lap and pole position this year in Moto2, he provided insight into why the change from the Honda CBR600RR-based powerplant to the 765cc Triumph was so significant for potential MotoGP contenders.
The additional torque, power (more than 140 bhp) and much, much more sophisticated electronics that came with the switch to the Triumph engine in 2019 made the Moto2 machines much closer in performance to a modern MotoGP bike than the Honda-engined motorcycles were, Bezzecchi said.
In fact, Bezzecchi said his current Moto2 machine was comparable to the Yamaha YZF-R1s that he trains on with the VR46 Academy. While the Yamaha has more top-end power, the Triumph, he said, matches and exceeds the R1’s torque at lower rpm.
“Now the gap between Moto3 and Moto2 is bigger than the gap between Moto2 and MotoGP,” Bezzecchi said.
Not only is the Triumph 765 engine making an impact in Grand Prix racing, the bike from which that engine is derived is slated to be tested in British Supersport for its potential to participate in the World Supersport arena. The middleweight category continues its slide in popularity, a major concern for the sanctioning bodies with Supersport classes that are made up predominantly of 600cc Inline-fours.
An indication of that slide is the announcement this week by Yamaha that its iconic YZF-R6 will no longer be produced as a streetbike and will no longer be homologated for Supersport racing. (Bikes homologated for World Supersport use are eligible for competition for eight years after receiving approval.)
In response, BSB and Dorna officials have reached a deal to allow Triumph to enter a racing version of its Street Triple RS into the British Supersport class to study how well that vehicle (and the Ducati Panigale V2) fit into the category. The move is a precursor to the introduction of those models into World Supersport competition.
The Triumph 765 is well-suited to competition, said Steve Sargent, Triumph Motorcycle’s Chief Product Officer. The Moto2 version of the engine features modifications to the head, fuel injectors and cams to free up the breathing. It eliminates the starter motor and gearing, runs a racing alternator and an F.C.C. clutch to reduce the mass of moving parts inside the engine, and as such spins to 14,000 rpm safely and reliably.
“When we started, I watched every session for the first five or six races through my fingers,” Sargent said. “After that, I stopped worrying.”
The company’s only real concern was with racers who were over-revving the engine on downshifts, sometimes to more than 15,000 rpm, he said. “We had to talk to some of them,” Sargent said. “Some of them, we had to talk to several times.”
Bezzecchi said he’s not really interested in upping the performance of his new trophy, although he did say he planned to put a louder exhaust on it. But that will happen only after he gets to ride it – which he cannot do right now. The winner of multiple Grand Prix races in Moto3 and Moto2, he not only does not own a streetbike, but takes the bus around his home town because he does not have a motorcycle license!
MotoGP: Will There Be A Record 10th Different Race Winner?
Nine winners and counting… can Portimão create more history?
A special photo opportunity on the main straight at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve celebrates the premier class record equalled in 2020
Thursday, 19 November 2020
“History-making” has a propensity to get overused, but the 2020 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship has truly deserved the moniker. Nine different winners in the premier class – equalling the all-time record set in 2016 – is something worth celebrating. And the best news? There’s still a race left…
Rewinding to Jerez, it was Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) who took to the top step first, before rookie Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) became the second man to win in 2020 as he stormed Brno – becoming South Africa’s first premier class winner. Then it was veteran Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in the Austrian GP as he got back to winning ways, before Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) became another first timer on the top step – and the first Portuguese rider to take victory in the premier class – as he outfoxed them all in the Styrian GP.
Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) took his maiden MotoGP™ victory with a demolition derby at Misano, before take two on the Adriatic saw Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) reign the Emilia Romagna GP. Le Mans then saw Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) back on top, the Italian taking his first wet weather win despite his well-known prowess.
Finally, as the flag flew at MotorLand in the Aragon GP, there were eight. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) did the honours for his and Suzuki’s first win of the year and from there, the record was in touching distance – and the eventual Champion hadn’t yet won…
That changed in the European Grand Prix as now-reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) put together a masterpiece for his first premier class win. In doing so, he made Suzuki and MotoGP™ history to become the ninth different rider to stand on the top step in 2020. That’s a record, so now the question is… will there be more?
One last race provides the chance for a tenth different winner to reign – so tune in for the Grande Premio MEO de Portugal on Sunday at 14:00 (GMT) to see if MotoGP™ can hit that perfect 10.
MRA Announces 2021 Race Schedule
Loveland, CO, November 19, 2020 – The MRA is pleased to announce its 2021 race season schedule. In April, the New Racers’ School will be held at High Plains Raceway. There will be a full season of the championship series with 5 rounds at HPR using 3 different configurations and 2 rounds at Pikes Peak International Raceway. The MRA’s introduction to road racing class, “SuperStreet”, will return for every round on Saturday except Round 4 which will feature the MRA’s annual 4-hour endurance event that day.
There is also tentative plans for an exhibition race in the spring at La Junta Raceway Park. More information on that will be available after the holiday season.
2021 Motorcycle Roadracing Association Race Schedule
4/9-4/10 – Race School at HPR, Full Course
5/8-5/9 – Round 1 at HPR, Full Course
6/5-6/6 – Round 2 at PPIR
6/26-6/27 – Round 3 at HPR, North Course
7/17-7/18 – Round 4 at HPR, Full Course w/4-hour endurance
8/7-8/8 – Round 5 at PPIR
8/28-8/29 – Round 6 at HPR, West Course
9/25-9/26 – Round 7 at HPR, Full Course
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
Moto2 And Moto3: World Championships Still On The Line
“We’ll see in parc fermé”: the Moto2™ and Moto3™ contenders gear up for an assault on the crown
Bastianini, Lowes, Marini, Bezzecchi, Arenas, Ogura and Arbolino talk to the media in two pre-event Press Conferences in Portugal
Thursday, 19 November 2020
At the Grande Premio MEO de Portugal, there’s everything to play for in the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes, so ahead of track action the title contenders joined two special pre-event Press Conferences.
In Moto2™, Championship leader Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) was joined by second overall Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS); who trails by 14 points, third-placed Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46); 18 points adrift, and Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46); fourth overall and 23 points back, as they all fight it out for the crown.
Here are a few key quotes!
ENEA BASTIANINI: “For the moment, the feeling is incredible. It’s been a fantastic season with three victories and seven podiums, and the team work has been fantastic. Now it’s the last race and also my last race in Moto2, and I hope to be also fast on this track. It’s my first time here and Portimao I think is not so easy but tomorrow I’ll try to do my best to be fastest in qualifying and we’ll se what happens on Sunday but I’m confident in being fast and the team is ready.
“It’s important to learn from other riders because I think six or seven riders have been on this track, not with Moto2 but with other bikes.. Luca with Moto2. But I hope to learn a bit on the first runs, but after I think it’s possible to be fast and the plan is to be in the first or second row in qualifying and battle in the race.”
SAM LOWES: “When you can come to the last race of the year and have a chance at the championship it means the season’s been good. It’s easy to look at the last couple of races and say they’ve been bad but the championship is long and you have to be there every race. These guys have had some bad luck and unlucky race, we all arrive here with a chance which is great I’m looking forward to it, I’ve been to this track before, I have good memories, in 2011 I rode for the Parkalgar Honda Team, sponsored by this track, it’s a good place for me. I won here in 2013 and can say this track is beautiful and great to ride, it’ll be a fun weekend for everybody.
“In the end I think maybe I have a bit of advantage from that but these guy are great riders, they’ve been fantastic at every circuit all year, by the time we get to qualifying and the race everyone will be on the rhythm. Maybe it’ll help me a little tomorrow, my hand is stills ore so maybe I can manage the session differently, but when it comes down to it, everyone will be on the pace. And for me – 2013 is the last time I was here! So I know the track, but now I’m getting older it’s hard to remember that far back…!”
LUCA MARINI: “First of all it’s fantastic to be here in Portimao. I rode here in the European Championship in Moto2, my first Moto2 race! It was just amazing. The track is unbelievable, a rollercoaster like everyone says. And I hope to enjoy it all weekend, try to be fast, and enjoy the weekend until the last moment. I try to do my best, work harder compared to every other weekend because it’s my last race in Moto2 and I want to finish in the best way. My crew is very prepared for this race, and we want to enjoy it.”
“I don’t think the prior experience helps so much, the tarmac was different, the tyres were different, the bike, the engine, everything was different. It was my first race in Moto2, I don’t remember anything! And in the World Championship they are the best riders in the world, so being at a track for the first time isn’t a problem for everyone. It’s just about finding the correct set up because it’s a strange track, difficult with different points, hard braking but you need a good flow in fast corners. I think it’s important to find a good setup from the beginning and work well in FP1 and FP2 to be ready for qualifying.”
MARCO BEZZECCHI: “I’m very happy to arrive here and able to fight for the Championship. It’s very important because I didn’t expect it at the start of the season. So this already for me is a big result, then for sure it will be hard because 23 points, even if you win, something has to happen for the other riders so it would be very hard. But it’s not a big problem for me, I want to focus myself and my team to do a normal race weekend, trying to fight for the win and podium and try to finish the season in the best way we can. Obviously when you fight for the title you always think a bit about it, it wouldn’t be normal to say something else, but my main target is just to make the best race I can, the closer to the win the better, but if I don’t achieve the title it’s ok.
“In the end, this season was important . Coming from 2019 where I struggled a lot and didn’t get any result, no podiums or anything, I’m very happy about the season I’ve had; two wins, seven times on the podium… it’s very nice. For sure if I look back some mistakes I’d like to not make, but at the end you can’t go back in time. This is where we are and we just have to try to look forward, be focused and try to fight to the end.”
Meanwhile in Moto3™, there are three contenders remaining. In the Press Conference they were headed by points leader Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3), who comes into the Portuguese GP with an eight-point cushion ahead of Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia), with Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) 11 points off the top following his win last time out.
ALBERT ARENAS: “It’s special being here and being the leader in the last race of the season. From the beginning it was really good for us, winning in Qatar, and then came the lockdown and everything. No one knew if we were going to restart or not. Starting again and winning gave me a lot of confidence for the season. It’s true we had some not good moments, but races are like this. We’ve achieved leading the Championship despite those bad moments and it’s made us stronger. I think I’ve improved a lot in riding and also approaching the races, I’m ready for the weekend.”
And racing at a brand new track?
“It will be a special moment and a big challenge or sure. I think it’s good for everyone because we all start from zero. We’ll see who will take the pace earlier, or if anyone can make the difference! Lets see how it goes, for sure I’m looking forward to riding this track with my bike and seeing how fast we can go.”
AI OGURA: “Since the beginning of this year we’ve made a really good job with my team, we started the first race on the podium and then we’ve got may podiums, but we still don’t have a victory. Now I’m in a position to not think about the Championship, and just let’s enjoy the last race. We’re ready to give everything. Let’s enjoy the weekend.
“My motivation this weekend is the victory more than the Championship. No pressure, normal, I’m ready to enjoy the race.”
TONY ARBOLINO: “Our objective is always the same. This track this weekend our objective is to win the race and try to be competitive in all conditions and practices. We’ve had some bad luck, but we got the victory and I’m in a perfect position, we’re working so hard, to find everything in the same way, we’re pushing, everyone the same, so this gives me so much energy for the weekend, The last race, we won. What can I say? I’m so motivated to make a good job. I can’t think about the Championship but it doesn’t matter, I just want to win the race and that’s my mentality, I’ll give everything to do it and after we’ll see in parc ferme what we achieved.
“I can’t wait to start tomorrow. I was here in 2015 and 2016, and from what I remember I enjoyed this track a lot. With new asphalt we’ll see, but seeing the other Moto3 races here it looks very enjoyable. I can’t wait to start the weekend, start working and start to make something good.”
That’s a wrap from the Moto2™ and Moto3™ pretenders to the crown on Thursday. Watch them head out on track for practice in Friday as we count down to the final showdown on Sunday, with the Moto3™ title decided from 11:00 (GMT) before Moto2™ from 12:20.
The Barber Museum Restoration Shop, In November
Featured In the November 2020 issue of Roadracing World:
“It was chance that I ended up inside the Barber Museum’s Restoration Shop early one evening during the MotoAmerica Round at Barber Motorsports Park. It’s the place where motorcycles being added to the collection are checked out and, if necessary, repaired or completely restored prior to being displayed. It’s also where bikes already in the 1600-plus collection are serviced before and after being run for a special event.
“In this case, what became a special event started out as Racing Editor Chris Ulrich making an on-board video of a hot lap aboard a three-cylinder 2021 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 around the 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Park road course.
“Somehow a discussion between MV Agusta USA CEO Doug McCloskey and the museum’s Brian Case about making that happen morphed into a video of Chris on the modern MV making laps with the Museum’s Chuck Huneycutt riding Giacomo Agostini’s 1967 500cc Grand Prix World Championship-winning MV Agusta racebike. And to make that happen, Ago’s 1967 title-winning MV had to come off display and be prepped by Huneycutt—a former Vintage racing star—for its return to the racetrack…”
—Barber Museum Restoration Shop, By John Ulrich
The Barber Museum opened in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, in 1995; by the time the 880-acre park and the road course had opened to the public in fall 2003, the museum had moved into a majestic, 144,000-square-foot custom building on the new site. The museum was expanded in 2016 and now covers 230,000 square feet, including display space, storage, and, of course, the restoration shop. Mr. Editor John Ulrich got a behind-the-scenes look at where the bikes on display at the museum are brought back to life and kept in running order. It’s in the November issue of Roadracing World!
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Moto2: Ramirez Quickest In FP1 In Portugal
Yamaha Picks Bridgestone BATTLAX S22 Tires For 2021 MT-09
Bridgestone BATTLAX Motorcycle Tires Selected as Original Equipment on Yamaha MT-09 ABS
BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires are now available as original fitment on the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 ABS.
Featuring advanced technology from Bridgestone, the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 offers enhanced dry grip, light handling and wet performance.
The Bridgestone Group has been a long-time partner with Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
TOKYO — Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced that its BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires have been selected as original equipment on the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 ABS motorcycle released this month.
Featuring advanced technology from Bridgestone, the Bridgestone BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tires are engineered to provide enhanced dry grip, light handling and wet performance. These features highlight the performance of the Yamaha MT-09 ABS and allow riders to have peace of mind when encountering a range of road and weather conditions.
The Yamaha MT-09 motorcycle series is engineered to provide an agile and responsive ride. The 2021 MT-09 ABS is also equipped with a powerful engine and nimble handling aimed at improving the overall driving experience. This fitment is part of a long-term collaboration in which Bridgestone has delivered its premium line of tires to Yamaha for a wide range of motorcycles.
MotoGP: Oliveira Tops Opening Practice At Portimao
Moto3: Masia Masters First Practice At Algarve International Circuit
MotoGP: Riders Expect A Great Show In Portugal
“Expect a great show”: riders ready for the rollercoaster
The Pre-Event Press Conference prefaces MotoGP™’s debut at Portimão – and a big weekend for many
Thursday, 19 November 2020
MotoGP™ arrives at a whole new track for the Grande Premio MEO de Portugal, with the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve playing host to what’s sure to be an equally spectacular season finale. In the Pre-Event Press Conference, newly-crowned MotoGP™ Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was joined by second overall Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) before the Italian takes a sabbatical, Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) before his last race for KTM, Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) fresh from the podium, Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) as he prepares to change racing for testing and, of course, the home hero: Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3).
First to speak was Mir as he gets ready for his first race as the reigning Champion.
JOAN MIR: “We celebrated with my family and on Sunday we went to dinner, but you know not many things because today we have this weekend, the last race. We had a lot of interviews, messages, difficult one but enjoying the moment. I’m happy and now we have a mission to do here. Getting the triple crown, it would be a very good season if we don’t get it but it would be super good if we could. I’m fully focused on that, motivated also and let’s see if I can have the package to fight for victory here.
“We didn’t have this discussion already but if they ask me, I will not have any problems helping Alex get second. I think if they would ask Alex to help me get first he would do it, so it would be good from my part to do it. But it has to be the situation to help him, if not it’s not relevant.”
FRANCO MORBIDELLI: “I’m very excited and curious to see how this track is going to look like on a MotoGP bike. I raced here in 2013 and rode here a couple of months ago and yeah, I remember that it’s a very high adrenaline track and yeah, it’ll be interesting. I feel good and ok with the overall package.”
If he wins on Sunday, he would also be the first Yamaha rider to win four in a season since Jorge Lorenzo in 2016, and the first Independent Team rider to win four races since 2004 when Sete Gibernau did it…
“I didn’t know those statistics until now. I will think about them maybe later. Anyway this is a great great season for me. I think I was able to discover a part of myself that I didn’t know, the serious part. The hard-working part of myself. And I liked it, when I went out on tack on Malaysia I was feeling better on the bike and be able to be more aggressive, and feel more on the bike. That gave me the chance to work better with my team and work more precisely with my crew, and I’d say a wonderful season came out. Three wins, a podium in Brno. I’m very happy overall with my season.”
ANDREA DOVIZIOSO: “This is our target, we really want to finish in a good way with a good result because we are fighting for the Championship, second/third will be quite hard because Franco is a bit too far but everything is open because we are at a new track and nobody knows a lot of details. Everything is possible, anything can happen. I am happy to be on a new track for the last round and enjoy the last race with Ducati.”
The Italian is taking a planned sabbatical in 2021 and stepping away from competition, what will he miss from the box?
“For sure I will miss Piggia. He is a really good guy and our relationship improved a lot year by year. He is one of the reasons we got important results and we fought for the title because we knew each other and his way of working suited my mentality because he is an engineer, but he is closer to the riders than most engineers and that helped us and me a lot. Working on the bike, changing the set up, he understood a lot of things for me and we were able to really make a step forward and for three years we were able to make important victories and a good result at the end of the year. I will really miss him but in the end we live very close to each other so I will enjoy the time with him more at home!”
POL ESPARGARO: “It’s a special track, a different one. It’s the last race of the season so most of us are playing for something interesting in the championship but as it’s the last race, we can enjoy a bit of racing here. Also the weather is fantastic here, at this stage of the year, to have this weather, it’s nice. Especially after struggling in the morning in the last races with the cold. Also we have Miguel here, he’s used to riding in Portimao and for sure his knowledge will be important for the KTM riders. Hopefully we can have a good weekend, jump a little in the championship because we are close enough to do something interesting.”
How does he feel about leaving KTM?
“Mixed emotions this weekend. The biggest part of this project I will miss is the people, the human part of KTM history has been super good. All the electronic mechanics who built this team from zero. There’s been very hard moments for sure but as we are showing this year, super happy ones. I’m going to miss them. Hopefully the KTM future is as bright as it looks but yeah, I’m going to miss these guys!”
JACK MILLER: “I was fortunate enough to have the test here with the Superbike prior to Le Mans in quite different circumstances. It was a lot of fun, enjoying a lot with the stand-up bike, you know, making a little race simulation with Dovi and Petrucci there for a bit it was a whole heap of fun but, no, different circumstances this weekend a bit more serious but, yeah, coming in with the confidence from last weekend and a good feeling with the bike so looking forward to taking off on some jumps around the circuit.”
And how does he feel seeing his friend Cal Crutchlow hang up his racing leathers?
“I mean I think on behalf of myself and everybody I think all we can say is thank you for everything he’s done. On and off the track I think he’s been a great ambassador for the sport he’s one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever seen in this paddock and you know a lot of the times I feel he got doubted more than other riders but you know every time he was written off he came back to prove them all wrong and the best thing about him is he is never shy to tell you that he has proved you wrong so I think on behalf of myself and everyone else we’re all going to miss him but you know he is like a bad smell, he won’t go all the way away!”
MIGUEL OLIVEIRA: “I’m very happy and excited to race at home after seven years since we had the last Portuguese GP in Estoril back then and now to have the chance, still it is a different kind of season to have a home GP is great, especially because it is the last race where I think everyone is a bit more relaxed and we can enjoy racing here. I think the fans can expect the great show because this track is very very different from what we see around the world so I hope just to get a good performance so that the fans have an extra reason to enjoy the show.”
And what about leaving Tech 3 for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing?
“I would say I have also kind of the same emotions as Pol, but I think a bit less because he’s leaving a manufacturer and I’m staying in the same house let’s say. Of course to work with that Tech 3 crew was great, we built a strong relationship in two seasons and of course it makes me sad to leave and at the same time I’m stepping in a harder job for which is to be a factory ride it and I’m not expecting seems to be easier than they are right now. I’m also filling up a spot that as you know at the moment highly ‘quoted’ because Pol has been on the podium and has been setting the pace inside the KTM and so it will be a hard job but I feel I’m ready for it and to take this opportunity to develop more as a rider and to give KTM good results.”
CAL CRUTCHLOW: “Good, I feel happy and content to come to such a good circuit. Portimao, I’ve got great memories here, I won the Supersport title at this track and I’ve got some good results on the superbike here as well. I didn’t come to the test here a couple of months back but I know the circuit, it’s not like you’re going into the circuit blind and it’s a fantastic event to be able to come to. It’s nice to have this as my last one. It’s a new track for most of the riders where I’m sure everyone will be giving 100%, it’ll suit some bikes and maybe not others. It’ll be good fun because I think it will be a good race. Different parts of the track will suit different riders and bikes and yeah, I feel good. Feel good coming into the weekend with it being the last competitive race.”
And, finally, of course, his farewell to racing…
“I’ve been privileged to work with some great people: great teams, great bikes and being here for 10 years, riding some of the best bikes in the world, its been a privilege to do that. As I’ve said before, 10 years ago I didn’t expect to do what I have done so I have exceeded my own expectations. But yeah, working with great people and great crews. I don’t think I’ve left a garage where I didn’t get on with everybody in the garage and we didn’t have a great relationship. It’s nice that’s it come back full circle and I’m going back to a manufacturer that brought me into Grand Prix. But yeah, getting some of those wins I had. Brno is probably the best one because it was my first one. I was so far back in the race at the start and managed to come through, so I’ll take that one.”
That’s a wrap from Thursday. Watch the MotoGP™ field head out on track for practice on Friday as we count down to the final showdown on Sunday, when the lights go out at 14:00 (GMT).
Moto2: Triumph, Bezzecchi And The Future Of Motorcycle Road Racing
By Michael Gougis
It started as a conference call to celebrate a young racer winning a contest and getting a free motorcycle.
But it evolved into a nearly hour-long discussion Thursday morning with Moto2 racer Marco Bezzecchi, motojournalists worldwide and representatives of Triumph about the future direction of motorcycle road racing and how the company’s 765cc three-cylinder engine is helping shape that direction for GP and Supersport racing today.
As a way to increase the visibility and profile of Triumph’s involvement in Grand Prix racing (the company provides the spec powerplants for the Moto2 category), the company conducted a Triumph Triple Trophy contest for Moto2 competitors. Points were awarded for fastest top speed, pole position and fastest race lap over the course of a race weekend.
Bezzecchi, 22, scored the most points in those categories and was awarded a Triumph Triple Trophy-Livery Street Triple RS for his efforts. The unique color scheme met with Bezzecchi’s approval: “Aggressive,” he called it.
But when Bezzecchi turned his thoughts to the Triumph-powered Kalex that he has raced for SKY Racing Team VR46 to wins, podiums, fast lap and pole position this year in Moto2, he provided insight into why the change from the Honda CBR600RR-based powerplant to the 765cc Triumph was so significant for potential MotoGP contenders.
The additional torque, power (more than 140 bhp) and much, much more sophisticated electronics that came with the switch to the Triumph engine in 2019 made the Moto2 machines much closer in performance to a modern MotoGP bike than the Honda-engined motorcycles were, Bezzecchi said.
In fact, Bezzecchi said his current Moto2 machine was comparable to the Yamaha YZF-R1s that he trains on with the VR46 Academy. While the Yamaha has more top-end power, the Triumph, he said, matches and exceeds the R1’s torque at lower rpm.
“Now the gap between Moto3 and Moto2 is bigger than the gap between Moto2 and MotoGP,” Bezzecchi said.
Not only is the Triumph 765 engine making an impact in Grand Prix racing, the bike from which that engine is derived is slated to be tested in British Supersport for its potential to participate in the World Supersport arena. The middleweight category continues its slide in popularity, a major concern for the sanctioning bodies with Supersport classes that are made up predominantly of 600cc Inline-fours.
An indication of that slide is the announcement this week by Yamaha that its iconic YZF-R6 will no longer be produced as a streetbike and will no longer be homologated for Supersport racing. (Bikes homologated for World Supersport use are eligible for competition for eight years after receiving approval.)
In response, BSB and Dorna officials have reached a deal to allow Triumph to enter a racing version of its Street Triple RS into the British Supersport class to study how well that vehicle (and the Ducati Panigale V2) fit into the category. The move is a precursor to the introduction of those models into World Supersport competition.
The Triumph 765 is well-suited to competition, said Steve Sargent, Triumph Motorcycle’s Chief Product Officer. The Moto2 version of the engine features modifications to the head, fuel injectors and cams to free up the breathing. It eliminates the starter motor and gearing, runs a racing alternator and an F.C.C. clutch to reduce the mass of moving parts inside the engine, and as such spins to 14,000 rpm safely and reliably.
“When we started, I watched every session for the first five or six races through my fingers,” Sargent said. “After that, I stopped worrying.”
The company’s only real concern was with racers who were over-revving the engine on downshifts, sometimes to more than 15,000 rpm, he said. “We had to talk to some of them,” Sargent said. “Some of them, we had to talk to several times.”
Bezzecchi said he’s not really interested in upping the performance of his new trophy, although he did say he planned to put a louder exhaust on it. But that will happen only after he gets to ride it – which he cannot do right now. The winner of multiple Grand Prix races in Moto3 and Moto2, he not only does not own a streetbike, but takes the bus around his home town because he does not have a motorcycle license!
MotoGP: Will There Be A Record 10th Different Race Winner?
Nine winners and counting… can Portimão create more history?
A special photo opportunity on the main straight at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve celebrates the premier class record equalled in 2020
Thursday, 19 November 2020
“History-making” has a propensity to get overused, but the 2020 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship has truly deserved the moniker. Nine different winners in the premier class – equalling the all-time record set in 2016 – is something worth celebrating. And the best news? There’s still a race left…
Rewinding to Jerez, it was Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) who took to the top step first, before rookie Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) became the second man to win in 2020 as he stormed Brno – becoming South Africa’s first premier class winner. Then it was veteran Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in the Austrian GP as he got back to winning ways, before Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) became another first timer on the top step – and the first Portuguese rider to take victory in the premier class – as he outfoxed them all in the Styrian GP.
Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) took his maiden MotoGP™ victory with a demolition derby at Misano, before take two on the Adriatic saw Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) reign the Emilia Romagna GP. Le Mans then saw Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) back on top, the Italian taking his first wet weather win despite his well-known prowess.
Finally, as the flag flew at MotorLand in the Aragon GP, there were eight. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) did the honours for his and Suzuki’s first win of the year and from there, the record was in touching distance – and the eventual Champion hadn’t yet won…
That changed in the European Grand Prix as now-reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) put together a masterpiece for his first premier class win. In doing so, he made Suzuki and MotoGP™ history to become the ninth different rider to stand on the top step in 2020. That’s a record, so now the question is… will there be more?
One last race provides the chance for a tenth different winner to reign – so tune in for the Grande Premio MEO de Portugal on Sunday at 14:00 (GMT) to see if MotoGP™ can hit that perfect 10.
MRA Announces 2021 Race Schedule
Loveland, CO, November 19, 2020 – The MRA is pleased to announce its 2021 race season schedule. In April, the New Racers’ School will be held at High Plains Raceway. There will be a full season of the championship series with 5 rounds at HPR using 3 different configurations and 2 rounds at Pikes Peak International Raceway. The MRA’s introduction to road racing class, “SuperStreet”, will return for every round on Saturday except Round 4 which will feature the MRA’s annual 4-hour endurance event that day.
There is also tentative plans for an exhibition race in the spring at La Junta Raceway Park. More information on that will be available after the holiday season.
2021 Motorcycle Roadracing Association Race Schedule
4/9-4/10 – Race School at HPR, Full Course
5/8-5/9 – Round 1 at HPR, Full Course
6/5-6/6 – Round 2 at PPIR
6/26-6/27 – Round 3 at HPR, North Course
7/17-7/18 – Round 4 at HPR, Full Course w/4-hour endurance
8/7-8/8 – Round 5 at PPIR
8/28-8/29 – Round 6 at HPR, West Course
9/25-9/26 – Round 7 at HPR, Full Course
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
Moto2 And Moto3: World Championships Still On The Line
“We’ll see in parc fermé”: the Moto2™ and Moto3™ contenders gear up for an assault on the crown
Bastianini, Lowes, Marini, Bezzecchi, Arenas, Ogura and Arbolino talk to the media in two pre-event Press Conferences in Portugal
Thursday, 19 November 2020
At the Grande Premio MEO de Portugal, there’s everything to play for in the Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes, so ahead of track action the title contenders joined two special pre-event Press Conferences.
In Moto2™, Championship leader Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) was joined by second overall Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS); who trails by 14 points, third-placed Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46); 18 points adrift, and Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46); fourth overall and 23 points back, as they all fight it out for the crown.
Here are a few key quotes!
ENEA BASTIANINI: “For the moment, the feeling is incredible. It’s been a fantastic season with three victories and seven podiums, and the team work has been fantastic. Now it’s the last race and also my last race in Moto2, and I hope to be also fast on this track. It’s my first time here and Portimao I think is not so easy but tomorrow I’ll try to do my best to be fastest in qualifying and we’ll se what happens on Sunday but I’m confident in being fast and the team is ready.
“It’s important to learn from other riders because I think six or seven riders have been on this track, not with Moto2 but with other bikes.. Luca with Moto2. But I hope to learn a bit on the first runs, but after I think it’s possible to be fast and the plan is to be in the first or second row in qualifying and battle in the race.”
SAM LOWES: “When you can come to the last race of the year and have a chance at the championship it means the season’s been good. It’s easy to look at the last couple of races and say they’ve been bad but the championship is long and you have to be there every race. These guys have had some bad luck and unlucky race, we all arrive here with a chance which is great I’m looking forward to it, I’ve been to this track before, I have good memories, in 2011 I rode for the Parkalgar Honda Team, sponsored by this track, it’s a good place for me. I won here in 2013 and can say this track is beautiful and great to ride, it’ll be a fun weekend for everybody.
“In the end I think maybe I have a bit of advantage from that but these guy are great riders, they’ve been fantastic at every circuit all year, by the time we get to qualifying and the race everyone will be on the rhythm. Maybe it’ll help me a little tomorrow, my hand is stills ore so maybe I can manage the session differently, but when it comes down to it, everyone will be on the pace. And for me – 2013 is the last time I was here! So I know the track, but now I’m getting older it’s hard to remember that far back…!”
LUCA MARINI: “First of all it’s fantastic to be here in Portimao. I rode here in the European Championship in Moto2, my first Moto2 race! It was just amazing. The track is unbelievable, a rollercoaster like everyone says. And I hope to enjoy it all weekend, try to be fast, and enjoy the weekend until the last moment. I try to do my best, work harder compared to every other weekend because it’s my last race in Moto2 and I want to finish in the best way. My crew is very prepared for this race, and we want to enjoy it.”
“I don’t think the prior experience helps so much, the tarmac was different, the tyres were different, the bike, the engine, everything was different. It was my first race in Moto2, I don’t remember anything! And in the World Championship they are the best riders in the world, so being at a track for the first time isn’t a problem for everyone. It’s just about finding the correct set up because it’s a strange track, difficult with different points, hard braking but you need a good flow in fast corners. I think it’s important to find a good setup from the beginning and work well in FP1 and FP2 to be ready for qualifying.”
MARCO BEZZECCHI: “I’m very happy to arrive here and able to fight for the Championship. It’s very important because I didn’t expect it at the start of the season. So this already for me is a big result, then for sure it will be hard because 23 points, even if you win, something has to happen for the other riders so it would be very hard. But it’s not a big problem for me, I want to focus myself and my team to do a normal race weekend, trying to fight for the win and podium and try to finish the season in the best way we can. Obviously when you fight for the title you always think a bit about it, it wouldn’t be normal to say something else, but my main target is just to make the best race I can, the closer to the win the better, but if I don’t achieve the title it’s ok.
“In the end, this season was important . Coming from 2019 where I struggled a lot and didn’t get any result, no podiums or anything, I’m very happy about the season I’ve had; two wins, seven times on the podium… it’s very nice. For sure if I look back some mistakes I’d like to not make, but at the end you can’t go back in time. This is where we are and we just have to try to look forward, be focused and try to fight to the end.”
Meanwhile in Moto3™, there are three contenders remaining. In the Press Conference they were headed by points leader Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3), who comes into the Portuguese GP with an eight-point cushion ahead of Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia), with Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team) 11 points off the top following his win last time out.
ALBERT ARENAS: “It’s special being here and being the leader in the last race of the season. From the beginning it was really good for us, winning in Qatar, and then came the lockdown and everything. No one knew if we were going to restart or not. Starting again and winning gave me a lot of confidence for the season. It’s true we had some not good moments, but races are like this. We’ve achieved leading the Championship despite those bad moments and it’s made us stronger. I think I’ve improved a lot in riding and also approaching the races, I’m ready for the weekend.”
And racing at a brand new track?
“It will be a special moment and a big challenge or sure. I think it’s good for everyone because we all start from zero. We’ll see who will take the pace earlier, or if anyone can make the difference! Lets see how it goes, for sure I’m looking forward to riding this track with my bike and seeing how fast we can go.”
AI OGURA: “Since the beginning of this year we’ve made a really good job with my team, we started the first race on the podium and then we’ve got may podiums, but we still don’t have a victory. Now I’m in a position to not think about the Championship, and just let’s enjoy the last race. We’re ready to give everything. Let’s enjoy the weekend.
“My motivation this weekend is the victory more than the Championship. No pressure, normal, I’m ready to enjoy the race.”
TONY ARBOLINO: “Our objective is always the same. This track this weekend our objective is to win the race and try to be competitive in all conditions and practices. We’ve had some bad luck, but we got the victory and I’m in a perfect position, we’re working so hard, to find everything in the same way, we’re pushing, everyone the same, so this gives me so much energy for the weekend, The last race, we won. What can I say? I’m so motivated to make a good job. I can’t think about the Championship but it doesn’t matter, I just want to win the race and that’s my mentality, I’ll give everything to do it and after we’ll see in parc ferme what we achieved.
“I can’t wait to start tomorrow. I was here in 2015 and 2016, and from what I remember I enjoyed this track a lot. With new asphalt we’ll see, but seeing the other Moto3 races here it looks very enjoyable. I can’t wait to start the weekend, start working and start to make something good.”
That’s a wrap from the Moto2™ and Moto3™ pretenders to the crown on Thursday. Watch them head out on track for practice in Friday as we count down to the final showdown on Sunday, with the Moto3™ title decided from 11:00 (GMT) before Moto2™ from 12:20.
The Barber Museum Restoration Shop, In November
Featured In the November 2020 issue of Roadracing World:
“It was chance that I ended up inside the Barber Museum’s Restoration Shop early one evening during the MotoAmerica Round at Barber Motorsports Park. It’s the place where motorcycles being added to the collection are checked out and, if necessary, repaired or completely restored prior to being displayed. It’s also where bikes already in the 1600-plus collection are serviced before and after being run for a special event.
“In this case, what became a special event started out as Racing Editor Chris Ulrich making an on-board video of a hot lap aboard a three-cylinder 2021 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 around the 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Park road course.
“Somehow a discussion between MV Agusta USA CEO Doug McCloskey and the museum’s Brian Case about making that happen morphed into a video of Chris on the modern MV making laps with the Museum’s Chuck Huneycutt riding Giacomo Agostini’s 1967 500cc Grand Prix World Championship-winning MV Agusta racebike. And to make that happen, Ago’s 1967 title-winning MV had to come off display and be prepped by Huneycutt—a former Vintage racing star—for its return to the racetrack…”
—Barber Museum Restoration Shop, By John Ulrich
The Barber Museum opened in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, in 1995; by the time the 880-acre park and the road course had opened to the public in fall 2003, the museum had moved into a majestic, 144,000-square-foot custom building on the new site. The museum was expanded in 2016 and now covers 230,000 square feet, including display space, storage, and, of course, the restoration shop. Mr. Editor John Ulrich got a behind-the-scenes look at where the bikes on display at the museum are brought back to life and kept in running order. It’s in the November issue of Roadracing World!
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