WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads Wet FP2 At Estoril

Michael Gougis

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October 11, 2024

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads Wet FP2 At Estoril

The weather played havoc with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field on Friday at the Circuito Estoril as rain in Free Practice 1 greeted the grid before a mixed-conditions Free Practice 2 limited running. The afternoon session for the Estoril Round started dry before rain started to fall around 20 minutes into it, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) the only rider in the 1’37s bracket as he secured P1 ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).

RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP IN BOTH SESSIONS: ‘El Turco’ leads the way

With conditions considerably drier in FP2 compared to FP1, times were instantly much faster. Razgatlioglu instantly went to top spot with a 1’37.668s to assert his authority on the weekend, before improving to a 1’37.355s as he secured P1 in both a wet FP1 and in the dry in FP2. With rain beginning to fall around halfway through the session, Razgatlioglu’s time went unchallenged. He was the sole BMW rider in the top 10, with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) securing P12 but some 1.8 seconds off Razgatlioglu. His teammate, Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW), was 19th while Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 20th after he crashed in the early stages of FP2, completing only six timed laps in the dry conditions.

PETRUCCI IN CONTENTION: P2 for ‘Petrux’, Bautista and Bulega fourth and sixth respectively

Petrucci was the fastest Ducati rider on Friday at Estoril as he secured second place with a 1’38.065s, seven tenths away from Razgatlioglu’s time as ‘Petrux’ looks to wrap up the Independent Riders’ title for 2024 this weekend. He was around two tenths clear of Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in fourth, while his teammate, Nicolo Bulega, was two places and a tenth down on his teammate. Bulega lost valuable running in FP1 when he crashed at Turn 6. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) just missed out on a spot in the top ten as he secured P11, 1.240s down on the pace. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) was 14th with Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 16th; the #14 crashed in FP1 at Turn 12.

ALEX LOWES THIRD: another strong day for the #22

Third place belonged to Alex Lowes as the Kawasaki rider lapped in a 1’38.074s, 0.719s down on ‘El Turco’ and just 0.009s slower than Petrucci in second. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was one of a handful of riders who improved when light rain fell as he moved into seventh place after he set a 1’38.437s. The final Kawasaki rider in the pecking order was Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) as he secured 15th place after posting a 1’39.363s. Rabat had a run-off in Free Practice 1, but it didn’t cost him much running time.

HONDA QUICK AGAIN: four manufacturers in the top four

Honda were represented with two bikes in the top ten, with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) taking fifth place and Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) in ninth. Lecuona, like Bassani, improved as the rain started to fall, while it was a disrupted session for Vierge. The #97 crashed at Turn 3 which ended his session, even before the rain started to fall even more. Lecuona’s P4 ensured four different manufacturers were in the top four after Friday’s running. Home hero Ivo Lopes (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was 17th with a 1’39.428s while Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was 23rd; both riders crashed in FP1 at Turn 9. Mackenzie impressed in the wet in the morning session by claiming P5 and finishing as the lead Honda rider.

YAMAHA AIMING TO FIGHT BACK: Rea the fastest rider in P10

It was a difficult day for Yamaha with just Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) putting the Yamaha R1 inside the top ten. The #65 was P10 after posting a 1’38.572s, finishing two places and a tenth ahead of teammate Andrea Locatelli. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was close to ‘Loka’ ahead, with just a tenth separating the Italian and the Australian, while Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 18th and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) in 21st. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 22nd as he made his comeback from injury, with the #77 set to be reviewed after FP2 to decide whether he participates in the rest of the weekend. Wildcard Luca Bernardi (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 24th and last on his return to the Championship.

The top six from Friday at Estoril:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’37.355s

2. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.710s

3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.719s

4. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.892s

5. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +0.894s

6. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.040s

FP2 Results

World Supersport: De Rosa Leads FP At Estoril

Michael Gougis

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October 11, 2024

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World Supersport: De Rosa Leads FP At Estoril

In a dramatic red flagged session, Raffaele De Rosa (QJMOTOR Factory Racing) stormed to the top spot of the Free Practice session in The FIM Supersport World Championship. The Italian rider rode an impressive lap time of 1’56.918s despite the challenging weather conditions, just finishing ahead of Championship contender Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) who came in 0.414 seconds behind the top rider.

With 20 minutes of track time completed, the session was red flagged following an incident involving #71 Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) which took place at Turn 12. The Australian rider was taken to the Medical Centre where he has since been declared fit ahead of the afternoon Superpole session. Pit lane reopened, with 33 minutes of the session remaining and it was Britain’s Thomas Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) who resumed his top spot as the riders returned to the track.

The Triumph rider was unable to maintain his lead however, as De Rosa impressed the paddock on his QJ Motor bike posting a best lap time with only ten minutes of practice time remaining. Despite efforts from Montella and Debise, he managed to hold onto the top spot for the Free Practice session. However. The Italian did not end it in the way he would have liked, after a low side crash on his last lap as the chequered flag came out. Spaniard Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) just missed out on a top 3 position as he took fourth fastest overall, whilst debutant Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Championship contender Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) rounded off the top six.

SSP Estoril FP1

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads Damp FP1 At Estoril

Michael Gougis

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October 11, 2024

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WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads Damp FP1 At Estoril

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) topped a wet and dramatic Free Practice 1 session in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Circuito Estoril. The #54 was three tenths clear of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in second as a wet track greeted the field for the Estoril Round, but ‘El Turco’ was able to claim P1 ahead of his rivals to strike first at what could be a potential title-deciding weekend.

Razgatlioglu was one of the last riders to venture out on track before he set his 1’52.344s to claim P1, despite a huge moment at the final corner as he set his fastest time of the 45-minute session. It was enough to finish three tenths clear of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in second with the #9 improving his lap towards the end of the session. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) secured third place with a 1’52.778s despite a crash at Turn 6 in what turned into a chaotic final 10 minutes of the session.

Estoril practice 1

Brembo Buys Ohlins Racing From Tenneco

John Ulrich

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October 11, 2024

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Brembo Acquires Ohlins, Leading Manufacturer Of Premium Suspension Technology

With Ohlins, Bembo expands its offerings for the automotive market to enhance its role as a solution provider of integrated, intelligent solutions to its customers

The deal marks the largest acquisition in Brembo’s history and further strengthens the Group’s brand portfolio

Ohlins has a strong racing heritage and presence in major championships as a renowned supplier for MotoGP, Formula 1, Superbike, NASCAR, and others

Tenneco announced today it has entered into an agreement to sell Öhlins Racing, a leading manufacturer of premium suspension technology, to Brembo, a global leader in the manufacturing of high-performance braking systems and components. The sale marks a key milestone in advancing Tenneco’s strategic priorities.

“This sale not only positions Öhlins Racing and its employees for continued success under Brembo’s leadership in the market, but it also supports Tenneco’s strategy of streamlining our business portfolio and strengthening our balance sheet as we continue to execute on our long-term vision,” said Jim Voss, CEO of Tenneco.

“As we join forces with Brembo, we are excited to unlock new growth opportunities and leverage our respective strengths and assets to drive innovation and deliver even greater value to our customers and employees,” said Tom Wittenschlaeger, CEO of Öhlins Racing.

“Öhlins is a strong fit for Brembo. It is a world-renowned brand, with a solid business and an unrivaled reputation, both on the racetrack and the road,” said Matteo Tiraboschi, Brembo Executive Chairman. “We welcome Öhlins to our Group as a great opportunity to expand our offerings for the automotive market. With this addition, we take another step forward in our strategy to provide integrated intelligent solutions to our customers, leveraging synergies across key technologies in the vehicle’s corner.”

The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in early 2025. Tenneco remains committed to its customers, employees and stakeholders throughout this transition.

Jefferies LLC is acting as lead financial advisor to Tenneco. Barclays is also acting as financial advisor and Sidley Austin LLP as legal advisor. BofA Securities is acting as financial advisor to Brembo. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and BonelliErede are acting as legal advisors.

FIM JuniorGP: American Rossi Moor Makes His Debut

John Ulrich

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October 11, 2024

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FIM JuniorGP: American Rossi Moor Makes His Debut

ROSSI MOOR AMONG THE BEST ON THE FIRST DAY OF FREE PRACTICE.

The first race weekend for the American-Hungarian rider Rossi Moor began yesterday on the Motorland Circuit of Aragon, where Rossi will participate in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship in the Moto2 category with Massimiliano Morlacchi’s Team MMR.

This will be the first race weekend for Rossi who returned to Europe after competing this year in the MotoAmerica Championship with Team Hammer’s new Suzuki GSX8-R in the TwinsCup category, finishing fifth overall with four podium finishes including a best race finish of second place.

Yesterday Rossi Moor took part in two free practices of 40 minutes each in which he once again demonstrated his great ability to quickly adapt to the new bike and the new track. Rossi’s crew made some set-up changes compared to the tests of last week, changes that were welcomed by Rossi as he closed the day with a quickest lap time of 1:52.77. The time set by Rossi is absolutely remarkable considering that the Aragon track record for the Moto2 category in JuniorGP is 1:52.65 set by Senna Agius.

Today, on Friday, October 11, Rossi’s program will continue with two more free practices of 40 minutes each where new solutions will be tested to try to further lower the lap times.

Rossi Moor: “I am very happy with the results achieved yesterday, and I thank my Chief Technician Alessandro Finelli and my mechanics Giorgio and Simone, who did a fantastic job on the bike. For today my goal is to remain very focused on the work still to be done because despite having done a good time I believe that the performance of the bike can still be improved. Above all I can improve because having only ridden a few kilometers on the track with this bike I am still not able to use it 100% compared to the other riders who have been riding it for several years.”

Massmiliano Morlacchi (Team Principal): “I am very satisfied with the work done by Rossi and his technicians in constant progression and with continuous improvements in the lap times. I believe that if Rossi stays focused and continues his work in the right direction, he could give us a big satisfaction and do very well!”

FP2_Moto2

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https://www.facebook.com/rossimoorofficial

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WorldSBK: Riders Speak Ahead Of Estoril Round

Michael Gougis

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October 10, 2024

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WorldSBK: Riders Speak Ahead Of Estoril Round

The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season is reaching a conclusion but there’s still plenty up for grabs, including the coveted Riders’ Championship. That can be sown up by Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) at the Circuito Estoril, while there were plenty of other discussions ahead of the Estoril Round…

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “My goal is to win the race… not thinking about the Championship”

Previewing what could be a title-winning weekend, Razgatlioglu said: “After 2022, we come back here again and I’m really happy because I like this track. Last time, I lost because Alvaro passed me on the straight. I like this track but this weekend’s going to be a little bit difficult. I’m just focused on the races because I missed winning races. Maybe there’s different weather this weekend. My goal is to win the race. If I win all races, and Bulega finishes in third position, we win the title. He’s also strong. I’m not thinking about this, I’m thinking the Championship finishes at Jerez. I’m just riding the bike and fighting for the win. If I win, I’m happier. I need to win again because second position wasn’t enough for me at Aragon. I have zero stress now, I’m here to win the race. Maybe if there’s wet conditions, we’re fighting for the win again because I’ve never won in wet conditions in WorldSBK. Zero stress because I’m not thinking about the Championship!”

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “Right now, there’s not that kind of team order but this weekend will be similar; try not to disturb my teammate…”

Previewing Estoril, Bautista outlined his goals by saying: “After a Sunday like I had at MotorLand Aragon, I’m very motivated. That was then and now we’re here at a different track, different conditions. It’s two years since I raced here. The target is trying to get the feeling I had at Aragon which was really nice. I’m happy the feeling’s coming back! We struggled a lot at the beginning of the season because I started with an injury, then we didn’t know why I couldn’t have the confidence with the bike, or the same performance. Fortunately, it was like a light switch on at Most and we made a change on the bike which definitely helped me to recover the confidence.”

The topic of team orders came up again at Estoril, with Bautista saying: “At Aragon, we had a small briefing before the Saturday race because it was clear that both riders had the chance to fight against Toprak, but it’s true Bulega’s chances were much better than mine. We decided to help Nicolo at Aragon, try not to be between him and Toprak, and try to help him take off some points. After Saturday, the problem he had with the engine, the situation was different. On Sunday, he was there, and it was the same idea; don’t be between Toprak and Nicolo. It’s possible between Nicolo and Toprak. In the Superpole Race, it was our target, to try to help Nicolo and be between them but with Nicolo first. In the last laps, I saw it could be Toprak, Nicolo and me so I tried to make it so Nicolo lost two points instead of three, which is better; I tried to win the race and I did, and it was the same in Race 2. Right now, there’s not that kind of team order but this weekend will be something similar; try not to disturb my teammate but also him not disturbing me.”

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I just want to enjoy the weekend… I’ve never asked for team orders; I don’t want them”

On the Estoril weekend, Bulega commented: “I hope to be fast this weekend because Aragon, I was fast but it was a strange weekend. I would like to have a normal weekend. Race 1 at Aragon wasn’t a nice moment. We lost a lot of points; we lost the ability to take some more points. I felt very good, especially on Saturday on the race; the race pace wasn’t so strong, but I felt like I was fast.”

Discussing his goals for the weekend and whether there were any new team order meetings for Estoril, Bulega said: “I don’t have a goal for this weekend. I just want to enjoy it, try to do my best and that’s it. I’ve never asked for team orders, and I don’t want them. Alvaro is very fast. If he has the possibility to win, he has to win. We’re part of this team and Ducati so, I think, for them it’s important to win these titles. Me and Alvaro are doing a great job.”

Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven): “We’ll sign in a few days, a few weeks…”

Providing an update on his future at Estoril, ‘The Maniac’ said: “I think it’s an incredible track. I’m really happy to be here. It’s strange because it’s been many years since I rode here, but I’m excited! Unfortunately, we only won on Saturday; we lost some performance on Sunday at Aragon. In any case, we did a good job. We achieved many podiums, we won a race in my first year but, when I think of this, I want and need more! We have to be realistic. I never thought I’d fight for the first Independent rider, it was an optimistic idea because Danilo has more experience than me. I don’t know if we’ll make the test, because honestly, we haven’t signed anything at the moment for the future. We’ll sign in a few days, a few weeks… it’s a surprise for everybody! I think my season will start in January.”

Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha): “My injury’s fine… I should have no pain on the bike”

Discussing Razgatlioglu’s season and where he’s aiming to improve, Rea said: “My injury’s fine. The skin’s almost healed over so I should have no pain on the bike. It’s hard to have expectations because, going into Aragon, a track I’ve been so strong at, I had a disappointing weekend. I struggled to be competitive. Tomorrow, we’ll try to build up step by step with the team, try to address the areas we’re weak and build a bike to be strong on Sunday because the field in WorldSBK is super stacked, so if you’re just that little bit off, you can be a long way away. I’ve tried to focus a lot on Superpole, different tactics to attack it, trying to find the right rider to follow. It generally doesn’t fall my way, so back to basics, try to do my own thing and forget about other riders. Toprak’s been so super strong and had an incredible season. Unfortunately, he missed a few races due to injury – Magny-Cours and Cremona – so to still be in the lead of the Championship shows the season he’s had. It’s not a question of if, it’s when. Chapeau to him, he’s done a great job and, albeit from afar, it’s been nice to watch.”

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “I want to jump on the podium again!”

Hoping this weekend at Estoril goes better than his MotoGP™ visit in 2012, Petrucci said: “Honestly, Estoril has bad memories for me! For the first time in my career, I was lapped – by Stoner, I can remember the moment so well! They gave me blue flags and Casey came by with Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Rossi… I think seven riders lapped me. I was here in August for testing, and I enjoyed that day. The track is wonderful. I have quite good expectations because life has changed a lot. 12 years ago, I was last and now I’m fighting for the top positions. Our target is always to be in the top five but after the latest results, I want to jump on the podium again. I’m not thinking about the Independent Riders’ Championship; I was happier to fight for third in the Championship. In every level, we faced a very difficult moment because we have a strong relationship with Barnabo, the team boss; he was really worried, he was more ill than me when he was in the hospital for me! It was just six months ago, but it feels like a lifetime. Winning our first race, fighting with the top guys, and winning the Independent Championship is something we didn’t expect.”

Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW): “We have everything we need to the end year better than we started it…”

Aiming to keep his strong form going, Gerloff stated: “I really like this track; it’s got a good flow to it. It was really nice in 2020 but 2022 didn’t exactly go my way. I think with the BMW, I think it’ll be good especially with the straight, we’ll be able to use the top speed. Once the results start to go up, the expectations start to go up. It’s been so much easier to be there. At the beginning of the season, it took everything I had to be in the top ten. Now that the bike’s more consistent, I can ride the bike better so that’s been a part of the last few weekends. My goal is just to finish the best I can, I want to keep looking up in the Riders’ Championship. I think we have everything we need to end the year better than we started it.”

RW Original Video: APX-350MA MotoAmerica Talent Cup Racebike

Sam Fleming

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October 10, 2024

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RW Original Video: APX-350MA MotoAmerica Talent Cup Racebike

Jensen Beeler (CEO) and Joe Karvonen (Owner) of Kramer Motorcycle USA were interviewed by Roadracing World Wild Card Editor Sam Fleming at Circuit Of The Americas, and discussed the new Junior Cup spec racebike: The Kramer APX-350MA.

MotoGP: Engine Specification Frozen For 2026

Michael Gougis

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October 10, 2024

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MotoGP: Engine Specification Frozen For 2026

Ahead of the new bikes coming in for 2027, the Grand Prix Commission has agreed to freeze spec for the preceding season

Thursday, 10 October 2024

Engine specification in MotoGP™ will be frozen for 2026, meaning factories must also use their 2025 engine designs the following season. The Grand Prix Commission approved the proposal in order to control costs and keep a level playing field as much as possible before MotoGP™ changes to new bikes in 2027.

Those new bikes will make MotoGP™ safer, more sustainable and even more spectacular, and include completely new engine specifications. A freeze on development the season before keeps costs controlled for all, allowing factories to focus on their new designs for 2027.

The sole exceptions to the freeze will be for safety or reliability, and for any manufacturers in concession Rank D. Corrections for safety or reliability, or proven non-availability of components, may be allowed for any manufacturer providing no performance increase will be gained.

For factories in concession Rank D, the engine specification freeze will not apply unless they change rank. The spec for them will remain free as it is now, allowing those with a greater performance deficit to the top to continue working on key areas of their machinery.

MotoGP 2024 - Decisions_of_the_Grand_Prix_Commission_September_2024

R.I.P. MotoAmerica Crew Chief Ben Fox

John Ulrich

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October 9, 2024

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Former racer turned MotoAmerica crew chief Ben Fox died at 6:35 p.m. mountain time on Wednesday, October 9th at Memorial Central Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado due to injuries sustained early Sunday morning. Fox, age 52, was riding a one-wheel electric skateboard at or about 2:00 a.m. on October 6th in Colorado Springs when he was involved in a collision with a motorcyclist.

Fox was the crew chief for Superbike racer Brandon Paasch on the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team. He had also worked as a crew chief and electronics technician in World Superbike and British Superbike.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Kim McIntyre; his parents Alex and Debra Downs; daughters Sydney and Evelyn Fox; son John Fox; and ex-wife Sonya Wilde.

Scroll down to read an earlier post and to access a news report on the accident. More information will be posted if and when it becomes available.

Godspeed, Ben Fox.

R.I.P.: Racer And Racer Dad Dave Knapp

John Ulrich

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October 9, 2024

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Dave Knapp, a former racer and the father of current racer and Dunlop tire tester Taylor Knapp, died October 6th at age 67.

Read an obituary here:

https://www.muirbrotherslapeer.com/obituaries/David-Clarke-Knapp?obId=33302432

May he rest in peace.

Dave Knapp (44x) versus Wayne Rainey (8E) on a dirt track. Photo courtesy Taylor Knapp.

Dave Knapp (44, left) and Scottie Parker (8, center). Photo courtesy Taylor Knapp.

Dave Knapp (left) and son Taylor Knapp, circa 2012. Photo courtesy Taylor Knapp.

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads Wet FP2 At Estoril

October 11, 2024

SBK FP2 toprak — Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

The weather played havoc with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field on Friday at the Circuito Estoril as rain in Free Practice 1 greeted the grid before a mixed-conditions Free Practice 2 limited running. The afternoon session for the Estoril Round started dry before rain started to fall around 20 minutes into it, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) the only rider in the 1’37s bracket as he secured P1 ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).

RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP IN BOTH SESSIONS: ‘El Turco’ leads the way

With conditions considerably drier in FP2 compared to FP1, times were instantly much faster. Razgatlioglu instantly went to top spot with a 1’37.668s to assert his authority on the weekend, before improving to a 1’37.355s as he secured P1 in both a wet FP1 and in the dry in FP2. With rain beginning to fall around halfway through the session, Razgatlioglu’s time went unchallenged. He was the sole BMW rider in the top 10, with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) securing P12 but some 1.8 seconds off Razgatlioglu. His teammate, Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW), was 19th while Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 20th after he crashed in the early stages of FP2, completing only six timed laps in the dry conditions.

PETRUCCI IN CONTENTION: P2 for ‘Petrux’, Bautista and Bulega fourth and sixth respectively

Petrucci was the fastest Ducati rider on Friday at Estoril as he secured second place with a 1’38.065s, seven tenths away from Razgatlioglu’s time as ‘Petrux’ looks to wrap up the Independent Riders’ title for 2024 this weekend. He was around two tenths clear of Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in fourth, while his teammate, Nicolo Bulega, was two places and a tenth down on his teammate. Bulega lost valuable running in FP1 when he crashed at Turn 6. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) just missed out on a spot in the top ten as he secured P11, 1.240s down on the pace. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) was 14th with Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 16th; the #14 crashed in FP1 at Turn 12.

ALEX LOWES THIRD: another strong day for the #22

Third place belonged to Alex Lowes as the Kawasaki rider lapped in a 1’38.074s, 0.719s down on ‘El Turco’ and just 0.009s slower than Petrucci in second. Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was one of a handful of riders who improved when light rain fell as he moved into seventh place after he set a 1’38.437s. The final Kawasaki rider in the pecking order was Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) as he secured 15th place after posting a 1’39.363s. Rabat had a run-off in Free Practice 1, but it didn’t cost him much running time.

HONDA QUICK AGAIN: four manufacturers in the top four

Honda were represented with two bikes in the top ten, with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) taking fifth place and Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) in ninth. Lecuona, like Bassani, improved as the rain started to fall, while it was a disrupted session for Vierge. The #97 crashed at Turn 3 which ended his session, even before the rain started to fall even more. Lecuona’s P4 ensured four different manufacturers were in the top four after Friday’s running. Home hero Ivo Lopes (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was 17th with a 1’39.428s while Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was 23rd; both riders crashed in FP1 at Turn 9. Mackenzie impressed in the wet in the morning session by claiming P5 and finishing as the lead Honda rider.

YAMAHA AIMING TO FIGHT BACK: Rea the fastest rider in P10

It was a difficult day for Yamaha with just Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) putting the Yamaha R1 inside the top ten. The #65 was P10 after posting a 1’38.572s, finishing two places and a tenth ahead of teammate Andrea Locatelli. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was close to ‘Loka’ ahead, with just a tenth separating the Italian and the Australian, while Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 18th and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) in 21st. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 22nd as he made his comeback from injury, with the #77 set to be reviewed after FP2 to decide whether he participates in the rest of the weekend. Wildcard Luca Bernardi (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 24th and last on his return to the Championship.

The top six from Friday at Estoril:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’37.355s

2. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.710s

3. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.719s

4. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.892s

5. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) +0.894s

6. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +1.040s

FP2 Results

World Supersport: De Rosa Leads FP At Estoril

October 11, 2024

Supersport Estoril practice 1 — Raffaele De Rosa (3). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

In a dramatic red flagged session, Raffaele De Rosa (QJMOTOR Factory Racing) stormed to the top spot of the Free Practice session in The FIM Supersport World Championship. The Italian rider rode an impressive lap time of 1’56.918s despite the challenging weather conditions, just finishing ahead of Championship contender Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) who came in 0.414 seconds behind the top rider.

With 20 minutes of track time completed, the session was red flagged following an incident involving #71 Tom Edwards (D34G Racing WorldSSP Team) which took place at Turn 12. The Australian rider was taken to the Medical Centre where he has since been declared fit ahead of the afternoon Superpole session. Pit lane reopened, with 33 minutes of the session remaining and it was Britain’s Thomas Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) who resumed his top spot as the riders returned to the track.

The Triumph rider was unable to maintain his lead however, as De Rosa impressed the paddock on his QJ Motor bike posting a best lap time with only ten minutes of practice time remaining. Despite efforts from Montella and Debise, he managed to hold onto the top spot for the Free Practice session. However. The Italian did not end it in the way he would have liked, after a low side crash on his last lap as the chequered flag came out. Spaniard Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) just missed out on a top 3 position as he took fourth fastest overall, whilst debutant Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Championship contender Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) rounded off the top six.

SSP Estoril FP1

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Leads Damp FP1 At Estoril

October 11, 2024

Toprak estoril practice 1 — Toprak Razgatlioglu. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) topped a wet and dramatic Free Practice 1 session in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Circuito Estoril. The #54 was three tenths clear of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in second as a wet track greeted the field for the Estoril Round, but ‘El Turco’ was able to claim P1 ahead of his rivals to strike first at what could be a potential title-deciding weekend.

Razgatlioglu was one of the last riders to venture out on track before he set his 1’52.344s to claim P1, despite a huge moment at the final corner as he set his fastest time of the 45-minute session. It was enough to finish three tenths clear of Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in second with the #9 improving his lap towards the end of the session. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) secured third place with a 1’52.778s despite a crash at Turn 6 in what turned into a chaotic final 10 minutes of the session.

Estoril practice 1

Brembo Buys Ohlins Racing From Tenneco

October 11, 2024

36PRXL_RS561_02 OHLINS STX — Ohlins STX shocks as used in MotoAmerica competition.