Szoke dominates race one at season opener in Calabogie
Calabogie, ON – July 25, 2020 – Jordan Szoke led start-to-finish en route to a comfortable victory in race one of the Canadian Superbike Championship season opener, kicking off the one-day invitational at Calabogie Motorsports Park, sponsored by IBEW and presented by Pro6 Cycle.
The 13-time National champion grabbed the holeshot down into turn one and opened up a massive lead almost immediately, cruising to his first victory in over a full calendar year by nearly four seconds aboard his General Warranty Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja.
Rising temperatures didn’t make life easy on the Lynden, ON native, but Szoke managed to get the most out the Dunlop spec slick tires as he extended his winning streak at Calabogie to four races.
“I got a really good start – I was actually a little shocked at the start I got, to be honest – but that just allowed me to chip away at the pace and stay consistent,” Szoke said. “I’ve always enjoyed the heat, but it’s almost Suzuka hot out here. We’re running very little traction control, so that might be something we look at for race two later on.”
Despite Szoke’s dominance up front, the race wasn’t without drama, as Trevor Daley made up for a second-row start to score his best career Pro Superbike result in second. The M4 Suzuki Canada GSX-1000R rider started from fourth but came out on top of a thrilling three-way battle that lasted the entirety of the race, narrowly defending veteran BMW riders Michael Leon and Jeff Williams across the line.
Leon managed to secure his first career Pro Superbike podium aboard his brand-new Royal Distributing BMW S1000RR, making a last-lap pass on Williams after the former race-winner faded from second-place in the dying laps.
Sebastian Tremblay rounded out the top five aboard a lesser-powered Turcotte Performance Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R sport bike, as the Mirabel, QC native finished just a few laps shy of catching the battle for second after setting the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike lap record during Qualifying for that support category earlier in the day.
The field is scheduled to complete the one-day invitational with race two at roughly 5:30 pm ET, as Szoke looks to sweep the season opener doubleheader for Kawasaki.
Full results can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.
Calabogie, ON – July 25, 2020 – Thirteen-time National champion Jordan Szoke will start Saturday’s one-day Pro Superbike doubleheader from pole position at Calabogie Motorsports Park, setting the fastest time in qualifying at the invitational event, sponsored by IBEW and presented by Pro6 Cycle.
The veteran rider sat outside the top row for nearly the entire first half of qualifying, with rookie Samuel Guerin stealing the show as the fastest rider early on, but it wasn’t long before Szoke managed to place his General Warranty Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja in the top spot with a time of 1:03.983.
That time would hold up down the stretch as Szoke grabbed provisional pole for both of Saturday’s races, clearing Royal Distributing BMW S1000RR veteran Michael Leon by 0.209 seconds as the Beaconsfield, QC native captured the best qualifying position of his career and his first front-row start since 2018.
Guerin, who competed in just two National events as an amateur in 2019, jumped out to an early lead in the session but was unable to improve upon that time down the stretch, settling for third and a front-row start for his Pro debut aboard his EFC Group BMW.
Leading off the second row will be title contender Trevor Daley, who will look to make up for his fourth-place qualifying spot with a good launch aboard his M4-sponsored Suzuki Canada GSX-R1000R.
Completing the front two rows will be BMW veteran and former race-winner Jeff Williams, who briefly held the top of the charts before falling behind Szoke and his BMW counterparts. The Inverary, ON native struggled with tire pressure issues late in qualifying but still managed to qualify within 0.723 seconds of Szoke out front, as he and Daley will look to join the battle up front early on.
The results became official following Szoke’s clearance of post-race tech, registering a mark of 194.24 horsepower on the official Dynojet rear-wheel test.
The 17-rider grid is scheduled for race one at roughly 2:10 pm ET, before completing the one-day doubleheader with race two at roughly 5:30 pm ET.
The full results and schedule for Saturday’s action can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.
Marc Marquez withdraws from Andalucia GP, Alex Marquez plots his comeback
The Repsol Honda Team forged ahead in Andalucia, the incredible efforts of Marc and Alex Marquez and their teams unfortunately unrewarded as Alex aims for a spirited comeback on Sunday.
All eyes were on the Repsol Honda Team garage as the second day of the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucía began, Marc Marquez making an incredible return to the circuit just four days after surgery on a broken right humerus. The Repsol Honda Team continued their work as normal, building on the data and learning of the last race and adapting as the conditions developed.
For Marc Marquez the day was about adapting and understanding the situation, each lap giving himself and his team more information about how his body was reacting to the demands of a MotoGP machine. Marc alongside HRC and the Repsol Honda Team elected to end his participation in the Andalucia GP after Free Practice 4 to avoid any further risks. This is the first Grand Prix Marc has missed since the 2011 Valencia GP while riding in the Moto2 class. His aim is to now return for the Czech GP on August 09.
It was a day of contrasts for Alex Marquez who continued to improve each time he left the pits on his Repsol Honda RC213V in FP3 and FP4. The day started with a solid Free Practice 3 session, making another step towards the top ten before an impressive run in Free Practice 4 where the rookie consistently ran inside the top ten. Unfortunately, this progress would go unrewarded in a difficult Q1 session which ended with a fall at Turn 5. Alex will start from 21st on the grid.
Takaaki Nakagami continued to shine aboard the LCR Honda RC213V as the Japanese ace topped FP4 and qualified eighth.
The second race in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship will begin at 14:00 Local Time, the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto once again set to host a thrilling 25-lap premier-class spectacle.
Alex Marquez
21ST 1’39.648
“It was a very positive FP4 and I was feeling very good with used tyres but then I struggled more on new tyres. I made a lot of mistakes during Qualifying and I’m not able to really make the most of the initial grip, this is certainly something I have to work on because qualifying in MotoGP is so important. Even so, our race pace is looking better, and I am pleased with this. I also had a small crash, my arm is OK after some initial pain because the crash was quite fast, but it will be fine for tomorrow and the plan is to go forward tomorrow.”
Marc Marquez
WITHDRAWN
“It has been a difficult week and a lot has happened since last Sunday when certainly I would not have said ‘I will try to race next week’. But when you have a passion for something and you devote yourself to achieving something, you have to at least try so your conscience is calm. After the operation I saw I had mobility in the elbow and good strength and I was able to do some push-ups, of course there was pain there but it was manageable. I then spoke with Honda about all of the options and we agreed to try on Saturday, to see what was possible at least. Throughout I have listened to the doctors and my body, in the morning today I was feeling good and we were happy with our progress. But then when it came time to do the Time Attack, when it is less about being consistent and more about being aggressive, the arm was without strength. I don’t know if it was from the swelling or from the heat but I knew I needed to listen to my body. Throughout this process I have spoken with my Repsol Honda Team and with HRC and I want to say thank you to them for always respecting my decisions. I also want to thank the doctors, physios and those close to me for helping me to try and chase this dream. Sadly, we cannot race tomorrow but I will continue to do everything I can to be back on track in Brno and to fight for the championship.”
Alberto Puig
Team Manager
“This morning the objective was to make first contact with the bike and we saw that Marc could still be fast. In the afternoon the plan was to do a longer run. Either due to the heat or fatigue from the morning, he experienced more problems and found it more difficult. Obviously we have understood that it was better not to take more risks. We have followed the plan, which was to miss Friday and see how Marc felt today. Now we have analyzed the situation and made the decision not to participate in tomorrow’s race. We have followed the plan, always checking the physical condition of the rider. Marc has tried to listen to his body, to see how he responded. When he saw that he could not, we have all decided not to race tomorrow. Marc is very strong. He wanted to try, and we wanted to give him the opportunity to do it, we have supported him at all times. I think we have made the right decision at all times. A champion cannot stay at home if he thinks he has the option or a slight chance. Now he has a lot of inflammation, but it will pass. There are many races ahead and the goal is to arrive in Brno in the best way.”
The rookie heads the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup grid, ahead of Ferrari and another impressive lap from Tulovic
Saturday, 25 July 2020
Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) converted his Free Practice form into his maiden FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup E-Pole in Round 2, with the Swiss rider back on top for the first time since taking pole for the 2014 German Moto2™ Grand Prix. He beat second fastest Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) by 0.267. and two rookies will line-up on the front row once again as Lukas Tulovic (Tech3 E-Racing) set a 1:48.525 and mastered the final sector to sit third.
Track temperatures for the MotoE™ riders sat at a sizzling 60+ degrees on Saturday afternoon as Cup standings leader Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) went in search of his second pole in seven days. After Jakub Kornfeil (WithU Motorsport), Maria Herrera (Openbank Aspar Team) – the Spaniard having her lap time cancelled for exceeding track limits – and Alessandro Zaccone (Trentino Gresini MotoE) had completed their laps, Josh Hook (Octo Pramac MotoE) fired in a low 1:49 so set the other riders which a good benchmark time to beat.
Next thought it was a disaster for Tommaso Marcon (Tech3 E-Racing) as the Italian left pitlane too late, seeing the rookie getting a black flag in his second E-Pole session. There were no such errors for Tulovic though as the German slammed in a stunning lap time, his aforementioned 1:48.525 a tenth faster than Granado’s E-Pole time at the Spanish GP – and that time was going to take some beating.
Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) and Alejandro Medina (Openbank Aspar Team) slotted in behind Tulovic’s time despite their best effort, but Ferrari was able to knock the German off his perch to nick provisional pole by a tenth. Then came Granado, with all eyes on the Brazilian. Could the runaway Spanish GP winner put another chink in his opponents’ armour by taking pole? The number 51 had two moments on his flying lap – most notably the back getting squirmy out of Turn 6 – and that would ultimately cost him pole position as he slotted into P3, with Aegerter still to go
Could he take the pressure? More than. The former Moto2™ winner made no mistakes on his run to grab pole position by over two tenths, demoting Ferrari to second and Granado off the front row. Torres and Medina will start 5th and 6th on the second row, with the experienced Alex de Angelis (Octo Pramac MotoE) heading row three. Mattia Casadei (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Niccolo Canepa (LCR E-Team) and Hook complete the top 10
Tune into the second MotoE™ race of 2020 when the electric class kick off race proceedings at 10:05 local time (GMT+2).
Dominique Aegerter: “For me I’m very happy to start as poleman, we did a great job, we worked very hard this week, we were checking the data from last weekend, the team was working very hard to improve, and me to get more used to the bike! They did a greatjob, it was very hot working in the E-paddock! And as a rider on the track it’s very hot as well. The E-pole is very special, you cannot risk too much and you need to pay attention to track limits, so you need to push and we made a perfect lap. This will be a good chance for me tomorrow to start better than last weekend. I’m looking forward to it.”
Marquez withdraws from Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia
The reigning Champion will not race in Jerez, despite being classed fit to ride on Thursday
Marc Marquez. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) has confirmed his withdrawal from the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia. Marquez, who broke his humerus in a crash during the Spanish GP, was declared fit to ride on Thursday but ultimately will not race due to the risk and pain caused by doing so.
After putting in his first laps back on track in FP3 and continuing in FP4, the number 93 then left his garage during Q1. The Repsol Honda Team confirmed he would take no further part in that session, before it was revealed he would in fact take no further part in the race weekend.
Marc Marquez: “Of course, it’s something that I’m here. I already understood it would be very difficult to ride the bike, and to be able to finish the 25 laps in the race but honestly speaking after surgery I saw there was a small possibility so I needed to try. When you are a sportsman and you have a passion for something, you try, and today I will sleep well, because I tried. It wasn’t possible but what I did is only follow my body, my body said that I must try and that’s what I did.
“I spoke with Honda and this was the plan, try on Saturday morning, check the level and condition on the track and it was really good! I was surprised to ride a 37 and ride in a good way, but in the afternoon I started again, and in the first round I felt good, I was kind of surprised by the rhythm on used tyres! But for some reason I stopped in the box and when I went out again, immediate it went down, in the elbow; more than the bone it was the elbow, the nerve or something. I lost power and this becomes dangerous.
“What I did is what I did already all week – follow my body and my body in that moment said stop. I stopped in the box and said to Honda I will try one lap in Q1, and if I have the same feeling I will stop and we give up. And it’s what we did but I want to say thanks to all the doctors, the physios, to my team, because they did really hard work. We tried, it wasn’t possible, but already in the next hour I will start to work for the Brno GP.”
Alberto Puig, Repsol Honda Team Manager: “This morning the objective was to make first contact with the bike and we saw that Marc could still be fast. In the afternoon the plan was to do a longer run. Either due to the heat or fatigue from the morning, he experienced more problems and found it more difficult. Obviously we have understood that it was better not to take more risks. We have followed the plan, which was to miss Friday and see how Marc felt today. Now we have analyzed the situation and made the decision not to participate in tomorrow’s race.
“We have followed the plan, always checking the physical condition of the rider. Marc has tried to listen to his body, to see how he responded. When he saw that he could not, we have all decided not to race tomorrow. Marc is very strong. He wanted to try, and we wanted to give him the opportunity to do it, we have supported him at all times. I think we have made the right decision at all times. A champion cannot stay at home if he thinks he has the option or a slight chance. Now he has a lot of inflammation, but it will pass. There are many races ahead and the goal is to arrive in Brno in the best way.”
Quartararo vs Viñales: the duel for pole goes down to the wire
Last minute drama, amazing pace from Independent Teams and some big reveals for race day characterise Saturday at Jerez
Saturday, 25 July 2020
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has claimed back-to-back pole positions at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto thanks to a 1:37.007 at the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia, beating Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) to the honour as the number 12 had his fastest effort cancelled for exceeding track limits. The last minute slice of drama makes it three poles in a row at the venue for Quartararo after his rookie heroics in last year’s Spanish GP, and his fourth pole in a row stretching back to Sepang 2019. Completing the top three was an impressive performance from Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), with the Italian taking his first premier class front row start and doing it as top Ducati to boot.
The session was set up for a duel from the off, and that’s what we got. Quartararo was hitting first and ultimately it all came down to Viñales: the gauntlet was thrown, a 1:37.007, but could the Spaniard hit back? The answer appeared to be yes and it was advantage Viñales, but not long after he crossed the line, the drama hit and the lap suddenly disappeared off the timing screens. Where he had seemed a tenth clear, the Spaniard was pushed down to second and the replay showed why: track limits. A small infraction but a clear one, the pole was handed to ‘El Diablo’.
Behind that, Bagnaia’s impressive pace from last weekend has only been increasing and the Italian made another step forward with a landmark first premier class front row, and less than a tenth off Viñales. He was also a nice little chunk of time clear of mentor of sorts Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), with the ‘Doctor’ bumped down to head the second row.
That second row is nevertheless a big leap forward for the nine-time World Champion after a tougher time out in the Spanish GP at times, and he beat a stunning performance from Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) to keep the Portuguese rider in fifth by only a couple of thousandths. It’s Oliveira’s best, however, and he’s top KTM after a slightly tougher Saturday afternoon for the Austria factory than promised. Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completes the second row.
Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) will be looking for revenge against his less experienced teammate Bagnaia from P7, and the Australian having only narrowly missed out on a podium last week so he’ll want a good launch off the line with, which his machinery may help. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) had another impressive session to join Miller on Row 3, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) locking that out in P9. The South African didn’t quite replicate his searing Friday, but he seems one to watch once the lights go out, with serious speed. He has also won from the back at Jerez in Moto3™ – a stat that becomes even more impressive considering no one has ever won from pole in the class…
Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) leads the Suzuki charge in tenth, with Hamamatsu factory teammate Alex Rins on the superhuman comeback from injury and starting 20th after managing a few more laps on Saturday. 11th went the way of Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team), with P12 filled by Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) after a heartbreakingly-timed crash in Q2. Rider ok, and ready to light it up again on Sunday as KTM’s pace continues to impress.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) put in a mammoth effort to go from surgery on a broken scaphoid only a few days ago to almost getting through from Q1, and he’ll start P13, ahead of a difficult day at the office for Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), who’ll be looking to launch forward. Johann Zarco (Hublot Reale Avintia Racing) starts P15.
That’s it from another scorching Saturday in Jerez, tune in for more action on Sunday with MotoE™ at 10:05 (GMT +2), Moto3™ next, Moto2™ after that… and then another stunning MotoGP™ battle at 14:00.
3 Francesco Bagnaia – Pramac Racing – Ducati – +0.169
Fabio Quartararo: “At the end today was really a good day for us, FP4 was so positive, we did 10 laps in a row with good pace which was important for us. But today I was so surprised to get pole position. I did a 36.9 and I thought ‘this will be a front row’. And at the end it was pole! So, happy. The conditions were strange because in FP4 it was really great, then in quali it was a bit windy and not so good, but I’m happy we got pole and have really good pace for tomorrow.”
Bezzecchi scorches to first intermediate class pole
The Italian is back on top, beating Lowes and Bastianini to pole in Jerez
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) took his first Moto2™ pole position on Saturday in the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia, ending Q2 0.037 ahead of Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) to take the honour and show more top pace in 2020. Behind Lowes, who has won at the venue before, it’s Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) who completes the front row – and after coming through Q1.
Under the scorching Andalucian sun, it was Bezzecchi and Sky Racing Team VR46 teammate Luca Marini who were at the summit from the off, with the Italians working well in tandem once again, but Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up) then hit back to get in the mix. Bezzecchi wouldn’t be denied though and the Italian put in another stunner to take back the provisional pole, with Bastianini then shooting up to P2. Lowes looked like the last man to threaten but ultimately just fell hundredths short and takes second.
Navarro starts fourth and will be hoping his luck will change after his Turn 1, opening lap crash at the Spanish GP last week. He’s joined by Spanish GP winner Marini, who couldn’t improve on his last run, and last weekend’s polesitter Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on the second row.
Aron Canet (Openbank Aspar Team Moto2) had another strong showing in P7, with the impressive rookie set to lead the more experienced Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) away from the third row. Lüthi’s teammate Marcel Schrötter rounds out the top 10 having had an off-track excursion at Turn 1 in Q2.
Championship leader Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had to settle for P15 in Q2, and he’ll be one looking for some points and progress on Sunday. The Japanese rider is on the comeback from a heavy FP3 crash, and may be set on damage control in the Sunday heat.
Tune in for the Moto2™ race at 12:20 local time (GMT+2) in Jerez as Bezzecchi goes all in to change pole to victory!
Moto2™ front row
1 Marco Bezzecchi- Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 1:41.728
2 Sam Lowes – EG 0,0 Marc VDS – Kalex +0.037
3 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex – +0.117
Marco Bezzecchi: “It’s important to be here, especially for me, because I had a difficult season last year and the injury, so a tough period, but today I was very strong. I’m very happy for this because the team worked really well, and this this pole is for the Sky Racing Team, they saved me. I’m very happy so I want to thank the team, the academy, Vale, everyone. And now I’m focused for tomorrow because it will be difficult with the hot conditions and my foot, but for the moment I’ll enjoy it and I’m very happy!”
Suzuki stuns again for third consecutive pole
The Japanese rider heads Ogura and Rodrigo as Moto3™ get ready for another battle in Jerez
Tatsuki Suzuki (24). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) showed three is very much a magic number for the number 24 in 2020, taking a third consecutive pole position in the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia in style. The Japanese rider also had an even bigger gap than last week as he got the better of compatriot Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) by 0.285, with Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) completing the third row, just a further 0.011 in arrears.
Hot temperatures and clear skies were once again the name of the game, and once again Suzuki came out on top and stamped some authority on Saturday. The gap back from the front row to the second was nearly two tenths too, with Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) putting that in for fourth. He’s joined on Row 2 by Spanish GP podium finisher Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team), only thousandths off, with Championship leader Albert Arenas (Solunion Aspar Team Moto3) in sixth just 0.002 off Arbolino.
Reigning FIM Moto3™ Junior World Champion Jeremy Alcoba (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) took seventh and got the better of veteran John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing), with Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) making a big move forward on Saturday to take ninth. Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) completes the top ten.
Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) was one crasher in the session, and the Italian paid the price as he starts 18th. Two more riders to likely look out for on Sunday coming from a little further back will be previous Jerez winner Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), who just missed out on moving into Q2 after he sat out the final couple of minutes of Q1 and starts 20th, and Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power), who’s in 25th but stormed through the pack last week. Can they get back in the mix?
Tune in for Round 3 of Moto3™ on Sunday from 11:00 (GMT +2)!
Moto3™ front row
1 Tatsuki Suzuki – SIC58 Squadra Corse – Honda 1:45.410
2 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda +0.285
3 Gabriel Rodrigo – Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 – Honda +0.296
Tatsuki Suzuki: “I don’t know how I took this pole position. You know, usually I’m fast on Saturday and struggle a bit on Sunday in the race, so this weekend we concentrated on race distance and I’m very surprised about this laptime, especially in the hot conditions. The laptime makes me more confident, tomorrow I hope I’ll fight for the podium and stay as far forward as possible.”
Jordan Szoke (101) with a commanding lead over the Canadian Superbike field at Calabogie Motorsports Park. Photo by Bob Szoke, courtesy CSBK/PMP.
Szoke dominates race one at season opener in Calabogie
Calabogie, ON – July 25, 2020 – Jordan Szoke led start-to-finish en route to a comfortable victory in race one of the Canadian Superbike Championship season opener, kicking off the one-day invitational at Calabogie Motorsports Park, sponsored by IBEW and presented by Pro6 Cycle.
The 13-time National champion grabbed the holeshot down into turn one and opened up a massive lead almost immediately, cruising to his first victory in over a full calendar year by nearly four seconds aboard his General Warranty Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja.
Rising temperatures didn’t make life easy on the Lynden, ON native, but Szoke managed to get the most out the Dunlop spec slick tires as he extended his winning streak at Calabogie to four races.
“I got a really good start – I was actually a little shocked at the start I got, to be honest – but that just allowed me to chip away at the pace and stay consistent,” Szoke said. “I’ve always enjoyed the heat, but it’s almost Suzuka hot out here. We’re running very little traction control, so that might be something we look at for race two later on.”
Despite Szoke’s dominance up front, the race wasn’t without drama, as Trevor Daley made up for a second-row start to score his best career Pro Superbike result in second. The M4 Suzuki Canada GSX-1000R rider started from fourth but came out on top of a thrilling three-way battle that lasted the entirety of the race, narrowly defending veteran BMW riders Michael Leon and Jeff Williams across the line.
Leon managed to secure his first career Pro Superbike podium aboard his brand-new Royal Distributing BMW S1000RR, making a last-lap pass on Williams after the former race-winner faded from second-place in the dying laps.
Sebastian Tremblay rounded out the top five aboard a lesser-powered Turcotte Performance Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R sport bike, as the Mirabel, QC native finished just a few laps shy of catching the battle for second after setting the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike lap record during Qualifying for that support category earlier in the day.
The field is scheduled to complete the one-day invitational with race two at roughly 5:30 pm ET, as Szoke looks to sweep the season opener doubleheader for Kawasaki.
Full results can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.
Jordan Szoke (left) in the pits with his Kawasaki ZX-10R at Calabogie Motorsports Park. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP.
Szoke on pole for Calabogie doubleheader
Calabogie, ON – July 25, 2020 – Thirteen-time National champion Jordan Szoke will start Saturday’s one-day Pro Superbike doubleheader from pole position at Calabogie Motorsports Park, setting the fastest time in qualifying at the invitational event, sponsored by IBEW and presented by Pro6 Cycle.
The veteran rider sat outside the top row for nearly the entire first half of qualifying, with rookie Samuel Guerin stealing the show as the fastest rider early on, but it wasn’t long before Szoke managed to place his General Warranty Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja in the top spot with a time of 1:03.983.
That time would hold up down the stretch as Szoke grabbed provisional pole for both of Saturday’s races, clearing Royal Distributing BMW S1000RR veteran Michael Leon by 0.209 seconds as the Beaconsfield, QC native captured the best qualifying position of his career and his first front-row start since 2018.
Guerin, who competed in just two National events as an amateur in 2019, jumped out to an early lead in the session but was unable to improve upon that time down the stretch, settling for third and a front-row start for his Pro debut aboard his EFC Group BMW.
Leading off the second row will be title contender Trevor Daley, who will look to make up for his fourth-place qualifying spot with a good launch aboard his M4-sponsored Suzuki Canada GSX-R1000R.
Completing the front two rows will be BMW veteran and former race-winner Jeff Williams, who briefly held the top of the charts before falling behind Szoke and his BMW counterparts. The Inverary, ON native struggled with tire pressure issues late in qualifying but still managed to qualify within 0.723 seconds of Szoke out front, as he and Daley will look to join the battle up front early on.
The results became official following Szoke’s clearance of post-race tech, registering a mark of 194.24 horsepower on the official Dynojet rear-wheel test.
The 17-rider grid is scheduled for race one at roughly 2:10 pm ET, before completing the one-day doubleheader with race two at roughly 5:30 pm ET.
The full results and schedule for Saturday’s action can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.
Marc Marquez withdraws from Andalucia GP, Alex Marquez plots his comeback
The Repsol Honda Team forged ahead in Andalucia, the incredible efforts of Marc and Alex Marquez and their teams unfortunately unrewarded as Alex aims for a spirited comeback on Sunday.
All eyes were on the Repsol Honda Team garage as the second day of the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucía began, Marc Marquez making an incredible return to the circuit just four days after surgery on a broken right humerus. The Repsol Honda Team continued their work as normal, building on the data and learning of the last race and adapting as the conditions developed.
For Marc Marquez the day was about adapting and understanding the situation, each lap giving himself and his team more information about how his body was reacting to the demands of a MotoGP machine. Marc alongside HRC and the Repsol Honda Team elected to end his participation in the Andalucia GP after Free Practice 4 to avoid any further risks. This is the first Grand Prix Marc has missed since the 2011 Valencia GP while riding in the Moto2 class. His aim is to now return for the Czech GP on August 09.
It was a day of contrasts for Alex Marquez who continued to improve each time he left the pits on his Repsol Honda RC213V in FP3 and FP4. The day started with a solid Free Practice 3 session, making another step towards the top ten before an impressive run in Free Practice 4 where the rookie consistently ran inside the top ten. Unfortunately, this progress would go unrewarded in a difficult Q1 session which ended with a fall at Turn 5. Alex will start from 21st on the grid.
Takaaki Nakagami continued to shine aboard the LCR Honda RC213V as the Japanese ace topped FP4 and qualified eighth.
The second race in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship will begin at 14:00 Local Time, the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto once again set to host a thrilling 25-lap premier-class spectacle.
Alex Marquez
21ST 1’39.648
“It was a very positive FP4 and I was feeling very good with used tyres but then I struggled more on new tyres. I made a lot of mistakes during Qualifying and I’m not able to really make the most of the initial grip, this is certainly something I have to work on because qualifying in MotoGP is so important. Even so, our race pace is looking better, and I am pleased with this. I also had a small crash, my arm is OK after some initial pain because the crash was quite fast, but it will be fine for tomorrow and the plan is to go forward tomorrow.”
Marc Marquez
WITHDRAWN
“It has been a difficult week and a lot has happened since last Sunday when certainly I would not have said ‘I will try to race next week’. But when you have a passion for something and you devote yourself to achieving something, you have to at least try so your conscience is calm. After the operation I saw I had mobility in the elbow and good strength and I was able to do some push-ups, of course there was pain there but it was manageable. I then spoke with Honda about all of the options and we agreed to try on Saturday, to see what was possible at least. Throughout I have listened to the doctors and my body, in the morning today I was feeling good and we were happy with our progress. But then when it came time to do the Time Attack, when it is less about being consistent and more about being aggressive, the arm was without strength. I don’t know if it was from the swelling or from the heat but I knew I needed to listen to my body. Throughout this process I have spoken with my Repsol Honda Team and with HRC and I want to say thank you to them for always respecting my decisions. I also want to thank the doctors, physios and those close to me for helping me to try and chase this dream. Sadly, we cannot race tomorrow but I will continue to do everything I can to be back on track in Brno and to fight for the championship.”
Alberto Puig
Team Manager
“This morning the objective was to make first contact with the bike and we saw that Marc could still be fast. In the afternoon the plan was to do a longer run. Either due to the heat or fatigue from the morning, he experienced more problems and found it more difficult. Obviously we have understood that it was better not to take more risks. We have followed the plan, which was to miss Friday and see how Marc felt today. Now we have analyzed the situation and made the decision not to participate in tomorrow’s race. We have followed the plan, always checking the physical condition of the rider. Marc has tried to listen to his body, to see how he responded. When he saw that he could not, we have all decided not to race tomorrow. Marc is very strong. He wanted to try, and we wanted to give him the opportunity to do it, we have supported him at all times. I think we have made the right decision at all times. A champion cannot stay at home if he thinks he has the option or a slight chance. Now he has a lot of inflammation, but it will pass. There are many races ahead and the goal is to arrive in Brno in the best way.”
The rookie heads the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup grid, ahead of Ferrari and another impressive lap from Tulovic
Saturday, 25 July 2020
Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) converted his Free Practice form into his maiden FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup E-Pole in Round 2, with the Swiss rider back on top for the first time since taking pole for the 2014 German Moto2™ Grand Prix. He beat second fastest Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) by 0.267. and two rookies will line-up on the front row once again as Lukas Tulovic (Tech3 E-Racing) set a 1:48.525 and mastered the final sector to sit third.
Track temperatures for the MotoE™ riders sat at a sizzling 60+ degrees on Saturday afternoon as Cup standings leader Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) went in search of his second pole in seven days. After Jakub Kornfeil (WithU Motorsport), Maria Herrera (Openbank Aspar Team) – the Spaniard having her lap time cancelled for exceeding track limits – and Alessandro Zaccone (Trentino Gresini MotoE) had completed their laps, Josh Hook (Octo Pramac MotoE) fired in a low 1:49 so set the other riders which a good benchmark time to beat.
Next thought it was a disaster for Tommaso Marcon (Tech3 E-Racing) as the Italian left pitlane too late, seeing the rookie getting a black flag in his second E-Pole session. There were no such errors for Tulovic though as the German slammed in a stunning lap time, his aforementioned 1:48.525 a tenth faster than Granado’s E-Pole time at the Spanish GP – and that time was going to take some beating.
Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) and Alejandro Medina (Openbank Aspar Team) slotted in behind Tulovic’s time despite their best effort, but Ferrari was able to knock the German off his perch to nick provisional pole by a tenth. Then came Granado, with all eyes on the Brazilian. Could the runaway Spanish GP winner put another chink in his opponents’ armour by taking pole? The number 51 had two moments on his flying lap – most notably the back getting squirmy out of Turn 6 – and that would ultimately cost him pole position as he slotted into P3, with Aegerter still to go
Could he take the pressure? More than. The former Moto2™ winner made no mistakes on his run to grab pole position by over two tenths, demoting Ferrari to second and Granado off the front row. Torres and Medina will start 5th and 6th on the second row, with the experienced Alex de Angelis (Octo Pramac MotoE) heading row three. Mattia Casadei (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Niccolo Canepa (LCR E-Team) and Hook complete the top 10
Tune into the second MotoE™ race of 2020 when the electric class kick off race proceedings at 10:05 local time (GMT+2).
Dominique Aegerter: “For me I’m very happy to start as poleman, we did a great job, we worked very hard this week, we were checking the data from last weekend, the team was working very hard to improve, and me to get more used to the bike! They did a greatjob, it was very hot working in the E-paddock! And as a rider on the track it’s very hot as well. The E-pole is very special, you cannot risk too much and you need to pay attention to track limits, so you need to push and we made a perfect lap. This will be a good chance for me tomorrow to start better than last weekend. I’m looking forward to it.”
Marquez withdraws from Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia
The reigning Champion will not race in Jerez, despite being classed fit to ride on Thursday
Marc Marquez. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reigning MotoGP™ World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) has confirmed his withdrawal from the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia. Marquez, who broke his humerus in a crash during the Spanish GP, was declared fit to ride on Thursday but ultimately will not race due to the risk and pain caused by doing so.
After putting in his first laps back on track in FP3 and continuing in FP4, the number 93 then left his garage during Q1. The Repsol Honda Team confirmed he would take no further part in that session, before it was revealed he would in fact take no further part in the race weekend.
Marc Marquez: “Of course, it’s something that I’m here. I already understood it would be very difficult to ride the bike, and to be able to finish the 25 laps in the race but honestly speaking after surgery I saw there was a small possibility so I needed to try. When you are a sportsman and you have a passion for something, you try, and today I will sleep well, because I tried. It wasn’t possible but what I did is only follow my body, my body said that I must try and that’s what I did.
“I spoke with Honda and this was the plan, try on Saturday morning, check the level and condition on the track and it was really good! I was surprised to ride a 37 and ride in a good way, but in the afternoon I started again, and in the first round I felt good, I was kind of surprised by the rhythm on used tyres! But for some reason I stopped in the box and when I went out again, immediate it went down, in the elbow; more than the bone it was the elbow, the nerve or something. I lost power and this becomes dangerous.
“What I did is what I did already all week – follow my body and my body in that moment said stop. I stopped in the box and said to Honda I will try one lap in Q1, and if I have the same feeling I will stop and we give up. And it’s what we did but I want to say thanks to all the doctors, the physios, to my team, because they did really hard work. We tried, it wasn’t possible, but already in the next hour I will start to work for the Brno GP.”
Alberto Puig, Repsol Honda Team Manager: “This morning the objective was to make first contact with the bike and we saw that Marc could still be fast. In the afternoon the plan was to do a longer run. Either due to the heat or fatigue from the morning, he experienced more problems and found it more difficult. Obviously we have understood that it was better not to take more risks. We have followed the plan, which was to miss Friday and see how Marc felt today. Now we have analyzed the situation and made the decision not to participate in tomorrow’s race.
“We have followed the plan, always checking the physical condition of the rider. Marc has tried to listen to his body, to see how he responded. When he saw that he could not, we have all decided not to race tomorrow. Marc is very strong. He wanted to try, and we wanted to give him the opportunity to do it, we have supported him at all times. I think we have made the right decision at all times. A champion cannot stay at home if he thinks he has the option or a slight chance. Now he has a lot of inflammation, but it will pass. There are many races ahead and the goal is to arrive in Brno in the best way.”
Quartararo vs Viñales: the duel for pole goes down to the wire
Last minute drama, amazing pace from Independent Teams and some big reveals for race day characterise Saturday at Jerez
Saturday, 25 July 2020
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has claimed back-to-back pole positions at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto thanks to a 1:37.007 at the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia, beating Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) to the honour as the number 12 had his fastest effort cancelled for exceeding track limits. The last minute slice of drama makes it three poles in a row at the venue for Quartararo after his rookie heroics in last year’s Spanish GP, and his fourth pole in a row stretching back to Sepang 2019. Completing the top three was an impressive performance from Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing), with the Italian taking his first premier class front row start and doing it as top Ducati to boot.
The session was set up for a duel from the off, and that’s what we got. Quartararo was hitting first and ultimately it all came down to Viñales: the gauntlet was thrown, a 1:37.007, but could the Spaniard hit back? The answer appeared to be yes and it was advantage Viñales, but not long after he crossed the line, the drama hit and the lap suddenly disappeared off the timing screens. Where he had seemed a tenth clear, the Spaniard was pushed down to second and the replay showed why: track limits. A small infraction but a clear one, the pole was handed to ‘El Diablo’.
Behind that, Bagnaia’s impressive pace from last weekend has only been increasing and the Italian made another step forward with a landmark first premier class front row, and less than a tenth off Viñales. He was also a nice little chunk of time clear of mentor of sorts Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), with the ‘Doctor’ bumped down to head the second row.
That second row is nevertheless a big leap forward for the nine-time World Champion after a tougher time out in the Spanish GP at times, and he beat a stunning performance from Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) to keep the Portuguese rider in fifth by only a couple of thousandths. It’s Oliveira’s best, however, and he’s top KTM after a slightly tougher Saturday afternoon for the Austria factory than promised. Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completes the second row.
Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) will be looking for revenge against his less experienced teammate Bagnaia from P7, and the Australian having only narrowly missed out on a podium last week so he’ll want a good launch off the line with, which his machinery may help. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) had another impressive session to join Miller on Row 3, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) locking that out in P9. The South African didn’t quite replicate his searing Friday, but he seems one to watch once the lights go out, with serious speed. He has also won from the back at Jerez in Moto3™ – a stat that becomes even more impressive considering no one has ever won from pole in the class…
Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) leads the Suzuki charge in tenth, with Hamamatsu factory teammate Alex Rins on the superhuman comeback from injury and starting 20th after managing a few more laps on Saturday. 11th went the way of Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team), with P12 filled by Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) after a heartbreakingly-timed crash in Q2. Rider ok, and ready to light it up again on Sunday as KTM’s pace continues to impress.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) put in a mammoth effort to go from surgery on a broken scaphoid only a few days ago to almost getting through from Q1, and he’ll start P13, ahead of a difficult day at the office for Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), who’ll be looking to launch forward. Johann Zarco (Hublot Reale Avintia Racing) starts P15.
That’s it from another scorching Saturday in Jerez, tune in for more action on Sunday with MotoE™ at 10:05 (GMT +2), Moto3™ next, Moto2™ after that… and then another stunning MotoGP™ battle at 14:00.
3 Francesco Bagnaia – Pramac Racing – Ducati – +0.169
Fabio Quartararo: “At the end today was really a good day for us, FP4 was so positive, we did 10 laps in a row with good pace which was important for us. But today I was so surprised to get pole position. I did a 36.9 and I thought ‘this will be a front row’. And at the end it was pole! So, happy. The conditions were strange because in FP4 it was really great, then in quali it was a bit windy and not so good, but I’m happy we got pole and have really good pace for tomorrow.”
Bezzecchi scorches to first intermediate class pole
The Italian is back on top, beating Lowes and Bastianini to pole in Jerez
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46) took his first Moto2™ pole position on Saturday in the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia, ending Q2 0.037 ahead of Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) to take the honour and show more top pace in 2020. Behind Lowes, who has won at the venue before, it’s Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) who completes the front row – and after coming through Q1.
Under the scorching Andalucian sun, it was Bezzecchi and Sky Racing Team VR46 teammate Luca Marini who were at the summit from the off, with the Italians working well in tandem once again, but Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up) then hit back to get in the mix. Bezzecchi wouldn’t be denied though and the Italian put in another stunner to take back the provisional pole, with Bastianini then shooting up to P2. Lowes looked like the last man to threaten but ultimately just fell hundredths short and takes second.
Navarro starts fourth and will be hoping his luck will change after his Turn 1, opening lap crash at the Spanish GP last week. He’s joined by Spanish GP winner Marini, who couldn’t improve on his last run, and last weekend’s polesitter Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) on the second row.
Aron Canet (Openbank Aspar Team Moto2) had another strong showing in P7, with the impressive rookie set to lead the more experienced Nicolo Bulega (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact GP) away from the third row. Lüthi’s teammate Marcel Schrötter rounds out the top 10 having had an off-track excursion at Turn 1 in Q2.
Championship leader Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) had to settle for P15 in Q2, and he’ll be one looking for some points and progress on Sunday. The Japanese rider is on the comeback from a heavy FP3 crash, and may be set on damage control in the Sunday heat.
Tune in for the Moto2™ race at 12:20 local time (GMT+2) in Jerez as Bezzecchi goes all in to change pole to victory!
Moto2™ front row
1 Marco Bezzecchi- Sky Racing Team VR46 – Kalex – 1:41.728
2 Sam Lowes – EG 0,0 Marc VDS – Kalex +0.037
3 Enea Bastianini – Italtrans Racing Team – Kalex – +0.117
Marco Bezzecchi: “It’s important to be here, especially for me, because I had a difficult season last year and the injury, so a tough period, but today I was very strong. I’m very happy for this because the team worked really well, and this this pole is for the Sky Racing Team, they saved me. I’m very happy so I want to thank the team, the academy, Vale, everyone. And now I’m focused for tomorrow because it will be difficult with the hot conditions and my foot, but for the moment I’ll enjoy it and I’m very happy!”
Suzuki stuns again for third consecutive pole
The Japanese rider heads Ogura and Rodrigo as Moto3™ get ready for another battle in Jerez
Tatsuki Suzuki (24). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) showed three is very much a magic number for the number 24 in 2020, taking a third consecutive pole position in the Gran Premio Red Bull de Andalucia in style. The Japanese rider also had an even bigger gap than last week as he got the better of compatriot Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) by 0.285, with Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) completing the third row, just a further 0.011 in arrears.
Hot temperatures and clear skies were once again the name of the game, and once again Suzuki came out on top and stamped some authority on Saturday. The gap back from the front row to the second was nearly two tenths too, with Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) putting that in for fourth. He’s joined on Row 2 by Spanish GP podium finisher Tony Arbolino (Rivacold Snipers Team), only thousandths off, with Championship leader Albert Arenas (Solunion Aspar Team Moto3) in sixth just 0.002 off Arbolino.
Reigning FIM Moto3™ Junior World Champion Jeremy Alcoba (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) took seventh and got the better of veteran John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing), with Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) making a big move forward on Saturday to take ninth. Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) completes the top ten.
Andrea Migno (Sky Racing Team VR46) was one crasher in the session, and the Italian paid the price as he starts 18th. Two more riders to likely look out for on Sunday coming from a little further back will be previous Jerez winner Niccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), who just missed out on moving into Q2 after he sat out the final couple of minutes of Q1 and starts 20th, and Darryn Binder (CIP Green Power), who’s in 25th but stormed through the pack last week. Can they get back in the mix?
Tune in for Round 3 of Moto3™ on Sunday from 11:00 (GMT +2)!
Moto3™ front row
1 Tatsuki Suzuki – SIC58 Squadra Corse – Honda 1:45.410
2 Ai Ogura – Honda Team Asia – Honda +0.285
3 Gabriel Rodrigo – Kömmerling Gresini Moto3 – Honda +0.296
Tatsuki Suzuki: “I don’t know how I took this pole position. You know, usually I’m fast on Saturday and struggle a bit on Sunday in the race, so this weekend we concentrated on race distance and I’m very surprised about this laptime, especially in the hot conditions. The laptime makes me more confident, tomorrow I hope I’ll fight for the podium and stay as far forward as possible.”
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