MotoGP: Ezpeleta Asks Everyone To Take Care To Stay Safe

David Swarts

-

July 15, 2020

MotoGP: Ezpeleta Asks Everyone To Take Care To Stay Safe

“I’ve missed the sound of the bikes”: Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta talks getting back on track

Wednesday, 15 July 2020

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta once again sat down to debrief with motogp.com as track action at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto began, with bikes back on track for the one-day test ahead of the Gran Premio Red Bull de España this weekend.

Here is the transcription, you can watch the full video here.

We are finally back on track! How does it feel?

“We’re very happy to be here, especially as we know everyone is arriving well and the tests have been completed. We’re happy to start the season again, we began in Qatar before the pandemic and now everyone is ready to start again. I take the opportunity to tell to everyone: please take care with all the measures we have in place, be strict as the virus is something dangerous and it’s important to keep ourselves safe.”

Hearing Grand Prix motorcycles around a race track once again is pretty special as well…

“Really, when I arrived this morning and heard the noise of the bikes… it’s something I’ve missed all this time! We’re in the situation we want to be in: making races happen.”

After a lot of hard work over the last four months to make this a reality… here we are, starting at one of the ‘Cathedrals’ of the Championship, in Jerez!

“Normally the ‘European season’ starts in Jerez, and now we’re starting a bit later! But I’m very happy. Jerez has been very helpful and collaborative, as have all the tracks – including the circuits who aren’t on the calendar this year, they understood the problem and have been collaborating with us. And I’d like to say thank you to all the circuits on the calendar.”

And the most important part of all this has been the collaboration between the FIM, IRTA, Dorna to make this happen… but via phone calls, Skype, Zoom?

“I think it’s been helpful for everyone. We’re very happy to have the opportunity to work with everyone, from the start we decided to work together and we’ve taken into consideration the ‘least worst’ for everyone, and of course the most important thing is making races happen. That’s been everyone’s aim all this time. And I’m so proud of the partners we have, the FIM, IRTA, manufacturers, riders, marshals, circuits, everybody has been very helpful. We’re trying to adapt a very difficult situation into one that’s getting better for everyone.”

Finally we’re bringing our sport back for people to enjoy, and it’s dedicated to the victims of Covid-19 and the key workers who have been tirelessly working to save lives around the world… what would you like to say about that?

“This is our main aim. We must continue, and we want to use these races this year as an homage to all those who have been affected by coronavirus and the people working to help us get through it. This is our contribution to all of them and this will be the aim for all of us all season.”

Finally, what’s your message to the fans watching from home this weekend?

“TV this year is crucial for us, as now that’s where everyone will see the races. So I just hope they’ll be as good as last year! This is the most important thing, for us it’s very important to make sure the sport and the show are as they were before the pandemic.”

MotoGP: Quartararo Penalized For Testing Rules Violation

David Swarts

-

July 15, 2020

0

MotoGP: Quartararo Penalized For Testing Rules Violation

FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Notifications of Sanction: Fabio Quartararo and Sergio Garcia

Wednesday, 15 July 2020

Please find attached sanctions for MotoGP™ rider Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Moto3™ rider Sergio Garcia (Estrella Galicia 0,0) following hearings to investigate possible breaches of the FIM Grand Prix Regulations covering practice and testing, specifically Article 1.15.1. c) Rider Training and Track Familiarisation, regarding the type of machines permitted for rider training.

Both have been suspended from the first 20 minutes of the FP1 session of the Gran Premio Red Bull de España.

Fabio Quartararo has appealed the decision and more information will be provided as soon as available.

Notice of Sanction to Fabio Quartararo:

FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel

NOTIFICATION OF SANCTION

To: The Team of Fabio Quartararo, Rider No. 20 of the MotoGP Class

Dear Sir,

According to Article 3.5.5 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, we confirm our decision.

Motive

On 18 and 19 June 2020 you were found to be training at the Paul Ricard circuit with a motorcycle specification that did not comply with Article 1.15.1 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.

Convocation

You were summoned to attend a hearing with the MotoGP Stewards Panel. You attended the hearing and acknowledged the facts presented. The MotoGP Stewards accept the explanation that the infraction was unintentional, however it does contravene Article 1.15.1 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.

Sanction

For the above motive, the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel has imposed on you a suspension of the first 20 minutes from the FP1 session of the GRAN PREMIO RED BULL DE ESPAÑA.

Right of Appeal

According to Articles 3.4.2, 3.4.6, and 3.4.7 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, you have the right to appeal against this decision of the MotoGP Stewards Panel to the FIM Appeal Stewards. A statement of appeal must be made within 30 minutes from the date and time of this notification, and accompanied by a security deposit of €1320. The appeal can be lodged with IRTA who may also arrange for guarantee of the
security deposit payment.

Sincerely,

FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel

Bill Cumbow Freddie Spencer Andres Somolinos

Notice of Sanction to Sergio Garcia:

FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel

NOTIFICATION OF SANCTION

To: The Team of Sergio GARCIA, Rider No. 11 of the Moto3 Class

Dear Sir,

According to Article 3.5.5 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, we confirm our decision.

Motive

You were found to be training at the Aragon circuit in June 2020 with a motorcycle specification that did not comply with Article 1.15.1 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations. The MotoGP Technical director issued a reminder and clarification of these regulations on 14 May 2020.

Convocation

You were summoned to attend a hearing with the MotoGP Stewards Panel. You attended the hearing and acknowledged the facts presented. The MotoGP Stewards accept the explanation that the infraction was unintentional, however it does contravene Article 1.15.1 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations.

Sanction

For the above motive, the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel has imposed on you a suspension of the first 20 minutes from the FP1 session of the GRAN PREMIO RED BULL DE ESPAÑA.

Right of Appeal

According to Articles 3.4.2, 3.4.6, and 3.4.7 of the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Regulations, you have the right to appeal against this decision of the MotoGP Stewards Panel to the FIM Appeal Stewards. A statement of appeal must be made within 30 minutes from the date and time of this notification, and accompanied by a security deposit of €1320. The appeal can be lodged with IRTA who may also arrange for guarantee of the
security deposit payment.

Sincerely,

FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel

Bill Cumbow Freddie Spencer Andres Somolinos

MotoAmerica: “Hammer Down” Video Episode 2

David Swarts

-

July 15, 2020

0

MotoAmerica: “Hammer Down” Video Episode 2

The 2020 season marks Team Hammer Inc.’s 40th consecutive year of competing as a professional road racing team. This year, Team Hammer is running the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship as M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, fielding Superbike riders Toni Elias & Bobby Fong, Supersport riders Sean Dylan Kelly & Lucas Silva, and Stock 1000 rider Alex Dumas, as well as providing technical support for several other teams and riders. The story of America’s longest continuously operating professional road racing team continues…

Follow us on our Socials!

Instagram: instagram.com/team_hammer_inc/

Facebook: facebook.com/teamhammer.inc/

Twitter: twitter.com/TeamHammerRR/

MotoAmerica: Gagne Fastest As Teams Test At Ridge Motorsports Park

David Swarts

-

July 14, 2020

0

MotoAmerica: Gagne Fastest As Teams Test At Ridge Motorsports Park

Monster Energy Attack Performance Yamaha’s Jake Gagne was the fastest rider during Day One of a private two-day MotoAmerica team test Tuesday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.

Riding his Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike on spec Dunlop tires, Gagne lapped the 16-turn, 2.47-mile road course in an unofficial time of 1:42.9 while utilizing the new Turn One chicane and some track knowledge from a track day three years ago.

“It’s definitely always nice to be fast,” Gagne exclusively told Roadracingworld.com. “Of the Superbike guys, I think I was the only one who had been here before and done some laps. So early in the day, we knew we were up to speed fairly quickly, because it does take some laps to get all of the reference points dialed in.

“Everyone I talked to has really been enjoying the track. It’s a pretty tricky little track, actually. It has lots of elevation, which is really fun, some slow stuff, some faster stuff, a lot of blind turns. Getting some laps in and finding those reference points really makes a difference.

“It was my first time seeing that new Turn One chicane, which is actually pretty good. It’s one of the hardest braking zones on the track, so it’s going to be a good place to make some passes. With this place there’s not a lot of long straightaways leading into big braking zones, but there’s a lot of opportunity to be creative with passes because you’re going to have to be creative here. There’s a lot of different lines you can run. I think it will make for good racing.”

Gagne outpaced his teammate, four-time and defending MotoAmerica Champion Cameron Beaubier 1:42.9 to 1:43.1, according to their team owner Richard Stanboli, but it was Beaubier’s first time riding at Ridge Motorsports Park.

“It was a good day, but at first the track was pretty tricky,” said Beaubier. “There’s a lot of blind sections and the blind sections are pretty fast. So, it took me a little bit to piece everything together. It’s a pretty fun track when you get flowing through it. I’m glad that we got to come ride here before the race, that’s for sure.

“We didn’t tweak too much on the bike. We dialed in gearing a little bit, just small things like that, some electronic things. But we mainly focused on getting comfortable with the layout of the track.

“It has some different sections. The corners after the new Turn One chicane — Turns Three, Four, Five, and Six — that reminds me of Pittsburgh [International Race Complex] the way that section flows. The middle of the track, a couple of spots remind me of COTA with the decreasing radius first-gear corners. So, it’s got a cool little mix that keeps you on your toes.”

Also seeing the track for the first time was Bobby Fong, who in spite of winning Race Two at Road America 2 is still very new to his M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R Superbike with a lot to learn, he says.

“The first day with the electronics is all about getting the electronics to work correctly in the right sectors,” said Fong. “So, we spent the first half of the day learning the track and getting the electronics all situated and working properly. After that we started working on bike setup and stuff.

“It’s good to be able to go testing like this. It took me a while to get going again, because I have to ride the bike differently. Every track I go to on this bike is a new challenge to me. I get used to the bike at one track, and then a new track is all different. So, it’s a challenge for me, but I’m improving each time.

“The track is fun. It’s tight, but it’s fun. It took me a while to get used to it because it’s a lot of blind corners. The curbing at the apex of the corners is really raised. I wish it was flatter. So, it’s hard to not hit the curbing at the apexes. But other than that, the track’s good. It’s got good grip. It’s different than most of the tracks we race at. It’s like a mixture of Pittsburgh and Sonoma Raceway. I think it’s going to provide some good racing.”

Fong’s teammate Toni Elias had the luxury of participating in a track day at Ridge Motorsports Park recently, which helped the Spaniard get up to speed quickly Tuesday and continue the development work on his Superbike.

“I had a really positive day,” said Elias. “The team brought me a new solution and I tried straightaway and worked. I started with the hardest tire with this new solution and felt much more grip, no spinning, going forward with traction. And then when I started using [softer-compound Dunlops], I had really great feelings and was very close to the Yamahas, and then we kind of stopped that work. We will continue it tomorrow because we will try swingarms.

“And the track is really nice. I love it. A lot of up and down and blind corners, very technical. I just love it. I can’t wait to race here and do a great result, because this is a track I like and I felt good quickly.”

The only other riders who participated in Day One were M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Supersport rider Sean Dylan Kelly and defending MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion Rocco Landers, an Oregon resident, who rode his Norton Motorsports/Ninja400R.com/Dr. Farr Racing Kawasaki Ninja 400.

The private test will continue Wednesday.

MotoAmerica is scheduled to race at Ridge Motorsports Park August 28-30.

Unofficial Lap Times (as supplied by teams):

Jake Gagne (Yam YZF-R1), Superbike, 1:42.9
Cameron Beaubier (Yam YZF-R1), Superbike, 1:43.1
Toni Elias (Suz GSX-R1000R), Superbike, 1:43.8
Bobby Fong (Suz GSX-R1000R), Superbike, 1:44.3
Sean Dylan Kelly (Suz GSX-R600), Supersport, 1:47.0
Rocco Landers (Kaw Ninja 400), Junior Cup, 1:54.8

MotoGP: Suzuki ECSTAR Riders Eager To Start Season

David Swarts

-

July 14, 2020

0

MotoGP: Suzuki ECSTAR Riders Eager To Start Season

TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR GEARED UP FOR SEASON START

After the long hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 MotoGP World Championship is ready to kick off its season this weekend at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. Team Suzuki Ecstar are keen to get underway following promising pre-season tests and the ever increasing form of their two riders, Alex Rins and Joan Mir.

On the MotoGP calendar every year since 1987, it’s fair to say that Jerez is one of the classics of the series. In a stunning valley setting with seemingly endless corners and two short straights, it is popular with riders and fans alike.

Rins comes into the first race of the year with a positive attitude following a successful 2019 season which saw him take two spectacular wins and fourth position in the Championship. The southern Spanish circuit certainly suited the GSX-RR and Alex Rins last year when he brought home second place and the much coveted ‘sherry glass’ trophy.

Joan Mir enters 2020 with determination after an impressive rookie season which saw him finish in the Top 10 ten times despite a debilitating mid-season injury. The Mallorcan showed great pace in testing and he will be aiming to erase the memory of his 2019 Jerez DNF, replacing it with something far more celebratory.

The Andalucian circuit will have strict measures in place to ensure the safety of all paddock personnel, and this means that for the first time in history the race will be held under “closed door” conditions with no fans in the grandstands or paddock.

A one-day test will take place on Wednesday July 15th in order to let the riders ‘shakedown’ before the start of the race weekend.

Davide Brivio – Team Manager:

“We’re very happy to begin the championship, even though it’s a strange feeling to start in July. Like everybody, we have to see the effect of this long break because it won’t be easy for the riders, who haven’t ridden competitively for several months. Our GSX-RR was strong in the winter tests, and we’re interested to see what our level is now. The season will be shorter, but I expect it will be very exciting, and the main protagonists will likely be the same as always. Alex and Joan have done as much training as possible during this period, and they are fit, ready and keen. Let’s see how the weekend goes! As always in MotoGP, I think we’ll see a great show.”

Alex Rins:

“I feel good, more prepared than ever. I’ve trained throughout lockdown and I feel ready to start, I’m really pumped and looking forward to it. The Jerez layout is spectacular, with a lot of fast corners, and I always feel good riding here. It’s been a long time without riding the MotoGP bike, although I have trained with my GSX-R1000, so let’s see how it goes. During the test day I will try to re-establish the feeling and then work on setup.”

Joan Mir:

“Physically I feel really good; having this extra time has allowed me to train more and to participate in one of my passions, which is motocross. I’ve been able to train more than usual and to increase my level, which has improved my fitness because motocross is very tough on the body. I’ve also been spending time in the gym and building my strength. Over the years I’ve improved my performance at Jerez, and it’s a track that I enjoy a lot, so I hope to get a good result here. At the test on Wednesday we will reconfirm the settings and it will be important to find the rhythm, the aim is to be competitive from Friday onwards.”

MotoE World Cup: Series Returns Next Weekend At Jerez

David Swarts

-

July 14, 2020

0

MotoE World Cup: Series Returns Next Weekend At Jerez

Veterans vs rookies: MotoE™ ready to race in 2020

The inaugural FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup made headlines for all the right reasons. Season two only promises even more…

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

The time is finally nigh and the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup is ready to get back on track. After an incredible first season packed full of awesome races that went right down to the wire, season two returns with a few familiar faces – and a few new ones.

The Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto hosts the opener and it’s a track the grid know well from testing, which could make for a bit of a leveler for the newcomers. Reigning Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE) is most definitely the man with a target on his back as season two begins though, and he looks to have lost none of his pace in testing. That added to the confidence of returning as the man to beat will only add to the mountain the rest have to climb, but the grid will be as close as ever.

Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), the 2019 third place man, is sure to be a contender for both the Cup and the first win of the year. The Brazilian aced testing ahead of the inaugural Cup before the best laid plans of mice and former European Moto2™ Champions went awry, but by the end of the season he was on a roll and ended the year with a double win. He’ll be looking to pick up where he left off and more.

The other 2019 winners – Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) and Niki Tuuli (Avant Ajo MotoE) – will also have their eyes on the prize. Consistency and injury respectively hurt their campaigns last year, but now it’s a complete reset for a new season and they’ll be wanting to stay near the top – or at it – in what’s a competitive field. Xavier Simeon was another fast man in 2019 and he’s now at LCR E-Team alongside Niccolo Canepa, and the likes of Alex De Angelis (Octo Pramac MotoE), Mattia Casadei (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse), Maria Herrera (Openbank Aspar Team) and Josh Hook (Octo Pramac MotoE) all bring their experience back for season two.

And then there are the new faces. Moto2™ race winners Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt Intact GP) and Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) move to MotoE™ this year, as does Moto3™ veteran Jakub Kornfeil as the Czech rider gets the call up to replace Bradley Smith at WithU Motorsport. He’s going in almost blind too, just to add to the challenge – and will likely be the busiest man in the test on Wednesday.

Lukas Tulovic (Tech 3 E-Racing) is another new to the class – and another with plenty of Moto2™ experience – and a good few faces he now races in the Moto2™ European Championship are also heading from their season openers in Estoril and Portimao in the FIM CEV Repsol to get back on track in MotoE™. They include Tuuli, Alessandro Zaccone (Trentino Gresini MotoE), Alejandro Medina (Openbank Aspar Team) and Xavier Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), all of whom will be eager to hit the ground running.

Tommaso Marcon (Tech 3 E-Racing) is another of a similar profile, but the Italian is instead on the way back from an injury sustained in testing. Will that affect his debut? Or will the shorter race distance of MotoE™ and his couple of weeks of recovery time work in his favour?

It’s a mouthwatering cast of riders in the 2020 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup. From experienced veterans to fresh faces, every CV is packed with experience from 125s and 250s to Moto3™, Moto2™ and MotoGP™, as well as WorldSSP, WorldSBK and more – making a true melting pot of a grid. Who will strike first?

Find out from the 17th to the 19th of July at Jerez, after a day of testing on Wednesday gives us a glimpse of the how the cards may have shuffled ahead of lift off.

More, from a press release issued by Energica Motor Company:

ENERGICA POWERS UP FOR MOTOE SEASON DEBUT AT JEREZ

The FIM Enel MotoE World Cup is finally getting underway, with the long-awaited opening round of the 2020 season taking place this weekend at ‘Circuito de Jerez’ in Southern Spain. Energica, the single manufacturer in the one-make series for electric motorcycles, have arrived with their racing staff and Energica Ego Corsa machines to take part in the one-day official test scheduled for tomorrow.

Three half-hour sessions will allow riders to resume the work done in Jerez in March (during the official test performed just prior to the lockdown) and get ready for a crucial weekend of crowd-free – but still extremely exciting – electric motorcycle racing.

The weekend itself will feature a third free practice session on Saturday leading up to the afternoon’s E-Pole, something which was very well received last year at the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring – the only round that featured this extra session for the MotoE class.

The 18 MotoE riders will head into the first round of the season with a large amount of data under their belts, which bodes well for a great show come Sunday. The opening encounter will be fought over seven laps.

After topping the timesheets during the official three-day test performed last March, the reigning World Cup Champion Matteo Ferrari (Team Trentino Gresini MotoE) will begin his title defence against some old and new threats: double winner at Valencia last year Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) and rookie Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt IntactGP) showed great promise, but a whole host of other opponents have already proved to be capable of aiming for gold.

Things might be slightly trickier for 27-year-old Jakub Kornfeil, from the Czech Republic, who stepped in to replace Bradley Smith in the WithU Motorsport Team after the British star received a late call to make his MotoGP return.

Stay tuned via Energica social media and visit www.energicamotor.com in order to keep up to date with the latest news from Jerez and do not forget to listen to the ‘Electrifying Podcast’ for some special episodes throughout the weekend.

The podcast is now also available on Spotify and Google Podcast.

MotoGP: Dovizioso’s “Real Condition” Unknown Until Test

David Swarts

-

July 14, 2020

0

MotoGP: Dovizioso’s “Real Condition” Unknown Until Test

The wait is over! The Ducati Team returns to action in Jerez de la Frontera for the opening Grand Prix of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship

After the long forced break caused by the Coronavirus emergency, the MotoGP World Championship will finally kick off this weekend at the Spanish circuit of Jerez de la Frontera with the first Grand Prix of the 2020 season. The event, which will be held behind closed doors, will mark the end of the prolonged abstinence from track action for the two Ducati riders, which lasts from the pre-season testing in Qatar at the end of February.

Andrea Dovizioso, recovering from a left collarbone injury, is looking forward to getting back on his Ducati Desmosedici GP bike. The rider from Forlì will be able to check his real condition during tomorrow’s day of testing, which will precede the official start of the race weekend with the first free practice session scheduled for this Friday. For Andrea, who had confirmed himself as runner-up in the World Championship for the third time in a row in 2019, it will be the thirteenth season in MotoGP and the eighth with the team from Borgo Panigale.

On the other side of the garage, for the second consecutive year, there will be Danilo Petrucci. The rider from Terni, author in 2019 of a spectacular victory at Mugello (his first career win in the premier class) and three podiums, will aim to start his season in the best way possible to become one of the protagonists of 2020.

Andrea Dovizioso (#04 Ducati Team)

“Finally, it’s the time that all of us riders have been waiting for months. The World Championship begins, and this is great news for everyone! After the collarbone operation, I continued to work hard to try to get as ready as possible for the Spanish GP. I feel pretty good, my feelings are positive, but until I get in the saddle of the Desmosedici GP, I don’t know what my real conditions are. We will have to get used to the heat of Jerez and, given the short schedule, it will be even more important to be constant and make no mistakes. In any case, being able to see the team and to compete is what I want most right now! Let the action begin!”

Danilo Petrucci (#9 Ducati Team)

“The wait is over! I have missed my team and my bike a lot during these months! It will be a strange championship: the atmosphere in the paddock is very different from the one we are normally used to, but we know that our fans will also support us from home and for this we will give our best as always! The last time I got in the saddle of the Desmosedici GP bike was at the end of February, so in addition to Wednesday’s test, every minute out on track will be precious to be able to find the feeling with the asphalt. We will be in Jerez for two consecutive weekends, so it will be doubly important to be able to get good results this weekend. I’m very motivated and can’t wait to get out on track and get back to work!”

Circuit information

Country: Spain

Name: Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto

Fastest Lap: Márquez (Honda), 1:38.051 (162,3 km/h) – 2019

Circuit Record: Quartararo (Yamaha), 1:36.880 (164,3 km/h) – 2019

Top Speed: Iannone (Ducati), 295,9 km/h – 2015

Track Lenght: 4,423 km

Race distance: 25 laps (110,6 km)

Corners: 13 (5 left, 8 right)

2019 Results

Podium: 1st Márquez (Honda); 2nd Rins (Suzuki), 3rd Viñales (Yamaha)

Pole Position: Quartararo (Yamaha) 1:36.880 (164,3 km/h)

Fastest lap: Márquez (Honda) 1:38.051 (162,3 km/h)

Rider information

Andrea Dovizioso

Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP

Number: 04

Age: 34 (born 23rd March 1986 in Forlimpopoli, Italy)

Residence: Forlì (Italy)

Races: 313 (215 x MotoGP, 49 x 250cc, 49 x 125cc)

First GP: Qatar 2008 (MotoGP), Spain 2005 (250cc), Italy 2001 (125cc)

Wins: 23 (14 MotoGP + 4 250cc + 5 125cc)

First Win: UK 2009 (MotoGP), Catalunya 2006 (250cc), South Africa 2004 (125cc)

Pole Position: 20 (7 MotoGP + 4 250cc + 9 125cc)

First Pole: Japan 2010 (MotoGP), France 2006 (250cc), France2003 (125cc)

World Titles: 1 (125cc, 2004)

Danilo Petrucci

Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP

Number: 9

Age: 29 (born 24th October 1990 in Terni, Italy)

Residence: Forlì (Italy)

Races: 137 (MotoGP)

First GP: 2012 Qatar (MotoGP)

Wins: 1 (MotoGP)

First Win: Italy 2019 (MotoGp)

Pole Position: –

First Pole: –

World Titles: –

World Superbike: Gabellini Replaces Torres At MIE Althea Honda

David Swarts

-

July 14, 2020

0

World Superbike: Gabellini Replaces Torres At MIE Althea Honda

MIE Racing Althea Honda Team announces new 2020 team line-up with the signing of Lorenzo Gabellini in place of Jordi Torres

Tuesday 14 July 2020

While thanking Jordi Torres for his willingness to join the Honda family in WorldSBK before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the MIE Racing Althea Honda Team announces a change in its line-up for the 2020 season.

The Spanish rider has commitments in other championships this season, and although this would not have had a significant impact on the MIE Racing Althea Honda Team’s plans prior to the rescheduling of the racing calendars, his schedule is unfortunately no longer compatible with the revised 2020 WorldSBK calendar.

Both parties have therefore altered their respective plans for 2020, by mutual agreement, meaning that the MIE Racing Althea Honda Team is now pleased to announce that young Italian rider Lorenzo Gabellini will join the squad alongside Takumi Takahashi as of Round 2, set to take place in Jerez de la Frontera (Spain) over the weekend of 31 July-2 August.

The 21-year-old 2019 Italian SSP600 champion is already part of the Althea Racing Team’s line-up in the 2020 Italian Superbike championship. In the opening round, which took place at the Mugello circuit just over a week ago, Lorenzo finished just one tenth of a second from the podium aboard his CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, crossing the line in a very close fourth place in Race 1, and fifth in Race 2.

Lorenzo Gabellini:

“Racing in the World Superbike World Championship has been my dream since I was a child and obviously now I’m very happy and excited that my dream has come true, something for which I wish to thank Genesio Bevilacqua and Midori Moriwaki. This opportunity came unexpectedly but I am ready to work hard to deserve it and to grow in the MIE Racing Althea Honda Team and with the Honda. It is a great challenge, but I am ready and looking forward to it”.

Midori Moriwaki, MIE Racing:

“I am very happy to have Lorenzo Gabellini on the MIE Racing Althea Honda Team and I extend a warm welcome to him. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the entire world is facing many new and unexpected challenges. Things are gradually starting up again now and we too are back at the circuit and back in action. The WorldSBK Championship has a completely new calendar, which is why we have had to reconsider our rider line-up. I would like to thank Jordi Torres and I wish him all the best with his other endeavors. I’m also very grateful to Genesio Bevilacqua, his prompt response in dealing with this situation ensuring that Lorenzo is now part of our team this season”.

Genesio Bevilacqua, Althea Racing:

“Lorenzo Gabellini is a talented young rider, talent that he demonstrated both last year, in the Italian Supersport 600 championship, and just over a week ago, in his first Italian Superbike race with us at Mugello. The situation generated by the pandemic has opened up this unexpected opportunity for Lorenzo, allowing for his collaboration with Althea Racing and MIE Racing in the Superbike world championship. Although Lorenzo is a new entry to the category, I am confident that he will be able to showcase his talent, determination, sporting spirit and professionalism. The MIE Racing Althea Honda Team will offer him an environment in which he can develop his career, without pressure, something that we hope will be to both his and our satisfaction. I thank Midori Moriwaki for creating this opportunity, in line with the true collaborative spirit shared by Althea Racing and MIE Racing”.

MotoGP: Special Helmets For Marquez Brothers At Jerez

David Swarts

-

July 14, 2020

0

MotoGP: Special Helmets For Marquez Brothers At Jerez

New 2020 season begins in Jerez for the Repsol Honda Team

As the world continues to work together and adapt to new ways of living, Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez arrive in Jerez for the start of the MotoGP World Championship.

When the lights go out on Sunday, July 19th, it will be 245 days since the MotoGP World Championship grid raced at the season ending Valencia GP. Since then the world has gone through difficult times and people around the globe have pulled together to help return life to normal and thanks to these efforts, normality and with it racing is set to return.

The Gran Premio Red Bull de España is the second round of the 14-round rescheduled 2020 MotoGP World Championship campaign, with the Moto2 and Moto3 classes having already run in Qatar. A unique schedule presents itself to the teams and riders for the first race with a day of testing on Wednesday after the long break before beginning the traditional Grand Prix weekend format from Friday.

Reigning World Champion Marc Marquez arrives in Jerez eager to reunite with his team and get back to riding the Honda RC213V after a positive end to testing in Qatar. The Jerez Circuit has seen Marquez take three premier class wins and never finish off the podium in his seven previous visits as a MotoGP rider. With round three of the 2020 championship also taking place in Jerez a week later, a productive week will be important to keep momentum with a solid base to work from.

For rookie Alex Marquez, the wait to go racing has seemed even longer as the reigning Moto2 World Champion has been forced to delay his premier class debut. His first pre-season with the Repsol Honda Team was him post impressive times during the Sepang Test and make constant progress while in Qatar. Fresh from extending his agreement with HRC for another two years, Alex’s ambition for the opening weekend is to continue making forward progress, waiting to see what will happen in Sunday’s race.

In addition, both Repsol Honda Team riders will wear special helmets, dedicated to the hard work not only of key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also everyone else who changed their lives to follow the new guidelines and help limit the spread. The helmets will be auctioned off after the weekend with the proceedings going to Cruz Roja Responde.

Marc Marquez

“First I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped and worked hard during these strange times. Now it is our turn to go back to work, to put on a great show and entertain everyone around the world – give them some excitement and rest in these difficult times. Jerez is a circuit I know well and the test on Wednesday will be important because even though we have been able to ride some motocross and keep our fitness, there is nothing like a MotoGP bike. We need to adapt how we work to stay safe and healthy, but I am really excited to see the team again and enjoy riding the Honda.”

Alex Marquez

“It has been a long wait and there have been some difficult times for everyone, and the most important thing is to extend our thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to help us return our lives to normal. This is why we will wear the special helmets; it is just a small gesture, but everything helps. Of course, I am very excited to see the team again and finally make my debut in MotoGP, it’s something everyone dreams of. It’s going to be a different weekend, but I think once we begin working on track our focus will shift and we can progress in a good way. The key thing is to take this weekend slow and remain realistic but of course I am excited, I have dreamed of lining up on the MotoGP grid since I was little.”

Video: Honda Introduces All-New 2021 CRF450R

David Swarts

-

July 14, 2020

0

Video: Honda Introduces All-New 2021 CRF450R

July 14, 2020 — TORRANCE, Calif.

Nearly two decades after its introduction to the motocross world, Honda’s CRF450R begins a new chapter for 2021, this latest version inspired by a “Razor Sharp Cornering” design philosophy. Already the industry’s top-selling motocross model along with its exclusive CRF450RWE sibling, the CRF450R is guided by three main goals for 2021: improved power (particularly on corner exits), improved handling and more consistent lap times over the course of a tough moto.

Honda’s lightened, latest-generation twin-spar aluminum frame headlines the update list, with changes that reduce lateral rigidity for improved cornering performance and stability. Out back, a new swingarm improves rear traction. The Unicam® engine features updates to the decompression system, intake and exhaust (including a switch from two mufflers to one), resulting in improved low- and midrange performance and a narrower layout. A stouter clutch with hydraulic activation is new, delivering reduced slip and a lighter lever pull for more consistent performance. The new bodywork and seat offer a slimmer, smoother rider interface, as well as simplified maintenance.

“Having already earned a place on the list of all-time successful Honda models, the CRF450R continues to demonstrate Honda’s commitment to winning,” said Lee Edmunds, Senior Manager of Powersports Marketing at American Honda. “With its emphasis on cornering performance, we’re confident that the all-new 2021 model will help Red Riders write their own names in the record books with dominant performances from gate drop to checkered flag.”

Each of the CRF450R’s updates is transferred to the closed-course off-road-focused CRF450RX and the high-spec CRF450RWE motocross machine, which in addition to its already illustrious list of trick parts, features a Twin Air air filter plus Hinson clutch basket and cover for 2021. Benefiting dramatically from the reduced weight and increased attention to low-end power delivery, the CRF450RX adds off-road-focused features and, new for 2021, handguards. The CRF450X, which has amassed an incredible 13 Baja 1000 wins, returns alongside the renamed CRF450RL dual-sport bike, both models adding handguards and updated graphics to an already proven formula. Honda’s mid-displacement ADV, the CB500X, returns in a new Matte Black Metallic color while the TRX®90X sport ATV returns with updated graphics and color-matched front shock springs.

While the focus is on the all-new 2021 CRF450R, Honda is happy to announce that it will continue to offer the 2020 CRF450R—the production version of the factory machine raced by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen and Justin Brayton this season. Available at a permanent price reduction and made possible through an additional production run, the model is a standout option for customers seeking high performance and a good value.

CRF450R

The industry’s benchmark motocross machine, Honda’s CRF450R has amassed an impressive collection of awards and titles over the years. Rather than rest on its laurels, Honda has gone back to the drawing board for the 2021 model year, endowing the legendary machine with updates aimed at improved power, handling and consistency, with a focus on “Razor Sharp Cornering.” Drawing on lessons learned from Honda Racing Corporation’s global race program, including Team Honda HRC’s AMA Supercross and Motocross efforts, the 2021 CRF450R features engine updates focused on low- to midrange performance, a newly designed chassis with revised rigidity and a slimmer overall package. The combination yields a machine that performs at a high level for the duration of a tough moto.

Pricing: $9,599
Color: Red
Info

CRF450RWE

For motocross enthusiasts who demand the absolute best when it comes to performance, the premium CRF450RWE (“Works Edition”) benefits from the same improvements as the 2021 CRF450R, plus a long list of elite-level updates based on the machines in the Team Honda HRC factory race shop. As with the CRF450R, this model is endowed with important updates aimed at improving power, handling and consistency and—befitting its status as the clear benchmark when it comes to lap times—it boasts additional features aimed at refining power, suspension performance and aesthetics. New for 2021, the CRF450RWE now comes standard with a Hinson clutch basket and cover, as well as a Twin Air air filter.

Pricing: $12,380
Color: Red
Info

CRF450RX

Ridden by Phoenix Racing Honda, SLR Honda and JCR Honda at the national-championship level, the CRF450RX is well-suited for closed-course off-road competition such as GNCC, WORCS and NGPC. For the 2021 model year, it’s better than ever, getting the same important performance upgrades as the motocross-focused CRF450R and retaining off-road-specific features like dedicated ECU and suspension settings, an 18-inch rear wheel and an aluminum side stand. New for 2021, the CRF450RX comes standard with handguards and a revised 2.1 gallon fuel tank that narrows the bike width at the radiator shrouds. The combination yields a race machine that’s ready to chase arrows and ribbon along trails from coast to coast.

Pricing: $9,899
Color: Red
Info

CRF450RL

Through a winning combination of performance, durability and comfort, Honda’s road-legal dirt bike has made a name for itself in the dual-sport world. And for 2021, it has a title befitting its level of performance. Now called the CRF450RL, this capable dual-sport machine remains based on the trail-connecting approach that broadens customers’ ride-planning possibilities. Powered by Honda’s proven 449cc Unicam® engine and wide-ratio six-speed transmission, plus premium long-travel suspension and twin-spar aluminum frame, the CRF450RL now comes standard with lightweight handguards for increased comfort and protection no matter where the ride leads.

Pricing: $10,399
Color: Red
Info

CRF450X

When it comes to motorcycle racing in Baja, “dominant” doesn’t quite do justice to Honda’s record. Twenty-two of the last 23 victories in the legendary Baja 1000 have gone to Honda, including SLR Honda’s convincing 2019 win, and 13 of those belong to the CRF450X. Not only does it rule desert racing, but the CRF450X is a great trail bike thanks in part to its 50-state year-round off-road-legal status. With off-road appropriate features like a side stand, 18-inch rear wheel, headlight, sealed chain and six-speed transmission, the bike is ready for desert expanses or tight woods. Sharing similar styling updates as its CRF Performance Line counterparts, the 2021 CRF450X features all-new graphics and handguards.

Pricing: $9,799
Color: Red
Info

A 2020-model Honda CRF450R. Photo courtesy American Honda.

2020 CRF450R

While many off-road riders demand the latest technology, a number of customers see value as a top priority, though still not willing to make a big sacrifice in terms of performance. By creating the all-new 2021 CRF450R and making an additional production run of 2020 units that will be available at a permanent price reduction, Honda is able to address the needs of both groups. The same platform raced by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen and Justin Brayton in the 2020 AMA Supercross series, the 2020 CRF450R features proven performance alongside electronic rider aids like Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which maximizes rear-tire hookup to keep all of the Unicam® engine’s horsepower driving the bike and rider forward.

Pricing: $8,599
Color: Red
Info

A 2021-model Honda CB500X. Photo courtesy American Honda.

CB500X ABS

Honda’s CB500X proves that adventure is everywhere. Light, powerful and rugged, the bike offers easy-to-access performance that is ideally suited for traveling or commuting. Driven by customer feedback over time, the CB500X has evolved into an increasingly adventurous machine with a bump-absorbing 19-inch front wheel, long-stroke 41 mm fork offering 5.3 inches of travel, wide handlebar and touring-focused features like a tall windscreen. On the city streets, backroads or dirt roads, the CB500X is both practical and rewarding to ride.

Pricing: $6,999
Color: Matte Black Metallic
Info

TRX90X

Youngsters strive for independence, but they also love joining family and friends on the trail. Honda’s smallest sport ATV makes that possible, and for 2021 the model is updated with new graphics and color-matched front shock springs. Making shared experiences possible, the TRX90X has user-friendly features like a reliable, air-cooled four-stroke engine with an even spread of power, an electric starter and a no-clutch, four-speed transmission. Honda build quality means the riding won’t have to end any time soon, enabling young riders to build memories and skills that they’ll carry as they move on to larger machines—and future group rides.

Pricing: $3,199
Color: Red, White
Info

MotoGP: Ezpeleta Asks Everyone To Take Care To Stay Safe

July 15, 2020

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. Photo courtesy Dorna.