Electric motorcycle racing around the USA and the world has been largely a fragmented collage of efforts and events. However, one enduring series now begins its seventh consecutive season in 2020…AHRMA’s Zero Motorcycles-sponsored Formula Lightning.
About 10 years ago, electric road racing motorcycles (a.k.a. ebikes) began showing up in exhibition events at various venues around the USA. FIM-sanctioned International events may have had a higher profile, but even they struggled to attain consistent scheduling and interest.
For the 2013 season, the FIM paired its most recent iteration of ebike racing – the FIM eRoadRacing World Cup – with MotoGP at that season’s rounds at Laguna Seca Raceway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Arthur Kowitz, veteran American road racer, renewed his long-lapsed FIM Pro license and competed in both of these events. This latest version of an International ebike racing series ended with little fanfare after the close of the 2013 season.
Recognizing the vacuum left by the demise of the International ebike racing series, in late 2013, Kowitz formed a proposal to establish a grass-roots ebike series in the USA. Several of America’s prominent road racing organizations were approached, with AHRMA being the most receptive.
One of AHRMA’s stated missions is to showcase “motorcycles which historically have been under-represented in modern road racing.”
For 2014, AHRMA adopted Kowitz’ fledgling eMotoRacing series on an exhibition status. Grass-roots support grew as entries and interest in this new series grew. By 2016, AHRMA approved eMotoRacing’s eSuperSport class as a permanent series with a 125 volt limit on power. Higher voltage bikes were allowed to continue racing on an exhibition status, garnering no championship points.
Competitors in eSuperSport have included a former Daytona 200 winner, several former AMA Pros, prominent AHRMA regulars, and electric motorcycle racing enthusiasts from around the country.
The ebikes populating the grids have also been varied. Competing machines include American-made production bikes from Zero and Brammo, the Italian superbike maker Energica, plus experimental prototypes from both factories and privateers.
From the inaugural 2014 season to the present, one of the series’ mid-season events has featured prototype electric race bikes designed and built by collegiate engineering teams. Woodcraft Technologies has sponsored the Varsity Challenge from its inception by awarding a scholarship to the highest placing student team. Former winners are Virginia Tech, University of Sherbrooke (Quebec), and the 2019 champion Rochester Institute of Technology.
Beginning with the 2019 season, AHRMA renamed the eSuperSport class as Formula Lightning to better fit in the vernacular of its other classes. The higher-voltage bikes, over 125V, compete in the exhibition Formula Lightning Extreme class.
Zero Motorcycles of California is the Formula Lightning class sponsor for the 2020 season, which kicks off February 8, 2020, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Best Race Lap Record: 1:59.661, Valentino Rossi, 2019
All-Time Lap Record: 1:58.303, Fabio Quartararo, 2019
FIM MotoGP World Championship
Sepang International Circuit
Sepang, Malaysia
February 7, 2020
Day One Test Results (all on Michelin tires):
Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:58.945
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:58.996
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:59.195
Cal Crutchlow, UK (Honda), 1:59.234
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:59.236
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:59.367
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:59.427
Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:59.536
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:59.568
Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:59.569
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Ducati), 1:59.666
Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:59.676
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:59.918
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Ducati), 1:59.939
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), 2:00.017*
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 2:00.131
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 2:00.136
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:00.371*
Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 2:00.464
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 2:00.511
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 2:00.519
Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 2:00.750
Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 2:00.815
Yamaha Test Bike 1, Japan (Yamaha), 2:01.080*
Yamaha Test Bike 2, Japan (Yamaha), 2:01.744*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:03.150*
*test rider
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#SepangTest: Quartararo strikes first to go fastest on Friday
A Petronas Yamaha SRT 1-2 locks out the top for the Iwata marque, with Rins putting Suzuki in third
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy of Dorna.
Friday, 07 February 2020
Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) began the Sepang Test in an increasingly familiar position: first. The Frenchman was the first man into the 1:58s and his laptime remained largely unthreatened thereafter, although some rain in the afternoon did stop play for a while and limit track time. Teammate Franco Morbidelli was second overall on Day 1 and came the closest to deposing him, only 0.051 off, with Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) next up as the Spaniard completed the top three on Friday.
Quartararo did 41 laps on Day 1, lapping on the 2019 Yamaha, with a best of 1:58.945 on Lap 22. Teammate Franco Morbidelli was the only man able to get close and he was on 2020 machinery, putting in 50 laps overall – ending the day just 0.051 off Quartararo’s best as the Petronas Yamaha duo proved the only two men able to dip under the 1:59 barrier.
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, there was no Jorge Lorenzo out testing on Day 1, with the focus instead on Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi. They both had three bikes each in the garage: two 2020 machines with the new engine and frame and a 2019 version in order to test back to back. Viñales’ best was a 1:59.367 in sixth and Rossi’s a 1:59.569 in tenth.
Rins, meanwhile, put Team Suzuki Ecstar in third after a half century of laps for the Spaniard on Friday. There was aero on the agenda, and plenty under the covers for the Hamamatsu factory to focus on – including more work on the engine and a new swingarm, chassis, electronics… Rins’ best was a 1:59.195 in P3 and teammate Joan Mir took P9 with a 1:59.968 after a similar amount of laps. Test rider Sylvain Guintoli was also out on track to add another 48 laps to the count.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) was the fastest Honda on Day 1. The Brit leapfrogged up into the top three briefly before ultimately ending Friday in fourth after 33 laps, but it was a busy day for the number 35 as he spearheads much of Honda’s testing – with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) coming back from shoulder surgery, Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) likewise, and Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) making his premier class debut. Crutchlow had three bikes in the garage, one of which was a 2019 machine for back-to-back comparisons. The other two were 2020 machines, although not identical…
Marc Marquez’s best, a 1:59.676 after 37 laps, put him in 12th – with the focus on trying only the essentials as his recovery limits his laps somewhat. Reigning Moto2™ Champion Alex Marquez did a similar number of laps though, and he faced a 0.242 deficit to his teammate by the end of play despite finishing Friday just a position behind him. Nakagami had a steadier start to the test; his best a 2:00.815 as he comes back from injury.
Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) was the fastest Ducati man on Day 1. An improvement on his penultimate lap put the Australian up into fifth with a 1:59.236, behind Crutchlow by just 0.002. He had two 2020 bikes as well as a few “small parts” to try, with positive feedback coming from the Queenslander. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), meanwhile, put in a 1:59.666 and was just outside the top ten, doing 35 laps, with teammate Danilo Petrucci putting in a fastest lap of 1:59.939 after 42 laps. Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) was P17, Johann Zarco (Reale Avintia Racing) P19 and Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) P23.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy of Dorna.
Aprilia were ahead of the game early doors, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) top of the pile after the first hour and ten or so laps. After positive comments on the new 2020 bike following the shakedown test, that seemed to continue on the timesheets on Friday: Espargaro ended the session on a 1:59.427 in P7 after 40 laps, the laptime the same one with which he topped the timesheets earlier in the day. Lorenzo Savadori was also on duty for the Noale factory after the Italian had also taken part in the shakedown test, and he did 30 laps. Test rider Bradley Smith is expected to join the lineup as the test continues.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy of Dorna.
Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way for KTM on the first day. The Spaniard ended the test in P8 after a best of 1:59.536, and he put in 50 laps. The Austrian factory worked with their new chassis – on both factory and Tech 3 machines – as well as some aero, and the engine, and Espargaro says there’s more to do on the rear with a new swingarm… as always, it’s a packed program.
Test rider Dani Pedrosa was the next KTM on the timesheets in 15th, with the Spaniard doing nearly 50 laps. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was close though, just over a tenth off Pedrosa and doing a similar number of laps as he comes back from injury that dogged the latter half of his 2019. Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) just pipped fellow rookie Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)… but the two were only 0.008 apart in P20 and P21 respectively.
That’s it from Day 1 but there are plenty more videos and rider reactions on motogp.com – check them out and gear up for more on Saturday as the #SepangTest continues.
More, from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:
Red Bull KTM Tech3 duo kicks off 2020 in Sepang
After Miguel Oliveira and Iker Lecuona have been arriving in Malaysia last week already and completed three days of a very positive shakedown test, they started the official Sepang test today side by side with the entire 2020 MotoGP grid. Thereby, Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Oliveira did a fastest lap of 2:00.131 minutes, doing 49 laps in total.
Meanwhile premier class rookie Lecuona managed to live up to his progress of the first days at the hot and humid Sepang International Circuit and improved by impressive 1.148 seconds compared to his fastest lap from Tuesday, which made him concluding day one just 0.380 seconds behind his teammate.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy of Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Miguel Oliveira
Position: 16th
Time: 2:00.131
Laps: 49
“Today started a bit up and down with quite a lot of test duties regarding the engine, but we were able to find a good feeling before the lunch break. For sure, we lost some time, but at this moment it’s not important for us to do the fastest lap time. We finished the day with good feelings about a change that we made on the electronic side. I’m quite happy with that and above all, my pace was pretty strong with used tyres, so I think we have much more room to improve there. Anyway, it was a positive day.”
Iker Lecuona (27). Photo courtesy of Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Iker Lecuona
Position: 20th
Time: 2:00.511
Laps: 44
“Today has been quite difficult due to the conditions. After lunch it started to rain and when it stopped, it took quite long to dry up, so we lost a lot of time and the track surface wasn’t as good as before anymore. But in the morning, I managed to continue to learn and lower my lap time. I was working a lot together with the team, also with the setting of the bike. Overall, I feel good, I improved a lot, so I’m happy. Although the track conditions have not been ideal this afternoon, I could try something, which I liked, so we continue from there tomorrow.”
More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team:
Quartararo and Morbidelli lead the way on opening day at Sepang test
The PETRONAS Yamaha SRT pairing of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli end opening day first and second at Sepang International Circuit.
The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team pairing of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli ended the opening day of the Sepang Test first and second respectively. The first outing with the new livery was a positive one as the duo racked up the kilometres at the Sepang International Circuit, despite rain holding up proceedings in the afternoon.
Taking to the track immediately at 10:00, Quartararo was quick to make his mark on the timing screens and soon placed his Yamaha YZR-M1 at the top of the standings. The afternoon downpour helped him spend the rest of the day there, finishing the session aboard his 2019 machine with a lap time that was 0.051 seconds faster than his competition. Fabio completed 52 laps of the Malaysian track, with a best time of 1min 58.945secs.
Team-mate Morbidelli focused on testing the latest evolution of the A-spec machine, which he last rode in November at the Jerez test. After spending the first hour getting up to speed with the new improvements, he soon joined Quartararo at the top of the timing screens, just 0.051 seconds behind. Despite the rain restricting track time, Morbidelli completed more laps during the afternoon and finished the day in second, 0.199 seconds faster than Alex Rins, having racked up 62 laps with a best time of 1min 58.996secs.
Testing will resume tomorrow at Sepang International Circuit at 10:00 (local time), when Fabio will be able to ride the Factory-Spec YZR-M1 for the first time. The second day of action will draw to a close at 18:00 (local time), ahead of the final day on Sunday.
Fabio Quartararo
1st (1:58.945)
It feels good after almost three months to be back on track. Today was just about getting used to being back on the MotoGP bike. We used last year’s version just to get a few laps in, and we set a really good lap time with the medium tyre at the beginning of the day. We’re hoping for better weather tomorrow so that we can work even more and I’m looking forward to see what my first impressions of the new bike are. I’m really happy with today, it’s always good to start quickest but it’s only the first day of the test – everybody starts with new bikes, it’s not easy for them. The 2019 bike is one I really know from last year, but of course is always better to be P1 than P10 and I can’t wait for tomorrow to start with the new bike.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy of PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Franco Morbidelli
2nd (+0.051)
I feel good, it was a positive first day for us. We were immediately fast and made the right changes to the bike to get the right feeling. We managed 62 laps, which is a good amount for the first day. Some rain came and this slowed down the working process of the afternoon, but we did a good job in the morning and early part of the afternoon. Tomorrow we will try some other small things that we have on the programme to try but overall I am very happy. We are a little bit faster on the straight, so that is a positive and what we wanted. The behaviour of the bike remains the same though so it is still nice to ride and flowing, but we have a little bit more top speed. I’m happy with the work Yamaha has done and I’m happy with what they are supplying me.
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA KICK OFF 2020 TESTING PROGRAMME IN MALAYSIA
Sepang (Malaysia), 7th February 2020
Today, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team got back into action after the winter break. Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi rode 49 and 48 laps respectively, ending the first day of the Sepang MotoGP Official Test in sixth and tenth place.
6th MAVERICK VIÑALES 1’59.367 / 49 LAPS
10th VALENTINO ROSSI 1’59.569 / 48 LAPS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team‘s Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi were back where they belong, aboard their YZR-M1s, on the first official IRTA MotoGP testing day of 2020. The riders got down to business immediately in the typical Sepang International Circuit heat. They faced wet conditions at times but worked tirelessly, ending in sixth and tenth place respectively in the Day 1 timesheets.
Having presented this year‘s line-up at the Sepang track yesterday, the team was in high spirits. They commenced their 2020 testing programme with three bikes for each rider.
Viñales was greatly motivated to get back into action, knowing he had various setting options to try today. The Spaniard suffered a small crash just before lunch, but little damage was done. After his planned midday break, he completed his afternoon stint without any trouble. He ran 49 laps in total, securing sixth place with a 1‘59.367s, 0.422s from first, and ended the day with positive feelings.
Eager to be back aboard his YZR-M1 again after the winter break, Rossi also had a good day at the office. He quickly got into the swing of things in the morning before moving on to improving the settings of the YZR-M1 in the afternoon. He rode 48 laps over the course of eight hours of high-temperature and occasionally rainy testing, and set a best lap of 1‘59.569s, taking tenth place, 0.624s from the top.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
The riders spent the first two runs focused on getting back their feeling after more than two months of no riding. We have brought six bikes to this test to evaluate the improvements made between the end of 2019 and the start of 2020 testing. For the moment we have been able to confirm an improvement in top speed and potentially tyre life too. But there are other areas that need to be improved, which is to be expected at the start of the season. Tomorrow we will also test other new items that have already been tried by the testing team these last few days.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
We are working very hard. Honestly, it’s difficult to draw a conclusion already, because it’s only the first day. The feeling has been great, a 1’59s lap here is always really good for me. I had the feeling I expected on the bike. We need to keep going so we can try to understand many things, because we have a lot of things to test, especially tomorrow. On the third day I will concentrate a bit more on myself. On the second day I will be trying many parts, so it will be difficult to get a clear conclusion again. But the first day of training in the heat was good. I’m happy because I felt good on the bike straight away, which is always very positive. I rode fast, I had a good rhythm, and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Valentino Rossi (46). Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
VALENTINO ROSSI
It was a difficult day, especially because of the conditions. It rained, so we didn‘t finish our programme, but anyway we were able to do a little less than 50 laps. My time over one lap and my position aren‘t fantastic, but we worked well. We have the M1 2020, which is different, so we need to get to know it better. The first feeling is positive, but we have to work because some things are better, and some are worse. But I‘m happy about the first day. You always work on the chassis, the engine, and the electronics. The 2020 bike is a bit different to ride, so we need to get a better understanding. From a certain point of view, we have a margin for improvement, but on the other hand we are already not so bad and the feeling with the bike is quite positive.
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
Repsol Honda Team back on track at the Sepang Test
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez returned to his RC213V for the first time in 2020 alongside rookie team-mate Alex Marquez as the new MotoGP World Championship season commences with testing in Malaysia.
Proceedings started almost as soon as the track opened in Malaysia, the Repsol Honda Team working for 2020 from early in the day. Unfortunately rain just after lunch limited track time.
Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez completed a total of 37 laps before stopping just ahead of the lunch break. Having had his right shoulder operated on during the winter and completing 250 hours of physiotherapy, Marc is focusing on the quality of laps rather than the quantity of laps around the 5.5-kilometre-long Sepang International Circuit. Lapping with a best time of 1’59.676, Marc ended the day within a second of the fastest time as he looks ahead to the remaining two days of the test.
With two days of running already under his belt at the Sepang Circuit, Moto2 World Champion Alex Marquez picked up where he left off and continued building his confidence aboard the Honda RC213V. It proved a busy first half of the day for the rookie who completed 38 laps and set a best time of 1’59.918, Alex and the Repsol Honda Team pleased with the progress made so far.
The pair will be back out on track for day two of the Sepang Test, hoping for more cooperative weather.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy of Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez
1’59.676
“It is really important to be back on the bike and I’m happy to be back but unfortunately I felt a little worse than I was expecting. I started with good energy in the first run but I had to calm myself down a little bit to make sure we can finish the day. I just tried to find my rhythm and work on what I needed to. The plan stays the same, 35 laps today, 45 laps tomorrow and see on the final day. The important thing is that the shoulder was stable and in the afternoon the pain wasn’t worse, step by step we just have to be patient.”
Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy of Repsol Honda.
Alex Marquez
1’59.918
“I am happy with how today went. The shakedown test allowed us to get a base and helped a rookie like me to begin to understand a MotoGP bike at this circuit. Today we are still improving, and we made some steps with used tyres. The track is in a better condition than at the shakedown and having more riders on track lets me learn more things from those around us. We still have a lot of work to do, but the team are great and using their experience to give me new things to focus on each run. Every day we have been faster and I am looking forward to tomorrow.”
More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:
RINS AND MIR ENJOY SOLID DAY 1 AS SEPANG TEST OPENS 2020
Alex Rins: 3rd – 1:59.195 (+ 0.250)
Joan Mir: 9th – 1:59.568 (+ 0.623)
Sylvain Guintoli: 18th – 2:00.371 (+ 1.426)
The Sepang International Circuit played host to the first test of 2020, where useful progress was made by Team SUZUKI ECSTAR’s riders.
Work began with confirmatory runs for the engine spec which was debuted in the Valencia and Jerez tests at the end of last year, this allowed the riders to reconfirm the positive feelings experienced previously.
Alex Rins then switched his attention to trying a new aerodynamic package with additional wings, which he found beneficial. Rins completed a total of 56 laps, finishing with a best time of 1:59.195 and third position.
Joan Mir spent time trying various points including new swingarm and the new chassis, he also tried a modified tank cover to assist with ergonomics and braking. The youngster also reported positive findings, finishing the session in ninth and completing 51 laps.
Test Rider Sylvain Guintoli also worked on the aerodynamic package and continued in his important role collecting data for the team by putting in 48 laps.
Davide Brivio – Team Manager:
“It has been a positive start to the test, we’ve been working through the list of items we wanted to try. Alex concentrated mainly on confirming the engine spec, as well as working on different fairing options, and this was the key focus today for him. Joan tested the new chassis and new swingarm and some other things such as electronics. By the end of the three-days test everyone will have tested everything, so the work is going well. Our pace seems quite consistent so let’s continue like this.”
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy of Team Suzuki ECSTAR.
Alex Rins:
“Today was a really good day! I’m excited and happy to be back on my bike, I really missed it during the winter. Today I spent some time on the fairing area, and I tried some new variations of the package. I found a configuration I liked, so we’ve taken a step forward and I’m happy about that. Tomorrow we’ll work on the electronic area and the chassis. We’re using the same engine as in the tests at the end of last year, and the feeling is still very positive. We’ll continue to work!”
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy of Team Suzuki ECSTAR.
Joan Mir:
“One of the things that we worked on today was my bike position, and this was something really important to do because I already feel better and more comfortable when riding, so that’s a positive. I also tried a new chassis and a new swingarm and worked towards confirming the engine. It’s important to find out what works well, and not so well, so we’ll use these days to try and get lots of information.”
Sylvain Guintoli:
“We’ve already done a lot of work in the days ahead of this test and made lots of selections for Alex and Joan to try. So today we continued, and we worked on things like the aerodynamic package. The weather wasn’t ideal as it was quite windy and also a bit wet, so it made it a bit trickier. But anyway, everything felt good and I managed to improve my personal best time here at Sepang so that was positive. Let’s see what we can do tomorrow!”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Castrol:
CAL CRUTCHLOW BEGINS CRUCIAL 2020 TESTS WITH LCR HONDA CASTROL
The first on-track action of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship season began at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Friday, with all teams and riders out in the tropical heat of Malaysia for the first of three days’ testing.
It promises to be a tough first outing for LCR Honda Castrol’s star rider Cal Crutchlow, who has a hefty schedule of testing to do to help HRC fine-tune their 2020 RC213V prototype. Just like Cal’s team-mate Taka Nakagami, reigning world champion and Honda colleague Marc Marquez is also returning from surgery, and with him joined by younger brother Alex in the factory ranks as a rookie, Crutchlow’s valuable input to the project will be more significant than ever before.
The British racer completed a total of 39 laps on day one, with an impressive best lap time of 1’59.234 putting him fourth overall in the standings. Progress was hampered by a heavy downpour in the afternoon, however the hopes are for a fully dry day on Saturday to continue with the planned schedule.
Cal Crutchlow (35). Photo courtesy of LCR Honda Castrol.
#35 Cal Crutchlow – 4th (1’59.234 lap 28 of 39)
“It was a shock to the system to get back out there, but it was a good day to be back on the bike. I was very happy to be back working with the LCR Honda Castrol Team again, and it’s always good to see the boys again after a good winter break where I’ve been preparing well over in California.
“Now the work starts. We continue to try and improve the RC213V from last year; we had two 2020 models in the garage and one “sort-of-2019” spec machine which was a bit more half and half. We worked our way through the test programme, with a slight delay halfway through the day when we had to work on the bikes, which is completely normal. Unfortunately, when I returned to the track again it was raining and we could only get in another short stint right at the end of the day.
“Overall, it was nice to get back working with the crew again, but tomorrow will be a longer and tougher day when we’ll learn a lot more about what we’ve got.”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Idemitsu:
NAKAGAMI FINALLY BACK ON TRACK AFTER SHOULDER SURGERY
The first on-track action of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship season began at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Friday, with all teams and riders out in the tropical heat of Malaysia for the first of three days’ testing.
For LCR Honda Idemitsu’s Takaaki Nakagami it represented the first time he has been out on a MotoGP bike since his home grand prix in Japan in October. It was then that the Chiba-born rider took the difficult decision to miss the final few races of 2019 to undergo shoulder surgery, with a view to returning fit to this test.
After nearly four months recovery, Nakagami was obviously delighted to be back in the saddle, but admitted that it would take time to get back to full motorcycle fitness. He spent the day getting reacquainted with the MotoGP machine, with his first laps on his new RC213V.
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy of LCR Honda Idemitsu.
#30 Takaaki Nakagami – 23rd (2’00.815 – lap 25 of 31)
“I think for everybody it’s a tough first day back, but the track conditions were quite good for a first day and you can see the lap times were quite fast. On my side it has been a bit of a struggle. I think it’s four months since I last rode at Motegi, which is quite a long time without riding a MotoGP bike so it’s been a hard first day.
“Physically it’s not the best situation yet, but I am so happy to jump on the bike again. We simply didn’t look at our position or lap times today, I’m was just happy to be back out on track.
“Of course, we need to improve our potential with the new bike, it’s the first time on the 2019 model for me. There are lots of things I have to understand, there’s quite a big difference between the ’18 and ’19 models and the character is not quite the same. My first impression is not negative though. I understand some people in the past might have said it wasn’t easy, but I think it’s just that the concept is different. What I feel is that it is a different bike, but I wouldn’t say it was negative. It’s just the first day and I need more laps to give proper feedback.”
More, from a press release issued by Mission Winnow Ducati:
Rain disturbs action on the first day of testing in Sepang with Dovizioso eleventh and Petrucci fourteenth.
After having unveiled the new livery of the Desmosedici GP20 bikes on the last 23rd January in Bologna, the Ducati Team has finally taken to the track for the first of three days of Official MotoGP Test at Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.
For both Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci, the day started a few minutes after 10 am this morning when the sky was still bright, and the track conditions were perfect to begin the demanding testing program. Eleventh and fifteenth respectively before the lunch break, the Ducati Team riders were hoping to resume their work in the afternoon finding the same weather conditions. But a sudden downpour disturbed the program leaving just two more hours of dry track before the rain started to fall again a few minutes before the session end.
Dovizioso closed in 11th position in 1:59.666, while Petrucci ended the day 14th, just 0.263 s behind his teammate. The first day of testing featured close gaps and quick paces with the top 14 riders within less than 1 second and under the 2-minute lap time. The Ducati Team riders will still have two days available at the Malaysian race track where test rider Michele Pirro concluded the preparations for the test during the Shakedown.
Andrea Dovizioso (04). Photo courtesy of Ducati.
Andrea Dovizioso (#04, Ducati Team) – 11 (1:59.666)
“It has been a hard day. We have introduced a few new items, and we had to focus more on certain aspects of the bike setup. We hope to be able to use our time better tomorrow and to concentrate on the rest of the program. We would like to work on the new rear tyres because we think that this is a fundamental aspect. We are trying to improve the riding style and the bike setup because we believe that these will help us to take the right advantage from the new solutions brought by Michelin”.
Danilo Petrucci (9). Photo courtesy of Ducati.
Danilo Petrucci (#9 Ducati Team) – 14 (1:59.939)
“I am happy to be back on track. Today we didn’t focus on the lap time, but we worked on trying to rebuild a good feeling with the bike after this long break away from my Desmosedici GP. It had been difficult at the beginning, but in the afternoon, I think I was able to find the right path that will help me also improve in the next days. Today there were mixed weather conditions that made hard to understand our real potential: I always ran with used tyres and with the rain we couldn’t try the new items that we need to test. In general, it was a positive day, and it leaves me confident for tomorrow”.
More, from a press release issued by Reale Avintia Racing:
THE REALE AVINTIA RACING TEAM MAKES A GOOD START TO THE 2020 PRE-SEASON IN MALAYSIA
It took more than a hundred days for the engines to roar again on a circuit after the end of last season in Valencia. The bikes are back in action at the Sepang International Circuit for the first pre-season test of 2020.
It was an expected start for the Reale Avintia Racing Team, where Johann Zarco was able to make his first contact with the Ducati Desmosedici GP19, his new bike for this coming season and his new team. The French rider achieved a time of 2:00:464, finishing in 19th position after completing a total of 54 laps in a first day of adaptation and set-up.
For his part, Tito Rabat, who had the opportunity to ride the new bike in the past tests at Valencia and Jerez, continued with the learning and development period of his Ducati and managed to finish the first day of testing in Malaysia in 22nd position after setting a time of 2:00:750 accumulating a total of 54 laps.
It has been a very fruitful and effective first day, as the team has managed to accumulate and collect a lot of data that will be analysed for the evolution and development of the bike.
Tito Rabat (53). Photo courtesy of Avintia Racing.
TITO RABAT – P22
“This morning I was very happy, it was easy, we hadn’t changed any tyres and I really felt good. It’s still too early to draw conclusions, we’re on the first day. We went out for a couple of hours in the morning to test the bike. In the afternoon, after the rain, I was a little bit confused, it was a little bit harder and we didn’t ride too much. Tomorrow we will try to start well from the beginning and attack.”
Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy of Avintia Racing.
JOHANN ZARCO – P19
“I was expecting better for me and to be little bit faster. I learnt a lot and I did a lot of laps. After some months, it has been very long time. I stayed calm and at the end of the day I did a very important step understanding my mistakes and how to ride better this Ducati bike. The are some points of huge potential. Step by step I will understand, I keep smiling because I’m living a good feeling. I don’t have any problem to have a bike from 2019 because it’s official and it’s a satellite team. My working plan for the remaining days is to understand more this bike and to be relaxed. If I do a good job I can be in the low 1:59.”
More, from a press release issued by Pramac Racing:
Sepang Test – the first day of testing brings positive feelings for both riders
Today officially opens the 2020 MotoGp season with the first day of testing at Sepang International Circuit.
There was great enthusiasm for the long-awaited return to the track after the winter break.
The day started in a positive way and the riders immediately had a good feeling with the new bike.
The weather wasn’t entirely forgiving and it affected our work, the afternoon storm delayed our return to the track and then stopped it a few minutes before the end of the session.
Jack still managed to complete 47 laps, with the fastest lap time in 1:59.236, while the bike’s best lap time was 1:59.236.
Pecco ended the day with 53 laps with the fastest lap in 2:00.136.
The first day of testing was certainly more than satisfactory.
Pecco Bagnaia
“We are quite satisfied with the first day’s work. We still have a lot of work to do but the feeling is definitely good. It was a positive comeback after finishing last year with a crash, so I am happy to be back here again and have the opportunity to ride this bike that seems to have great potential”
Jack Miller
“I am really satisfied with all the training I have done over the winter, I immediately had a good feeling with the bike and I started again with very good sensations. There is certainly some work to set up but we had a good feeling, the first day given to us good indications”.
Ken Hill joins Racers360 for Online Video Coaching Services –
Racers360 was founded in late 2018 with the goal of making professional, world-class coaching more affordable and accessible. Today, we are proud to announce our expansion into the motorcycle world.
Leveraging technology, Racers360 offers professional, personalized coaching. Throughout the 2019 season, hundreds of amateur race car drivers saw the power of personalized professional coaching, with the average driver improving by 1.5 seconds per lap. By focusing on proper fundamentals and techniques, our expert coaches aim to help drivers, and now riders, improve both speed and safety.
Motorcycle riders will now be able to easily upload videos from any track, any bike, any weekend, and receive personalized coaching from the best in the business. Joining the Racers360 motorcycle coaching staff will be world-renowned coach, Ken Hill, and Macau GP race winner, Mike Edwards. Ken, frustrated by the extent of misinformation and inexpert advice in the racing and recreational riding communities, has dedicated his career to bringing a culture of professional coaching to the motorcycle industry, and we are thrilled to have him come aboard.
“To have Ken Hill and Mike Edwards join us as coaches is very special to our team at Racers360,” says Racers360 co-founder, Dion von Moltke. “As my professional racing career was starting to wind down and I started realizing that the current education in amateur racing left a lot to be desired, I knew to fix this we needed to make the best coaches in the world more affordable and accessible. After speaking with Ken and Mike, it was clear that they saw the same issues in the motorcycle market, so, expanding Racers360 was a no-brainer!”
1945 – Meccanica Verghera Srl (MV Agusta) established by Count Domenico Agusta. The company’s first motorcycle is the MV 98.
MV Agusta’s first motorcycle, the 1945 MV 98
1947 – Franco Bertoni wins MV Agusta’s first motorcycle race using an MV 98 Sport.
1950 – Giovanni Castiglioni founds Cagiva. The company is named after its owner and where it was located, CAstiglioni GIovanni VArese.
1955 – MV Agusta starts producing Bell helicopters under a license agreement.
1956 – John Surtees wins MV Agusta’s first World Championship in the 500cc class.
John Surtees riding a 1956 MV Agusta 350cc four-cylinder Grand Prix racebike. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
Giacomo Agostini (1) riding a 1966 500cc three-cylinder MV Agusta Grand Prix racebike. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
1971 – Count Domenico Agusta dies.
1973 – Agusta family sells 51% of MV Agusta to EFIM, a public financing group.
1976 – Giacomo Agostini wins MV Agusta’s last World Championship, to date.
1978 – Castiglioni’s son Claudio Castiglioni takes Cagiva into the motorcycle business and purchases an old Aermacci/AMF/Harley-Davidson factory in Schirana, near Varese, Italy.
1979 – Cagiva produces 40,000 motorcycles.
1980 – MV Agusta stops producing motorcycles.
1985 – Cagiva buys Ducati for $5 million U.S.
1985 – Cagiva buys Moto Morini.
1987 – Cagiva buys Husqvarna.
1991 – Cagiva acquires MV Agusta, which is only a name at the time.
1996 – Cagiva sells 51% stake in Ducati to Texas Pacific Group (TPG) for about $325 million U.S.
1996 – Cagiva restructures under the name MV Agusta.
1999 –The first new MV Agusta motorcycle is produced – the F4 750 sportbike.
MV Agusta F4 750 during 1999 press intro at Monza. Photo by Kel Edge, courtesy MV Agusta.
MV Agusta F4 750 without bodywork, during 1999 press intro at Monza. Photo by Kel Edge, courtesy MV Agusta.
Roadracing World Editor John Ulrich aboard MV Agusta F4 750, during 1999 press intro at Monza. Photo by Kel Edge, courtesy MV Agusta.
2002 – MV Agusta goes into receivership, a.k.a. government control.
2004 – Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton buys majority share of MV Agusta for 70 million Euro (about $83 million U.S. at the time), allowing MV Agusta to exit receivership.
2005 – Proton sells its share in MV Agusta to GEVI S.p.A., an investment firm, for 1 Euro with GEVI assuming $126 million U.S of MV Agusta’s debt. GEVI then allows MV Agusta to refinance its debt.
2007 – MV Agusta sells Husqvarna to BMW for 93 million Euro (or about $127 million U.S. at the time).
2008 – Harley-Davidson buys MV Agusta for $109 million U.S., including $69 million U.S. in assumed debt.
Roadracing World Racing Editor Chris Ulrich aboard a 2010 MV Agusta F4 1000 during testing for the magazine at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, copyright 2010, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
2010 – Harley-Davidson “divests” itself of MV Agusta, selling it to Claudio Castiglioni for 1 Euro with $20 million U.S. cash in MV Agusta’s accounts, effectively paying Castiglioni $20 million to take MV Agusta back.
2011 – Claudio Castiglioni dies at the age of 64, and Giovanni Castiglioni becomes President and CEO of MV Agusta.
2014 – Mercedes-AMG acquires a 25% share of MV Agusta for an undisclosed sum.
2014 – Giovanni Castiglioni tells journalists at the launch of the new 2015 Stradale 800 that MV Agusta does not plan to ever produce small-displacement motorcycles and will instead continue to focus on producing high-end motorcycles.
MV Agusta’s Giovanni Castiglioni during a 2015 Stradale 800 press intro held in Italy. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.American Brian Gillen took over as MV Agusta R&D Technical Director in 2015. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2015 – MV Agusta announces it is filing for the Italian equivalent of bankruptcy protection from its creditors.
2016 – Black Ocean Group (founded by Oliver Ripley and Timur Sardarov) and MV Agusta Holding (owned by the Castiglioni family) inject capital into MV Agusta.
2017 – Italian courts approve MV Agusta’s restructuring plan.
2017 – MV Agusta Holding, now owned by Giovanni Castiglioni and Sardarov, repurchases shares owned by Mercedes-AMG and claims 100% ownership of MV Agusta.
2017 – MV Agusta receives more capital from ComSar Invest.
Timur Sardarov, Chairman and CEO of MV Agusta. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2018 – Sardarov becomes CEO of MV Agusta, and Castiglioni assumes the role of President of MV Agusta.
American engineer Brian Gillen poses with an SCS automatic clutch during a 2018 press intro for the 2018 Veloce 800 Lusso SCS model held at MV Agusta headquarters in Varese, Italy. Photo by Melissa Berkoff, copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Roadracing World Contributor Melissa Berkoff during a press intro for the 2018 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS in Italy. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2019 – Sardarov family buys out the Castiglioni family and acquires 100% of MV Agusta, with Timur Sardarov becoming Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as the CEO. Giovanni Castiglioni transitions into an advisory role with the company.
2019 – MV Agusta enters into long-term strategic partnership with China’s Loncin Motor to produce a new line of 350cc-500cc motorcycles.
MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov (left) and Loncin President Yong Gao (right) sign partnership agreement in 2019. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2019 – MV Agusta secures capital funding to execute its new five-year strategic plan.
2020 – MV Agusta celebrates 75th anniversary.
2020 – MV Agusta USA hosts dealers at a January convention in Las Vegas, where Timur Sardarov, Brian Gillen, Doug McCloskey and other executives lay out MV Agusta’s plans for the future.
Kawasaki unveiled its official KRT FIM Superbike World Championship machinery and graphics package at the team launch this evening in Barcelona – the final step before the on-track action resumes at Phillip Island at the end of the month.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ official riding line-up will feature record-breaking five-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea aboard the latest race specification Ninja ZX-10RR. Joining him is exciting new signing for the 2020 season, Alex Lowes.
The well-attended launch took place in KRT’s European HQ, with the on-stage elements hosted by WorldSBK paddock show host Michael Hill inside the very workshops that have been instrumental in propelling Kawasaki riders to the top in recent seasons.
At the end of the on-stage interviews – conducted on sofas and in the form of a late night TV chat show – the latest livery and sponsorship package was displayed on a video screen, just before the covers came off the Ninja ZX-10RR itself. Prominent Motocard, Elf Total, Monster Energy and Showa branding was displayed, alongside other valued commercial and technical partners.
With winter testing in Europe now complete – in the usual monochrome winter tests colours – Jonathan Rea was finally resplendent in his new leathers at the team launch. He answered the question of how it feels to face another season laden with opportunities. “We have had a solid pre-season where I felt fast and consistent and the target is to win another championship – for the team, Kawasaki and myself. Tonight is the start of another great year together.”
The five times champion could feel the sense of anticipation building in front of his team’s literal home crowd. “This is the time when it all becomes real and it is really fitting to do it in our team workshop where all the hard work goes in preparing our bike and our season,” said the most successful WorldSBK rider in history. “It has been particularly nice to do it in front of many of our sponsors and the family and friend of our mechanics. Not long until the season starts now!”
Proven WorldSBK race winner and former BSB Champion Alex Lowes said about the final unveiling of his 2020 package, “I have been with the team for a few months now but we have had the chance to show our supporters and sponsors the final colours for our championship challenge tonight. It has been great to be part of this team and it was really nice to be seen in Kawasaki green for the first time. This has been a fantastic event, especially with all the team here in their own regular working environment. After this, it is down to Australia for the first race of the season.”
Steve Guttridge – Racing Manager for KME – took time away from organising the whole 2020 KME racing programme to attend the launch and he was impressed with what he saw.
“It is an honour to be here today to represent Kawasaki, including our employees all around the world that follow and support our WorldSBK team and riders,” said Steve. “Genuinely, we can all say how proud we are of our Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK squad and the continued success that we have enjoyed together.”
As Steve affirmed, it has been quite a partnership between all the parties who have contributed to the ongoing success of the entire Kawasaki WorldSBK project.
“Eight years ago we started a new history that – at the time – was a big step for Kawasaki Motors Europe, as we were charged by our headquarters in Japan with all aspects of managing the official project, along with KHI and the team. We commissioned Provec Racing to move up a category to the premier league of World Superbike for the 2012 season and always enjoyed strong support from a small but very clever group of KHI engineers in Japan, all of whom started working on the Ninja ZX-10RR as a race orientated base machine to fit our riders perfectly ever since.”
Steve continued, “Already by 2013 we had won the title with Mr. Tom Sykes, narrowly missing the title in 2014 and then of course enjoying the run of 5 consecutive, record breaking seasons with our own Jonathan Rea here today and this overall success story truly was our dreams come true.”
Stressing that it is a team effort not just at races, but in every step of the process, Guttridge underlined that more success is the aim for all in green in 2020, despite all the targets that have been met in previous years.
“We have believed together and achieved together as a team and manufacturer, so with this also came five consecutive manufacturers’ and teams’ titles too!” he happily stated. “We have to say a massive thank you to the entire crew of Kawasaki Racing Team and KHI staff for the teamwork that they put in together, along with our trusted technical partners whom are always behind us, working for the same goals. We are looking forward to what the future holds and of course all at Kawasaki will be 100% behind the team to provide whatever necessary for both Alex and Jonathan to go for victory again in this 2020 season.”
Joining Steve on stage shortly before the ‘big reveal’ of the latest livery, KRT Team Manager Guim Roda confirmed that he and his staff were motivated as ever. Not to mention very and proud to be able to have all the team’s partners and supporters made welcome in his literal home environment. “For the 2020 season, we decided to make the team launch in our KRT headquarters because we have improved our workshop environment and we wanted to show our friends and sponsors the place we work from to make all the racing activities for KRT in WorldSBK. This is a magic moment in which all the staff were involved, each one helping make this the most attractive launch possible.”
With so much recent success behind Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK effort Roda is aware that KRT is the team to beat once again. “We have in the next months a very hard job to do, because expectations – again – are so high and this do not allow us to have big margin to not keep winning. To win is a result of the job well done. To make good job it is very important to have the correct working environment to make the job in the best way possible. Today we hosted the team launch from the base we want to keep making WorldSBK history from with our riders Rea and Lowes.”
As the team now packs up for the first of the 13-rounds that will make up the 2020 season, the first official WorldSBK test will take place at Phillip Island, on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 February. Race weekend in Australia will start on Friday 28 February and finish on Sunday, the first day of March.
Long-time race official John E. Shepard, of Monroe, Georgia, died this morning in Lawrenceville, Goegira. He was 84.
Shepard worked with WERA for 33 years, serving as a pit marshal and technical inspector.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1962 and made his living as an Electrical Engineer.
He is survived by wife Dianne Singleton, daughters Diane Shepard Tribou and Deanna Shepard-Cattie; grandchildren Kristina Mobley, Alex Mullins, James Mullins, John Mullins, Zach Mullins, Jonathan Parks, Niki Parks, and James Strickland; and many friends. He was preceded in death by wife Jacquelyn Shepard and daughter Michele Mullins.
The sweet melody of MotoGP™ finally returns as Malaysia hosts the first test of the year
Thursday, 06 February 2020
The wait is nearly over! After we saw a first glimpse of 2020 at the Valencia test, another peek in Jerez AND the (private) shakedown, the long winter testing ban is now coming to an end and the season really is upon us. On Friday, the premier class take back to the track in their entirety to start gearing up for another season of MotoGP™.
In both Valencia and Jerez, Yamaha dominated with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) as the Spaniard locked out the top, and they’ll be hoping to keep stealing the headlines as official testing begins again. In the week preceding the action they certainly did too: Viñales renewed his contract – with Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as his teammate from 2021 – and the racing future of Valentino Rossi was announced as ‘TBC’ later in the year. And before we could catch our breath, a big rumour was confirmed as Jorge Lorenzo announced his return to the Iwata marque, now as test rider.
He’ll be a big talking point, as will the performances of his fellow M1 riders and the 2020 machine we’ve already seen a few glimpses of. Can Viñales pick up where he left off? Will Quartararo turn up the wick now he’s a sophomore? What foundations can Rossi and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) lay for this season?
Meanwhile at Honda, there’s a touch of déjà vu for reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Last season he faced a long fight back to fitness after shoulder surgery and 2020 is no different after the number 93 went back onto the operating table for the other shoulder in November. That was after the Jerez test, so Sepang isn’t just about getting the machinery ready for the season ahead. How will he fare? And what of his new teammate? If you hadn’t heard, it’s a Marquez-Marquez double bill at Repsol Honda now, as reigning Moto2™ Champion Alex Marquez steps up to the premier class. Will he be top rookie in testing?
He’ll have to face off against Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), with the rookies all fresh from the shakedown after having been allowed to ride in that test for the first time ever. The two KTM graduates will be hoping to get up to speed quickly and also have the challenge of partnering the now-experienced Pol Espargaro and Miguel Oliveira, respectively – with the latter on the comeback from injury. Signs from KTM seem positive overall after their performance at the shakedown, when they added to their on-track arsenal once again with veteran and now test rider Dani Pedrosa out on duty.
Will we see the Austrian factory cutting the gap to those ahead? Honda and Yamaha have targets on their backs, and so do Suzuki and Ducati. Team Suzuki Ecstar left the two previous tests with some impressive positions on the timesheets and positive words from Alex Rins and Joan Mir, and Andrea Dovizioso flew the Ducati Team flag not far behind. The Borgo Panigale factory, as ever, kept their cards a little closer to their chest though – so Sepang could see a few more of their puzzle pieces for the season revealed. Sylvain Guintoli has been out on track for Suzuki in the shakedown and Michele Pirro for Ducati, too, so they should be dialled in…
Aprilia have also been busy and likewise positive. Where will they fit into the mix? Test rider Bradley Smith joins Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro on track at Sepang, and first comments left few doubts about their positivity: the new bike was worth the wait. The front fairing already stole a few headlines after it broke cover at the shakedown, too…
The factory pecking order, the rookies, the tech, the return of a five-time World Champion…the Sepang Test promises plenty as action begins on Friday. And it’s game on for everyone now, with Independent Teams and riders back in the mix, race riders suited and booted and the covers about to come off. Head to motogp.com for Live Timing, reports, reactions, videos and more – as well as a comprehensive round up on After the Flag as Simon Crafar joins Steve Day and Matt Birt live from Malaysia for an hour and a half of the best news, updates and analysis from 10:30am to midday CET.
Pirelli Announces Track Record Bounty Program for the 2020 Racing Season
Tire Voucher will be Awarded to Riders who Set a New Absolute Motorcycle Track Record with Pirelli Race Compound Tires
ROME, Ga. (February 6, 2020) – Pirelli Tire North America announced today, in collaboration with their road race vendors, the continuation of the Pirelli Nation Track Record Bounty Program in 2020. The bounty – issued in the form of a tire voucher – is available to riders who set a new absolute motorcycle track record on Pirelli race compound tires during a 2020 sanctioned event. Following the success of 2019 that saw seven bounties awarded, Pirelli continues to strengthen its efforts as a way to give back to racers nationwide.
Pirelli will continue to reward riders who set absolute motorcycle track records with a tire voucher in 2020.
“The program has had great success during the course of the past several years,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “Pirelli remains committed to the grassroots level of racing by rewarding racers for their accomplishments when using Pirelli racing compounds. We’re continuously improving our tire range, and with new size offerings for this year, it will only increase the chance for racers to set new absolute motorcycle track records by going even faster and doing so more consistently.”
In 2019, Pirelli-equipped riders relied on the performance of the DIABLO™ Superbike slicks to claim a total of seven absolute motorcycle track records across the nation. As the official tire supplier for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Pirelli’s research and development team has spent countless hours fine-tuning its race compound tires at the highest level and to ensure they are capable of performing in all conditions. The World Superbike-derived technology will provide riders with two new sizes for 2020, which include the 125/70-17 front and 200/65-17 rear sizes.
“It’s great to see Pirelli bring back the Pirelli Nation Track Record Bounty Program for 2020,” said Adam Robarts, professional racer. “I’ve been fortunate enough to capture a handful of track records the past several seasons and this keeps me hungry to keep improving myself and go get some more. I’m really anxious to get some time on the new DIABLO™ Superbike sizes and hope to make this my best year yet!”
Adam Robarts led the way for Pirelli-equipped riders in 2019, earning an impressive three absolute motorcycle track record bounties aboard his BMW S 1000 RR. His track records took place at The Ridge Motorsports Park, Pacific Raceway, and Mission Raceway park.
This bounty is valid for qualifying riders at race-sanctioned events, including (but not exclusive to) AFM, ASRA, ASMA, CCS, CMRA, CVMA, CRA, FMRRA, MRA, MCRA, OMRRA, SMRI, USBA, WMRRA and WERA.
To qualify for a Pirelli track record bounty:
· The rider and bike must be using Pirelli racing compound front and rear tires when the record is broken
· The race club must verify the new absolute motorcycle track record and Pirelli tire use. Pirelli and the vendor will confirm the new record with said race official
· If the lap is broken more than once at a specific race-sanctioned event, the last and fastest record will get the “bounty” (capped at one “bounty” per race event weekend)
· Each track layout limits the “bounty” by two times per year for each rider
· Track days and open practice days are not eligible for riders to claim the “bounty”
· The “bounty” is limited to the first 10 riders to qualify in 2020
* Any questions need to be directed to your local Pirelli trackside vendor
Follow Pirelli on Instagram – @PirelliMotoUSA – to keep up with the latest action throughout the season.
To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com
PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team launch 2020 Campaign
PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is excited to start its 2020 MotoGP World Championship campaign with riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo.
PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is excited to start its 2020 MotoGP World Championship campaign with riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo unveiling their 2020 Yamaha YZR-M1 at the team’s home, Sepang International Circuit, on the eve of the official pre-season test at the world-renowned venue.
Franco and Fabio were joined by Team Principal, and Sepang International Circuit CEO, Razlan Razali, Team Director, Johan Stigefelt and Team Manager, Wilco Zeelenberg, Khairul Hisham Hj Mazlan, Head, Brand Management, Group Strategic Communications PETRONAS, General Manager of Motorsports Development Division & President of Yamaha Motor Racing, Hiroshi Ito and Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director & Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal, Lin Jarvis.
After a stellar rookie season in 2019, PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is eager to build on its foundations as the first-ever Malaysian team in MotoGP. Last year saw the team become Top Independent Team, finishing fourth in the overall team standings, with rider Fabio Quartararo taking the Rookie of the Year title and Top Independent Rider.
2018 Rookie of the Year Franco Morbidelli and 2019 Rookie of the Year Fabio Quartararo both enter their second season with the squad, eager to deliver even stronger results than those seen last year. The MotoGP team has continuity of personnel in support of the riders.
Featuring an updated look with the latest PETRONAS branding, the team’s Yamaha YZR-M1 will be in Factory-spec for Fabio – who is set to join the factory Yamaha team in 2021 – and A-spec for Franco for the season ahead.
2020 also marks the second year of PETRONAS as the team’s title partner. The impressive results achieved by the team last season are a testament to the Malaysian energy company’s Fluid Technology Solutions that have powered PYSRT to and six pole positions and seven podiums in its rookie year.
Not present in Sepang, the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto2 and Moto3 squads will take part in a private test next week (Feb 10-11) ahead of the official test in Jerez the following week (19-21).
Razlan Razali, Team Principal:
We are proud to represent Malaysia and PETRONAS on the world stage for a second season as PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.
We are looking forward to the season ahead, eager to give Franco and Fabio the best opportunity to build on their 2019 performance. We are fortunate to enjoy strong support from PETRONAS and Yamaha, who share our philosophy and are invaluable to our aspirations.
In MotoGP we set the bar high in 2019, so there is a lot of external pressure and motivation to repeat or improve this level of performance. We have targeted improvement in every area of the team but we are mindful that the element we don’t have control over is our rivals and how much progress they have made over the off-season. We’re eager to see everyone out on track over the forthcoming days at Sepang and we’re pushing hard to prepare ourselves in the best way possible for the season ahead.
Johan Stigefelt, Team Director:
In MotoGP I believe we really should be a force to reckon with this season. Fabio achieved seven podiums and six pole positions last year, which is a real benchmark. Franco was also looking for podiums and he showed he had the speed so he should be right in the mix too.
In the off-season we’ve been busy with preparations and we have the benefit of all the lessons learnt in 2019. The team really worked well together over the course of last year so this puts us in an excellent position to improve and develop in 2020. This is true not only of our MotoGP squad but also the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto2 and Moto3 teams who are currently preparing for their private test in Jerez next week (10-11) ahead of the official test the following week (19-21).
Wilco Zeelenberg, Team Manager:
The last twelve months flew by and it’s incredible to think that we’re looking at the start of our second season. There is a great vibe in the squad and we can’t wait to get racing.
There are no changes in the MotoGP crew so we should work even better together. Last year was our first as a new team, so it always takes a little time for people to gel and understand each other. With this experience and our motivation, the team should be stronger for 2020 and we hope to show this on track over the days and weeks ahead.
Franco Morbidelli:
My target is to improve last year’s results and improve myself in every way possible. I’ve been concentrating on general conditioning and improving my fitness so that I can do everything at my best to face this season well-prepared. It’s been a good off-season and I’m rested and refreshed as well as being very eager to get back on the bike.
In particular, looking at the races ahead, I want to improve my race pace. Last year I was fast in practice and close to the top riders on Friday and Saturday, but on race day it was different. I wasn’t able to match the top guys in the races. In 2020 I want to make this step up. The start of this is testing over the next three days so I can’t wait to get started.
Fabio Quartararo:
Obviously, it’s been a positive off-season for me being able to get my future determined and this means I can focus completely on the twenty races ahead which is very beneficial. The support from PETRONAS and Yamaha is great and I’m looking forward to riding the Factory bike over the races ahead.
After finishing 2019 with podiums and taking great results, I hope to be fighting in the top five again, targeting podiums and looking for wins. I don’t have any goals for the championship, my approach is race-by-race, trying to finish on the podium.
The next step is to see the potential of the bike here at Sepang and this will give us a clear idea about what we can expect from the season ahead.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP READY TO START 2020 CAMPAIGN
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team opened their garage doors at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia today to show the set-up for 2020. In the upcoming MotoGP season, the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team will again be competing with riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi and continue their close relationship with title sponsor Monster Energy Company.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team staged a team presentation event today at the Sepang International Circuit. To celebrate the start of the 2020 MotoGP season, the team let the media into their pit box for a photo opportunity and held a special press conference.
By opening the doors to their garage for the photo opportunity event, the team offered the media and the fans watching the live stream a good look at the world of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP. Factory riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi were both present and sat on their Yamaha YZR-M1s, making everybody all the more excited to kick off the three-day official 2020 IRTA MotoGP preseason test in Sepang, Malaysia, that will start tomorrow.
Viñales joined the Factory Yamaha crew in 2017 and immediately took third place in the rider standings that year. Though the 2018 season proved to be tough, the Spaniard kept his motivation high and won the race at Phillip Island. He finished that season in fourth place overall, just five points behind his teammate in third position. In 2019, he scored two further Grand Prix victories, one in Assen and one in Sepang, and collected the overall bronze medal once more at the end of the season.
Rossi is famously Yamaha‘s most successful rider. This will be his 15th season with the manufacturer since he first joined the Factory Team in 2004. The nine-time World Champion won four championships with Yamaha in 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, and is as eager as ever to score GP victories as he enters his eighth consecutive year with Yamaha since his return in 2013.
The colour scheme of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike remains the same for 2020, with the team‘s YZR-M1, the pit box, and the riders‘ leathers sporting a ’Monster Energy black‘-to-’Yamaha Factory Racing blue‘ gradient. The M1 also features subtle blue stripes that add a further dynamic to the sleek design. The perfect blend between Yamaha‘s aesthetic and Monster Energy‘s instantly recognisable claw branding is also represented in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team logo and the team gear.
Yamaha has a long-term global alliance with the team‘s title sponsor, Monster Energy Company, based on their mutual passion for racing. A multiple-year title sponsor agreement with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team was signed in the summer of 2018 and came naturally, as Monster Energy Company sponsors multiple Yamaha teams (among them the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP team since 2013) and riders (including Viñales and Rossi) in various racing classes.
The team is also pleased to announce that throughout the 2020 racing season the bike will continue to feature the slogans of Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Yamaha Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc.
The photo opportunity in the garage was followed by a press conference, during which General Manager of Motorsports Development Division & President of Yamaha Motor Racing, Hiroshi Ito; Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director & Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal, Lin Jarvis; Yamaha MotoGP Group Leader, Takahiro Sumi; and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director, Massimo Meregalli shed light on their expectations for the upcoming season. They were joined by Viñales and Rossi, who also expressed their full motivation and eagerness to get to work.
Newly-confirmed Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider Jorge Lorenzo also got a moment in the spotlight. He already made his first kilometres on the YZR-M1 in the shakedown test held on 2-4 February 2020, after a three-year interval. He completed his first test with satisfactory results, and his vast riding experience is expected to be a huge asset to Yamaha‘s engineers over the course of year.
Jorge Lorenzo. Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
Furthermore, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP is delighted to confirm the continuation of its relationship with numerous sponsors and partners, including: JXTG Energy (ENEOS) http://www.noe.jxtg-group.co.jp/index.html, Semakin di Depan http://www.yamaha-motor.co.id, Yamalube http://yamalube.com, Akrapovič http://www.akrapovic.com, Cradle/Hexagon https://www.cradle-cfd.com, Blue Core http://www.yamaha-motor.co.id, Oakley http://www.oakley.com, Descente http://www.descente.com, Alpinestars https://www.alpinestars.com, Abarth http://www.abarth.com, Gilles Tooling http://www.gillestooling.com, Racing Boy https://www.racingboy.com.my, Furukawa Electrics https://www.furukawa.co.jp/en, Cromax http://www.cromax.com, Marelli http://www.magnetimarelli.com, D.I.D. http://www.did-daido.co.jp, NGK Spark Plugs https://www.ngkntk.co.jp, BMC Air Filters http://www.bmcairfilters.com, 2D http://2d-datarecording.com, Beta Tools http://beta-tools.it, Yamaha Corporation (Yamaha Music) https://www.yamaha.com, Michelin https://www.michelin.com/eng.
Lastly, the team continues to support Yamaha‘s bLU cRU programme, encouraging a younger generation of on-road riders to follow their dream to become the next MotoGP star. Viñales and Rossi continue to be ambassadors of the programme and will serve as role models for the riders in lower classes.
LIN JARVIS MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING
“Today we officially ’introduced‘ the 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team line-up. Monster Energy has been a team partner since 2013 and it was just 12 months ago in Jakarta when they stepped up to become the main sponsor of our Factory MotoGP Team. We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely together throughout the first year and we are now ready to further expand our collaboration and achieve greater sporting successes in this second season. The 2019 bike design and team ’look‘ was very well received by both Monster Energy and Yamaha fans around the world, so we decided to keep the strong image unchanged for 2020. However, that is the only thing that remains unchanged. If you scratch beneath the surface you will find many changes that Yamaha and the team have made to improve the bike, the performance of our riders and the total working efficiency of our team. We are excited to start this new season, and we believe we can achieve great things this year.”
MASSIMO MEREGALLI TEAM DIRECTOR
“After the winter break it‘s nice to have the entire team together again for the first time in months. It has that same buzz as the first day of school. We are about to start the 2020 preseason testing period, which is always a crucial and busy time for the team. Yamaha‘s Japanese engineers have dedicated a lot of time and effort to developing the M1, and now our riders and engineers will put the new items to the test for the first time. At the Valencia and Jerez tests at the end of last year we already got a sense of in which direction we‘re heading. During the upcoming test we will be looking to confirm our earlier findings and search for further areas of improvement, so we can start the 2020 season in March in the best shape possible.”
Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“At the end of last season we were in decent shape, so I‘m really excited to start working again on our goal to get the title and as many wins as possible. For sure, I‘m looking forward to riding my M1 again. The last time I rode it here in Malaysia was during the 2019 season and we won. It‘s a really positive memory and it also means we have a good starting point here in terms of set-up, so we should be able to get straight to work tomorrow on Day 1 of the Sepang Test. I‘ve used the winter months really well. I‘ve done a lot of physical training and riding to make sure my body and mind are in top shape. We need to work hard and be focused on our goal right from the start, so that‘s exactly what we‘ll do!”
Valentino Rossi. Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
VALENTINO ROSSI
“For some reason the winter months always seem a lot longer than the summer months during the MotoGP season – those seem to just fly by! Anyway, I‘m happy to be on track and to start riding again. I‘ve been able to relax during the stop and also do some fun riding events, but now it‘s time to get serious about 2020. I‘m very curious to see what steps we can make during the Sepang Test. For sure, Yamaha have prepared some new things for us to try, and anyway the first laps of the year on a MotoGP bike after the winter break are always a unique sensation – it‘s always something I really enjoy. For sure we have a lot of work ahead of us, but the team and I are ready for it.”
Arthur Kowitz (8) in action on an electric road race motorcycle. Photo courtesy of Arthur Kowitz.
Electric motorcycle racing around the USA and the world has been largely a fragmented collage of efforts and events. However, one enduring series now begins its seventh consecutive season in 2020…AHRMA’s Zero Motorcycles-sponsored Formula Lightning.
About 10 years ago, electric road racing motorcycles (a.k.a. ebikes) began showing up in exhibition events at various venues around the USA. FIM-sanctioned International events may have had a higher profile, but even they struggled to attain consistent scheduling and interest.
For the 2013 season, the FIM paired its most recent iteration of ebike racing – the FIM eRoadRacing World Cup – with MotoGP at that season’s rounds at Laguna Seca Raceway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Arthur Kowitz, veteran American road racer, renewed his long-lapsed FIM Pro license and competed in both of these events. This latest version of an International ebike racing series ended with little fanfare after the close of the 2013 season.
Recognizing the vacuum left by the demise of the International ebike racing series, in late 2013, Kowitz formed a proposal to establish a grass-roots ebike series in the USA. Several of America’s prominent road racing organizations were approached, with AHRMA being the most receptive.
One of AHRMA’s stated missions is to showcase “motorcycles which historically have been under-represented in modern road racing.”
For 2014, AHRMA adopted Kowitz’ fledgling eMotoRacing series on an exhibition status. Grass-roots support grew as entries and interest in this new series grew. By 2016, AHRMA approved eMotoRacing’s eSuperSport class as a permanent series with a 125 volt limit on power. Higher voltage bikes were allowed to continue racing on an exhibition status, garnering no championship points.
Competitors in eSuperSport have included a former Daytona 200 winner, several former AMA Pros, prominent AHRMA regulars, and electric motorcycle racing enthusiasts from around the country.
The ebikes populating the grids have also been varied. Competing machines include American-made production bikes from Zero and Brammo, the Italian superbike maker Energica, plus experimental prototypes from both factories and privateers.
From the inaugural 2014 season to the present, one of the series’ mid-season events has featured prototype electric race bikes designed and built by collegiate engineering teams. Woodcraft Technologies has sponsored the Varsity Challenge from its inception by awarding a scholarship to the highest placing student team. Former winners are Virginia Tech, University of Sherbrooke (Quebec), and the 2019 champion Rochester Institute of Technology.
Beginning with the 2019 season, AHRMA renamed the eSuperSport class as Formula Lightning to better fit in the vernacular of its other classes. The higher-voltage bikes, over 125V, compete in the exhibition Formula Lightning Extreme class.
Zero Motorcycles of California is the Formula Lightning class sponsor for the 2020 season, which kicks off February 8, 2020, at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy of PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Best Race Lap Record: 1:59.661, Valentino Rossi, 2019
All-Time Lap Record: 1:58.303, Fabio Quartararo, 2019
FIM MotoGP World Championship
Sepang International Circuit
Sepang, Malaysia
February 7, 2020
Day One Test Results (all on Michelin tires):
Fabio Quartararo, France (Yamaha), 1:58.945
Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yamaha), 1:58.996
Alex Rins, Spain (Suzuki), 1:59.195
Cal Crutchlow, UK (Honda), 1:59.234
Jack Miller, Australia (Ducati), 1:59.236
Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yamaha), 1:59.367
Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Aprilia), 1:59.427
Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM), 1:59.536
Joan Mir, Spain (Suzuki), 1:59.568
Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yamaha), 1:59.569
Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Ducati), 1:59.666
Marc Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:59.676
Alex Marquez, Spain (Honda), 1:59.918
Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Ducati), 1:59.939
Dani Pedrosa, Spain (KTM), 2:00.017*
Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM), 2:00.131
Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Ducati), 2:00.136
Sylvain Guintoli, France (Suzuki), 2:00.371*
Johann Zarco, France (Ducati), 2:00.464
Iker Lecuona, Spain (KTM), 2:00.511
Brad Binder, South Africa (KTM), 2:00.519
Tito Rabat, Spain (Ducati), 2:00.750
Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Honda), 2:00.815
Yamaha Test Bike 1, Japan (Yamaha), 2:01.080*
Yamaha Test Bike 2, Japan (Yamaha), 2:01.744*
Lorenzo Savadori, Italy (Aprilia), 2:03.150*
*test rider
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#SepangTest: Quartararo strikes first to go fastest on Friday
A Petronas Yamaha SRT 1-2 locks out the top for the Iwata marque, with Rins putting Suzuki in third
Fabio Quartararo (20). Photo courtesy of Dorna.
Friday, 07 February 2020
Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) began the Sepang Test in an increasingly familiar position: first. The Frenchman was the first man into the 1:58s and his laptime remained largely unthreatened thereafter, although some rain in the afternoon did stop play for a while and limit track time. Teammate Franco Morbidelli was second overall on Day 1 and came the closest to deposing him, only 0.051 off, with Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) next up as the Spaniard completed the top three on Friday.
Quartararo did 41 laps on Day 1, lapping on the 2019 Yamaha, with a best of 1:58.945 on Lap 22. Teammate Franco Morbidelli was the only man able to get close and he was on 2020 machinery, putting in 50 laps overall – ending the day just 0.051 off Quartararo’s best as the Petronas Yamaha duo proved the only two men able to dip under the 1:59 barrier.
At Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, there was no Jorge Lorenzo out testing on Day 1, with the focus instead on Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi. They both had three bikes each in the garage: two 2020 machines with the new engine and frame and a 2019 version in order to test back to back. Viñales’ best was a 1:59.367 in sixth and Rossi’s a 1:59.569 in tenth.
Rins, meanwhile, put Team Suzuki Ecstar in third after a half century of laps for the Spaniard on Friday. There was aero on the agenda, and plenty under the covers for the Hamamatsu factory to focus on – including more work on the engine and a new swingarm, chassis, electronics… Rins’ best was a 1:59.195 in P3 and teammate Joan Mir took P9 with a 1:59.968 after a similar amount of laps. Test rider Sylvain Guintoli was also out on track to add another 48 laps to the count.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) was the fastest Honda on Day 1. The Brit leapfrogged up into the top three briefly before ultimately ending Friday in fourth after 33 laps, but it was a busy day for the number 35 as he spearheads much of Honda’s testing – with Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) coming back from shoulder surgery, Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) likewise, and Alex Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) making his premier class debut. Crutchlow had three bikes in the garage, one of which was a 2019 machine for back-to-back comparisons. The other two were 2020 machines, although not identical…
Marc Marquez’s best, a 1:59.676 after 37 laps, put him in 12th – with the focus on trying only the essentials as his recovery limits his laps somewhat. Reigning Moto2™ Champion Alex Marquez did a similar number of laps though, and he faced a 0.242 deficit to his teammate by the end of play despite finishing Friday just a position behind him. Nakagami had a steadier start to the test; his best a 2:00.815 as he comes back from injury.
Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) was the fastest Ducati man on Day 1. An improvement on his penultimate lap put the Australian up into fifth with a 1:59.236, behind Crutchlow by just 0.002. He had two 2020 bikes as well as a few “small parts” to try, with positive feedback coming from the Queenslander. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), meanwhile, put in a 1:59.666 and was just outside the top ten, doing 35 laps, with teammate Danilo Petrucci putting in a fastest lap of 1:59.939 after 42 laps. Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Racing) was P17, Johann Zarco (Reale Avintia Racing) P19 and Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) P23.
Aleix Espargaro (41). Photo courtesy of Dorna.
Aprilia were ahead of the game early doors, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) top of the pile after the first hour and ten or so laps. After positive comments on the new 2020 bike following the shakedown test, that seemed to continue on the timesheets on Friday: Espargaro ended the session on a 1:59.427 in P7 after 40 laps, the laptime the same one with which he topped the timesheets earlier in the day. Lorenzo Savadori was also on duty for the Noale factory after the Italian had also taken part in the shakedown test, and he did 30 laps. Test rider Bradley Smith is expected to join the lineup as the test continues.
Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy of Dorna.
Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way for KTM on the first day. The Spaniard ended the test in P8 after a best of 1:59.536, and he put in 50 laps. The Austrian factory worked with their new chassis – on both factory and Tech 3 machines – as well as some aero, and the engine, and Espargaro says there’s more to do on the rear with a new swingarm… as always, it’s a packed program.
Test rider Dani Pedrosa was the next KTM on the timesheets in 15th, with the Spaniard doing nearly 50 laps. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was close though, just over a tenth off Pedrosa and doing a similar number of laps as he comes back from injury that dogged the latter half of his 2019. Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) just pipped fellow rookie Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)… but the two were only 0.008 apart in P20 and P21 respectively.
That’s it from Day 1 but there are plenty more videos and rider reactions on motogp.com – check them out and gear up for more on Saturday as the #SepangTest continues.
More, from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:
Red Bull KTM Tech3 duo kicks off 2020 in Sepang
After Miguel Oliveira and Iker Lecuona have been arriving in Malaysia last week already and completed three days of a very positive shakedown test, they started the official Sepang test today side by side with the entire 2020 MotoGP grid. Thereby, Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Oliveira did a fastest lap of 2:00.131 minutes, doing 49 laps in total.
Meanwhile premier class rookie Lecuona managed to live up to his progress of the first days at the hot and humid Sepang International Circuit and improved by impressive 1.148 seconds compared to his fastest lap from Tuesday, which made him concluding day one just 0.380 seconds behind his teammate.
Miguel Oliveira (88). Photo courtesy of Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Miguel Oliveira
Position: 16th
Time: 2:00.131
Laps: 49
“Today started a bit up and down with quite a lot of test duties regarding the engine, but we were able to find a good feeling before the lunch break. For sure, we lost some time, but at this moment it’s not important for us to do the fastest lap time. We finished the day with good feelings about a change that we made on the electronic side. I’m quite happy with that and above all, my pace was pretty strong with used tyres, so I think we have much more room to improve there. Anyway, it was a positive day.”
Iker Lecuona (27). Photo courtesy of Red Bull KTM Tech3.
Iker Lecuona
Position: 20th
Time: 2:00.511
Laps: 44
“Today has been quite difficult due to the conditions. After lunch it started to rain and when it stopped, it took quite long to dry up, so we lost a lot of time and the track surface wasn’t as good as before anymore. But in the morning, I managed to continue to learn and lower my lap time. I was working a lot together with the team, also with the setting of the bike. Overall, I feel good, I improved a lot, so I’m happy. Although the track conditions have not been ideal this afternoon, I could try something, which I liked, so we continue from there tomorrow.”
More, from a press release issued by PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team:
Quartararo and Morbidelli lead the way on opening day at Sepang test
The PETRONAS Yamaha SRT pairing of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli end opening day first and second at Sepang International Circuit.
The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team pairing of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli ended the opening day of the Sepang Test first and second respectively. The first outing with the new livery was a positive one as the duo racked up the kilometres at the Sepang International Circuit, despite rain holding up proceedings in the afternoon.
Taking to the track immediately at 10:00, Quartararo was quick to make his mark on the timing screens and soon placed his Yamaha YZR-M1 at the top of the standings. The afternoon downpour helped him spend the rest of the day there, finishing the session aboard his 2019 machine with a lap time that was 0.051 seconds faster than his competition. Fabio completed 52 laps of the Malaysian track, with a best time of 1min 58.945secs.
Team-mate Morbidelli focused on testing the latest evolution of the A-spec machine, which he last rode in November at the Jerez test. After spending the first hour getting up to speed with the new improvements, he soon joined Quartararo at the top of the timing screens, just 0.051 seconds behind. Despite the rain restricting track time, Morbidelli completed more laps during the afternoon and finished the day in second, 0.199 seconds faster than Alex Rins, having racked up 62 laps with a best time of 1min 58.996secs.
Testing will resume tomorrow at Sepang International Circuit at 10:00 (local time), when Fabio will be able to ride the Factory-Spec YZR-M1 for the first time. The second day of action will draw to a close at 18:00 (local time), ahead of the final day on Sunday.
Fabio Quartararo
1st (1:58.945)
It feels good after almost three months to be back on track. Today was just about getting used to being back on the MotoGP bike. We used last year’s version just to get a few laps in, and we set a really good lap time with the medium tyre at the beginning of the day. We’re hoping for better weather tomorrow so that we can work even more and I’m looking forward to see what my first impressions of the new bike are. I’m really happy with today, it’s always good to start quickest but it’s only the first day of the test – everybody starts with new bikes, it’s not easy for them. The 2019 bike is one I really know from last year, but of course is always better to be P1 than P10 and I can’t wait for tomorrow to start with the new bike.
Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo courtesy of PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Franco Morbidelli
2nd (+0.051)
I feel good, it was a positive first day for us. We were immediately fast and made the right changes to the bike to get the right feeling. We managed 62 laps, which is a good amount for the first day. Some rain came and this slowed down the working process of the afternoon, but we did a good job in the morning and early part of the afternoon. Tomorrow we will try some other small things that we have on the programme to try but overall I am very happy. We are a little bit faster on the straight, so that is a positive and what we wanted. The behaviour of the bike remains the same though so it is still nice to ride and flowing, but we have a little bit more top speed. I’m happy with the work Yamaha has done and I’m happy with what they are supplying me.
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA KICK OFF 2020 TESTING PROGRAMME IN MALAYSIA
Sepang (Malaysia), 7th February 2020
Today, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team got back into action after the winter break. Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi rode 49 and 48 laps respectively, ending the first day of the Sepang MotoGP Official Test in sixth and tenth place.
6th MAVERICK VIÑALES 1’59.367 / 49 LAPS
10th VALENTINO ROSSI 1’59.569 / 48 LAPS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team‘s Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi were back where they belong, aboard their YZR-M1s, on the first official IRTA MotoGP testing day of 2020. The riders got down to business immediately in the typical Sepang International Circuit heat. They faced wet conditions at times but worked tirelessly, ending in sixth and tenth place respectively in the Day 1 timesheets.
Having presented this year‘s line-up at the Sepang track yesterday, the team was in high spirits. They commenced their 2020 testing programme with three bikes for each rider.
Viñales was greatly motivated to get back into action, knowing he had various setting options to try today. The Spaniard suffered a small crash just before lunch, but little damage was done. After his planned midday break, he completed his afternoon stint without any trouble. He ran 49 laps in total, securing sixth place with a 1‘59.367s, 0.422s from first, and ended the day with positive feelings.
Eager to be back aboard his YZR-M1 again after the winter break, Rossi also had a good day at the office. He quickly got into the swing of things in the morning before moving on to improving the settings of the YZR-M1 in the afternoon. He rode 48 laps over the course of eight hours of high-temperature and occasionally rainy testing, and set a best lap of 1‘59.569s, taking tenth place, 0.624s from the top.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
The riders spent the first two runs focused on getting back their feeling after more than two months of no riding. We have brought six bikes to this test to evaluate the improvements made between the end of 2019 and the start of 2020 testing. For the moment we have been able to confirm an improvement in top speed and potentially tyre life too. But there are other areas that need to be improved, which is to be expected at the start of the season. Tomorrow we will also test other new items that have already been tried by the testing team these last few days.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
We are working very hard. Honestly, it’s difficult to draw a conclusion already, because it’s only the first day. The feeling has been great, a 1’59s lap here is always really good for me. I had the feeling I expected on the bike. We need to keep going so we can try to understand many things, because we have a lot of things to test, especially tomorrow. On the third day I will concentrate a bit more on myself. On the second day I will be trying many parts, so it will be difficult to get a clear conclusion again. But the first day of training in the heat was good. I’m happy because I felt good on the bike straight away, which is always very positive. I rode fast, I had a good rhythm, and I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Valentino Rossi (46). Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
VALENTINO ROSSI
It was a difficult day, especially because of the conditions. It rained, so we didn‘t finish our programme, but anyway we were able to do a little less than 50 laps. My time over one lap and my position aren‘t fantastic, but we worked well. We have the M1 2020, which is different, so we need to get to know it better. The first feeling is positive, but we have to work because some things are better, and some are worse. But I‘m happy about the first day. You always work on the chassis, the engine, and the electronics. The 2020 bike is a bit different to ride, so we need to get a better understanding. From a certain point of view, we have a margin for improvement, but on the other hand we are already not so bad and the feeling with the bike is quite positive.
More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:
Repsol Honda Team back on track at the Sepang Test
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez returned to his RC213V for the first time in 2020 alongside rookie team-mate Alex Marquez as the new MotoGP World Championship season commences with testing in Malaysia.
Proceedings started almost as soon as the track opened in Malaysia, the Repsol Honda Team working for 2020 from early in the day. Unfortunately rain just after lunch limited track time.
Eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez completed a total of 37 laps before stopping just ahead of the lunch break. Having had his right shoulder operated on during the winter and completing 250 hours of physiotherapy, Marc is focusing on the quality of laps rather than the quantity of laps around the 5.5-kilometre-long Sepang International Circuit. Lapping with a best time of 1’59.676, Marc ended the day within a second of the fastest time as he looks ahead to the remaining two days of the test.
With two days of running already under his belt at the Sepang Circuit, Moto2 World Champion Alex Marquez picked up where he left off and continued building his confidence aboard the Honda RC213V. It proved a busy first half of the day for the rookie who completed 38 laps and set a best time of 1’59.918, Alex and the Repsol Honda Team pleased with the progress made so far.
The pair will be back out on track for day two of the Sepang Test, hoping for more cooperative weather.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy of Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez
1’59.676
“It is really important to be back on the bike and I’m happy to be back but unfortunately I felt a little worse than I was expecting. I started with good energy in the first run but I had to calm myself down a little bit to make sure we can finish the day. I just tried to find my rhythm and work on what I needed to. The plan stays the same, 35 laps today, 45 laps tomorrow and see on the final day. The important thing is that the shoulder was stable and in the afternoon the pain wasn’t worse, step by step we just have to be patient.”
Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy of Repsol Honda.
Alex Marquez
1’59.918
“I am happy with how today went. The shakedown test allowed us to get a base and helped a rookie like me to begin to understand a MotoGP bike at this circuit. Today we are still improving, and we made some steps with used tyres. The track is in a better condition than at the shakedown and having more riders on track lets me learn more things from those around us. We still have a lot of work to do, but the team are great and using their experience to give me new things to focus on each run. Every day we have been faster and I am looking forward to tomorrow.”
More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki ECSTAR:
RINS AND MIR ENJOY SOLID DAY 1 AS SEPANG TEST OPENS 2020
Alex Rins: 3rd – 1:59.195 (+ 0.250)
Joan Mir: 9th – 1:59.568 (+ 0.623)
Sylvain Guintoli: 18th – 2:00.371 (+ 1.426)
The Sepang International Circuit played host to the first test of 2020, where useful progress was made by Team SUZUKI ECSTAR’s riders.
Work began with confirmatory runs for the engine spec which was debuted in the Valencia and Jerez tests at the end of last year, this allowed the riders to reconfirm the positive feelings experienced previously.
Alex Rins then switched his attention to trying a new aerodynamic package with additional wings, which he found beneficial. Rins completed a total of 56 laps, finishing with a best time of 1:59.195 and third position.
Joan Mir spent time trying various points including new swingarm and the new chassis, he also tried a modified tank cover to assist with ergonomics and braking. The youngster also reported positive findings, finishing the session in ninth and completing 51 laps.
Test Rider Sylvain Guintoli also worked on the aerodynamic package and continued in his important role collecting data for the team by putting in 48 laps.
Davide Brivio – Team Manager:
“It has been a positive start to the test, we’ve been working through the list of items we wanted to try. Alex concentrated mainly on confirming the engine spec, as well as working on different fairing options, and this was the key focus today for him. Joan tested the new chassis and new swingarm and some other things such as electronics. By the end of the three-days test everyone will have tested everything, so the work is going well. Our pace seems quite consistent so let’s continue like this.”
Alex Rins (42). Photo courtesy of Team Suzuki ECSTAR.
Alex Rins:
“Today was a really good day! I’m excited and happy to be back on my bike, I really missed it during the winter. Today I spent some time on the fairing area, and I tried some new variations of the package. I found a configuration I liked, so we’ve taken a step forward and I’m happy about that. Tomorrow we’ll work on the electronic area and the chassis. We’re using the same engine as in the tests at the end of last year, and the feeling is still very positive. We’ll continue to work!”
Joan Mir (36). Photo courtesy of Team Suzuki ECSTAR.
Joan Mir:
“One of the things that we worked on today was my bike position, and this was something really important to do because I already feel better and more comfortable when riding, so that’s a positive. I also tried a new chassis and a new swingarm and worked towards confirming the engine. It’s important to find out what works well, and not so well, so we’ll use these days to try and get lots of information.”
Sylvain Guintoli:
“We’ve already done a lot of work in the days ahead of this test and made lots of selections for Alex and Joan to try. So today we continued, and we worked on things like the aerodynamic package. The weather wasn’t ideal as it was quite windy and also a bit wet, so it made it a bit trickier. But anyway, everything felt good and I managed to improve my personal best time here at Sepang so that was positive. Let’s see what we can do tomorrow!”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Castrol:
CAL CRUTCHLOW BEGINS CRUCIAL 2020 TESTS WITH LCR HONDA CASTROL
The first on-track action of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship season began at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Friday, with all teams and riders out in the tropical heat of Malaysia for the first of three days’ testing.
It promises to be a tough first outing for LCR Honda Castrol’s star rider Cal Crutchlow, who has a hefty schedule of testing to do to help HRC fine-tune their 2020 RC213V prototype. Just like Cal’s team-mate Taka Nakagami, reigning world champion and Honda colleague Marc Marquez is also returning from surgery, and with him joined by younger brother Alex in the factory ranks as a rookie, Crutchlow’s valuable input to the project will be more significant than ever before.
The British racer completed a total of 39 laps on day one, with an impressive best lap time of 1’59.234 putting him fourth overall in the standings. Progress was hampered by a heavy downpour in the afternoon, however the hopes are for a fully dry day on Saturday to continue with the planned schedule.
Cal Crutchlow (35). Photo courtesy of LCR Honda Castrol.
#35 Cal Crutchlow – 4th (1’59.234 lap 28 of 39)
“It was a shock to the system to get back out there, but it was a good day to be back on the bike. I was very happy to be back working with the LCR Honda Castrol Team again, and it’s always good to see the boys again after a good winter break where I’ve been preparing well over in California.
“Now the work starts. We continue to try and improve the RC213V from last year; we had two 2020 models in the garage and one “sort-of-2019” spec machine which was a bit more half and half. We worked our way through the test programme, with a slight delay halfway through the day when we had to work on the bikes, which is completely normal. Unfortunately, when I returned to the track again it was raining and we could only get in another short stint right at the end of the day.
“Overall, it was nice to get back working with the crew again, but tomorrow will be a longer and tougher day when we’ll learn a lot more about what we’ve got.”
More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda Idemitsu:
NAKAGAMI FINALLY BACK ON TRACK AFTER SHOULDER SURGERY
The first on-track action of the 2020 MotoGP World Championship season began at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Friday, with all teams and riders out in the tropical heat of Malaysia for the first of three days’ testing.
For LCR Honda Idemitsu’s Takaaki Nakagami it represented the first time he has been out on a MotoGP bike since his home grand prix in Japan in October. It was then that the Chiba-born rider took the difficult decision to miss the final few races of 2019 to undergo shoulder surgery, with a view to returning fit to this test.
After nearly four months recovery, Nakagami was obviously delighted to be back in the saddle, but admitted that it would take time to get back to full motorcycle fitness. He spent the day getting reacquainted with the MotoGP machine, with his first laps on his new RC213V.
Takaaki Nakagami (30). Photo courtesy of LCR Honda Idemitsu.
#30 Takaaki Nakagami – 23rd (2’00.815 – lap 25 of 31)
“I think for everybody it’s a tough first day back, but the track conditions were quite good for a first day and you can see the lap times were quite fast. On my side it has been a bit of a struggle. I think it’s four months since I last rode at Motegi, which is quite a long time without riding a MotoGP bike so it’s been a hard first day.
“Physically it’s not the best situation yet, but I am so happy to jump on the bike again. We simply didn’t look at our position or lap times today, I’m was just happy to be back out on track.
“Of course, we need to improve our potential with the new bike, it’s the first time on the 2019 model for me. There are lots of things I have to understand, there’s quite a big difference between the ’18 and ’19 models and the character is not quite the same. My first impression is not negative though. I understand some people in the past might have said it wasn’t easy, but I think it’s just that the concept is different. What I feel is that it is a different bike, but I wouldn’t say it was negative. It’s just the first day and I need more laps to give proper feedback.”
More, from a press release issued by Mission Winnow Ducati:
Rain disturbs action on the first day of testing in Sepang with Dovizioso eleventh and Petrucci fourteenth.
After having unveiled the new livery of the Desmosedici GP20 bikes on the last 23rd January in Bologna, the Ducati Team has finally taken to the track for the first of three days of Official MotoGP Test at Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.
For both Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci, the day started a few minutes after 10 am this morning when the sky was still bright, and the track conditions were perfect to begin the demanding testing program. Eleventh and fifteenth respectively before the lunch break, the Ducati Team riders were hoping to resume their work in the afternoon finding the same weather conditions. But a sudden downpour disturbed the program leaving just two more hours of dry track before the rain started to fall again a few minutes before the session end.
Dovizioso closed in 11th position in 1:59.666, while Petrucci ended the day 14th, just 0.263 s behind his teammate. The first day of testing featured close gaps and quick paces with the top 14 riders within less than 1 second and under the 2-minute lap time. The Ducati Team riders will still have two days available at the Malaysian race track where test rider Michele Pirro concluded the preparations for the test during the Shakedown.
Andrea Dovizioso (04). Photo courtesy of Ducati.
Andrea Dovizioso (#04, Ducati Team) – 11 (1:59.666)
“It has been a hard day. We have introduced a few new items, and we had to focus more on certain aspects of the bike setup. We hope to be able to use our time better tomorrow and to concentrate on the rest of the program. We would like to work on the new rear tyres because we think that this is a fundamental aspect. We are trying to improve the riding style and the bike setup because we believe that these will help us to take the right advantage from the new solutions brought by Michelin”.
Danilo Petrucci (9). Photo courtesy of Ducati.
Danilo Petrucci (#9 Ducati Team) – 14 (1:59.939)
“I am happy to be back on track. Today we didn’t focus on the lap time, but we worked on trying to rebuild a good feeling with the bike after this long break away from my Desmosedici GP. It had been difficult at the beginning, but in the afternoon, I think I was able to find the right path that will help me also improve in the next days. Today there were mixed weather conditions that made hard to understand our real potential: I always ran with used tyres and with the rain we couldn’t try the new items that we need to test. In general, it was a positive day, and it leaves me confident for tomorrow”.
More, from a press release issued by Reale Avintia Racing:
THE REALE AVINTIA RACING TEAM MAKES A GOOD START TO THE 2020 PRE-SEASON IN MALAYSIA
It took more than a hundred days for the engines to roar again on a circuit after the end of last season in Valencia. The bikes are back in action at the Sepang International Circuit for the first pre-season test of 2020.
It was an expected start for the Reale Avintia Racing Team, where Johann Zarco was able to make his first contact with the Ducati Desmosedici GP19, his new bike for this coming season and his new team. The French rider achieved a time of 2:00:464, finishing in 19th position after completing a total of 54 laps in a first day of adaptation and set-up.
For his part, Tito Rabat, who had the opportunity to ride the new bike in the past tests at Valencia and Jerez, continued with the learning and development period of his Ducati and managed to finish the first day of testing in Malaysia in 22nd position after setting a time of 2:00:750 accumulating a total of 54 laps.
It has been a very fruitful and effective first day, as the team has managed to accumulate and collect a lot of data that will be analysed for the evolution and development of the bike.
Tito Rabat (53). Photo courtesy of Avintia Racing.
TITO RABAT – P22
“This morning I was very happy, it was easy, we hadn’t changed any tyres and I really felt good. It’s still too early to draw conclusions, we’re on the first day. We went out for a couple of hours in the morning to test the bike. In the afternoon, after the rain, I was a little bit confused, it was a little bit harder and we didn’t ride too much. Tomorrow we will try to start well from the beginning and attack.”
Johann Zarco (5). Photo courtesy of Avintia Racing.
JOHANN ZARCO – P19
“I was expecting better for me and to be little bit faster. I learnt a lot and I did a lot of laps. After some months, it has been very long time. I stayed calm and at the end of the day I did a very important step understanding my mistakes and how to ride better this Ducati bike. The are some points of huge potential. Step by step I will understand, I keep smiling because I’m living a good feeling. I don’t have any problem to have a bike from 2019 because it’s official and it’s a satellite team. My working plan for the remaining days is to understand more this bike and to be relaxed. If I do a good job I can be in the low 1:59.”
More, from a press release issued by Pramac Racing:
Sepang Test – the first day of testing brings positive feelings for both riders
Today officially opens the 2020 MotoGp season with the first day of testing at Sepang International Circuit.
There was great enthusiasm for the long-awaited return to the track after the winter break.
The day started in a positive way and the riders immediately had a good feeling with the new bike.
The weather wasn’t entirely forgiving and it affected our work, the afternoon storm delayed our return to the track and then stopped it a few minutes before the end of the session.
Jack still managed to complete 47 laps, with the fastest lap time in 1:59.236, while the bike’s best lap time was 1:59.236.
Pecco ended the day with 53 laps with the fastest lap in 2:00.136.
The first day of testing was certainly more than satisfactory.
Pecco Bagnaia
“We are quite satisfied with the first day’s work. We still have a lot of work to do but the feeling is definitely good. It was a positive comeback after finishing last year with a crash, so I am happy to be back here again and have the opportunity to ride this bike that seems to have great potential”
Jack Miller
“I am really satisfied with all the training I have done over the winter, I immediately had a good feeling with the bike and I started again with very good sensations. There is certainly some work to set up but we had a good feeling, the first day given to us good indications”.
A screen shot of what Racer360 online coaching looks like. Image courtesy of Racer360.
Ken Hill joins Racers360 for Online Video Coaching Services –
Racers360 was founded in late 2018 with the goal of making professional, world-class coaching more affordable and accessible. Today, we are proud to announce our expansion into the motorcycle world.
Leveraging technology, Racers360 offers professional, personalized coaching. Throughout the 2019 season, hundreds of amateur race car drivers saw the power of personalized professional coaching, with the average driver improving by 1.5 seconds per lap. By focusing on proper fundamentals and techniques, our expert coaches aim to help drivers, and now riders, improve both speed and safety.
Motorcycle riders will now be able to easily upload videos from any track, any bike, any weekend, and receive personalized coaching from the best in the business. Joining the Racers360 motorcycle coaching staff will be world-renowned coach, Ken Hill, and Macau GP race winner, Mike Edwards. Ken, frustrated by the extent of misinformation and inexpert advice in the racing and recreational riding communities, has dedicated his career to bringing a culture of professional coaching to the motorcycle industry, and we are thrilled to have him come aboard.
“To have Ken Hill and Mike Edwards join us as coaches is very special to our team at Racers360,” says Racers360 co-founder, Dion von Moltke. “As my professional racing career was starting to wind down and I started realizing that the current education in amateur racing left a lot to be desired, I knew to fix this we needed to make the best coaches in the world more affordable and accessible. After speaking with Ken and Mike, it was clear that they saw the same issues in the motorcycle market, so, expanding Racers360 was a no-brainer!”
Mike Hailwood (1) riding a 1964 MV Agusta 500cc four-cylinder Grand Prix racebike. Photo courtesy of MV Agusta.
MV Agusta and Related Companies Timeline
By David Swarts
1945 – Meccanica Verghera Srl (MV Agusta) established by Count Domenico Agusta. The company’s first motorcycle is the MV 98.
MV Agusta’s first motorcycle, the 1945 MV 98
1947 – Franco Bertoni wins MV Agusta’s first motorcycle race using an MV 98 Sport.
1950 – Giovanni Castiglioni founds Cagiva. The company is named after its owner and where it was located, CAstiglioni GIovanni VArese.
1955 – MV Agusta starts producing Bell helicopters under a license agreement.
1956 – John Surtees wins MV Agusta’s first World Championship in the 500cc class.
John Surtees riding a 1956 MV Agusta 350cc four-cylinder Grand Prix racebike. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
Giacomo Agostini (1) riding a 1966 500cc three-cylinder MV Agusta Grand Prix racebike. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
1971 – Count Domenico Agusta dies.
1973 – Agusta family sells 51% of MV Agusta to EFIM, a public financing group.
1976 – Giacomo Agostini wins MV Agusta’s last World Championship, to date.
1978 – Castiglioni’s son Claudio Castiglioni takes Cagiva into the motorcycle business and purchases an old Aermacci/AMF/Harley-Davidson factory in Schirana, near Varese, Italy.
1979 – Cagiva produces 40,000 motorcycles.
1980 – MV Agusta stops producing motorcycles.
1985 – Cagiva buys Ducati for $5 million U.S.
1985 – Cagiva buys Moto Morini.
1987 – Cagiva buys Husqvarna.
1991 – Cagiva acquires MV Agusta, which is only a name at the time.
1996 – Cagiva sells 51% stake in Ducati to Texas Pacific Group (TPG) for about $325 million U.S.
1996 – Cagiva restructures under the name MV Agusta.
1999 –The first new MV Agusta motorcycle is produced – the F4 750 sportbike.
MV Agusta F4 750 during 1999 press intro at Monza. Photo by Kel Edge, courtesy MV Agusta.
MV Agusta F4 750 without bodywork, during 1999 press intro at Monza. Photo by Kel Edge, courtesy MV Agusta.
Roadracing World Editor John Ulrich aboard MV Agusta F4 750, during 1999 press intro at Monza. Photo by Kel Edge, courtesy MV Agusta.
2002 – MV Agusta goes into receivership, a.k.a. government control.
2004 – Malaysian auto manufacturer Proton buys majority share of MV Agusta for 70 million Euro (about $83 million U.S. at the time), allowing MV Agusta to exit receivership.
2005 – Proton sells its share in MV Agusta to GEVI S.p.A., an investment firm, for 1 Euro with GEVI assuming $126 million U.S of MV Agusta’s debt. GEVI then allows MV Agusta to refinance its debt.
2007 – MV Agusta sells Husqvarna to BMW for 93 million Euro (or about $127 million U.S. at the time).
2008 – Harley-Davidson buys MV Agusta for $109 million U.S., including $69 million U.S. in assumed debt.
Roadracing World Racing Editor Chris Ulrich aboard a 2010 MV Agusta F4 1000 during testing for the magazine at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, copyright 2010, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
2010 – Harley-Davidson “divests” itself of MV Agusta, selling it to Claudio Castiglioni for 1 Euro with $20 million U.S. cash in MV Agusta’s accounts, effectively paying Castiglioni $20 million to take MV Agusta back.
2011 – Claudio Castiglioni dies at the age of 64, and Giovanni Castiglioni becomes President and CEO of MV Agusta.
2014 – Mercedes-AMG acquires a 25% share of MV Agusta for an undisclosed sum.
2014 – Giovanni Castiglioni tells journalists at the launch of the new 2015 Stradale 800 that MV Agusta does not plan to ever produce small-displacement motorcycles and will instead continue to focus on producing high-end motorcycles.
MV Agusta’s Giovanni Castiglioni during a 2015 Stradale 800 press intro held in Italy. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.American Brian Gillen took over as MV Agusta R&D Technical Director in 2015. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2015 – MV Agusta announces it is filing for the Italian equivalent of bankruptcy protection from its creditors.
2016 – Black Ocean Group (founded by Oliver Ripley and Timur Sardarov) and MV Agusta Holding (owned by the Castiglioni family) inject capital into MV Agusta.
2017 – Italian courts approve MV Agusta’s restructuring plan.
2017 – MV Agusta Holding, now owned by Giovanni Castiglioni and Sardarov, repurchases shares owned by Mercedes-AMG and claims 100% ownership of MV Agusta.
2017 – MV Agusta receives more capital from ComSar Invest.
Timur Sardarov, Chairman and CEO of MV Agusta. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2018 – Sardarov becomes CEO of MV Agusta, and Castiglioni assumes the role of President of MV Agusta.
American engineer Brian Gillen poses with an SCS automatic clutch during a 2018 press intro for the 2018 Veloce 800 Lusso SCS model held at MV Agusta headquarters in Varese, Italy. Photo by Melissa Berkoff, copyright 2018, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Roadracing World Contributor Melissa Berkoff during a press intro for the 2018 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS in Italy. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2019 – Sardarov family buys out the Castiglioni family and acquires 100% of MV Agusta, with Timur Sardarov becoming Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as the CEO. Giovanni Castiglioni transitions into an advisory role with the company.
2019 – MV Agusta enters into long-term strategic partnership with China’s Loncin Motor to produce a new line of 350cc-500cc motorcycles.
MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov (left) and Loncin President Yong Gao (right) sign partnership agreement in 2019. Photo courtesy MV Agusta.
2019 – MV Agusta secures capital funding to execute its new five-year strategic plan.
2020 – MV Agusta celebrates 75th anniversary.
2020 – MV Agusta USA hosts dealers at a January convention in Las Vegas, where Timur Sardarov, Brian Gillen, Doug McCloskey and other executives lay out MV Agusta’s plans for the future.
Jonathan Rea (left) and Alex Lowes (right). Photo courtesy of Kawasaki.
KRT Launches Official 2020 WorldSBK Project
Kawasaki unveiled its official KRT FIM Superbike World Championship machinery and graphics package at the team launch this evening in Barcelona – the final step before the on-track action resumes at Phillip Island at the end of the month.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ official riding line-up will feature record-breaking five-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea aboard the latest race specification Ninja ZX-10RR. Joining him is exciting new signing for the 2020 season, Alex Lowes.
The well-attended launch took place in KRT’s European HQ, with the on-stage elements hosted by WorldSBK paddock show host Michael Hill inside the very workshops that have been instrumental in propelling Kawasaki riders to the top in recent seasons.
At the end of the on-stage interviews – conducted on sofas and in the form of a late night TV chat show – the latest livery and sponsorship package was displayed on a video screen, just before the covers came off the Ninja ZX-10RR itself. Prominent Motocard, Elf Total, Monster Energy and Showa branding was displayed, alongside other valued commercial and technical partners.
With winter testing in Europe now complete – in the usual monochrome winter tests colours – Jonathan Rea was finally resplendent in his new leathers at the team launch. He answered the question of how it feels to face another season laden with opportunities. “We have had a solid pre-season where I felt fast and consistent and the target is to win another championship – for the team, Kawasaki and myself. Tonight is the start of another great year together.”
The five times champion could feel the sense of anticipation building in front of his team’s literal home crowd. “This is the time when it all becomes real and it is really fitting to do it in our team workshop where all the hard work goes in preparing our bike and our season,” said the most successful WorldSBK rider in history. “It has been particularly nice to do it in front of many of our sponsors and the family and friend of our mechanics. Not long until the season starts now!”
Proven WorldSBK race winner and former BSB Champion Alex Lowes said about the final unveiling of his 2020 package, “I have been with the team for a few months now but we have had the chance to show our supporters and sponsors the final colours for our championship challenge tonight. It has been great to be part of this team and it was really nice to be seen in Kawasaki green for the first time. This has been a fantastic event, especially with all the team here in their own regular working environment. After this, it is down to Australia for the first race of the season.”
Steve Guttridge – Racing Manager for KME – took time away from organising the whole 2020 KME racing programme to attend the launch and he was impressed with what he saw.
“It is an honour to be here today to represent Kawasaki, including our employees all around the world that follow and support our WorldSBK team and riders,” said Steve. “Genuinely, we can all say how proud we are of our Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK squad and the continued success that we have enjoyed together.”
As Steve affirmed, it has been quite a partnership between all the parties who have contributed to the ongoing success of the entire Kawasaki WorldSBK project.
“Eight years ago we started a new history that – at the time – was a big step for Kawasaki Motors Europe, as we were charged by our headquarters in Japan with all aspects of managing the official project, along with KHI and the team. We commissioned Provec Racing to move up a category to the premier league of World Superbike for the 2012 season and always enjoyed strong support from a small but very clever group of KHI engineers in Japan, all of whom started working on the Ninja ZX-10RR as a race orientated base machine to fit our riders perfectly ever since.”
Steve continued, “Already by 2013 we had won the title with Mr. Tom Sykes, narrowly missing the title in 2014 and then of course enjoying the run of 5 consecutive, record breaking seasons with our own Jonathan Rea here today and this overall success story truly was our dreams come true.”
Stressing that it is a team effort not just at races, but in every step of the process, Guttridge underlined that more success is the aim for all in green in 2020, despite all the targets that have been met in previous years.
“We have believed together and achieved together as a team and manufacturer, so with this also came five consecutive manufacturers’ and teams’ titles too!” he happily stated. “We have to say a massive thank you to the entire crew of Kawasaki Racing Team and KHI staff for the teamwork that they put in together, along with our trusted technical partners whom are always behind us, working for the same goals. We are looking forward to what the future holds and of course all at Kawasaki will be 100% behind the team to provide whatever necessary for both Alex and Jonathan to go for victory again in this 2020 season.”
Joining Steve on stage shortly before the ‘big reveal’ of the latest livery, KRT Team Manager Guim Roda confirmed that he and his staff were motivated as ever. Not to mention very and proud to be able to have all the team’s partners and supporters made welcome in his literal home environment. “For the 2020 season, we decided to make the team launch in our KRT headquarters because we have improved our workshop environment and we wanted to show our friends and sponsors the place we work from to make all the racing activities for KRT in WorldSBK. This is a magic moment in which all the staff were involved, each one helping make this the most attractive launch possible.”
With so much recent success behind Kawasaki’s official WorldSBK effort Roda is aware that KRT is the team to beat once again. “We have in the next months a very hard job to do, because expectations – again – are so high and this do not allow us to have big margin to not keep winning. To win is a result of the job well done. To make good job it is very important to have the correct working environment to make the job in the best way possible. Today we hosted the team launch from the base we want to keep making WorldSBK history from with our riders Rea and Lowes.”
As the team now packs up for the first of the 13-rounds that will make up the 2020 season, the first official WorldSBK test will take place at Phillip Island, on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 February. Race weekend in Australia will start on Friday 28 February and finish on Sunday, the first day of March.
John E. Shepard, R.I.P. Photo courtesy of Diane Shepard Tribou.
Long-time race official John E. Shepard, of Monroe, Georgia, died this morning in Lawrenceville, Goegira. He was 84.
Shepard worked with WERA for 33 years, serving as a pit marshal and technical inspector.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1958. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1962 and made his living as an Electrical Engineer.
He is survived by wife Dianne Singleton, daughters Diane Shepard Tribou and Deanna Shepard-Cattie; grandchildren Kristina Mobley, Alex Mullins, James Mullins, John Mullins, Zach Mullins, Jonathan Parks, Niki Parks, and James Strickland; and many friends. He was preceded in death by wife Jacquelyn Shepard and daughter Michele Mullins.
The iconic grandstands at Sepang International Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.
Talking points: what awaits in the #SepangTest?
The sweet melody of MotoGP™ finally returns as Malaysia hosts the first test of the year
Thursday, 06 February 2020
The wait is nearly over! After we saw a first glimpse of 2020 at the Valencia test, another peek in Jerez AND the (private) shakedown, the long winter testing ban is now coming to an end and the season really is upon us. On Friday, the premier class take back to the track in their entirety to start gearing up for another season of MotoGP™.
In both Valencia and Jerez, Yamaha dominated with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) as the Spaniard locked out the top, and they’ll be hoping to keep stealing the headlines as official testing begins again. In the week preceding the action they certainly did too: Viñales renewed his contract – with Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as his teammate from 2021 – and the racing future of Valentino Rossi was announced as ‘TBC’ later in the year. And before we could catch our breath, a big rumour was confirmed as Jorge Lorenzo announced his return to the Iwata marque, now as test rider.
He’ll be a big talking point, as will the performances of his fellow M1 riders and the 2020 machine we’ve already seen a few glimpses of. Can Viñales pick up where he left off? Will Quartararo turn up the wick now he’s a sophomore? What foundations can Rossi and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) lay for this season?
Meanwhile at Honda, there’s a touch of déjà vu for reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Last season he faced a long fight back to fitness after shoulder surgery and 2020 is no different after the number 93 went back onto the operating table for the other shoulder in November. That was after the Jerez test, so Sepang isn’t just about getting the machinery ready for the season ahead. How will he fare? And what of his new teammate? If you hadn’t heard, it’s a Marquez-Marquez double bill at Repsol Honda now, as reigning Moto2™ Champion Alex Marquez steps up to the premier class. Will he be top rookie in testing?
He’ll have to face off against Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Iker Lecuona (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), with the rookies all fresh from the shakedown after having been allowed to ride in that test for the first time ever. The two KTM graduates will be hoping to get up to speed quickly and also have the challenge of partnering the now-experienced Pol Espargaro and Miguel Oliveira, respectively – with the latter on the comeback from injury. Signs from KTM seem positive overall after their performance at the shakedown, when they added to their on-track arsenal once again with veteran and now test rider Dani Pedrosa out on duty.
Will we see the Austrian factory cutting the gap to those ahead? Honda and Yamaha have targets on their backs, and so do Suzuki and Ducati. Team Suzuki Ecstar left the two previous tests with some impressive positions on the timesheets and positive words from Alex Rins and Joan Mir, and Andrea Dovizioso flew the Ducati Team flag not far behind. The Borgo Panigale factory, as ever, kept their cards a little closer to their chest though – so Sepang could see a few more of their puzzle pieces for the season revealed. Sylvain Guintoli has been out on track for Suzuki in the shakedown and Michele Pirro for Ducati, too, so they should be dialled in…
Aprilia have also been busy and likewise positive. Where will they fit into the mix? Test rider Bradley Smith joins Aprilia Racing Team Gresini’s Aleix Espargaro on track at Sepang, and first comments left few doubts about their positivity: the new bike was worth the wait. The front fairing already stole a few headlines after it broke cover at the shakedown, too…
The factory pecking order, the rookies, the tech, the return of a five-time World Champion…the Sepang Test promises plenty as action begins on Friday. And it’s game on for everyone now, with Independent Teams and riders back in the mix, race riders suited and booted and the covers about to come off. Head to motogp.com for Live Timing, reports, reactions, videos and more – as well as a comprehensive round up on After the Flag as Simon Crafar joins Steve Day and Matt Birt live from Malaysia for an hour and a half of the best news, updates and analysis from 10:30am to midday CET.
Pirelli track record bounty winner Adam Robarts (89). Photo by Dane Anar, courtesy of Pirelli.
Pirelli Announces Track Record Bounty Program for the 2020 Racing Season
Tire Voucher will be Awarded to Riders who Set a New Absolute Motorcycle Track Record with Pirelli Race Compound Tires
ROME, Ga. (February 6, 2020) – Pirelli Tire North America announced today, in collaboration with their road race vendors, the continuation of the Pirelli Nation Track Record Bounty Program in 2020. The bounty – issued in the form of a tire voucher – is available to riders who set a new absolute motorcycle track record on Pirelli race compound tires during a 2020 sanctioned event. Following the success of 2019 that saw seven bounties awarded, Pirelli continues to strengthen its efforts as a way to give back to racers nationwide.
Pirelli will continue to reward riders who set absolute motorcycle track records with a tire voucher in 2020.
“The program has had great success during the course of the past several years,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “Pirelli remains committed to the grassroots level of racing by rewarding racers for their accomplishments when using Pirelli racing compounds. We’re continuously improving our tire range, and with new size offerings for this year, it will only increase the chance for racers to set new absolute motorcycle track records by going even faster and doing so more consistently.”
In 2019, Pirelli-equipped riders relied on the performance of the DIABLO™ Superbike slicks to claim a total of seven absolute motorcycle track records across the nation. As the official tire supplier for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Pirelli’s research and development team has spent countless hours fine-tuning its race compound tires at the highest level and to ensure they are capable of performing in all conditions. The World Superbike-derived technology will provide riders with two new sizes for 2020, which include the 125/70-17 front and 200/65-17 rear sizes.
“It’s great to see Pirelli bring back the Pirelli Nation Track Record Bounty Program for 2020,” said Adam Robarts, professional racer. “I’ve been fortunate enough to capture a handful of track records the past several seasons and this keeps me hungry to keep improving myself and go get some more. I’m really anxious to get some time on the new DIABLO™ Superbike sizes and hope to make this my best year yet!”
Adam Robarts led the way for Pirelli-equipped riders in 2019, earning an impressive three absolute motorcycle track record bounties aboard his BMW S 1000 RR. His track records took place at The Ridge Motorsports Park, Pacific Raceway, and Mission Raceway park.
This bounty is valid for qualifying riders at race-sanctioned events, including (but not exclusive to) AFM, ASRA, ASMA, CCS, CMRA, CVMA, CRA, FMRRA, MRA, MCRA, OMRRA, SMRI, USBA, WMRRA and WERA.
To qualify for a Pirelli track record bounty:
· The rider and bike must be using Pirelli racing compound front and rear tires when the record is broken
· The race club must verify the new absolute motorcycle track record and Pirelli tire use. Pirelli and the vendor will confirm the new record with said race official
· If the lap is broken more than once at a specific race-sanctioned event, the last and fastest record will get the “bounty” (capped at one “bounty” per race event weekend)
· Each track layout limits the “bounty” by two times per year for each rider
· Track days and open practice days are not eligible for riders to claim the “bounty”
· The “bounty” is limited to the first 10 riders to qualify in 2020
* Any questions need to be directed to your local Pirelli trackside vendor
Follow Pirelli on Instagram – @PirelliMotoUSA – to keep up with the latest action throughout the season.
To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com
PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team’s Fabio Quartararo (left) and Franco Morbidelli (right). Photo courtesy PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team launch 2020 Campaign
PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is excited to start its 2020 MotoGP World Championship campaign with riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo.
PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is excited to start its 2020 MotoGP World Championship campaign with riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo unveiling their 2020 Yamaha YZR-M1 at the team’s home, Sepang International Circuit, on the eve of the official pre-season test at the world-renowned venue.
Franco and Fabio were joined by Team Principal, and Sepang International Circuit CEO, Razlan Razali, Team Director, Johan Stigefelt and Team Manager, Wilco Zeelenberg, Khairul Hisham Hj Mazlan, Head, Brand Management, Group Strategic Communications PETRONAS, General Manager of Motorsports Development Division & President of Yamaha Motor Racing, Hiroshi Ito and Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director & Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal, Lin Jarvis.
After a stellar rookie season in 2019, PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team is eager to build on its foundations as the first-ever Malaysian team in MotoGP. Last year saw the team become Top Independent Team, finishing fourth in the overall team standings, with rider Fabio Quartararo taking the Rookie of the Year title and Top Independent Rider.
2018 Rookie of the Year Franco Morbidelli and 2019 Rookie of the Year Fabio Quartararo both enter their second season with the squad, eager to deliver even stronger results than those seen last year. The MotoGP team has continuity of personnel in support of the riders.
Featuring an updated look with the latest PETRONAS branding, the team’s Yamaha YZR-M1 will be in Factory-spec for Fabio – who is set to join the factory Yamaha team in 2021 – and A-spec for Franco for the season ahead.
2020 also marks the second year of PETRONAS as the team’s title partner. The impressive results achieved by the team last season are a testament to the Malaysian energy company’s Fluid Technology Solutions that have powered PYSRT to and six pole positions and seven podiums in its rookie year.
Not present in Sepang, the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto2 and Moto3 squads will take part in a private test next week (Feb 10-11) ahead of the official test in Jerez the following week (19-21).
Razlan Razali, Team Principal:
We are proud to represent Malaysia and PETRONAS on the world stage for a second season as PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team.
We are looking forward to the season ahead, eager to give Franco and Fabio the best opportunity to build on their 2019 performance. We are fortunate to enjoy strong support from PETRONAS and Yamaha, who share our philosophy and are invaluable to our aspirations.
In MotoGP we set the bar high in 2019, so there is a lot of external pressure and motivation to repeat or improve this level of performance. We have targeted improvement in every area of the team but we are mindful that the element we don’t have control over is our rivals and how much progress they have made over the off-season. We’re eager to see everyone out on track over the forthcoming days at Sepang and we’re pushing hard to prepare ourselves in the best way possible for the season ahead.
Johan Stigefelt, Team Director:
In MotoGP I believe we really should be a force to reckon with this season. Fabio achieved seven podiums and six pole positions last year, which is a real benchmark. Franco was also looking for podiums and he showed he had the speed so he should be right in the mix too.
In the off-season we’ve been busy with preparations and we have the benefit of all the lessons learnt in 2019. The team really worked well together over the course of last year so this puts us in an excellent position to improve and develop in 2020. This is true not only of our MotoGP squad but also the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Moto2 and Moto3 teams who are currently preparing for their private test in Jerez next week (10-11) ahead of the official test the following week (19-21).
Wilco Zeelenberg, Team Manager:
The last twelve months flew by and it’s incredible to think that we’re looking at the start of our second season. There is a great vibe in the squad and we can’t wait to get racing.
There are no changes in the MotoGP crew so we should work even better together. Last year was our first as a new team, so it always takes a little time for people to gel and understand each other. With this experience and our motivation, the team should be stronger for 2020 and we hope to show this on track over the days and weeks ahead.
Franco Morbidelli:
My target is to improve last year’s results and improve myself in every way possible. I’ve been concentrating on general conditioning and improving my fitness so that I can do everything at my best to face this season well-prepared. It’s been a good off-season and I’m rested and refreshed as well as being very eager to get back on the bike.
In particular, looking at the races ahead, I want to improve my race pace. Last year I was fast in practice and close to the top riders on Friday and Saturday, but on race day it was different. I wasn’t able to match the top guys in the races. In 2020 I want to make this step up. The start of this is testing over the next three days so I can’t wait to get started.
Fabio Quartararo:
Obviously, it’s been a positive off-season for me being able to get my future determined and this means I can focus completely on the twenty races ahead which is very beneficial. The support from PETRONAS and Yamaha is great and I’m looking forward to riding the Factory bike over the races ahead.
After finishing 2019 with podiums and taking great results, I hope to be fighting in the top five again, targeting podiums and looking for wins. I don’t have any goals for the championship, my approach is race-by-race, trying to finish on the podium.
The next step is to see the potential of the bike here at Sepang and this will give us a clear idea about what we can expect from the season ahead.
Monster Energy Yamaha riders Maverick Vinales (left) and Valentino Rossi (right) with their YZR-M1 racebikes. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP READY TO START 2020 CAMPAIGN
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team opened their garage doors at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia today to show the set-up for 2020. In the upcoming MotoGP season, the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team will again be competing with riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi and continue their close relationship with title sponsor Monster Energy Company.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team staged a team presentation event today at the Sepang International Circuit. To celebrate the start of the 2020 MotoGP season, the team let the media into their pit box for a photo opportunity and held a special press conference.
By opening the doors to their garage for the photo opportunity event, the team offered the media and the fans watching the live stream a good look at the world of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP. Factory riders Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi were both present and sat on their Yamaha YZR-M1s, making everybody all the more excited to kick off the three-day official 2020 IRTA MotoGP preseason test in Sepang, Malaysia, that will start tomorrow.
Viñales joined the Factory Yamaha crew in 2017 and immediately took third place in the rider standings that year. Though the 2018 season proved to be tough, the Spaniard kept his motivation high and won the race at Phillip Island. He finished that season in fourth place overall, just five points behind his teammate in third position. In 2019, he scored two further Grand Prix victories, one in Assen and one in Sepang, and collected the overall bronze medal once more at the end of the season.
Rossi is famously Yamaha‘s most successful rider. This will be his 15th season with the manufacturer since he first joined the Factory Team in 2004. The nine-time World Champion won four championships with Yamaha in 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009, and is as eager as ever to score GP victories as he enters his eighth consecutive year with Yamaha since his return in 2013.
The colour scheme of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bike remains the same for 2020, with the team‘s YZR-M1, the pit box, and the riders‘ leathers sporting a ’Monster Energy black‘-to-’Yamaha Factory Racing blue‘ gradient. The M1 also features subtle blue stripes that add a further dynamic to the sleek design. The perfect blend between Yamaha‘s aesthetic and Monster Energy‘s instantly recognisable claw branding is also represented in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team logo and the team gear.
Yamaha has a long-term global alliance with the team‘s title sponsor, Monster Energy Company, based on their mutual passion for racing. A multiple-year title sponsor agreement with the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Team was signed in the summer of 2018 and came naturally, as Monster Energy Company sponsors multiple Yamaha teams (among them the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP team since 2013) and riders (including Viñales and Rossi) in various racing classes.
The team is also pleased to announce that throughout the 2020 racing season the bike will continue to feature the slogans of Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Yamaha Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc.
The photo opportunity in the garage was followed by a press conference, during which General Manager of Motorsports Development Division & President of Yamaha Motor Racing, Hiroshi Ito; Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director & Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Principal, Lin Jarvis; Yamaha MotoGP Group Leader, Takahiro Sumi; and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director, Massimo Meregalli shed light on their expectations for the upcoming season. They were joined by Viñales and Rossi, who also expressed their full motivation and eagerness to get to work.
Newly-confirmed Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team rider Jorge Lorenzo also got a moment in the spotlight. He already made his first kilometres on the YZR-M1 in the shakedown test held on 2-4 February 2020, after a three-year interval. He completed his first test with satisfactory results, and his vast riding experience is expected to be a huge asset to Yamaha‘s engineers over the course of year.
Jorge Lorenzo. Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
Furthermore, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP is delighted to confirm the continuation of its relationship with numerous sponsors and partners, including: JXTG Energy (ENEOS) http://www.noe.jxtg-group.co.jp/index.html, Semakin di Depan http://www.yamaha-motor.co.id, Yamalube http://yamalube.com, Akrapovič http://www.akrapovic.com, Cradle/Hexagon https://www.cradle-cfd.com, Blue Core http://www.yamaha-motor.co.id, Oakley http://www.oakley.com, Descente http://www.descente.com, Alpinestars https://www.alpinestars.com, Abarth http://www.abarth.com, Gilles Tooling http://www.gillestooling.com, Racing Boy https://www.racingboy.com.my, Furukawa Electrics https://www.furukawa.co.jp/en, Cromax http://www.cromax.com, Marelli http://www.magnetimarelli.com, D.I.D. http://www.did-daido.co.jp, NGK Spark Plugs https://www.ngkntk.co.jp, BMC Air Filters http://www.bmcairfilters.com, 2D http://2d-datarecording.com, Beta Tools http://beta-tools.it, Yamaha Corporation (Yamaha Music) https://www.yamaha.com, Michelin https://www.michelin.com/eng.
Lastly, the team continues to support Yamaha‘s bLU cRU programme, encouraging a younger generation of on-road riders to follow their dream to become the next MotoGP star. Viñales and Rossi continue to be ambassadors of the programme and will serve as role models for the riders in lower classes.
LIN JARVIS MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING
“Today we officially ’introduced‘ the 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team line-up. Monster Energy has been a team partner since 2013 and it was just 12 months ago in Jakarta when they stepped up to become the main sponsor of our Factory MotoGP Team. We have thoroughly enjoyed working closely together throughout the first year and we are now ready to further expand our collaboration and achieve greater sporting successes in this second season. The 2019 bike design and team ’look‘ was very well received by both Monster Energy and Yamaha fans around the world, so we decided to keep the strong image unchanged for 2020. However, that is the only thing that remains unchanged. If you scratch beneath the surface you will find many changes that Yamaha and the team have made to improve the bike, the performance of our riders and the total working efficiency of our team. We are excited to start this new season, and we believe we can achieve great things this year.”
MASSIMO MEREGALLI TEAM DIRECTOR
“After the winter break it‘s nice to have the entire team together again for the first time in months. It has that same buzz as the first day of school. We are about to start the 2020 preseason testing period, which is always a crucial and busy time for the team. Yamaha‘s Japanese engineers have dedicated a lot of time and effort to developing the M1, and now our riders and engineers will put the new items to the test for the first time. At the Valencia and Jerez tests at the end of last year we already got a sense of in which direction we‘re heading. During the upcoming test we will be looking to confirm our earlier findings and search for further areas of improvement, so we can start the 2020 season in March in the best shape possible.”
Maverick Vinales. Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
MAVERICK VIÑALES
“At the end of last season we were in decent shape, so I‘m really excited to start working again on our goal to get the title and as many wins as possible. For sure, I‘m looking forward to riding my M1 again. The last time I rode it here in Malaysia was during the 2019 season and we won. It‘s a really positive memory and it also means we have a good starting point here in terms of set-up, so we should be able to get straight to work tomorrow on Day 1 of the Sepang Test. I‘ve used the winter months really well. I‘ve done a lot of physical training and riding to make sure my body and mind are in top shape. We need to work hard and be focused on our goal right from the start, so that‘s exactly what we‘ll do!”
Valentino Rossi. Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.
VALENTINO ROSSI
“For some reason the winter months always seem a lot longer than the summer months during the MotoGP season – those seem to just fly by! Anyway, I‘m happy to be on track and to start riding again. I‘ve been able to relax during the stop and also do some fun riding events, but now it‘s time to get serious about 2020. I‘m very curious to see what steps we can make during the Sepang Test. For sure, Yamaha have prepared some new things for us to try, and anyway the first laps of the year on a MotoGP bike after the winter break are always a unique sensation – it‘s always something I really enjoy. For sure we have a lot of work ahead of us, but the team and I are ready for it.”
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