Home Blog Page 171

MotoGP: Bagnaia Breaks Record, Takes Pole At Misano

MotoGP Comb Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia, Morbidelli, Bezzecchi: home heroes take the front row, with Martin P4 and Marquez P9

A crash for #MM93, a new lap record for Bagnaia and key names further down the grid set the scene for fireworks at Misano

Saturday, 07 September 2024

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) charged to an incredible pole position at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with the #1 demolishing the lap record to bounce back from a tough Aragon GP in style. Bagnaia has a 0.285s advantage over the field, heading an all-Italian front row ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who claimed his first front-row start since 2021, and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who continued an impressive Saturday after topping FP2.

Q1

It was a thrilling Q1, with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) topping the standings after an impressive late lap cemented the #73’s place in Q2. Joining him, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended the session in second but by just 0.005, leaving almost nothing for any late attacks to split in two. A late lunge from Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) wasn’t quite enough to depose the top duo, and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) also similarly lost out late on.

Q2

As the second session began, fast laps were instantly clocked by Bagnaia, who set a 1:30.928 benchmark time. The #1 had an incredible first run, further improving by three-tenths on his second lap.

The field briefly returned to pitlane before heading to track for their final push for pole. Bagnaia instantly improved on his second run, breaking the lap record in the process amd throwing down the gauntlet.

Meanwhile, there was a crash for Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with the #93 losing the front at Turn 15 with less than five minutes remaining. That left him down the order looking to see where he would end up. In the closing stages, Morbidelli and Bezzecchi put together a strong final run each, jumping onto an all-Italian front row and the duo just 0.020 apart on the timesheets. Bagnaia maintained that impressive 0.285 at the top.

THE GRID

Behind the Italian armada, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will start from fourth on the grid, ending Q2 0.341s adrift from his title rival on pole. Martin has Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Pedro Acosta alongside, with Binder rounding out the second row of the grid after the South African stormed to P6 via Q1.

Q1’s fastest, Alex Marquez, takes the seventh spot on the grid just ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Beast starts from eighth after showing strong pace throughout the weekend in Misano. Meanwhile, after that crash, Marc Marquez is down in ninth, unable to return to track after his spill at Turn 15 and looking for a lot more when the lights go out. Behind him come Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as the final Q2 runners.

Bagnaia needs a comeback and there’s no better place to start from pole. Martin looks to make another stunning start from Row 2, and Marquez and Bastianini aim to charge up the order as Morbidelli and Bezzecchi prepare to fight it out back at the front. Consider the stage set, and join us for more at Misano!

MotoAmerica: Martin Cardenas Racing At COTA (Includes Video)

Former AMA Pro Superbike racer and 2010 and 2012 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion Martin Cardenas will make his return to AMA-sanctioned Pro road racing at the MotoAmerica event September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).  

Cardenas, age 42, will race an EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing Suzuki GSX-R750 in the MotoAmerica Supersport class.

Cardenas, a native of Colombia, recently returned to racing action June 15-16 at the Federacion Colombiana de Motocislismo Gran Prix Colombiana Velocidad Vitrix at Autodromo de Tocancipa. Riding a nearly stock Kawasaki ZX-10R, he finished second in Superbike Race One and won Superbike Race Two.

Cardenas’ last known race prior to that was in 2015 in the FIM Supersport World Championship, and his last AMA Pro race was in American SuperBike Race Two September 14, 2014, at New Jersey Motorsports Park. 

 

 

American Honda And Progressive Launch Multifaceted Partnership

American Honda, Progressive Join Forces in Multifaceted Agreement

September 6, 2024 — CHARLOTTE, North Carolina

Introducing Team Honda HRC Progressive

Sponsorship of Honda Demo Ride events and Rider Education Centers included

Today at the opening round of the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs, American Honda revealed an exciting new multidimensional collaboration with Progressive that includes title sponsorship of the factory race team. Starting with this weekend’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Team Honda HRC Progressive features Progressive branding on its race bikes and rider uniforms, with additional branding placements to come.

While the factory race-team title sponsorship is the headline news, that is only the beginning of this relationship. In the coming weeks and months, Honda fans and customers will see Progressive involved in an array of initiatives. Other examples are Progressive’s support of American Honda’s Demo Ride events and Rider Education Centers.

“We’re excited to finally kick off this unique new sponsorship,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Racing & Advertising. “What I think makes it most interesting is that it’s not just a traditional race-team sponsorship; it’s a broader agreement, with an intercompany, cross-departmental aspect. It’s fun to kick this collaboration off for the SMX Playoffs, but this is just the beginning.”

“Collaborating with Honda is a natural fit for Progressive as we both share a commitment to innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction,” said Eric Doubler, Recreational Lines Business Leader of Progressive. “Together, we can explore initiatives that enhance the driving experience and offer unparalleled value to our customers. We’re excited to embark on this journey.”

World Supersport: Huertas On Pole Position At Magny-Cours

WSS SP Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Huertas smashes the lap record to take pole position

Superpole Highlights
 

A crash at Turn 1 for Khairul Idham Pawi Bin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) brought out an early red flag but after the delay Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) wasted little time to smash the lap record on his first stint of the session when running resumed. He would eventually improve his time to take pole position with a 1’39.705 lap
 
Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) qualified on the front row of the grid for the first time this season with their final laps of the session
 
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), second in the World Championship, will lead off the second row of the grid with Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) qualifying fifth. The top five were separated by just two tenths of a second

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Adrian Huertas | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team

“Today was really good because this morning I worked on my race pace and this afternoon we were able to break the lap record. It was a really good lap time in Superpole but the points are on Saturday and Sunday so we have to keep pushing. We have to keep working like this. I’ll be racing in another championship next year so I want to leave WorldSSP on a high. We are doing well but there are a lot of incredible riders and we’re all fighting. We need to just keep focused and try and not make mistakes.”

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Perrone On Pole At Misano

Editorial Note: American Kristen Daniel, Jr. was ninth in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup qualifying Friday at Misano.

 

Session for RSM RookiesCup QP

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup:

Valentin Perrone takes last lap Rookies pole in Misano

The final weekend of the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup season got off to a blistering start with hot sun and track action. In the last seconds of Qualifying, Argentine 16-year-old Valentin Perrone snatched pole position from Cup points leader Álvaro Carpe.

Carpe, the 17-year-old Spaniard, will line up in the middle of the front row with the second quickest time. His closest Cup rival, fellow countryman Brian Uriarte the 16-year-old, completes the front row in 3rd.

Uriarte is 13 points behind Carpe with two races to go and Perrone stands 3rd in the title chase, 41 points off the leader.

Perrone might have gone faster

“It was difficult because at the beginning I was riding alone, I kept pushing. Then I saw that the lap time was so fast and I went through the pit lane and back onto the track. I saw the group was far ahead and I just kept pushing. In the last lap, I caught one rider and picked up his slipstream and that gave me the good lap time.”

“It was not the perfect lap because I only had one slipstream, If I had caught the full group it could have been even faster. I’m confident, the bike is working well and I have a plan for the last lap,” he concluded with a big smile.

Carpe confident

“It’s good because again I’m in the first row. That’s incredible because I think that I have been in the first row for the last 4 or 5 races. It makes a difference in the early laps because you have the best chance to stay out of trouble, not getting bumped into.”

“I think tomorrow will be a group race, I don’t know how many. In Free Practice 1 and 2, I rode sometimes alone and I am confident like that. In Qualifying I had a lot of riders following me but as long as I could get to the front of the group I could set a fast time.”

Uriarte has a plan

“Quite nice, I’ve raced here 3 times in the Italian Championship I think. It’s a track I enjoy, some very hard braking sections and some very fast corners, both are good for me.”

“The bike is good, it is the same I have felt all year, I feel comfortable and I can predict what it will do. It’s not perfect there is some chatter and some sliding but that’s normal, I know what it will do.”

“It’s going to be a close race, just a small group I think. Normally I don’t think too much about last-lap plans, anything can happen. But for tomorrow, I think I have something,” he concluded with a wry grin.

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Ruled Out For Remainder Of Weekend

Editorial Note: Watch video of Toprak Razgatlioglu’s crash into an unpadded trackside barrier HERE and remember that the Roadracing World Action Fund uses your donations to try and prevent incidents like this at American racetracks by purchasing and deploying soft barriers made by Airfence and Alpina.

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu to sit out the remainder of the Magny-Cours weekend.

Magny-Cours. ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK rider Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) has to sit out the remainder of the eighth round of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Magny-Cours (FRA). Following his heavy crash in Free Practice 2 and medical checks in Moulin hospital, he has been declared unfit by the WorldSBK medical team for the rest of the weekend.

“The entire BMW Motorrad Motorsport family wishes Toprak a very speedy recovery,” said Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. “After his great success series this is obviously a setback but health is the most important thing. We are looking forward to having him back at the race track as soon as possible.”

An update on his recovery will follow at the given time.

WorldSBK: Van Der Mark Leads, Razgatlioglu Crashes In France (Updated)

Michael van der Mark topped World Superbike Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his ROKiT BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR on Pirelli control tires, the Dutchman lapped the 2.7-mile track in 1:36.010 to lead the field of 23 riders.

Rookie sensation Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:36.159 on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R.

American Garrett Gerloff backed up his P2 performance in Free Practice One (FP1) with a third-fastest 1:36.390 on his Bonovo Action BMW in FP2.

The big news in FP2, however, was the crash by van der Mark’s teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu. The current World Championship point leader started the session late and as he attempted his first flying lap he crashed in Turn 15 and his fast-sliding body struck a trackside barrier. The incident brought out a red flag. The Turkish rider was initially evaluated at the track’s medical center and diagnosed with contusion on his back, but he was later transported to a local hospital for further examination. 

Watch a video clip of Razgatlioglu’s crash here: https://twitter.com/SPOTVMY/status/1832081856344228303

 

WSBK FP2

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Highs and lows for BMW: van der Mark leads the times while Razgatlioglu crashes

WorldSBK Free Practice

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) ended with a heavy crash at Turn 15 on his first flying lap of the afternoon. The championship leader, who had been the fastest in FP1, was taken to the medical centre for an assessment before being brought to Moulins Hospital for further checks on a back contusion. Razgatioglu, third fastest on the combined times, will need to undergo a medical review ahead of Saturday morning
 
Michael van der Mark ended the day fastest with the Dutch rider setting a time of 1’36.010 to lead the way from Nicolo Bulega with Garrett Gerloff third fastest. Van der Mark set his fastest time during his final stint to give the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team encouragement following Razgatlioglu’s crash.

 

Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 
Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) was third fastest in both FP1 and FP2 to show great consistency. The Texan is the lap record holder at Magny-Cours and looks to be in strong form again this weekend
 
Bulega led the way for most of the afternoon session and once again was the leading Ducati rider. His Aruba.it Racing – Ducati teammate, Alvaro Bautista, ended the day seventh fastest but also suffered a slow speed crash at Turn 8
 
Alex Lowes was the leading Kawasaki rider with the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK rider fourth fastest. His teammate Axel Bassani had an encouraging start to the French Round with the eighth fastest time in the afternoon

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Michael van der Mark | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team

“Magny-Cours is a track I’ve always enjoyed coming to but today I enjoyed it even more! From my first lap this morning the bike was feeling good and we didn’t change it a lot today. I was trying to be precise with my riding and to find a good pace. Every weekend I hope to be on the podium. We were close in Portimao and we’ve started this weekend off very well. The bike feels fantastic and I’m feeling very good. We’ll just see what happens with the weather and how the conditions are during the weekend but my confidence is building.”

P2 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati

“I feel good because, honestly, sometimes my first day on a new track with this bike is a bit more difficult but today I started really well. I felt good on the bike from the first laps so I’m happy. I will try to improve again tomorrow.”

P4 | Garrett Gerloff | Bonovo Action BMW

“It feels nice to show up at a track and for it to feel right and not feel like you’re chasing your tail trying to figure out what the big problems are. We obviously have some good information from last year when things also went well. From the start I was just out there doing laps, feeling comfortable and it’s been so far, so good for this weekend. I just want to have a solid qualifying and be on the front two rows.”

MotoGP: Bagnaia Is Best Friday Afternoon At Misano (Updated)

Francesco Bagnaia posted the best lap time during MotoGP practice Friday afternoon at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Lenovo Ducati on spec Michelin tires, the two-time and defending World Champion topped the field of 23 riders with a lap time of 1:30.685 around the 2.6-mile course.

Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:30.870 on his Gresini Racing Ducati.

Current World Championship point leader Jorge Martin was third-fastest with a 1:30.966 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati.

Martin’s teammate Franco Morbidelli continued his rejuvenated run of form by placing fourth in the session with a 1:30.967. 

Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini made it five Ducatis in the top five with a 1:31.067.

Pedro Acosta was the fastest non-Ducati rider with a sixth-quickest 1:37.203 on his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machine.

Pertaminia Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi was seventh at 1:31.229.

Maverick Vinales was the top Aprilia man, eighth, with a time of 1:31.301 on his factory RS-GP.

Armed with new developments on his Monster Energy Yamaha, Fabio Quartararo placed ninth in the afternoon session with a lap of 1:31.313.

Jack Miller took the 10th and final pass directly to Q2 by doing a 1:31.320 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

 

MotoGP FP2

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia chased by Marquez and Martin on Day 1 at Misano

The top three in the title fight lock out the top on Friday – with Morbidelli and Bastianini hot on their heels

 

Friday, 06 September 2024

MotoGP™ brought fireworks at the end of Friday at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, but it’s some familiar names throwing down the gauntlet ahead of super Saturday. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was able to bounce back from a tougher Aragon GP in style with a 1:30.685, the #1 leaving it late to set his time but ending the opening day 0.185s ahead of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The eight-time World Champion also left his best till last, improving on his 27th and final lap. The #93 ends the day in front of Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin, with the Spaniard rounding out the top three spots but by a single thousandth ahead of teammate Franco Morbidelli. 

 

Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

There were plenty of storylines which developed throughout the day including some early drama for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team), with the #20 losing the wings on his swingarm in the opening stages. As Quartararo returned to the pits, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was at the top of the standings, setting a strong 1:31.672 as the session began to heat up.

 

Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Time attacks began with less than 20 minutes remaining, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) soon storming to the top. Acosta quickly responded before he crashed at Turn 8, and the top spot changed hands again in short order as Marc Marquez went fastest. By the end of play, however, it was Bagnaia reigning supreme on Friday to deny the Aragon GP winner the top spot.

Morbidelli impressed to trail Martin by that single thousandth, with Bastianini slotting into fifth.He heads through to Q2 this time round after a tougher start to the Grand Prix last weekend.

Sixth place went the way of Acosta, who remained inside the top 10 despite his crash and importantly kept direct entry to Q2. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) charged to seventh place as the #72 begins to set sights on moving forward at a venue where he enjoyed podium success in 2023.

Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was the sole Aprilia inside the top 10, after taking eighth place in Practice. Just behind him and despite some early drama, it was an impressive end to the end for Quartararo, who pushed to P9. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took the final spot inside the top 10 after a strong lap, with teammate Brad Binder just losing out.

That means a blockbuster Q1 awaits, with Binder joined by the likes of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), who suffered an early end to Practice after crashing out in the final two minutes of the day – finishing down in P12. Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, who continues his recovery after a crash in Austria, will also be looking to move through on home turf. Just us for more fireworks on super Saturday as Misano prepares to serve up a storm!

FP2: 10:10 (UTC +2)

Q1: 10:50

Q2: 11.15

Tissot Sprint: 15:00

 

Aron Canet (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aron Canet (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 
Canet claims Day 1 top spot to lead home hero Vietti

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) leads the intermediate class standings as Saturday appears on the horizon after the #44’s 1:35.561 was good enough to beat Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.131s. QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™’s Manuel Gonzalez led for most of Practice 1, but a late shuffle sees the Spaniard sit in P3 as Friday draws to a close at the San Marino GP. 

– Fourth place went the way of Aragon GP podium finisher Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), with the Italian just under three tenths down on Canet’s afternoon pace. 

– Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) rounded out the top six as the Japanese star continues to build his way back up to full fitness, as the Beta Tools SpeedUp duo of Alonso Lopez and Fermin Aldeguer bagged Friday top 10s in P7 and P9 respectively. 

– Following a small tip-off at Turn 8, in form Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) has work to do from P13 – and so does World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI). The #3 was declared fit after a big crash in Free Practice, but a P24 finish on Friday means Saturday morning is a crucial session for the Spaniard. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) is another title hopeful that needs to find time after the American was 20th in Practice 1. 

 

Adrian Fernandez (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Adrian Fernandez (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Fernandez sets lap record to be fastest out the blocks at Misano

A 1:40.909 new lap record in the closing stages of Practice 1 secured Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) top spot heading into Saturday’s action at Misano, but the Spaniard isn’t sitting too comfortably at the summit as Aragon GP race winner, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), claimed P2 – 0.076s adrift. World Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) picked up P3, the Colombian just under two tenths away from Fernandez’s impressive pace on Friday afternoon. 

– Rookie Angel Piqueras made it two Leopard Racing Hondas placed inside the top four ahead of Practice 2 on Saturday morning. 

– Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) was the next highest title-chasing rider in the Friday standings, the Spaniard set the sixth quickest time of the day to sit three tenths shy of the summit. 

– Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), the rider second in the title chase, squeezed just inside the top 10 in P9, one spot behind Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in P8. 

Moto2: Canet Quickest Friday Afternoon At Misano

Aron Canet topped Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Fantic Racing Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the 24-year-old Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile course in 1:35.561 to lead the field of 31 riders.

American Joe Roberts finished the session 20th with a time of 1:36.527 – less than a second slower than Canet — on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

 

Moto2 FP2

Moto3: Fernandez Breaks Record At Misano

Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on spec Pirelli tires, the Spaniard turned a 1:40.909, setting a new All-Time Lap Record around the 2.6-mile course.

 

Moto3 FP2

MotoGP: Bagnaia Breaks Record, Takes Pole At Misano

Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP Comb Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia, Morbidelli, Bezzecchi: home heroes take the front row, with Martin P4 and Marquez P9

A crash for #MM93, a new lap record for Bagnaia and key names further down the grid set the scene for fireworks at Misano

Saturday, 07 September 2024

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) charged to an incredible pole position at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with the #1 demolishing the lap record to bounce back from a tough Aragon GP in style. Bagnaia has a 0.285s advantage over the field, heading an all-Italian front row ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who claimed his first front-row start since 2021, and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who continued an impressive Saturday after topping FP2.

Q1

It was a thrilling Q1, with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) topping the standings after an impressive late lap cemented the #73’s place in Q2. Joining him, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended the session in second but by just 0.005, leaving almost nothing for any late attacks to split in two. A late lunge from Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) wasn’t quite enough to depose the top duo, and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) also similarly lost out late on.

Q2

As the second session began, fast laps were instantly clocked by Bagnaia, who set a 1:30.928 benchmark time. The #1 had an incredible first run, further improving by three-tenths on his second lap.

The field briefly returned to pitlane before heading to track for their final push for pole. Bagnaia instantly improved on his second run, breaking the lap record in the process amd throwing down the gauntlet.

Meanwhile, there was a crash for Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with the #93 losing the front at Turn 15 with less than five minutes remaining. That left him down the order looking to see where he would end up. In the closing stages, Morbidelli and Bezzecchi put together a strong final run each, jumping onto an all-Italian front row and the duo just 0.020 apart on the timesheets. Bagnaia maintained that impressive 0.285 at the top.

THE GRID

Behind the Italian armada, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) will start from fourth on the grid, ending Q2 0.341s adrift from his title rival on pole. Martin has Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Pedro Acosta alongside, with Binder rounding out the second row of the grid after the South African stormed to P6 via Q1.

Q1’s fastest, Alex Marquez, takes the seventh spot on the grid just ahead of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Beast starts from eighth after showing strong pace throughout the weekend in Misano. Meanwhile, after that crash, Marc Marquez is down in ninth, unable to return to track after his spill at Turn 15 and looking for a lot more when the lights go out. Behind him come Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as the final Q2 runners.

Bagnaia needs a comeback and there’s no better place to start from pole. Martin looks to make another stunning start from Row 2, and Marquez and Bastianini aim to charge up the order as Morbidelli and Bezzecchi prepare to fight it out back at the front. Consider the stage set, and join us for more at Misano!

MotoAmerica: Martin Cardenas Racing At COTA (Includes Video)

Martin Cardenas (36). Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.
Martin Cardenas (36), as seen riding a Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike in 2014. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy MotoAmerica.

Former AMA Pro Superbike racer and 2010 and 2012 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion Martin Cardenas will make his return to AMA-sanctioned Pro road racing at the MotoAmerica event September 13-15 at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).  

Cardenas, age 42, will race an EasyHealthPlans.com/TopPro Racing Suzuki GSX-R750 in the MotoAmerica Supersport class.

Cardenas, a native of Colombia, recently returned to racing action June 15-16 at the Federacion Colombiana de Motocislismo Gran Prix Colombiana Velocidad Vitrix at Autodromo de Tocancipa. Riding a nearly stock Kawasaki ZX-10R, he finished second in Superbike Race One and won Superbike Race Two.

Cardenas’ last known race prior to that was in 2015 in the FIM Supersport World Championship, and his last AMA Pro race was in American SuperBike Race Two September 14, 2014, at New Jersey Motorsports Park. 

 

 

American Honda And Progressive Launch Multifaceted Partnership

Progressive is the new title sponsor of Honda's factory SuperMotocross World Championship team. Photo courtesy American Honda.
Progressive is the new title sponsor of Honda's factory SuperMotocross World Championship team. Photo courtesy American Honda.

American Honda, Progressive Join Forces in Multifaceted Agreement

September 6, 2024 — CHARLOTTE, North Carolina

Introducing Team Honda HRC Progressive

Sponsorship of Honda Demo Ride events and Rider Education Centers included

Today at the opening round of the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs, American Honda revealed an exciting new multidimensional collaboration with Progressive that includes title sponsorship of the factory race team. Starting with this weekend’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Team Honda HRC Progressive features Progressive branding on its race bikes and rider uniforms, with additional branding placements to come.

While the factory race-team title sponsorship is the headline news, that is only the beginning of this relationship. In the coming weeks and months, Honda fans and customers will see Progressive involved in an array of initiatives. Other examples are Progressive’s support of American Honda’s Demo Ride events and Rider Education Centers.

“We’re excited to finally kick off this unique new sponsorship,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Racing & Advertising. “What I think makes it most interesting is that it’s not just a traditional race-team sponsorship; it’s a broader agreement, with an intercompany, cross-departmental aspect. It’s fun to kick this collaboration off for the SMX Playoffs, but this is just the beginning.”

“Collaborating with Honda is a natural fit for Progressive as we both share a commitment to innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction,” said Eric Doubler, Recreational Lines Business Leader of Progressive. “Together, we can explore initiatives that enhance the driving experience and offer unparalleled value to our customers. We’re excited to embark on this journey.”

World Supersport: Huertas On Pole Position At Magny-Cours

Adrian Huertas (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Adrian Huertas (99). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WSS SP Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Huertas smashes the lap record to take pole position

Superpole Highlights
 

A crash at Turn 1 for Khairul Idham Pawi Bin (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) brought out an early red flag but after the delay Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) wasted little time to smash the lap record on his first stint of the session when running resumed. He would eventually improve his time to take pole position with a 1’39.705 lap
 
Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) qualified on the front row of the grid for the first time this season with their final laps of the session
 
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), second in the World Championship, will lead off the second row of the grid with Stefano Manzi (Pata Prometeon Ten Kate Racing) qualifying fifth. The top five were separated by just two tenths of a second

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Adrian Huertas | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team

“Today was really good because this morning I worked on my race pace and this afternoon we were able to break the lap record. It was a really good lap time in Superpole but the points are on Saturday and Sunday so we have to keep pushing. We have to keep working like this. I’ll be racing in another championship next year so I want to leave WorldSSP on a high. We are doing well but there are a lot of incredible riders and we’re all fighting. We need to just keep focused and try and not make mistakes.”

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Perrone On Pole At Misano

Valentin Perrone (73). Photo courtesy Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
Valentin Perrone (73). Photo courtesy Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.

Editorial Note: American Kristen Daniel, Jr. was ninth in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup qualifying Friday at Misano.

 

Session for RSM RookiesCup QP

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup:

Valentin Perrone takes last lap Rookies pole in Misano

The final weekend of the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup season got off to a blistering start with hot sun and track action. In the last seconds of Qualifying, Argentine 16-year-old Valentin Perrone snatched pole position from Cup points leader Álvaro Carpe.

Carpe, the 17-year-old Spaniard, will line up in the middle of the front row with the second quickest time. His closest Cup rival, fellow countryman Brian Uriarte the 16-year-old, completes the front row in 3rd.

Uriarte is 13 points behind Carpe with two races to go and Perrone stands 3rd in the title chase, 41 points off the leader.

Perrone might have gone faster

“It was difficult because at the beginning I was riding alone, I kept pushing. Then I saw that the lap time was so fast and I went through the pit lane and back onto the track. I saw the group was far ahead and I just kept pushing. In the last lap, I caught one rider and picked up his slipstream and that gave me the good lap time.”

“It was not the perfect lap because I only had one slipstream, If I had caught the full group it could have been even faster. I’m confident, the bike is working well and I have a plan for the last lap,” he concluded with a big smile.

Carpe confident

“It’s good because again I’m in the first row. That’s incredible because I think that I have been in the first row for the last 4 or 5 races. It makes a difference in the early laps because you have the best chance to stay out of trouble, not getting bumped into.”

“I think tomorrow will be a group race, I don’t know how many. In Free Practice 1 and 2, I rode sometimes alone and I am confident like that. In Qualifying I had a lot of riders following me but as long as I could get to the front of the group I could set a fast time.”

Uriarte has a plan

“Quite nice, I’ve raced here 3 times in the Italian Championship I think. It’s a track I enjoy, some very hard braking sections and some very fast corners, both are good for me.”

“The bike is good, it is the same I have felt all year, I feel comfortable and I can predict what it will do. It’s not perfect there is some chatter and some sliding but that’s normal, I know what it will do.”

“It’s going to be a close race, just a small group I think. Normally I don’t think too much about last-lap plans, anything can happen. But for tomorrow, I think I have something,” he concluded with a wry grin.

WorldSBK: Razgatlioglu Ruled Out For Remainder Of Weekend

Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Editorial Note: Watch video of Toprak Razgatlioglu’s crash into an unpadded trackside barrier HERE and remember that the Roadracing World Action Fund uses your donations to try and prevent incidents like this at American racetracks by purchasing and deploying soft barriers made by Airfence and Alpina.

 

Toprak Razgatlioglu to sit out the remainder of the Magny-Cours weekend.

Magny-Cours. ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK rider Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) has to sit out the remainder of the eighth round of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Magny-Cours (FRA). Following his heavy crash in Free Practice 2 and medical checks in Moulin hospital, he has been declared unfit by the WorldSBK medical team for the rest of the weekend.

“The entire BMW Motorrad Motorsport family wishes Toprak a very speedy recovery,” said Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport. “After his great success series this is obviously a setback but health is the most important thing. We are looking forward to having him back at the race track as soon as possible.”

An update on his recovery will follow at the given time.

WorldSBK: Van Der Mark Leads, Razgatlioglu Crashes In France (Updated)

Michael van der Mark (60). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Michael van der Mark (60). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Michael van der Mark topped World Superbike Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his ROKiT BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR on Pirelli control tires, the Dutchman lapped the 2.7-mile track in 1:36.010 to lead the field of 23 riders.

Rookie sensation Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:36.159 on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R.

American Garrett Gerloff backed up his P2 performance in Free Practice One (FP1) with a third-fastest 1:36.390 on his Bonovo Action BMW in FP2.

The big news in FP2, however, was the crash by van der Mark’s teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu. The current World Championship point leader started the session late and as he attempted his first flying lap he crashed in Turn 15 and his fast-sliding body struck a trackside barrier. The incident brought out a red flag. The Turkish rider was initially evaluated at the track’s medical center and diagnosed with contusion on his back, but he was later transported to a local hospital for further examination. 

Watch a video clip of Razgatlioglu’s crash here: https://twitter.com/SPOTVMY/status/1832081856344228303

 

WSBK FP2

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Highs and lows for BMW: van der Mark leads the times while Razgatlioglu crashes

WorldSBK Free Practice

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) ended with a heavy crash at Turn 15 on his first flying lap of the afternoon. The championship leader, who had been the fastest in FP1, was taken to the medical centre for an assessment before being brought to Moulins Hospital for further checks on a back contusion. Razgatioglu, third fastest on the combined times, will need to undergo a medical review ahead of Saturday morning
 
Michael van der Mark ended the day fastest with the Dutch rider setting a time of 1’36.010 to lead the way from Nicolo Bulega with Garrett Gerloff third fastest. Van der Mark set his fastest time during his final stint to give the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team encouragement following Razgatlioglu’s crash.

 

Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 
Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) was third fastest in both FP1 and FP2 to show great consistency. The Texan is the lap record holder at Magny-Cours and looks to be in strong form again this weekend
 
Bulega led the way for most of the afternoon session and once again was the leading Ducati rider. His Aruba.it Racing – Ducati teammate, Alvaro Bautista, ended the day seventh fastest but also suffered a slow speed crash at Turn 8
 
Alex Lowes was the leading Kawasaki rider with the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK rider fourth fastest. His teammate Axel Bassani had an encouraging start to the French Round with the eighth fastest time in the afternoon

More on worldsbk.com

P1 | Michael van der Mark | ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team

“Magny-Cours is a track I’ve always enjoyed coming to but today I enjoyed it even more! From my first lap this morning the bike was feeling good and we didn’t change it a lot today. I was trying to be precise with my riding and to find a good pace. Every weekend I hope to be on the podium. We were close in Portimao and we’ve started this weekend off very well. The bike feels fantastic and I’m feeling very good. We’ll just see what happens with the weather and how the conditions are during the weekend but my confidence is building.”

P2 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati

“I feel good because, honestly, sometimes my first day on a new track with this bike is a bit more difficult but today I started really well. I felt good on the bike from the first laps so I’m happy. I will try to improve again tomorrow.”

P4 | Garrett Gerloff | Bonovo Action BMW

“It feels nice to show up at a track and for it to feel right and not feel like you’re chasing your tail trying to figure out what the big problems are. We obviously have some good information from last year when things also went well. From the start I was just out there doing laps, feeling comfortable and it’s been so far, so good for this weekend. I just want to have a solid qualifying and be on the front two rows.”

MotoGP: Bagnaia Is Best Friday Afternoon At Misano (Updated)

Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Ducati.

Francesco Bagnaia posted the best lap time during MotoGP practice Friday afternoon at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Lenovo Ducati on spec Michelin tires, the two-time and defending World Champion topped the field of 23 riders with a lap time of 1:30.685 around the 2.6-mile course.

Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:30.870 on his Gresini Racing Ducati.

Current World Championship point leader Jorge Martin was third-fastest with a 1:30.966 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati.

Martin’s teammate Franco Morbidelli continued his rejuvenated run of form by placing fourth in the session with a 1:30.967. 

Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini made it five Ducatis in the top five with a 1:31.067.

Pedro Acosta was the fastest non-Ducati rider with a sixth-quickest 1:37.203 on his Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machine.

Pertaminia Enduro VR46 Racing Ducati rider Marco Bezzecchi was seventh at 1:31.229.

Maverick Vinales was the top Aprilia man, eighth, with a time of 1:31.301 on his factory RS-GP.

Armed with new developments on his Monster Energy Yamaha, Fabio Quartararo placed ninth in the afternoon session with a lap of 1:31.313.

Jack Miller took the 10th and final pass directly to Q2 by doing a 1:31.320 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

 

MotoGP FP2

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia chased by Marquez and Martin on Day 1 at Misano

The top three in the title fight lock out the top on Friday – with Morbidelli and Bastianini hot on their heels

 

Friday, 06 September 2024

MotoGP™ brought fireworks at the end of Friday at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, but it’s some familiar names throwing down the gauntlet ahead of super Saturday. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was able to bounce back from a tougher Aragon GP in style with a 1:30.685, the #1 leaving it late to set his time but ending the opening day 0.185s ahead of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). The eight-time World Champion also left his best till last, improving on his 27th and final lap. The #93 ends the day in front of Prima Pramac Racing’s Jorge Martin, with the Spaniard rounding out the top three spots but by a single thousandth ahead of teammate Franco Morbidelli. 

 

Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

There were plenty of storylines which developed throughout the day including some early drama for Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team), with the #20 losing the wings on his swingarm in the opening stages. As Quartararo returned to the pits, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) was at the top of the standings, setting a strong 1:31.672 as the session began to heat up.

 

Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Time attacks began with less than 20 minutes remaining, with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) soon storming to the top. Acosta quickly responded before he crashed at Turn 8, and the top spot changed hands again in short order as Marc Marquez went fastest. By the end of play, however, it was Bagnaia reigning supreme on Friday to deny the Aragon GP winner the top spot.

Morbidelli impressed to trail Martin by that single thousandth, with Bastianini slotting into fifth.He heads through to Q2 this time round after a tougher start to the Grand Prix last weekend.

Sixth place went the way of Acosta, who remained inside the top 10 despite his crash and importantly kept direct entry to Q2. Meanwhile, Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) charged to seventh place as the #72 begins to set sights on moving forward at a venue where he enjoyed podium success in 2023.

Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was the sole Aprilia inside the top 10, after taking eighth place in Practice. Just behind him and despite some early drama, it was an impressive end to the end for Quartararo, who pushed to P9. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) took the final spot inside the top 10 after a strong lap, with teammate Brad Binder just losing out.

That means a blockbuster Q1 awaits, with Binder joined by the likes of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), who suffered an early end to Practice after crashing out in the final two minutes of the day – finishing down in P12. Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio, who continues his recovery after a crash in Austria, will also be looking to move through on home turf. Just us for more fireworks on super Saturday as Misano prepares to serve up a storm!

FP2: 10:10 (UTC +2)

Q1: 10:50

Q2: 11.15

Tissot Sprint: 15:00

 

Aron Canet (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Aron Canet (44). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 
Canet claims Day 1 top spot to lead home hero Vietti

Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) leads the intermediate class standings as Saturday appears on the horizon after the #44’s 1:35.561 was good enough to beat Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.131s. QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™’s Manuel Gonzalez led for most of Practice 1, but a late shuffle sees the Spaniard sit in P3 as Friday draws to a close at the San Marino GP. 

– Fourth place went the way of Aragon GP podium finisher Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), with the Italian just under three tenths down on Canet’s afternoon pace. 

– Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) rounded out the top six as the Japanese star continues to build his way back up to full fitness, as the Beta Tools SpeedUp duo of Alonso Lopez and Fermin Aldeguer bagged Friday top 10s in P7 and P9 respectively. 

– Following a small tip-off at Turn 8, in form Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) has work to do from P13 – and so does World Championship leader Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI). The #3 was declared fit after a big crash in Free Practice, but a P24 finish on Friday means Saturday morning is a crucial session for the Spaniard. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) is another title hopeful that needs to find time after the American was 20th in Practice 1. 

 

Adrian Fernandez (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Adrian Fernandez (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Fernandez sets lap record to be fastest out the blocks at Misano

A 1:40.909 new lap record in the closing stages of Practice 1 secured Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) top spot heading into Saturday’s action at Misano, but the Spaniard isn’t sitting too comfortably at the summit as Aragon GP race winner, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), claimed P2 – 0.076s adrift. World Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) picked up P3, the Colombian just under two tenths away from Fernandez’s impressive pace on Friday afternoon. 

– Rookie Angel Piqueras made it two Leopard Racing Hondas placed inside the top four ahead of Practice 2 on Saturday morning. 

– Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) was the next highest title-chasing rider in the Friday standings, the Spaniard set the sixth quickest time of the day to sit three tenths shy of the summit. 

– Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), the rider second in the title chase, squeezed just inside the top 10 in P9, one spot behind Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in P8. 

Moto2: Canet Quickest Friday Afternoon At Misano

Aron Canet (44). Photo courtesy Fantic Racing.

Aron Canet topped Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Fantic Racing Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the 24-year-old Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile course in 1:35.561 to lead the field of 31 riders.

American Joe Roberts finished the session 20th with a time of 1:36.527 – less than a second slower than Canet — on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

 

 

Moto2 FP2

Moto3: Fernandez Breaks Record At Misano

Adrian Fernandez (31). Photo courtesy Leopard Racing.
Adrian Fernandez (31). Photo courtesy Leopard Racing.

Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on spec Pirelli tires, the Spaniard turned a 1:40.909, setting a new All-Time Lap Record around the 2.6-mile course.

 

Moto3 FP2
0FansLike
0FollowersFollow
0FollowersFollow
1,620SubscribersSubscribe

Latest Posts