MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Sets The Early Pace In FP1 At Misano

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September 13, 2019

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MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Sets The Early Pace In FP1 At Misano

Race Lap Record: 1:32.678, Andrea Dovizioso, 2018

All-Time Lap Record: 1:31.629, Jorge Lorenzo, 2018

FIM MotoGP World Championship

Misano World Circuit Marco SImoncelli

Misano, San Marino

September 13, 2019

Free Practice One Results (all using Michelin tires):

1. Fabio Quartararo, France (Yam YZR-M1), 1:33.153

2. Marc Marquez, Spain (Hon RC213V), 1:33.529

3. Maverick Vinales, Spain (Yam YZR-M1), 1:33.599

4. Michele Pirro, Italy (Duc GP20), 1:33.704

5. Aleix Espargaro, Spain (Apr RS-GP), 1:33.762

6. Pol Espargaro, Spain (KTM RC16), 1:34.002

7. Franco Morbidelli, Italy (Yam YZR-M1), 1:34.039

8. Danilo Petrucci, Italy (Duc GP19), 1:34.149

9. Valentino Rossi, Italy (Yam YZR-M1), 1:34.182

10. Tito Rabat, Spain (Duc GP18), 1:34.261

11. Andrea Dovizioso, Italy (Duc GP19), 1:34.274

12. Alex Rins, Spain (Suz GSX-RR), 1:34.284

13. Francesco Bagnaia, Italy (Duc GP19), 1:34.324

14. Joan Mir, Spain (Suz GSX-RR), 1:34.374

15. Jack Miller, Australia (Duc GP19), 1:34.487

16. Cal Crutchlow, UK (Hon RC213V), 1:34.512

17. Takaaki Nakagami, Japan (Hon RC213V), 1:34.568

18. Johann Zarco, France (KTM RC16), 1:34.760

19. Andrea Iannone, Italy (Apr RS-GP), 1:34.990

20. Miguel Oliveira, Portugal (KTM RC16), 1:35.264

21. Jorge Lorenzo, Spain (Hon RC213V), 1:35.292

22. Karel Abraham, Czech Republic (Duc GP18), 1:35.320

23. Hafizh Syahrin, Malaysia (KTM RC16), 1:36.180

MotoE World Cup: Niki Tuuli Quickest, Top 14 Separated By One Second In FP1 At Misano

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September 13, 2019

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MotoE World Cup: Niki Tuuli Quickest, Top 14 Separated By One Second In FP1 At Misano

Enel FIM MotoE World Cup

Misano World Circuit Marco SImoncelli

Misano, San Marino

September 13, 2019

Free Practice One Results (all using Energica electric motorcycles and Michelin tires):

1. Niki Tuuli, Finland, 1:45.071

2. Matteo Ferrari, Italy, 1:45.169

3. Eric Granado, Brazil, 1:45.261

4. Hector Garzo, Spain, 1:45.306

5. Xavier Simeon, Belgium, 1:45.353

6. Jesko Raffin, Switzerland, 1:45.359

7. Mike Di Meglio, France, 1:45.440

8. Bradley Smith, UK, 1:45.525

9. Niccolo Canepa, Italy, 1:45.559

10. Mattia Casadei, Italy, 1:45.586

11. Alex De Angelis, San Marino, 1:45.598

12. Sete Gibernau, Spain, 1:45.957

13. Nicolas Terol, Spain, 1:46.031

14. Lorenzo Savadori, Italy, 1:46.147

15. Maria Herrera, Spain, 1:46.358

16. Kenny Foray, France, 1:47.212

17. Randy De Puniet, France, 1:47.595

18. Josh Hook, Australia, 1:48.154

MotoAmerica To Race At Indianapolis Motor Speedway In 2020

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September 12, 2019

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MotoAmerica To Race At Indianapolis Motor Speedway In 2020

MotoAmerica Set For Indianapolis Motor Speedway In 2020

Superbikes And Support Classes Will Take On The Brickyard In August

COSTA MESA, CA – MotoAmerica has announced that it will return to what is inarguably the most famous racetrack in the world next year for a standalone round of the 2020 MotoAmerica Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, August 21-23.

MotoAmerica last raced at the Brickyard in August of 2015 as a support race of the MotoGP World Championship, with that event marking the last time that motorcycles have raced at the home of the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.

For 2020, MotoAmerica will bring motorcycle racing back to the “Racing Capital of the World” with all five of its classes being showcased in the Championship of Indy.

“The very first motor race at IMS was a motorcycle event in 1909, and we’re proud to welcome the return of two-wheeled racing at the Speedway with MotoAmerica in 2020,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Wayne Rainey and everyone at MotoAmerica have done a great job reinvigorating motorcycle road racing in the United States, and we can’t wait to see the best American and international riders produce some of the best competition anywhere next August at the Racing Capital of the World. This will be a great weekend of racing and entertainment for all of our loyal fans.”

Cameron Beaubier, who has since earned three MotoAmerica Superbike titles, won both of the Superbike races at the Speedway in 2015, besting Roger Hayden by .040 of a second in race one and just .015 of a second in race two. Beaubier’s current Yamaha Superbike teammate Garrett Gerloff won the Supersport class by just .036 of a second over Bobby Fong.

“We are thrilled to be headed back to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a MotoAmerica round next year,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “Being there along with MotoGP in 2015 was a great experience and our races were extremely close and exciting. Now we get the chance to go back with all of our classes in a standalone event and that’s a real privilege. It also shows just how far our series has come since our first year. Our riders who didn’t get the opportunity to race at Indy back in 2015 will be pumped to get the chance to race there. We also know that our fans will be just as excited to visit an iconic racetrack in a truly motorsports-driven city. Not too many know this, but our final deal to secure the rights to the series was finalized at the Brickyard – right there in the Pagoda, at the home of U.S. motorsports. So, it’s gratifying to be returning there to race again.”

The MotoAmerica event at IMS also will take place on the same weekend as the popular Motorcycles on Meridian festival Saturday evening, August 22, in downtown Indianapolis. The annual event is hosted and planned by Downtown Indy, Inc.

The 2019 MotoAmerica season wraps up its 10-round series at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, September 20-22.

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is the North American road racing series created in 2014 that is home to the AMA Superbike Championship. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner. For more information on MotoAmerica, visit www.MotoAmerica.com. Also make sure to follow MotoAmerica on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MotoGP: Marc Marquez Reveals His Keys For Misano And The Championship

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September 12, 2019

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MotoGP: Marc Marquez Reveals His Keys For Misano And The Championship

Pre-event Press Conference kicks off the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera de Rimini

Thursday, 12 September 2019

Ahead of the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, it was time to talk shop in the pre-event Press Conference, with reigning Champion and points leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) joined by his closest challenger, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), as well as Silverstone winner Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), UK podium finisher Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), hometown hero Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Moto3™ Championship leader Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing).

Marquez was first to talk, with that incredible British GP first on the agenda before talk turned to the recent Misano test.

“Yeah of course it was not the best last corner for us, but anyway I’m happy because Silverstone was one of the circuits we struggled at a lot last year and this year we were there. The Misano test was quite interesting, we will check this weekend. Race pace was not so fast compared to last year but we were competitive, especially Yamaha riders were very fast, Dovi was not 100% fit but he will be fast, and he’s the winner from last year. Apart from that we have a good advantage in the championship, we need to be calm, try to finish races and see what happens in the future.

“The key is it’s difficult to be consistent every lap. 2 or 3 hard brake points it’s hard to be consistent, also sector 3 with all the fast corners…to be consistent there all the race is difficult. It’s a race track that I like, we will start in a good way, we have new things from the test we need to check. Anyway in our box we don’t need to be crazy. Find the best of what we have and take points every weekend, that’s what’s important.”

2018 winner Andrea Dovizioso spoke next, beginning with how he feels after the big crash at Silverstone.

“I feel good fortunately, we worked hard at home and we were able to complete a test, it was important to make a test before the race. The feeling wasn’t perfect but it was important to do some laps. I feel good, I’m happy, I’m 100% fit, I did some motocross just to be sure and I’m ready. Last year was good for us, we had a special race, but I’m expecting a different weekend this year. The competitors are very strong, in the test a lot of riders have good pace but the weekend is always different. And the conditions are maybe a bit different, we have to see the grip we can find because at the test it was different than last year. So we have to see, I think it will be important for every bike.”

And overall? 78 points is his deficit to Marquez, but he says it’s the bigger picture. “I think my best way to make the best result is the same way I’m racing now. For the Championship 78 points is a big gap, but it’s a bigger gap if you think about recovering the points to Marc. It’s not just about 78 points, there’s not a big reason to think about the Championship. Especially because in some races we were quick and some not, so we have to improve those things.”

Fresh from his second premier class win, Rins took the mic next. And that was, of course, where the Suzuki rider began.

“It was unbelievable to get the victory in Silverstone, especially for the battle with Marc. I saw the race six or seven times. After the victory I think we are a little stronger in the race, in the race I’m able to fight, and we arrive here after a good test. We found some things, two days of testing and our setup is more or less clear. But things will be difficult because all the riders are there and it’s a small track, so it will be a fun weekend.

“During all the Fridays we are trying to improve, to see the setup, do a lot of laps on the tyres. Now I’m ready to do one lap at the end of the Championship, from this year it was more difficult. Silverstone wasn’t enough, we were in Q1, so I will try to be more in the top positions.”

Viñales spoke next, fresh from his rostrum finish in the UK where he came home third and almost in touching distance of the duel ahead.

“For sure we need to try and keep the momentum. I feel really good on the bike and especially with myself. Confidence is really high, so we’ll try to push the maximum, try to keep a good level all weekend and during the race be at the front. The test has been really successful for me so we will try to do our best.

“I focused a lot to improve myself on the bike for this race, so I focused a lot on that side.”

Rossi, meanwhile, will be doing his best to take back fifth in the title fight from Viñales, with the two having been locked close together for a good few races. But first, the nine-time World Champion talked about the pre-event on Tuesday that saw him take to the streets of his hometown of Tavullia on the Yamaha M1.

“It was a great moment because it was a dream I had when I was a child. We know very well that road because we always go up and down with our scooter, the road is fun with a lot of corners. So I said ‘one time it will be good to try my M1 in Tavullia’. It was like this and it was fun. I have a good feeling and on the road, I expected it to be more difficult, but the bike was ok!”

And the Grand Prix itself? The ‘Doctor’ sounds ready to fight near the front on home – truly home – turf.

“For sure here in Misano it’s always a special Grand Prix, it’s really my home Grand Prix. In the last races I was a bit better but in Silverstone after a solid weekend, in the race I wanted to fight for the podium but I was not strong enough. So we will try another time here. We did some testing, important testing, my pace was quite good, I feel quite well with the bike so we try, we are ready and we will see if we are strong enough to fight for the podium.”

Finally, lightweight class points leader Dalla Porta took the mic. Last season the venue saw him take his first win, this year he arrives as Championship leader.

“Last year I took my first victory here and it was very important for me. Very impressive because I didn’t expect it. This year I have had some good results so far, I’m trying to have good races only. I’m so excited to start this weekend and try to have a good race!”

And the future? It’s looking bright as the Italian spoke about his move for next year: “Italtrans is a fantastic team. For me it will be to experience first, but I’m so excited to ride the bike, I never tried a 600 bike before! I want to try the bike as soon as possible, but for now I have to be focused on this season.”

Ducati’s Monster 1200 S To Be Offered In “Black On Black” In 2020

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September 12, 2019

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Ducati’s Monster 1200 S To Be Offered In “Black On Black” In 2020

Monster 1200 S becomes “Black on Black”

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 12 September 2019 – Ducati looks to 2020 with the presentation of a new colour scheme for the Monster 1200 S. For this coming season, in fact, the most iconic naked will feature a “Black on Black” livery with alternating gloss black and matt black parts. The Monster 1200 S will also remain available in traditional Ducati Red.

This all-new colour scheme combines two classic Monster hallmarks: sport performance – accentuated by the flash of red on the rims – and sheer style, as brought out by the black. First launched in 1993, the Monster has defined the Sport Naked segment ever since. Today’s version continues to express the very essence of this category to maximum effect.

The Monster 1200 is equipped with an up-to-the-minute Testastretta 11° DS engine, capable of delivering 147 hp at 9,250 rpm and a full yet linear torque curve; that power is safely handled at all times by the Ride by Wire system and inertial platform, which provide ABS Cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control functions.

The exclusive S version sharpens that Monster sports performance to an even finer edge thanks to a 48 mm Öhlins fork and rear Öhlins monoshock, both fully adjustable. Awesome braking is provided by two 330 mm Brembo discs at the front working in concert with Brembo M50 monobloc calipers. The Monster 1200 S also features wheels with three Y-spokes, a carbon fibre front mudguard, a headlight characterised by the DRL (Daytime Running Light) and LED indicators. Completing the as-standard equipment is the up & down quickshifter.

The Monster 1200 S with the new “Black on Black” livery will be available at Ducati dealers from the end of September at a price of €17,390 ex-works (price refers to the Italian market).

Moto2 World Championship: Nicolo Bulega Signs Two-Year Deal With Gresini Racing

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September 12, 2019

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Moto2 World Championship: Nicolo Bulega Signs Two-Year Deal With Gresini Racing

GRESINI RACING CHOOSE BULEGA FOR 2020

With only a few days from the start of their home GP, Team Gresini announce the signing of Nicolò Bulega, who will race with the Faenza-based in the middleweight class of MotoGP. The Italian has reached a two-year agreement and will be one half of the Moto2 line up in 2020.

In his rookie season in the class, Bulega has already achieved several top-ten finishes with a fourth place as his best qualifying in the series – at Mugello. Nicolò Bulega is among the best Italian talents around and despite still being very young – he has yet to celebrate his 20th birthday – he already raced four seasons in the world championship with two podiums.

Gresini’s Moto2 project keeps growing with great goals for the future. After signing Bulega, the team is now working on the second rider to complete the line-up for next year – and more news are expected soon.

NICOLÓ BULEGA – FEDERAL OIL MOTO2 GRESINI RIDER

“This weekend is going to be filled with emotions, as I’ll be racing at my home GP which is basically one km away from my home. To be riding in front of so many friends and family gives makes me really excited. The agreement with team Gresini for the next two seasons came in what is a very important moment in my career and it gives me fresh motivation. I can’t wait to start this new journey, although the season is still very long; my intention is to work hard to wrap it up the best possible way with y current team, the Sky Racing Team VR46. After six seasons with them, four of which under the SKY Racing Team VR46 banner, it will be strange to be wearing different colours and have a different crew to work with, but I have to thank Fausto Gresini for the faith he put in me. I will try to repay him with great effort, dedication and results.”

FAUSTO GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER

“Our Moto2 season hasn’t gone very well so far this year, even though we still hope to finish it on a high note. For next year, though, we are putting together a great team, which will consist of two riders with one of them being Nicolò Bulega. He’s Italian, still very young and a great prospect so we are confident he will be doing great things with us. I really wanted to have him with us because I think he’s one of the best Italian talents around. I can’t wait for things to get started and to be working with such a talented rider.”

Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Co-Host Jason Pridmore Episode 48 Now Available

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September 12, 2019

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Podcast: Greg’s Garage Pod With Co-Host Jason Pridmore Episode 48 Now Available

Greg’s Garage Pod with Co-Host Jason Pridmore – A motorcycle racing Pod about MotoGP, MotoAmerica and World Superbike, Pro Motocross, American Flat Track and more. In this episode Co-Hosts Greg White and Jason Pridmore talk:

MotoAmerica – We review Round 9 from NJMP in New Jersey.

WorldSBK – We talk Portimão round. It includes WorldSBK, WorldSS and WorldSS300 stuff.

MotoGP – A quick chat with JP about Silverstone MotoGP and a look ahead to Misano!

QuickShift p/b ARAI Helmets

1. Bautista’s quote about his teammate… should he joke about such things?

2. MotoGP adjusts one hour for F1. What do you think?

3. KTM asks Tech3 to exit Moto2 and enter Moto3 for 2020, what do you think?

Race Cal for this weekend.

MotoAmerica To Race At Indianapolis Motor Speedway In 2020

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September 12, 2019

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