MotoGP: Monster Energy Yamaha Team Talks About The Fans At Misano

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September 11, 2019

MotoGP: Monster Energy Yamaha Team Talks About The Fans At Misano

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP RARING FOR ’SECOND HOME RACE‘ IN MISANO

Misano Adriatico (Italy), 11th September 2019

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team have travelled to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for round 13 of the MotoGP World Championship. The fans look forward to the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini all year, as it‘s not only the team‘s ’second home Grand Prix‘, but also Valentino Rossi‘s home race.

After a two-week break, following a successful Misano Test, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team are eager to return to action. While Maverick Viñales had to make his way from Spain to Italy for the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, Valentino Rossi didn‘t have to travel far: the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is situated just 20 minutes down the road from his home in Tavullia.

During the two-week break, Viñales has been working hard to leave a top-notch impression this weekend. He has set himself a clear goal, to be the top Yamaha, and will be pushing 100 per cent to make it happen.

The Spaniard has visited the San Marino rostrum only once before, when he scored a second place in the Moto3 class in 2013, but he fancies his chances this time round. Considering his fast pace during the British GP weekend and the fact that four Yamahas finished inside the top 6 at the Misano Test, he is all the more determined to fight at the front of the rider field this weekend.

Rossi saw his childhood wish come true yesterday, when he was allowed to ride the YZR-M1 from his VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia to the Misano Circuit on the public roads that he had ridden on 50cc scooters as a teenager. But the Italian is not just familiar with the San Marino area, he also knows the Misano track like no other.

Thanks to the Doctor‘s local hero status the grandstands of Misano will become a sea of fans dressed in yellow, cheering him on to add yet another podium to his tally at his home circuit. Previously Rossi stood on the San Marino MotoGP podium six times, scoring three premier class victories, in 2008, 2009 and 2014, two second places in 2012 and 2016, and a third place in 2010.

The Misano circuit, constructed in 1972, was a regular scene for Italian Grands Prix throughout the 80s and early 90s. The 4.2 km track is ridden clockwise, since a radical renovation was done to meet MotoGP’s safety regulations in 2007 that put the circuit back on the MotoGP calendar. The upgrade also included a new chicane, resulting in the current lay-out of six left and ten right corners, and giving the track increased race excitement.

For those who want to get to know the circuit better, check out Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP eSport Rider Lorenzo Daretti‘s eLap around the Misano track. The Italian will also be present at the track this weekend to take part in the first round of the MotoGP eSport Global Series, for which two races are held on Friday, 13th September. The event will be broadcasted live from 19:30 – 20:45 (local track time: GMT+2) on the MotoGP eSport channels.

This weekend, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team will be supporting the KiSS Misano programme again (KiSS stands for Keep it Shiny & Sunstainable), to contribute to a sustainable and environmentally friendly Grand Prix event. Initiatives such as waste collection, cooking oil collection, food surplus collection, coffee waste collection, recycling, cigarette ashtrays, the use of sustainable paper and carton, free sustainable drink water, and safe sustainable mobility, help keep the track clean for many years to come. Grand Prix visitors can support KiSS Misano online using the following hashtags: #KiSSMisano, #FIMRideGreen, #MisanoWorldCircuit, #SanMarinoGP, and #RideOnColors.

MASSIMO MEREGALLI

TEAM DIRECTOR

“Misano is always a very special place for us and also for many fans. It‘s so close to Valentino‘s house in Tavullia that as a team we see this round as our second home GP too. The supporters here live and breathe motorbikes and motorsport, their passion for it is almost tangible. Both our riders get incredible support here, so we want to repay the fans by doing the utmost to provide a good show this weekend. We‘ve had a successful test here in Misano two weeks ago, so we’re approaching this GP with a positive mindset and we can‘t wait to get started.”

MAVERICK VIÑALES

“We‘ve had a two-week break again, but we have never stopped working during that time. We‘ve been preparing in order to come to Misano in a good physical and mental shape. We are very happy with the positive results of the last races and we have to remain focused to finish the season in a good position in the general classification. Being the first Yamaha is my goal, as always. The test in Misano was useful because we tried many things, not only for next year but also for this current season. The San Marino GP is a kind of home GP for Yamaha and we will have many fans supporting us here, so I can’t wait to get back aboard my M1 and fight for the podium, spurred on by the amazing atmosphere.”

VALENTINO ROSSI

“Riding in front of my fans here is fantastic because this is really my home Grand Prix. My house is 10 kilometers from the Misano circuit. I grew up in Misano, and the first time I rode a bike was in Misano. We expect a lot of fans this weekend. A lot of people, a lot of yellow, so we try to give the maximum to be strong and competitive.”

MotoAmerica: The Final Round Of Press Releases From Last Weekend’s Races At NJMP

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September 11, 2019

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MotoAmerica: The Final Round Of Press Releases From Last Weekend’s Races At NJMP

Stroud Fifth, Barnes Qualifies Second, Hobbs, Gloddy and Astudillo In the Points

Quarterley Racing On Track Development had another successful weekend of racing in MotoAmerica at the New Jersey Motosports Park with New Zealand rider Jacob Stroud scoring a fifth place finish in the LIQUI MOLY Junior Cup race on Saturday and Michael Barnes qualifying second for the Twins Cup race and securing a third place overall in the championship, just a few points out of second. Teagg Hobbs, Ben Gloddy and Jamie Astudillo all scored in the points in both Junior Cup races.

Jacob Stroud:

“I got to ride the track the previous weekend, and the track knowledge definitely came in handy. It was more of a challenge than I thought it would be. The first thing is that the track at New Jersey has low grip. There are also so many things that I hadn’t encountered before in my career. New Jersey is completely different than the three tracks I race on in New Zealand. In New Zealand we don’t have high speed corners like here. There are two right-hand turns at New Jersey that are flat out on a 400.

“Also, I think the skill level here is a little higher. The riders here are so smooth. You have to lift your game just to be in the top 10.

“I’m learning so much from Dale and Eric Wood. We worked a lot on how the way you pull on the bars compared to how you place your body weight influences the bike and how every little thing you do has an effect on the bike. Dale said I was a really good club racer, but I’ve only been using about 85% of my talent, and that I have to work harder to be able to get to the next level. I’m learning to learn. It’s almost like I’m rewiring everything I’ve learned over the last seven years of racing in New Zealand and I’m riding a whole different bike.

“One example is how I set up for the two high-speed right-handers. Dale’s method is different than what other people might tell you. He told me to brake, get on the gas and then turn, that being on the gas helps you turn. It’s being on the gas before you get to the apex, not after. That’s just backwards to anything I’ve ever learned, but it works. I feel I’m getting there. Like Dale said, “We’re not going to change the bike, we’re going to change you.”

“We got pretty lucky with the pileup in race one and missed the podium by a tenth of a second, and I’m really glad none of those guys got hurt.

“In race two, the lead group of five was in a league of their own. In the second group there were about ten of us, and things were pretty hectic. Every single corner one or two passes were made. You’d have to unhook your leathers from the bars on the bike next to you. I was at or near the front for most of the race. Then I got punted in turn one, got pushed wide and lost five places in one corner.

“I’d like to give a special thanks to Spidi leathers. I fell right in front of Dale in the Sunday morning warmup, and that was the third time this year I’ve fallen. The leathers are a little worse for wear but they still work fine.”O

Michael Barnes:

“It was a really hectic weekend. I was under the weather and suffered both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday we had a little clutch issue and I ended up missing the whole practice session. The first time I was on track was in the first qualifying session on Sunday. We had a decent pace and, in second qualifying, I went right to the top of the board. I could see that I was going to get on the front row, so I sat out the rest of qualifying to save myself and my bike a little bit.

“Right after I got passed for third in the race, the bike started slowing down. Oil was coming out of the airbox, but when I looked down, it didn’t seem like it was super dangerous to keep going. By that time I was in fifth and I made a last lap charge for fourth place but ended up about a half a second short. I don’t know what went wrong yet, but we’ll find out shortly.

“The championship is over for us, unfortunately, but I’m still in it for second overall, just 12 points behind. We’re going to build another motor for Barber. There’s nothing to lose now, so I’m just going to go for the win and end the season the way we started it.

“A special thanks to Dale and Bob Robbins, and also Larry Zullo for helping this weekend.”

Teagg Hobbs:

“It was a great weekend on the riding side of things. Every weekend I learn something, but this one was special. I definitely took a step in right direction and made progress every time out. My results were decent. I qualified twelfth which put me on the fourth row. In race one I initially got a good start but I couldn’t get the bike into second gear when I was on the throttle coming down front straight for some reason. All I can think of is that we replaced the clutch right before the race and it wasn’t bedded in enough. It just happened once. I missed getting seventh place by just a quarter of a second.

“The only change we made before race two was a small gearing change.

“That whole race I kept working my way to the front. I finally got through group in front of me but I knew I didn’t want to lead coming out of the last turn. I got held up in the pack, another rider went by me and I tried to get a run on him in the draft but he got me by two tenths of a second at the line.

“The bike that I got from Quarterley Racing On Track Development was flawless, so I could really focus on my riding. Dale Quarterley gave me a lot of great info, and it was a big help having Eric Wood in the pits. Eric and I have been working together for the last few years and I felt I improved so much from the first session to race two.

“What I worked on was my roll speed, letting the bike roll through the corner faster and picking up the throttle sooner. That’s how I dropped the time every session. The first and third sectors are where it definitely helped the most.

“I’m really looking forward to the races at Barber. Last year I was on my own bike and had two DNFs. With the reliability of the Quarterley Kawasakis and what I learned so far this year, especially this weekend, I’m looking forward to some really good results.”

Ben Gloddy:

“I have ridden at NJMP a couple of times prior to this past weekend at MotoAmerica, so I had some knowledge of the track. For race one, I qualified fifteenth and got a horrible start. I knew I had to make up time in the first lap or I wouldn’t be able to catch anyone. I put in a good first lap and was able to catch some of the other riders. I got lucky with a 10th place finish when a couple of other riders crashed out. Fortunately, they were OK. In race two, I was again 15th on the grid. I got a decent start and was able to move up pretty quickly. I ended up in a huge battle from sixth to eleventh place and my teammates Teagg and Jacob were in it also. It was one of those races where I went into turn one in front of the group and then, all of a sudden, I was the last one in the group. Everyone was passing each other left and right in almost every turn. In the end, I finished in 11th place, but the battles were a lot of fun.

“Although I did not finish where I was hoping to, I am happy with the fact that I was able to improve my lap times at NJMP pretty significantly. I talked about the track a lot with Dale Quarterley and Eric Wood. I was braking too hard and too late so I was working on keeping my momentum up. We made a few suspension changes to the bike over the course of the weekend and that definitely helped. I am really looking forward to the races at Barber Motorsports Park in a couple of weeks.”

Jamie Astudillo:

“Saturday was a struggle. I was doing (one minute) 34s and the group in front of me was doing 33s. I qualified sixteenth, I couldn’t stay with my group and I didn’t get any faster. I guess I was still pretty tensed up; I just hadn’t loosened up yet. I raced the MotoAmerica Junior Cup at New Jersey for the past two years and I’ve also done two track days and some CCS races there, so I’m familiar with the track.

“I had to shift a lot in the first race. The gearing was either too short or too tall and I couldn’t keep my roll speed up in the corners. The bike feels great and the setup works pretty well everywhere for me so we made a small gearing change and the second race on Sunday was really good. I dropped a second off my lap time in morning warmup and dropped another second in the race. I was able to stay with this humungous group that was following the leaders, and it was the first time this year I’ve been able to do that.

“Over the weekend Dale wanted to give me space and not overwhelm me with a lot of information, which was a good idea. We discussed a few areas but he wasn’t pounding information into my brain. Dropping two seconds overnight has really given me confidence going into the races at Barber. I had two major crashes there last year and they kind of stopped my progression as far as becoming a better rider. It will be great to go back and break this whole thing. I’ve never been on a newly-paved track before, so I’m looking forward to seeing what that’s like.”

Quarterley Racing On Track Development sponsors for 2019 include Inter-Tech Supplies, Fast By Ferracci, Inc, Yoshimura Research & Development of America, Inc., Wiseco Powersports, Motul USA., Regina Chain, BrakeTech USA, Inc., Ferodo Racing, Matt & Jesse, Scott Powersports, Inc., Defiance Lifestyle, Woodcraft Technologies, Dynojet Research Inc., Beta Tools of Italy – USA, RoadracingWorld.com, Drippinwet.com, MOTO-D Racing, Fast Bike Industries, Nitron Racing Systems Ltd., VAN DYK Recycling Solutions, Earl’s Racing Team and Kiwi Classic Moto. In addition, Michael Barnes is sponsored by Moto Corse Performance and Ducati North America and Jacob Stroud receives additional sponsorship from Eurobike New Zealand, Spidi, Stylmartin, Motorcycling New Zealand Inc., Hamilton Motorcycle Club Inc. and Kiwi Classic Moto.

More, from a press release issued by RideHVMC Freeman Racing Kawasaki:

Alexander Narrowly Misses Top Spot In Third Consecutive Podium Finish At NJMP

Ossining, NY – Corey Alexander misses a win by .145 securing his third consecutive podium with a second place finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

The RideHVMC Freeman Racing Kawasaki team with support from RARacing and JJD Corp earned their third podium finish in a row in just four race starts this past Sunday at the New Jersey round of the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000cc championship. After positioning himself within the top three all weekend with an overall qualifying time of 1:22:994, Corey worked his way up through the field after struggling off the starting line from his third place starting spot.

After being shuffled back to the seventh position, Alexander committed to some aggressive passing maneuvers to work his way up to second with just a handful of laps remaining in the shortened twelve lap sprint race. Tracking down the leader, he was able to clock in the fastest lap time of the race with a 1:23:085. Corey ultimately was unable to manage a pass around the leader on the final lap marginally missing the top step of the podium by .145 with his 2019 Kawaski ZX-10R.

“It’s been a long while since I’ve charged for a win like that in MotoAmerica competition.” Alexander comments “I couldn’t be more excited to have been able to do it in front of all of my friends and family here in NJ. It’s unfortunate that I caught a false neutral off the starting line because I know we had a bike capable to win the race had we been there from the start. Thank you to everyone still supporting me after all this time and those that stepped up this season to help me get back on track. I’m hoping that these three podium finishes will help to make something happen for next season and allow us to come back to compete for the championship. I have to give a special thank you to Jon Freeman and Rich Meilman for making this past weekend happen, it wouldn’t have been possible without them. Thanks to all of our sponsors as well.”

This round marks the end of the Corey’s 2019 campaign with a highlighted off-season focus on returning for the 2020 season to compete full time in the Superstock 1000cc championship. The RideHVMC Freeman Racing team is actively seeking support, to learn more about partnership opportunities please contact us via [email protected]. You can stay up to date with Corey on social media via: @corey23alexander.

RideHVMC Freeman Racing thanks its current partners:

Hudson Valley Motorcycles, RAR Racing, JJD Corp, Kawasaki USA, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Maxima Racing Oils, Defy All Odds Apparel, Motion Pro, Superlite Sprockets, Woodcraft Technologies, Armour Bodies, JP43 Training, MotoAnatomy, Arai Helmets, Rev IT!, KC74 Tracking, FTA Embroidery, Prestige Services Group, Team Four3 Performance Lab, Limited Decal, Flex Racing, Gemini Technologies, Beta Tools, Flash Tune, Ohlins USA, Saddlemen Seats, and Galfer Brakes.

About Hudson Valley Motorcycles:

Hudson Valley Motorcycles is a family owned and operated motorcycle dealership that has been serving New York’s Hudson Valley and Westchester County as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New England with Kawasaki, Ducati, Scrambler Ducati, Suzuki, Energica and ATV, motorcycle or UTV Sales, Parts, and Service for over 50 years. For more info visit hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com, call (914)-762-2722 or follow @hvmotorcycles on social media.

About RideHVMC:

RideHVMC is a northeast based premier track experience provider offering high quality motorcycle track-days with limited spots and a safe, confidence inspiring riding environment. New for 2019, RideHVMC now offers personal riding instruction in association with JP43 Training. Visit ridehvmc.com to signup or to inquire about personal instruction at a track near you or follow @ridehvmc on social media.

More, from a press release issued by Tuned Racing:

Tuned Racing had a great weekend at New jersey Motorsports Park. Both Bryce and Braeden worked hard with their crew and found the pace to run with the lead pack. Bryce has been sharpening his edge all year and has proven he has what it takes to get to the front. With brake issues in race one and a 4th place finish in race 2 Bryce will be hungry for a podium at Barber Motorsports Park. Braeden also showed the pace he is capable of this past weekend. With the new bike he quickly settled in and found himself setting new personal best lap times that allowed him to fight to the top 7 both races.

“Im very happy with our result at New Jersey. I was running up front in race 1 and unfortunately had a brake issue forcing me to pull in. Thankfully my crew worked hard and got the bike ready for me on Sunday. We got P4 in race 2! Ran up front most the race, and after some back strain just couldn’t keep the pace with the leaders. I’m happy to come away from the weekend 2nd fastest, and just missing out off the podium. Only one more race left this season and I’m excited for Barber!” Bryce Prince.

Braeden Ortt said “My weekend at New Jersey was an absolute success. I couldn’t be happier to return to Tuned Racing for this round and Barber. I had a great time working with everyone on this team and enjoyed riding my Yamaha YZF-R6 for the first time in close to a year. I was unsure about how quickly I would get up to speed on the bike, but it didn’t take long for me to become one with the bike again. Race 1 was difficult as we struggled with setup. However, I had great battles with [another rider] in race 2 and finished with P7, just 14 seconds from the lead (closest gap to date). Thanks so much to everyone on the Tuned Racing crew and can’t wait to run up front at Barber!”

“I am so proud of my riders and crew. They have all pulled together to put our best foot forward and its starting to show. With a short time frame we shipped a bike across the country to arrive the morning we load in to the paddock. We disassembled and built a new bike on Friday for Braeden and with minor adjustments he rode the wheels off. I am really looking forward to the last round of Motoamerica at Barber as we will be there to send it!” Mike Pond

Thank Yamaha Champions Riding School and Apex Assassins Trackdays for your support and believing in our team! Also like to thank all of our other sponsors that provide us with the best products and support in the motorcycle industry: Apex Assassins, Yamaha Champions Riding School, Evol Technologies, 39N Case covers, Zero Gravity, 6D Helmets, Kyle Racing, SB Suspensions, Ohlins USA, EF Signs, Motomanes.com, Dunlop Tires, Tuned Industries, FT ECU, SbS Brakes, SC Proect Exhaust, Motovation USA, Superlite Sprockets, Motion Pro, Speed Demon Motorcycles, PSR, TaylorMade.

MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso Says He Is Lucky To Be Able To Race At Misano

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September 11, 2019

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MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso Says He Is Lucky To Be Able To Race At Misano

The Ducati Team heads to the San Marino Grand Prix for its second home race of the year

After two race-free weekends, the MotoGP World Championship returns to Italy for the thirteenth round of the season – the San Marino Grand Prix – at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli circuit just an hour’s drive away from Ducati headquarters in Borgo Panigale.

Although the last race at Silverstone for Andrea Dovizioso ended with a nasty crash at the first corner, morale in the Ducati Team is high and the two factory riders are ready to tackle the last three months of the championship with optimism. After reabsorbing the physical scars suffered in the British GP, Dovizioso will this weekend try and repeat the results of the last two years at Misano: in 2018 he dominated the race right from the early stages to score one of the finest wins of his career, while in 2017, in pouring rain, he crossed the line in third place.

Danilo Petrucci has also already been on the podium at Misano. The rider from Terni in central Italy finished second in 2017 aboard the Pramac Racing Team Desmosedici GP and this year is determined to improve on the results of the last few races at the Romagna circuit. During the two days of testing held just over one week ago at the same circuit, Petrucci lapped with a good feeling and finished with the second quickest time.

Misano will also see another appearance by Michele Pirro, who is entered in the race as a wild card with a third Desmosedici GP of the Ducati Test Team. It will be the second GP of the season for Pirro, after the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello where he finished seventh.

In the Riders’ standings, despite his DNF at Silverstone, Dovizioso remains in second place with 172 points (78 behind leader Márquez) while Petrucci is now fourth with 145 points, 4 behind Álex Rins. In the Teams’ classification the Ducati Team is still in the lead with 317 points, 36 points clear, and Ducati still lies second in the Constructors’ standings behind Honda.

Andrea Dovizioso (#04 Ducati Team) – 2nd (172 points)
“After the incident in England I’m lucky to be able to take part in the San Marino GP without any physical problems, because my Silverstone crash was a really big one and the consequences could have been much worse. During the two days of testing I was still not 100% fit, but now I’m fine, I feel in shape and am really anxious to race at this circuit, which for me is special, close to my home and where I’m sure that the support of the fans will be fantastic. The aim is to repeat the results of the last two seasons when we got onto the podium and we were competitive all through the weekend”.

Danilo Petrucci (#9 Ducati Team) – 4th (145 points)
“Racing in Italy is something unique and if you do it with an Italian bike like Ducati it’s even more special. In the last few races we’ve been some way off the podium but after the good feeling I had in the test a few days ago here at Misano I can say that I’m ready to do a weekend at the top. It won’t be easy because also our rivals did a couple of days of testing and they will surely be ready, but I was really satisfied with the feeling I found with the bike and so I’m very confident. Let’s see if the track conditions are similar to the ones we had in the test, because it’ll be vitally important to be able to interpret them in the best possible way and also the tyre wear”.

Michele Pirro (#51 Ducati Team) – 22nd (9 points)
“Finally Misano is here and I’ve got an opportunity to do another race in MotoGP. At Mugello I was quite satisfied with my result even though I think that I could have finished a bit higher up. My aim is to help the team, but I also want to prove to myself that I can always be competitive in the races. After two days of testing we know that the track temperature and tyre management will be key factors to get a good result this weekend, and we’re confident we can do a good race on Sunday”.

The Ducati Team riders will be out on track at Misano on Friday 13th September at 09.55 for the first free practice session. The race is scheduled for Sunday 15th September at 14.00 CET, over a distance of 27 laps.

Circuit Information
Country: Italy
Name: Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’
Best Lap: Lorenzo (Ducati), 1’31.629 (166.0 km/h) – 2018
Circuit Record: Dovizioso (Ducati), 1’32.678 (164.1 km/h) – 2018
Top Speed: Dovizioso (Ducati), 299.5 km/h – 2015
Track Length: 4.2 km
Race Distance: 27 laps (114.1 km)
Corners: 16 (6 left, 10 right)

2018 Results
Podium: 1st Dovizioso (Ducati); 2nd Márquez (Honda), 3rd Crutchlow (Honda)
Pole Position: Lorenzo (Ducati), 1’31.629 (166.0 km/h)
Fastest Lap: Dovizioso (Ducati), 1’32.678 (164.1 km/h)

Rider Information

Andrea Dovizioso
Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
Number: 04
Age: 33 (born on 23rd March in Forlimpopoli)
Residence: Forlì (Italy)
Races: 306 (208 x MotoGP, 49 x 250cc, 49 x 125cc)
First GP: 2008 Qatar (MotoGP), 2005 Spain (250cc), 2001 Italy (125cc)
Wins: 23 (14 x MotoGP, 4 x 250cc, 5 x 125cc)
First Win: 2009 Britain (MotoGP), 2006 Catalunya (250cc), 2004 South Africa (125cc)
Pole Positions: 20 (7 x MotoGP, 4 x 250cc, 9 x 125cc)
First Pole: 2010 Japan (MotoGP), 2006 France (250cc), 2003 France (125cc)
World Titles: 1 (1 x 125cc)

Danilo Petrucci
Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
Race Number: 9
Age: 28 (born on 24 October 1990 in Terni)
Residence: Forlì (Italy)
Races: 130 (MotoGP)
First GP: 2012 Qatar (MotoGP)
Wins: 1
First Win: 2019 Italy (MotoGP)
Pole Positions: –
World titles: –

Michele Pirro
Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
Race Number: 51
Age: 32 (born on 5th July in San Giovanni Rotondo)
Residence: Cesena (Italy)
Races: 100 (53 x MotoGP, 18 x Moto2, 29 x 125cc)
First GP: 2012 Qatar (MotoGP), 2010 Aragón (Moto2), 2003 Italy (125cc)
Wins: 1 (1 x Moto2)
First Win: 2011 Valencia (Moto2)
Pole Positions: 1 (1 x Moto2)
First Pole: 2011 Valencia (Moto2)

Championship Information

Riders’ Standings
Andrea Dovizioso (# 04 Ducati Team) – 2nd (172 points)
Danilo Petrucci (# 9 Ducati Team) – 4th (145 points)

Constructors’ Standings
Ducati – 2nd (211 points)

Teams’ Standings
Ducati Team – 1st (317 points)

MotoAmerica: Penalties Escalate From Supersport Race Two At NJMP With Racer Dad Pat Kelly Banned

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September 11, 2019

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MotoAmerica: Penalties Escalate From Supersport Race Two At NJMP With Racer Dad Pat Kelly Banned

Following MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two September 8 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, racer Hayden Gillim was penalized by MotoAmerica/FIM North America and assessed three rider penalty points for an on-track incident between him and competitor Sean Dylan Kelly that resulted in Kelly crashing out of the race.

After the race as Gillim exited the racetrack and rode toward the podium, Kelly’s father, Pat Kelly, had to be restrained from approaching Gillim, but Pat Kelly still threw a partially full water bottle at Gillim. The bottle nearly hit Josh Hayes and struck Gillim in his helmeted head. For this action, Team Hammer was initially fined $150.

Wednesday, MotoAmerica issued an additional sanction, revoking Pat Kelly’s credential and barring him from attending the next six MotoAmerica events, beginning with the 2019 season finale September 20-22 at Barber Motorsports Park and extending into the 2020 season.

Read the entire sanction below:

Notification of MotoAmerica Sanction

To: M4 ECSTAR Suzuki

No. #40

Re: Pat Kelly

Date: September 10, 2019

According to the 2019 MotoAmerica Entrant Agreement, we confirm the sanction that has been imposed upon you.

Motive

In regard to additional evidence presenting itself that was not previously available showing the altercation between your credential holder Pat Kelly and a rider on September 8, 2019 at New Jersey Motorsports Park, you are responsible for the actions of your crew and any passholders assigned by your team to behave in a manner that does not discredit MotoAmerica, the AMA or FIMNA. Pat Kelly was found to have been in violation of this regulation.

Sanction

For the above reason MotoAmerica has decided to revoke Mr. Kelly’s credential and ban his attendance for the next six (6) consecutive MotoAmerica rounds beginning at Barber Motorsports Park on September 20, 2019 and lasting into the 2020 season.

Chuck Aksland

(Chief Operations Officer)

Niccole Cox

(Senior Operations Manager)

BMW Motorrad Boxer Cup: American Nate Kern Takes Second At Assen

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September 11, 2019

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BMW Motorrad Boxer Cup: American Nate Kern Takes Second At Assen

Wunderlich MOTORSPORT: Höfer wins to increase championship lead in BMW BoxerCup

Another successful weekend for the Wunderlich MOTORSPORT team at the BMW Motorrad BoxerCup promoted by Wilbers at the Internationale Deutsche Motorradmeisterschaft (IDM): Christof “Fifty” Höfer #73 took the sole race win on Sunday, starting from pole position. Team mate Nate “N8!” Kern #12 (USA) got second. With these results it is clear: The BoxerCup Champion 2019 will be one of the Wunderlich MOTORSPORT riders!

Assen always is a big gamble in regard of the weather conditions and there was no difference in this year’s fifth round of the BoxerCup season as Friday and Saturday the TT Cicuit Assen was haunted by showers.

It came on hard for the BoxerCup riders on Saturday: A rain shower mixed by an oil spill lead to the decision to declare the first race off. The R nineT racers got the offer to have another go on Sunday, but teams and riders agreed on a single race format for this weekend. It was a similar scenario like at Zolder earlier in the year.

It was another hard fought race between the Wunderlich MOTORSPORT team mates Christof Höfer and Nate Kern, especially in the first third both of them swapped positions for the lead in almost every corner. Mid-race Kern got the arm pump syndrome in his right hand and had to let Höfer go.

Höfer took his sixth win of the season, seventh podium, out of the first eight races of the year. There is just one round left with the finals at Hockenheim and Höfer leads the Cup with 181 points, with Kern second 31 points adrift. 50 points are up for grab at the Hockenheimring.

Christof Höfer:

“The Assen weekend was a quite nail biting event for me as I am not a big fan of rain as everyone knows and it was the scenario we found: changing conditions and a change of wet and dry asphalt. I took the chance to get to know the Assen track in wet conditions a bit on Friday but I really struggled and have to get better in those surroundings. We were lucky to get a dry qualifying in and I took the pole position. For the race on Sunday, I immediately felt well on the bike, got a proper flow very fast and was focused like hell. The first laps it was a hard but fair fight with Nate again. When I finally took the lead I tried to pull a gap and mid race I saw I was shipping away so I did another push. I want to be Champion so badly and I’ve got an advantage of 31 points before Hockenheim now. There the fight will be on!”

Nate Kern:

“Today I have to say apologies to Frank Hoffmann and the Team as we had the pace to at least put on a good race as in the past, but for the second time this season my right arm pumped up by lap six and it is what it is and I could not do much more than bring home second. Fifty ran a flawless race and he was the best I have seen him ride all season. Our heads now turn to Hockenheim and I’ll be ready for a final show and fight there.”

Frank Hoffmann (Managing Director of Wunderlich GmbH, Team Manager of Wunderlich MOTORSPORT):

“After the annulation of Zolder everyone thought: That won’t happen any near time soon again, but it only took three weekends. In the end it was the right decision here at Assen as well and the organizers even offered us to have a replacement race on Sunday. At the offered time frame it would have rained anyways so we are quite happy about the decision not to ride. Fifty and Nate dominated the weekend once more and rode in their own world. On the one hand it is a shame Nate got the arm pump and couldn’t take the challenge to Fifty over the full distance, but on the other hand it was a good thing to happen in respect to our nerves at the pit wall as the first laps were fraught once more, that was enough. At Hockenheim both will push once more for that title, but already it is clear, the 2019 BoxerCup Champion will be a Wunderlich MOTORSPORT rider. Nate could lose second in the Championship as well, so we have to have an eye on that part as well, as we for sure now want the 1-2.”

AHRMA Vintage Cup: Alex McLean, Jack Parker Split Wins At Talladega

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September 11, 2019

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AHRMA Vintage Cup: Alex McLean, Jack Parker Split Wins At Talladega

AHRMA Roadracing at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway – Inaugural AHRMA Vintage Cup featuring 350GP

ELORA, TN – AHRMA Rounds 21 and 22 of the AHRMA Vintage Cup series featuring the 350GP class, sponsored by NYC Norton (NYCNorton.com) and Roadracing World Magazine (RoadracingWorld.com) took place over this past weekend at Talladega Gran Prix Raceway, Munford, Alabama.

As anticipated, AHRMA’s southeastern contingent made a good showing for this event, with many return competitors from previous events, including Jack Parker, on his two-stroke ’68 Yamaha DT250, Jerry Duke on his 1967 Ducati 350 , Jonathan Hollingsworth (1973 Aermacchi 350), several newcomers to the series AHRMA trustee Arthur Kowitz (1966 Suzuki T20 250cc X-6 ‘Hustler’), Eric Watts (1972 Ducati 350), and Jason Roberts, rounding out the grid with Malcolm Wilkinson (1970 Aermacchi 350) and of course Alex McLean (1967 Aermacchi Drixton 350) fresh from back to back victories at Utah Motorsports Campus, determined to secure the championship.

While Dave Roper was not pre-entered for Little Talladega, there was a thought he might surprise everyone and show up to take this match to the next level. Roper was a no-show, so effectively removed himself as a contender for this year’s Vintage Cup Championship.

Saturday’s race start showed Jerry Duke first through turn one, hotly pursued by Parker in second and McLean in third. Parker and McLean worked their way past Duke and by lap three McLean took the lead and was able to take the checkered flag with a comfortable lead over the rest of the field. Parker took second, followed by Duke to set the podium.

On Sunday, McLean chose to save his machine for the Barber Vintage Festival, and Parker led at the start into turn one, never having his lead challenged, taking first place with Roberts, who entering the fray on Sunday, in second, and Duke in third to set the podium for round 22.

Kenny Cummings of NYC Norton (nycnorton.com) shared “I was very happy to see Alex McLean come down to Tally and sew this thing up. We are looking forward to a big grudge match at Barber between Roper and McLean – one of the most exciting races to watch on the track. We have some serious talent that has pre-registered for this class at Barber, and expect there to be some serious nail-biting action.”

Last stop… Barber!

Saturday Results:

1 Alex McLean (1967 Aermacchi Drixton 350)

2 Jack Parker (1968 Yamaha DT250)

3 Jerry Duke (1967 Ducati 350)

4 Jonathan Hollingsworth (1973 Aermacchi 350)

5 Eric Watts (1972 Ducati 350)

6 Arthur Kowitz (1966 Suzuki T20 250)

Sunday Results:

1 Jack Parker (1968 Yamaha DT250)

2 Jason Roberts (1968 Yamaha DT1)

3 Jerry Duke (1967 Ducati 350)

4 Jonathan Hollingsworth (1973 Aermacchi 350)

5 Eric Watts (1972 Ducati 350)

6 Malcolm Wilkinson (1970 Aermacchi 350)

MotoGP: Valentino Rossi’s Dream Comes True In Tavullia

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September 10, 2019

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MotoGP: Valentino Rossi’s Dream Comes True In Tavullia

Hometown hero: Rossi revs through Tavullia

What do you get when you add a nine-time World Champion, his Italian hometown and a Yamaha M1? One hell of a parade

Tuesday, 10 September 2019

Even when you’ve ruled the world nine times, broken records and raced in the premier class for two decades, there remain some dreams to be realised. For Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), that was to ride his Yamaha M1 through the streets of his hometown, Tavullia, and before the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, it came true.

Beginning at the Ranch – the seminal home of the VR46 Riders Academy and training grounds developed and designed man himself – this was more than just a parade lap, it was an event. And so, after getting suited and booted and gearing up for the road ahead, the nine-time World Champion set off from the quiet, vine-lined hillsides of the venue and rode out towards his hometown.

The story began on the very same streets, but back then Rossi and his friends were on scooters, not one of the fastest prototype motorcycles in the world. A lot has changed since then, but plenty things remain the same – and one of them is most definitely the passion the area has for motorcycling and for their most famous son, which was most definitely on full display once the number 46 arrived in the town centre.

Packed to the rafters, the piazzale lined by fans and a sea of yellow stretching down the streets, the scene was a sight to behold as the ‘The Doctor’ made his way into the crowd, greeting the fans and turning dream into reality for both himself and many of those who flooded the town to see him. But this was just the beginning, with a couple more stops yet to come.

The next one was VR46 headquarters, located just outside the town centre of Tavullia but still very much on home turf. And from there, of course, there was only one place to end up: the classic Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Once at the track, speed was back on the agenda and the race weekend on the horizon. Misano is the first track Rossi rode, just a stone’s throw from his hometown, and the blast around on the M1 was a fitting end to the homecoming lap of honour – as was the wheelie pulled all the way down the main straight, bringing the event to a close before the switch soon flicks to race mode.

Tune in for the Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini on the 13th to 15th September, when Rossi gets back on track – this time to race. The lights go out for MotoGP™ at 14:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday.

Valentino Rossi: “It’s great, it’s really like a dream come true. When we were younger riding our 50cc scooters, we always dreamed of going through Tavullia on a MotoGP bike, on the M1, and today it came true. So it was a fantastic moment, great emotions and I enjoyed it very much. The M1 on the road is good! I felt good, and in Tavullia in our centre there were a lot of people and fans, and I think they enjoyed it a lot too.

“This one is really my home Grand Prix, my home is 10km from here! I grew up here in Misano, the first time I rode a bike on a track was at Misano. This weekend we expect a lot of people, a lot of fans and a lot of yellow caps…so we’ll try to give the maximum to be strong and competitive!”

AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Announces Class Of 2019

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September 10, 2019

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AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame announces Class of 2019

Five inductees will join the Hall on Dec. 6 in Columbus, Ohio

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame will welcome five new inductees during the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Dec. 6 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2019 is rights advocate Mark Buckner, off-road racing champion Kurt Caselli, motocross champion Ron Lechien, trials pioneer Wiltz Wagner and museum founder Dale Walksler.

“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2019 includes individuals who have impacted motorcycling in positive and powerful ways, as both advocates and sportsmen, leaving a lasting impression on the sport we all love,” said Ken Ford, a member of the AMA board of directors and chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation board. “Generations of motorcyclists owe them a debt of gratitude for their accomplishments. We’re honored to recognize them this Dec. 6 at the induction ceremony as the newest members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

The induction ceremony is part of the 2019 AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, Dec. 6-7, which also includes the 2019 AMA Championship Banquet on Dec. 7 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown. In addition, the hotel will host AMA Congress on Dec. 6-7, where AMA Commission members will discuss rules governing AMA-sanctioned events.

Tickets for AMA Legends & Champions Weekend are available now at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?… Tickets also can be purchased over the phone at (800) 262-5646.

Reservations can be made at the Hilton Columbus Downtown at https://book.passkey.com/event/49921089/owner/952…

The formal installation of the Class of 2019 takes place at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame museum in Pickerington, Ohio, on Dec. 7. The installation will be preceded by a Hall of Famer luncheon that fans and supporters of the Hall of Fame are invited to attend for a $25 donation. Luncheon reservations are available through the AMA Legends & Champions ticket form.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by the AMHF to honor the legends and heroes of American motorcycling and highlight their achievements and contributions to motorcycling. Hall of Fame inductees represent eight areas: Ambassadors/Industry, Design/Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership/Advocacy, Motocross/Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.

Hall of Fame candidates are nominated by the public for consideration for the annual ballot. Independent Hall of Fame nomination committees select nominees for the ballot, which is voted on by all living Hall of Famers, members of the AMA and AMHF boards of directors and AMA Life Members.

For more information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the 2019 induction ceremony, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Also, visit the Hall of Fame Facebook page at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. or search the hashtag #AMAHoF19 on social media.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Mark Buckner

Mark Buckner began his leadership in motorcyclists’ rights advocacy in the late 1980s as the state coordinator for ABATE of Colorado. In 1992, Buckner joined the Motorcycle Riders Foundation board of directors, becoming MRF president and chairman two years later. During his tenure, the MRF implemented strategic planning processes which led to the organization’s financial stability and significant growth.

Buckner continues to have a profound influence in the motorcyclists’ rights community, giving seminars throughout the United States on strategic planning, organizational design and member effectiveness. Over the past 25 years, he has delivered more than 100 presentations around the country at state, regional, and national rights conferences.

In addition, Buckner has been a leader in promoting global harmonization of motorcyclists’ rights organizations in the United States and has fostered working relationships within the European motorcyclists’ rights community — bonds that remains strong to this day.

Kurt Caselli

Kurt Caselli, whose father Rich was an active member of AMA District 37’s Prospectors Motorcycle Club, started winning at an early age. In 1998, at age 15, Caselli won the desert championship in his class. In 2000, he won an amateur championship in three disciplines: enduro, desert and grand prix.

Caselli soon took his talents overseas, participating in the FIM International Six Days Enduro on the official U.S. team. He competed in the ISDE for 12 years. Eight times Caselli was the top-finishing American rider, and he won his class twice. Caselli was on the winning U.S. Junior Trophy Team in 2006, and he was on the U.S. World Trophy Team in 2013 when the team finished second, matching its best finish in the event at that time.

Riding for the factory-backed KTM team, Caselli committed full time to the AMA National Hare and Hound Championship Series in 2011 and won the title. In 2012, he successfully defended his title before repeating that performance in 2013.

Caselli’s focus then shifted to international rally racing. In 2013, he finished strong in Dakar and won the Desafio Ruta 40. His final race before making the full leap to rally racing would be the SCORE-promoted Baja 1000.

Tragically, Caselli died in that race, colliding with a large animal while competing and suffering fatal injuries.

While Caselli is remembered for his incredible skill and talent on an off-road motorcycle, his most lasting impact may be his role, inspired by his father, in fostering a deep sense of team, dedication and patriotism among U.S. riders competing at the ISDE. Those efforts paid off in 2016 when the U.S. World Trophy Team finally won the World Trophy, an achievement that had eluded American riders since the event began in 1913.

Ron Lechien

El Cajon, Calif., native Ron Lechien competed against some of the greatest motocross racers in history throughout the 1980s, winning 26 nationals and the 1985 125cc AMA National Motocross Championship.

Lechien’s natural talent and smooth riding style made him unmistakable on the track. His seemingly effortless speed translated across classes, and he earned wins in 125cc, 250cc and 500cc motocross competition, as well as in 250cc Supercross, the premier class at the time.

Lechien, born Dec. 13, 1966, won the 1985 125cc AMA Motocross Championship and was without question one of the era’s top riders. Lechien finished in the top three in national points 10 times out of the 18 series he contested full time. Lechien raced 158 races in his career and made the podium in 80 of them. Over half the time he raced, Lechien stood on the podium among some of the greatest American racers of all time.

In 1985, Lechien raced the 125cc class for the U.S. team at the Motocross of Nations in Germany and won his class with a 2-1-1 finish. At the 1988 Motocross of Nations in France, he raced the 500cc class and won both of his motos, beating the best in the world.

Lechien, who raced for the Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda factory teams throughout his career, also competed in the 1984 and 1989 U.S. Motocross Grand Prix, collecting two wins.

While a severely broken leg in the 1989 500cc AMA National Championship Series ended Lechien’s career prematurely, he is remembered as one of the top riders from one of the most-competitive eras of the sport.

Wiltz Wagner

Wiltz Wagner Jr. has tirelessly promoted the sport of observed trials in this country the last four decades.

Wagner was first a fiercely competitive and successful trials rider in the 1960s and 1970s and then formed Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Trials Association, one of the oldest AMA-chartered trials clubs in America.

In the early seventies, Wagner saw a need for a national organization for trials competitions. Working with the AMA, Wagner created and oversaw the North American Trials Council. For the past 46 years, the NATC series, sanctioned by the AMA, has crowned the sport’s national champion.

In 1975, The Rhode Island Trials Club worked with Wagner and the NATC to host the first World Trials Championship in Rhode Island. Since then, the NATC has arranged dozens of international events.

Wagner, who was inducted into the NATC Hall of Fame in 2005 for his contributions to trials, has competed and won in other disciplines, including ice racing and land-speed racing, where he, his late wife and his daughter hold more than 50 records.

Dale Walksler

Dale Walksler, born Nov. 30, 1952, founded Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum that preserves and communicates the history of motorcycling in America.

Beginning with his purchase of a Harley-Davidson Servi-Car when he was in high school, Walksler became a passionate fan of the brand. He opened a Harley-Davidson parts business in 1970 in Glen Ellyn, Ill., then bought a Harley-Davidson dealership in Mount Vernon, Ill., four years later. As his business grew, he moved his motorcycle collection to the dealership to attract customers.

In 1999, Walksler sold the dealership and relocated his motorcycle collection to Maggie Valley, N.C. The new museum opened in 2002. Dale’s Wheels through Time Museum sets itself apart from most other museums by featuring motorcycles in running condition.

The museum’s popularity has earned Walksler appearances on several television programs about vintage car and motorcycle restoration, including “American Restoration,” “Chasing Classic Cars,” “American Pickers” and his own show “What’s in the Barn?”

Those shows helped popularize vintage motorcycling, as well as put forward a positive image of the motorcycling lifestyle.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/mobile-join

CMRA Racing At Hallett Motor Racing Circuit This Coming Weekend

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September 10, 2019

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CMRA Racing At Hallett Motor Racing Circuit This Coming Weekend

CMRA Coming to Hallett Motor Racing Circuit This Weekend

This coming weekend, September 13-15, the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) hosts the seventh round of its 2019 race season at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit in Hallett, Oklahoma. The track is located just 40 minutes west of Tulsa on Hwy 412 (Cimarron Turnpike).

Friday’s activities include the CMRA Racer Licensing School, Track Experience, and an all-day racer practice. Registration and Tech open for all activities at 6:30 a.m. The full weekend’s event schedule can be found here:

http://www.cmraracing.com/2019-schedule/?event_id1…

Saturday’s schedule includes Mini, Ultra-Lightweight, and Championship Sprint races, the fourth round of the Ultra-Lightweight Endurance Series, and Solo 30 sprint race. The day concludes with the trophy presentation and a racer meet and greet.

Sunday’s schedule begins at 11:05am with a full slate of exciting racing. The TX Toy Sales – C Superbike Expert in the morning paying out $75 – 1st, $50 – 2nd, $25 – 3rd. The Legends Race – Formula 40 HW Expert by The Realtime Group/Shakespeare with a payout of of $75 – 1st, $50 – 2nd, $25 – 3rd, will run in the afternoon. The Jennifer Millsap Foundation “Fight Like A Girl” award is also on this weekend, with $250 going to the expert or novice racer with the most accumulated points in the overall championship classes. A spectator lap of the track will be conducted during the lunch break, schedule and weather permitting.

Gates open each day at 6:00 a.m. and we race rain or shine! Weekend tickets to the event are only $20 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and just $15 on Sunday. Kids 12 and younger are free. There is a $5 wristband refund for participants leaving Saturday night – turn in your wristband at the gate as you leave. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Ride your street bike to the event and you’ll pay just $5 for entry on both Saturday and Sunday!

Please note that NO PETS are allowed at any of the CMRA race events.

On behalf of our racers, the CMRA would like to thank our Racers, Supporters, Staff, Crew and 2019 Class Sponsors: 3:16 Track Days, Bell Helmets, JBM Enterprises, Jennifer Millsap Foundation, Metric Garage, MotorSport Ranch, RES, Road & Track Suspension, SportRiderCoaching, The Realtime Group/Shakespeare, TX Toy Sales, and Von Hertell Racing Services. Please remember to support the products and services of the companies who support you!

For more information about this event please visit our website at www.cmraracing.com or call the CMRA office at 817-570-9779.

MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Aiming To Improve His Race Pace During Practice At Misano

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September 10, 2019

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MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Aiming To Improve His Race Pace During Practice At Misano

PETRONAS Yamaha SRT head to San Marino GP with perfect preparation

PETRONAS Yamaha SRT duo Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli hoping test at Misano will translate into strong results at San Marino GP

San Marino GP – 10 September 2019

Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are heading into this weekend’s Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini hoping for a strong start to the weekend, after the PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team duo ended a pre-race test at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli two weeks ago in first and third respectively.

Topping the test at Misano by nearly half a second a fortnight ago, Quartararo goes into the weekend bursting with confidence and ready to make his mark in Sunday’s race. Unfortunately failing to finish last time out at Silverstone, he’s not only planning on making amends in Misano but knows that he’s got the pace and the outright speed to challenge for the podium again.

Morbidelli is also going into his home race confident that he can deliver a strong result. Using the test to resolve some of the small niggles with his set-up he had at Silverstone last time out, he knows that with a more comfortable feeling from his bike he too can be on track for one of his best results of the season so far as he lines up for what will be his 100th Grand Prix race.

Action gets underway at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on Friday 13th September with free practice at 0955 local time (1555 Malaysian time), ahead of Sunday 15th September’s San Marino Grand Prix.

Franco Morbidelli:

“Misano is a very special track for me, because it’s my real home race. I can see the track from my house, I train a lot at it and I really like riding it. There are always a lot of my friends and family who come to the race, and it’s always good to have them to help you relax or get you pumped-up at the right moment. It’s really positive to head there off the back of two great test days at Misano. We’re well-placed for a strong result after the work we did on the bike’s set-up, but we will see what level of grip and what track conditions we find this weekend. We can still improve in the fast corners like turns three and 11, so our set-up isn’t quite 100% ready to race just yet. We have plenty of time in practice and we know what we want to improve, so we’re hoping for a productive Friday to get us where we want to be.”

Fabio Quartararo:

“I think we have a good set-up with the bike after completing more than 150 laps in the Misano test so I’m confident that we can be strong from FP1. It was really beneficial to get those two days testing in advance of the race; it’s one of the first times I’ve been able to do that mid-season. We’ve already got very good pace and we know that we’re very strong in qualifying, so if we can just improve our race pace a little bit then I know we can be really well prepared for the final laps of the race. The circuit is pretty small, but it’s got a bit of everything which is good for us and our bike.”

MotoGP: Monster Energy Yamaha Team Talks About The Fans At Misano

September 11, 2019

Valentino Rossi (46). Photo courtesy of Monster Energy Yamaha.