Ivan Ortola claimed pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at the Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his MT Helmets – MSI KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:09.270. Not only was that good enough to top the 25-rider field, it also broke the All-Time Lap Record of 2:09.565 set by Colin Veijer on Friday.
Moto3 Comb Qual
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Espargaro takes last dash pole to deny Bagnaia and Bastianini
The Aprilia rider becomes the sixth different polesitter over the last six GPs at Silverstone as the stage is set for two stunning showdowns
Saturday, 03 August 2024
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) heads the grid at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, with the 2023 winner putting in a late dash to take over on top with a new lap record. He becomes the sixth different polesitter at Silverstone in the last six Grands Prix at the venue, and is the first of four riders who broke the previous lap record in a stunningly quick Q2.
Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) lines up in P2 after a little drama for the reigning Champion, just ahead of teammate Enea Bastianini completing the front row.
Q1
It was neck-at-neck after the first runs in another close battle to move through, with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) setting the exact same laptime. By the end of the session the goalposts had moved again though, and the #73 was able to pull 0.035 out on the rookie superstar. Still, they moved through with a couple of tenths in hand over the rest, led by Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing).
Q2
After the first runs it was a Ducati Lenovo 1-2 with Bagnaia on provisional pole, despite the best efforts of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) looking for a tow behind the #1. However, heading back out, Bagnaia suffered that drama, starting his flying lap but then slowing into the run off. A tear off or sticker on his helmet had needed some attention, and the lap was gone. Was the chance gone too?
It was. Not too long after, there was a crash for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) at Turn 2, putting out the yellow flags and putting paid to improvements for those who may have been able to make it round for one final push. That didn’t include Espargaro, however, as he was already on three red sectors looking for a fourth, taking a stunning pole position with that new lap record.
Bagnaia, although frustrated at losing the chance to make that final attack for pole, takes second ahead of Bastianini, who had looked on to challenge before sitting up out that lap. They both broke the previous lap record, as did the rider just behind them heading up Row 2: Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).
THE GRID
Behind the Espargaro, Bagnaia, Bastianini lockout, Martin heads that second row ahead of Alex Marquez via Q1 and a solid P6 for Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Marc Marquez slots into P7 and will be looking to move forward from the off, as will the rider right alongside him: Viñales, another previous winner at the venue. Acosta completes that third row.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was just half a tenth behind the rookie, with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) completing the Q2 runners and looking to move forward when the lights go out.
The stage is set, the pace is hot and the lights go out not once, but twice this weekend at the awesome Silverstone Circuit. Who’s coming out on top in the battles in Britain? Tune in to find out!
Álex Rins Retires from the British GP
Silverstone (UK), 2nd August 2024
Following a strenuous first day back from injury, Álex Rins has decided to sit out the remainder of the Monster Energy British Grand Prix.
After deep reflection and consideration, Álex Rins has decided to retire from the Monster Energy British Grand Prix due to the hand and foot injury he sustained in Round 8, the Dutch GP.
After a few more weeks of rest, the Spanish rider will undergo another check to assess if he can rejoin the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team at the Austrian GP round, held from 16-18 August.
With Rins retiring from the British GP, there is a vacant spot in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP garage. For logistical reason, Remy Gardner will move from the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team garage to the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP garage for the remainder of the race weekend. However, Gardner will still be riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Team Director
First of all, I would like to express my sympathies to Álex. Riders are always disappointed when they can’t ride, but perhaps this one is even more frustrating for Álex as the British GP is a very special round. It’s significant for Monster Energy, who sponsor this round, and also for Dorna who are staging the MotoGP 75th Anniversary celebrations. Moreover, Álex really likes Silverstone and has gotten great results here, so it’s definitely a let-down. However, his health and well-being must take priority. We therefore decided that it was not worth it for him to continue the British GP race weekend and hope to have him back in Austria in a better condition.
As of tomorrow, Remy will be operating from the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP garage. However, Remy will still be riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team for the remainder of the British GP weekend.
ÁLEX RINS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider
After assessing my medical condition with my doctors, we have come to the conclusion that the most responsible thing for me is to skip the remaining part of the British GP.
As you can imagine, I feel sorry for the team and for myself. Every single lap that we have done this season has proven to be useful for the development of the bike and for closing the gap to other manufacturers. But the pain that I‘m feeling and the risk of a bigger injury, along with the medical advice, makes me take this decision.
I hope to be back on track and working again very soon.
Thank you everybody for your support.
VR46 Racing Team set to become Ducati’s MotoGP factory-supported team from 2025
Ducati Corse is pleased to announce that from 2025, the VR46 Racing Team will be Ducati’s MotoGP factory-supported team under a multi-year agreement. The team will field an official Desmosedici GP on track and enjoy full technical and sporting support from the Borgo Panigale-based constructor.
Founded in Tavullia (PU) in 2014 by nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi, the VR46 Racing Team entered MotoGP in 2021 after years of repeated success in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories. With the Pesaro-based team, Ducati Lenovo Team rider and current reigning MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia won his first Moto2 World Title in 2018. Additionally, in 2023, VR46 Racing Team rider Marco Bezzecchi finished third in the MotoGP World Championship after fighting for the title for much of the season.
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager):
“From day one, the VR46 Racing Team has shown its ability to work in perfect harmony with Ducati, and in recent years, we achieved important results together. We are happy, therefore, to be able to fortify our relationship further, providing the Pesaro-based team with full factory support starting next season. I am sure that together we can achieve other significant goals! Once again, I would like to thank Valentino, Uccio, Pablo, and all the people working with the team with great passion and dedication.”
Alessio Salucci (Team Director VR46 Racing Team):
“I can only be proud to announce that from the next year the VR46 Racing Team will be the Ducati Factory Supported Team in MotoGP. We will be on track with an official bike and a GP24. If they had said it a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a truly significant moment for the entire group: having achieved this result in just three years, with a young team, with so many guys with us from Moto3, is something extraordinary. I want to thank all the people who work in the Team, the partners, Ducati and Gigi Dall’Igna for having believed in this project and having today managed to enhance it as it deserves. We have demanding years ahead of us, full of challenges, but we can’t wait to test ourselves and try to achieve ambitious results”.
More, from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM AS DUCATI FACTORY SUPPORTED TEAM FROM 2025
The Tavullia team becomes the reference of the factory from Borgo Panigale in MotoGP with an official bike and a Ducati Desmosedici GP24
Tavullia (Italy), August 2nd 2024 – Agreement signed between the Tavullia team and Ducati: three years from its debut in the premier class, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team becomes, from 2025, with a multi-year contract, the Factory Supported Team of the Borgo Panigale factory.
A choral result of the entire technical crew of the Team VR46 – which in just a few years has become a reference in the Top class – to give new life to a successful Made in Italy synergy. A winning duo since their debut in 2022, which has become increasingly solid, with three victories in 2023 and an important contribution, as a Team in terms of points, to the conquest of the Constructors Championship in the same year.
Shared objectives and boundless passion with a new agreement with significant changes and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team which becomes Factory Supported Team. In the garage there will be an official bike and a Ducati Desmosedici GP24, together with new Ducati technical staff.
Alessio Salucci, Team Director Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
“I can only be proud to announce that from the next year the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will be the Ducati Factory Supported Team in MotoGP. We will be on track with an official bike and a GP24. If they had said it a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a truly significant moment for the entire group: having achieved this result in just three years, with a young team, with so many guys with us from Moto3, is something extraordinary. I want to thank all the people who work in the Team, the partners, in particular Pertamina Lubricants, Ducati and Gigi Dall’Igna for having believed in this project and having today managed to enhance it as it deserves. We have demanding years ahead of us, full of challenges, but we can’t wait to test ourselves and try to achieve ambitious results”.
Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager
“From day one, the VR46 Racing Team has shown its ability to work in perfect harmony with Ducati, and in recent years, we achieved important results together. We are happy, therefore, to be able to fortify our relationship further, providing the Pesaro-based team with full factory support starting next season. I am sure that together we can achieve other significant goals! Once again, I would like to thank Valentino, Uccio, Pablo, and all the people working with the team with great passion and dedication”.
Mike Trimby named MotoGP™ Legend
Trimby becomes the first non-rider to be inducted in the Hall of Fame, honouring his off-track contributions to the sport
Friday, 02 August 2024
Mike Trimby is now officially a MotoGP™ Legend, having been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix. Trimby, who sadly passed away in 2023, becomes the first Legend inducted wholly due to their work off-track.
Trimby was the founder and CEO of IRTA, thereby becoming one of the most important figures in the history of motorcycle Grand Prix racing and playing a pivotal role in shaping the sport MotoGP™ has become.
Trimby did begin his career as a rider and mechanic in the 1960s, but soon started to emerge as a key figure off-track and had established himself as such by the late 1970s. In 1982, the riders then officially requested Trimby to act as their representative, something further formalised with the founding of the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) in 1986, with Trimby at the helm.
Advocating for riders and teams, IRTA has remained a pivotal part of the sport. The huge progress in safety made since the organisation was founded is thanks in large part to the work undertaken by Trimby, his wife Irene, and IRTA.
1992 also marked the beginning of the great collaboration between the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports, which likewise owes much to the foundations laid by IRTA over the decade before, giving riders and teams a voice at the table.
Tony Congram, speaking on behalf of Irene, Mike’s family and IRTA, said: “Irene has asked me to say a few words on her behalf and that of the Trimby family. Thank you all very much for being here today to witness Mike’s induction into the Legends. Thank you, Carmelo, thank you very much for Mike’s invitation to this very prestigious club, it is unbelievable. Mike and Carmelo as you said have had a very strong relationship over the years and it is a testament to Mike’s memory that you have asked him to become a part of the Legends. It is a very proud moment, an honour for Irene to have Mike’s name alongside all of these incredible riders, past and present, so to be amongst them Irene is very proud and so would Mike be very proud. As you can imagine it is still a very emotional time. On behalf of Irene we would like to thank you for your messages, your emails, and all the forms of communication that Irene has had from all of you, and for your kind words and support in this particularly sad time. Again, thank you, Carmelo, and thank you very much, everybody, thank you.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, said: “This is a very special moment for me, as Mike is the first non-rider to be a part of the MotoGP™ Legends. A big reason why MotoGP™ is as it is right now is because of Mike Trimby. I met him many many years ago for the first time when he was representing the riders, even before IRTA, I was the director of the Jarama circuit. I remember well that he arrived on an enduro bike and looked at the paddock and different things and made an incredible effort. To be honest it was considered strange to be representing the riders and it was not really well accepted by the authorities of the paddock. Mike continued doing that and later on, it was growing and growing and with the creation of IRTA he was doing everything to improve the most important thing, the safety of the riders. He was crucial for that and without Mike Trimby I am absolutely sure we would not be as we are right now.
“Later on, when we started in 1991, signing the agreement between IRTA, FIM, Dorna and Two Wheel Promotions, to be honest, Mike was not especially happy at this moment. But working together we achieved what we have achieved right now and for me, it is a very emotional moment, not just as the CEO of Dorna and representing what the Championship thinks but we became very good friends. I was very happy to deal with him, he always had a typical British sense of humour when he was explaining many things to me and, to be honest in the beginning it was very difficult to understand each other but finally we did it. It was a very emotional moment when he left us last year in Misano, it was something that was very strange and right now with Irene here I think it is the proper moment to show everybody how important Mike Trimby was to us. I am extremely happy to announce him as a MotoGP™ Legend because MotoGP™ is as it is right now thanks to Mike Trimby.”
Mike joins the list of his fellow MotoGP™ Legends in the Hall of Fame: Giacomo Agostini, Hugh Anderson, Hans-Georg Anscheidt, Kork Ballington, Max Biaggi, Alex Crivillé, Mick Doohan, Stefan Dörflinger, Andrea Dovizioso, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Nicky Hayden, Jorge Lorenzo, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Anton Mang, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, Angel Nieto, Dani Pedrosa, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr, Valentino Rossi, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Luigi Taveri, Carlo Ubbiali and Franco Uncini.
Amanuel Brinton was fastest during R&G British Talent Cup qualifying Friday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Kovara Projects/RS Racing Honda, Brinton lapped the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:20.126 to top the field of 26 riders.
Americans Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing Honda), Joshua Raymond, Jr. (Fibre Tec Honda), and Eli Banish (Fibre Tec Honda) qualified fifth, 18th, and 22nd, respectively.
Session for GBR BTC QP
Jorge Martin led both MotoGP World Championship practice sessions Friday at Silverstone Circuit, in England, but the young Spaniard’s competitors are nipping at his heals. Martin topped Friday afternoon’s practice with a lap time of 1:57.911 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, but the top 14 riders in the session were covered by just 1.043 seconds.
Aleix Espargaro, the winner of the British Grand Prix in 2023, was second-best with a 1:57.956 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.
Two-time and defending World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia was third-fastest with a time of 1:58.030 around the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course.
Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini turned a fourth-quickest 1:58.190.
Jack Miller continued his strong run on Friday with a 1:58.260 on his Red Bull KTM, placing him fifth in the session.
Other riders finishing the session in the top 10 and advancing straight to Qualifying Two (Q2) included Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (1:58.318), Miller’s teammate Brad Binder (1:58.386), Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Vinales (1:58.389), Di Giannantonio’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi (1:58.506), and Gresini Racing Ducati’s Marc Marquez (1:58.585).
MotoGP FP2
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Martin pips Espargaro as Marc Marquez just holds on to a place in Q2
Ducati and Aprilia are split by 0.045s on Day 1 at Silverstone as the main title contenders all slot inside the top 10
Friday, 02 August 2024
A late flyer from Jorge Martin saw the Prima Pramac Racing star set the early weekend pace at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, as the #89 edged out 2023 Silverstone victor Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) by 0.045s after clocking a 1:57.911. World Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) bagged P3, with the #1 lurking just 0.119s away from his main title challenger as it stands.
It wasn’t an ideal start to Friday afternoon for a pair of Ducatis as both Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) were forced to stop due to some form of issue with their respective machines.
Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was the early pacesetter, but as we’ve come to expect, the closing 15 minutes was where the thick of the action took place in Practice 1. There were movements aplenty as the other factory Aprilia, Espargaro, climbed to the summit with the clock ticking down, but it was time attack specialist Martin who managed to clinch Friday’s honours with that late time.
Bagnaia also improved towards the end of the session, with teammate Bastianini leaving it until his last lap to set a personal best – the ‘Beast’ ending the day in P4 despite those early bike gremlins. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended Free Practice 1 in P4 and backed that up with a P5 in the afternoon to remind everyone what he’s capable of, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) fronting the GP23 charge in P6.
Miller’s teammate Brad Binder ensured both factory KTM’s are automatically in the Q2 scrap on Saturday morning, with Viñales slipping down the order but holding onto a P8 – job done for Top Gun, but the former Silverstone winner will be hunting for more.
Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) were the final two riders to slot inside the top 10, with the eight-time World Champion – who suffered a crash in FP1 – just 0.057s away from finding himself in Q1.
The all-important times for Saturday’s action at the British GP can be found below as qualifying and the Tissot Sprint beckons following an intriguing opening day.
FP2: 10:10 (UTC +1)
Q1: 10:50
Q2: 11.15
Tissot Sprint: 15:00
Canet claims lap record Friday top spot
A new Moto2™ Silverstone lap record handed Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) top honours on Friday at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, with the Spaniard’s 2:03.602 time just under three tenths quicker than Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in second place. The leading pair were the only riders to venture into the 2:03s on Day 1, with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) rounding out the top three, 0.457s away from Canet.
– Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) goes into Saturday’s action in P7 as the home crowd favourite aims to build on a solid Friday outing.
– The top two in the title chase and MT Helmets – MSI teammates, Ai Ogura and Sergio Garcia, are P4 and P8 respectively at the end of play on Friday, with the latter suffering a crash in the afternoon that hampered his Practice 1.
Enjoy Moto2™ Practice at 09:25, with qualifying getting underway at 13:45 on Saturday.
Veijer a step ahead on Friday despite afternoon crash
Despite a crash in the afternoon, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) topped the Moto3™ times on Friday at Silverstone as the Dutchman set a 2:09.565 to end the day a healthy 0.387s clear of second place Ivan Ortola (MT Helmet – MSI). Rookie Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) claimed an impressive P3 in Practice 1 to act as one of three riders to get within half a second of Veijer’s effort.
– The other rider to do so was home hero Scott Ogden (Fibre Tec Honda – MLav Racing). The British star enjoyed a fruitful day at the office and heads into qualifying day P4 on the timesheets.
– World Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) was another title chaser to crash on Friday afternoon, with the Colombian ending Day 1 in P6, 0.597s adrift of the summit.
Tune into Moto3™ Practice 2 at 08:40 local time (UTC +2) before the lightweight class go qualifying at 12:50.
Aron Canet was the man to beat during Moto2 World Championship practice Friday at the Silverstone Circuit, in England. After leading practice Friday morning, the Spanish veteran topped Friday afternoon’s practice session with a new lap record time. Riding his Pirelli-shod Fantic Racing Kalex, Canet navigated the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) track in 2:03.602, breaking Marco Bezzecchi’s 2021 All-Time Lap Record of 2:03.988.
Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex rider Celestino Vietti was also under the old lap record with a 2:03.896, but he had to settle for second-best in the session.
Tony Arbolino was third with a 2:04.059 on his Elf Marc VDS Racing Team Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished the session ranked 10th with a 2:04.319 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Moto2 FP2
Colin Veijer led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Silverstone Circuit, in England. On board his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, the Dutch rider navigated the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:09.565, eclipsing the new All-Time Lap Record of 2:09.600 set by David Alonso in Friday morning’s practice session.
Moto3 FP2
Jorge Martin topped MotoGP World Championship practice Friday morning at Silverstone Circuit, in central England. The title contender recorded a best lap time of 1:59.383 on his Michelin-equipped Prima Pramac Ducati Desmosedici, topping the field of 23 riders.
Maverick Vinales was the best of the rest with a 1:59.473 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.
Vinales’ teammate Aleix Espargaro, who is retiring at the end of the season, was third at 1:59.719.
Jack Miller made it three makes in the top four with a 1:59.727 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC 16.
Martin’s teammate Franco Morbidelli rounded out the top five with a lap time of 1:59.803.
MotoGP FP1
Ivan Ortola claimed pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at the Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his MT Helmets – MSI KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:09.270. Not only was that good enough to top the 25-rider field, it also broke the All-Time Lap Record of 2:09.565 set by Colin Veijer on Friday.
Moto3 Comb Qual
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Espargaro takes last dash pole to deny Bagnaia and Bastianini
The Aprilia rider becomes the sixth different polesitter over the last six GPs at Silverstone as the stage is set for two stunning showdowns
Saturday, 03 August 2024
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) heads the grid at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, with the 2023 winner putting in a late dash to take over on top with a new lap record. He becomes the sixth different polesitter at Silverstone in the last six Grands Prix at the venue, and is the first of four riders who broke the previous lap record in a stunningly quick Q2.
Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) lines up in P2 after a little drama for the reigning Champion, just ahead of teammate Enea Bastianini completing the front row.
Q1
It was neck-at-neck after the first runs in another close battle to move through, with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) setting the exact same laptime. By the end of the session the goalposts had moved again though, and the #73 was able to pull 0.035 out on the rookie superstar. Still, they moved through with a couple of tenths in hand over the rest, led by Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing).
Q2
After the first runs it was a Ducati Lenovo 1-2 with Bagnaia on provisional pole, despite the best efforts of Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) looking for a tow behind the #1. However, heading back out, Bagnaia suffered that drama, starting his flying lap but then slowing into the run off. A tear off or sticker on his helmet had needed some attention, and the lap was gone. Was the chance gone too?
It was. Not too long after, there was a crash for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) at Turn 2, putting out the yellow flags and putting paid to improvements for those who may have been able to make it round for one final push. That didn’t include Espargaro, however, as he was already on three red sectors looking for a fourth, taking a stunning pole position with that new lap record.
Bagnaia, although frustrated at losing the chance to make that final attack for pole, takes second ahead of Bastianini, who had looked on to challenge before sitting up out that lap. They both broke the previous lap record, as did the rider just behind them heading up Row 2: Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing).
THE GRID
Behind the Espargaro, Bagnaia, Bastianini lockout, Martin heads that second row ahead of Alex Marquez via Q1 and a solid P6 for Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Marc Marquez slots into P7 and will be looking to move forward from the off, as will the rider right alongside him: Viñales, another previous winner at the venue. Acosta completes that third row.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was just half a tenth behind the rookie, with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) completing the Q2 runners and looking to move forward when the lights go out.
The stage is set, the pace is hot and the lights go out not once, but twice this weekend at the awesome Silverstone Circuit. Who’s coming out on top in the battles in Britain? Tune in to find out!
Álex Rins Retires from the British GP
Silverstone (UK), 2nd August 2024
Following a strenuous first day back from injury, Álex Rins has decided to sit out the remainder of the Monster Energy British Grand Prix.
After deep reflection and consideration, Álex Rins has decided to retire from the Monster Energy British Grand Prix due to the hand and foot injury he sustained in Round 8, the Dutch GP.
After a few more weeks of rest, the Spanish rider will undergo another check to assess if he can rejoin the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team at the Austrian GP round, held from 16-18 August.
With Rins retiring from the British GP, there is a vacant spot in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP garage. For logistical reason, Remy Gardner will move from the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team garage to the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP garage for the remainder of the race weekend. However, Gardner will still be riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
Team Director
First of all, I would like to express my sympathies to Álex. Riders are always disappointed when they can’t ride, but perhaps this one is even more frustrating for Álex as the British GP is a very special round. It’s significant for Monster Energy, who sponsor this round, and also for Dorna who are staging the MotoGP 75th Anniversary celebrations. Moreover, Álex really likes Silverstone and has gotten great results here, so it’s definitely a let-down. However, his health and well-being must take priority. We therefore decided that it was not worth it for him to continue the British GP race weekend and hope to have him back in Austria in a better condition.
As of tomorrow, Remy will be operating from the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP garage. However, Remy will still be riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP Test Team for the remainder of the British GP weekend.
ÁLEX RINS
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Rider
After assessing my medical condition with my doctors, we have come to the conclusion that the most responsible thing for me is to skip the remaining part of the British GP.
As you can imagine, I feel sorry for the team and for myself. Every single lap that we have done this season has proven to be useful for the development of the bike and for closing the gap to other manufacturers. But the pain that I‘m feeling and the risk of a bigger injury, along with the medical advice, makes me take this decision.
I hope to be back on track and working again very soon.
Thank you everybody for your support.
VR46 Racing Team set to become Ducati’s MotoGP factory-supported team from 2025
Ducati Corse is pleased to announce that from 2025, the VR46 Racing Team will be Ducati’s MotoGP factory-supported team under a multi-year agreement. The team will field an official Desmosedici GP on track and enjoy full technical and sporting support from the Borgo Panigale-based constructor.
Founded in Tavullia (PU) in 2014 by nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi, the VR46 Racing Team entered MotoGP in 2021 after years of repeated success in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories. With the Pesaro-based team, Ducati Lenovo Team rider and current reigning MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia won his first Moto2 World Title in 2018. Additionally, in 2023, VR46 Racing Team rider Marco Bezzecchi finished third in the MotoGP World Championship after fighting for the title for much of the season.
Luigi Dall’Igna (Ducati Corse General Manager):
“From day one, the VR46 Racing Team has shown its ability to work in perfect harmony with Ducati, and in recent years, we achieved important results together. We are happy, therefore, to be able to fortify our relationship further, providing the Pesaro-based team with full factory support starting next season. I am sure that together we can achieve other significant goals! Once again, I would like to thank Valentino, Uccio, Pablo, and all the people working with the team with great passion and dedication.”
Alessio Salucci (Team Director VR46 Racing Team):
“I can only be proud to announce that from the next year the VR46 Racing Team will be the Ducati Factory Supported Team in MotoGP. We will be on track with an official bike and a GP24. If they had said it a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a truly significant moment for the entire group: having achieved this result in just three years, with a young team, with so many guys with us from Moto3, is something extraordinary. I want to thank all the people who work in the Team, the partners, Ducati and Gigi Dall’Igna for having believed in this project and having today managed to enhance it as it deserves. We have demanding years ahead of us, full of challenges, but we can’t wait to test ourselves and try to achieve ambitious results”.
More, from a press release issued by VR46 Racing Team:
PERTAMINA ENDURO VR46 RACING TEAM AS DUCATI FACTORY SUPPORTED TEAM FROM 2025
The Tavullia team becomes the reference of the factory from Borgo Panigale in MotoGP with an official bike and a Ducati Desmosedici GP24
Tavullia (Italy), August 2nd 2024 – Agreement signed between the Tavullia team and Ducati: three years from its debut in the premier class, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team becomes, from 2025, with a multi-year contract, the Factory Supported Team of the Borgo Panigale factory.
A choral result of the entire technical crew of the Team VR46 – which in just a few years has become a reference in the Top class – to give new life to a successful Made in Italy synergy. A winning duo since their debut in 2022, which has become increasingly solid, with three victories in 2023 and an important contribution, as a Team in terms of points, to the conquest of the Constructors Championship in the same year.
Shared objectives and boundless passion with a new agreement with significant changes and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team which becomes Factory Supported Team. In the garage there will be an official bike and a Ducati Desmosedici GP24, together with new Ducati technical staff.
Alessio Salucci, Team Director Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
“I can only be proud to announce that from the next year the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team will be the Ducati Factory Supported Team in MotoGP. We will be on track with an official bike and a GP24. If they had said it a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a truly significant moment for the entire group: having achieved this result in just three years, with a young team, with so many guys with us from Moto3, is something extraordinary. I want to thank all the people who work in the Team, the partners, in particular Pertamina Lubricants, Ducati and Gigi Dall’Igna for having believed in this project and having today managed to enhance it as it deserves. We have demanding years ahead of us, full of challenges, but we can’t wait to test ourselves and try to achieve ambitious results”.
Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager
“From day one, the VR46 Racing Team has shown its ability to work in perfect harmony with Ducati, and in recent years, we achieved important results together. We are happy, therefore, to be able to fortify our relationship further, providing the Pesaro-based team with full factory support starting next season. I am sure that together we can achieve other significant goals! Once again, I would like to thank Valentino, Uccio, Pablo, and all the people working with the team with great passion and dedication”.
Mike Trimby named MotoGP™ Legend
Trimby becomes the first non-rider to be inducted in the Hall of Fame, honouring his off-track contributions to the sport
Friday, 02 August 2024
Mike Trimby is now officially a MotoGP™ Legend, having been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix. Trimby, who sadly passed away in 2023, becomes the first Legend inducted wholly due to their work off-track.
Trimby was the founder and CEO of IRTA, thereby becoming one of the most important figures in the history of motorcycle Grand Prix racing and playing a pivotal role in shaping the sport MotoGP™ has become.
Trimby did begin his career as a rider and mechanic in the 1960s, but soon started to emerge as a key figure off-track and had established himself as such by the late 1970s. In 1982, the riders then officially requested Trimby to act as their representative, something further formalised with the founding of the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA) in 1986, with Trimby at the helm.
Advocating for riders and teams, IRTA has remained a pivotal part of the sport. The huge progress in safety made since the organisation was founded is thanks in large part to the work undertaken by Trimby, his wife Irene, and IRTA.
1992 also marked the beginning of the great collaboration between the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports, which likewise owes much to the foundations laid by IRTA over the decade before, giving riders and teams a voice at the table.
Tony Congram, speaking on behalf of Irene, Mike’s family and IRTA, said: “Irene has asked me to say a few words on her behalf and that of the Trimby family. Thank you all very much for being here today to witness Mike’s induction into the Legends. Thank you, Carmelo, thank you very much for Mike’s invitation to this very prestigious club, it is unbelievable. Mike and Carmelo as you said have had a very strong relationship over the years and it is a testament to Mike’s memory that you have asked him to become a part of the Legends. It is a very proud moment, an honour for Irene to have Mike’s name alongside all of these incredible riders, past and present, so to be amongst them Irene is very proud and so would Mike be very proud. As you can imagine it is still a very emotional time. On behalf of Irene we would like to thank you for your messages, your emails, and all the forms of communication that Irene has had from all of you, and for your kind words and support in this particularly sad time. Again, thank you, Carmelo, and thank you very much, everybody, thank you.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, said: “This is a very special moment for me, as Mike is the first non-rider to be a part of the MotoGP™ Legends. A big reason why MotoGP™ is as it is right now is because of Mike Trimby. I met him many many years ago for the first time when he was representing the riders, even before IRTA, I was the director of the Jarama circuit. I remember well that he arrived on an enduro bike and looked at the paddock and different things and made an incredible effort. To be honest it was considered strange to be representing the riders and it was not really well accepted by the authorities of the paddock. Mike continued doing that and later on, it was growing and growing and with the creation of IRTA he was doing everything to improve the most important thing, the safety of the riders. He was crucial for that and without Mike Trimby I am absolutely sure we would not be as we are right now.
“Later on, when we started in 1991, signing the agreement between IRTA, FIM, Dorna and Two Wheel Promotions, to be honest, Mike was not especially happy at this moment. But working together we achieved what we have achieved right now and for me, it is a very emotional moment, not just as the CEO of Dorna and representing what the Championship thinks but we became very good friends. I was very happy to deal with him, he always had a typical British sense of humour when he was explaining many things to me and, to be honest in the beginning it was very difficult to understand each other but finally we did it. It was a very emotional moment when he left us last year in Misano, it was something that was very strange and right now with Irene here I think it is the proper moment to show everybody how important Mike Trimby was to us. I am extremely happy to announce him as a MotoGP™ Legend because MotoGP™ is as it is right now thanks to Mike Trimby.”
Mike joins the list of his fellow MotoGP™ Legends in the Hall of Fame: Giacomo Agostini, Hugh Anderson, Hans-Georg Anscheidt, Kork Ballington, Max Biaggi, Alex Crivillé, Mick Doohan, Stefan Dörflinger, Andrea Dovizioso, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Nicky Hayden, Jorge Lorenzo, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Anton Mang, Jorge ‘Aspar’ Martinez, Angel Nieto, Dani Pedrosa, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Kenny Roberts Jr, Valentino Rossi, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Luigi Taveri, Carlo Ubbiali and Franco Uncini.
Amanuel Brinton was fastest during R&G British Talent Cup qualifying Friday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Kovara Projects/RS Racing Honda, Brinton lapped the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:20.126 to top the field of 26 riders.
Americans Julian Correa (Microlise Cresswell Racing Honda), Joshua Raymond, Jr. (Fibre Tec Honda), and Eli Banish (Fibre Tec Honda) qualified fifth, 18th, and 22nd, respectively.
Session for GBR BTC QP
Jorge Martin led both MotoGP World Championship practice sessions Friday at Silverstone Circuit, in England, but the young Spaniard’s competitors are nipping at his heals. Martin topped Friday afternoon’s practice with a lap time of 1:57.911 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, but the top 14 riders in the session were covered by just 1.043 seconds.
Aleix Espargaro, the winner of the British Grand Prix in 2023, was second-best with a 1:57.956 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.
Two-time and defending World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia was third-fastest with a time of 1:58.030 around the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course.
Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini turned a fourth-quickest 1:58.190.
Jack Miller continued his strong run on Friday with a 1:58.260 on his Red Bull KTM, placing him fifth in the session.
Other riders finishing the session in the top 10 and advancing straight to Qualifying Two (Q2) included Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (1:58.318), Miller’s teammate Brad Binder (1:58.386), Espargaro’s teammate Maverick Vinales (1:58.389), Di Giannantonio’s teammate Marco Bezzecchi (1:58.506), and Gresini Racing Ducati’s Marc Marquez (1:58.585).
MotoGP FP2
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Martin pips Espargaro as Marc Marquez just holds on to a place in Q2
Ducati and Aprilia are split by 0.045s on Day 1 at Silverstone as the main title contenders all slot inside the top 10
Friday, 02 August 2024
A late flyer from Jorge Martin saw the Prima Pramac Racing star set the early weekend pace at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, as the #89 edged out 2023 Silverstone victor Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) by 0.045s after clocking a 1:57.911. World Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) bagged P3, with the #1 lurking just 0.119s away from his main title challenger as it stands.
It wasn’t an ideal start to Friday afternoon for a pair of Ducatis as both Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) were forced to stop due to some form of issue with their respective machines.
Meanwhile, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was the early pacesetter, but as we’ve come to expect, the closing 15 minutes was where the thick of the action took place in Practice 1. There were movements aplenty as the other factory Aprilia, Espargaro, climbed to the summit with the clock ticking down, but it was time attack specialist Martin who managed to clinch Friday’s honours with that late time.
Bagnaia also improved towards the end of the session, with teammate Bastianini leaving it until his last lap to set a personal best – the ‘Beast’ ending the day in P4 despite those early bike gremlins. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended Free Practice 1 in P4 and backed that up with a P5 in the afternoon to remind everyone what he’s capable of, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) fronting the GP23 charge in P6.
Miller’s teammate Brad Binder ensured both factory KTM’s are automatically in the Q2 scrap on Saturday morning, with Viñales slipping down the order but holding onto a P8 – job done for Top Gun, but the former Silverstone winner will be hunting for more.
Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) were the final two riders to slot inside the top 10, with the eight-time World Champion – who suffered a crash in FP1 – just 0.057s away from finding himself in Q1.
The all-important times for Saturday’s action at the British GP can be found below as qualifying and the Tissot Sprint beckons following an intriguing opening day.
FP2: 10:10 (UTC +1)
Q1: 10:50
Q2: 11.15
Tissot Sprint: 15:00
Canet claims lap record Friday top spot
A new Moto2™ Silverstone lap record handed Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) top honours on Friday at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, with the Spaniard’s 2:03.602 time just under three tenths quicker than Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in second place. The leading pair were the only riders to venture into the 2:03s on Day 1, with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) rounding out the top three, 0.457s away from Canet.
– Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) goes into Saturday’s action in P7 as the home crowd favourite aims to build on a solid Friday outing.
– The top two in the title chase and MT Helmets – MSI teammates, Ai Ogura and Sergio Garcia, are P4 and P8 respectively at the end of play on Friday, with the latter suffering a crash in the afternoon that hampered his Practice 1.
Enjoy Moto2™ Practice at 09:25, with qualifying getting underway at 13:45 on Saturday.
Veijer a step ahead on Friday despite afternoon crash
Despite a crash in the afternoon, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) topped the Moto3™ times on Friday at Silverstone as the Dutchman set a 2:09.565 to end the day a healthy 0.387s clear of second place Ivan Ortola (MT Helmet – MSI). Rookie Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) claimed an impressive P3 in Practice 1 to act as one of three riders to get within half a second of Veijer’s effort.
– The other rider to do so was home hero Scott Ogden (Fibre Tec Honda – MLav Racing). The British star enjoyed a fruitful day at the office and heads into qualifying day P4 on the timesheets.
– World Championship leader David Alonso (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team) was another title chaser to crash on Friday afternoon, with the Colombian ending Day 1 in P6, 0.597s adrift of the summit.
Tune into Moto3™ Practice 2 at 08:40 local time (UTC +2) before the lightweight class go qualifying at 12:50.
Aron Canet was the man to beat during Moto2 World Championship practice Friday at the Silverstone Circuit, in England. After leading practice Friday morning, the Spanish veteran topped Friday afternoon’s practice session with a new lap record time. Riding his Pirelli-shod Fantic Racing Kalex, Canet navigated the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) track in 2:03.602, breaking Marco Bezzecchi’s 2021 All-Time Lap Record of 2:03.988.
Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex rider Celestino Vietti was also under the old lap record with a 2:03.896, but he had to settle for second-best in the session.
Tony Arbolino was third with a 2:04.059 on his Elf Marc VDS Racing Team Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished the session ranked 10th with a 2:04.319 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Moto2 FP2
Colin Veijer led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Silverstone Circuit, in England. On board his Pirelli-shod Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, the Dutch rider navigated the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:09.565, eclipsing the new All-Time Lap Record of 2:09.600 set by David Alonso in Friday morning’s practice session.
Moto3 FP2
Jorge Martin topped MotoGP World Championship practice Friday morning at Silverstone Circuit, in central England. The title contender recorded a best lap time of 1:59.383 on his Michelin-equipped Prima Pramac Ducati Desmosedici, topping the field of 23 riders.
Maverick Vinales was the best of the rest with a 1:59.473 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.
Vinales’ teammate Aleix Espargaro, who is retiring at the end of the season, was third at 1:59.719.
Jack Miller made it three makes in the top four with a 1:59.727 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC 16.
Martin’s teammate Franco Morbidelli rounded out the top five with a lap time of 1:59.803.
MotoGP FP1
