Toprak Razgatlioglu earned pole position during FIM Superbike World Championship Superpole qualifying Saturday at Autodrom Most, in the Czech Republic.
Riding his ROKiT BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR on Pirelli control tires, the Turkish star lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:30.064. Not only was that fast enough to top the field of 23 riders, it was also fast enough to surpass Razgatlioglu’s own All-Time Lap Record of 1:30.719, which he set earlier in the day in Free Practice Three.
Andrea Iannone was second-fastest and the top Independent Team qualifier with a 1:30.729 on his Team GoEleven Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Alex Lowes claimed the third and final spot on the front row by lapping the course in 1:30.758 on his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.
American Garrett Gerloff stepped up big on Saturday and qualified eighth overall — and the second-best BMW rider — at 1:31.082 on his Bonovo Action BMW.
American Hayden Gillim, competing as a fill-in rider for the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team, qualified 23rd in the 23-rider field with a 1:33.756 in his first-ever event with the team, on Pirelli tires, and at Autodrom Most.
Yamalube YART Yamaha’s Niccolo Canepa, Marvin Fritz, and Karel Hanika captured pole position for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours race in Japan.
During the Top 10 Trial (a.k.a. Superpole) qualifying session Saturday, Yamalube YART Yamaha’s Marvin Fritz recorded a 2:05.130 around the famed 3.6-mile (5.8 km) road course on his Bridgestone-shod YZF-R1 to top the field.
Ducati Team Kagayama (Ryo Mizuno/Hafizh Syahrin/Josh Waters) was second-best with a 2:05.248 on their Panigale V4 R.
Team HRC with Japan Post (Teppei Nagoe/Takumi Takahashi/Johann Zarco) was third with a time of 2:05.531 on their Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
YART YAMAHA WINS TOP 10 TRIAL TO CLAIM EWC SUZUKA 8 HOURS POLE
*Reigning EWC champion team set to start iconic FIM Endurance World Championship race in first
*Ducati Team Kagayama second for maiden Suzuka appearance following new-for-2024 alliance
*MotoGP star Johann Zarco helps Team HRC to third place in action-packed showdown
Yamalube YART Yamaha’s Marvin Fritz (1) finishing his Top 10 Trial qualifying lap at Suzuka. Photo courtesy FIM EWC.
For immediate release (20 July 2024): Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team will start Sunday’s 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race from pole position after its dramatic victory in the Top 10 Trial, which sets the first 10 positions on the starting grid for Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship.
Marvin Fritz’s flying lap of 2m05.130s proved decisive after team-mate Karel Hanika crashed during his Top 10 Trial run. The German rider’s effort means YART, which also includes Niccolò Canepa in its line-up, can celebrate three pole positions out of three in this season’s EWC with the five points scored putting it ahead of Yoshimura SERT Motul in the race to win the 2024 EWC title.
It was also Yamaha’s first Top 10 Trial success since Yamaha Factory Team triumphed in 2017 and came after YART had finished ahead in the combined qualifying classification after Friday’s running.
Ducati Team Kagayama, consisting of Ryo Mizuno, Hafizh Syahrin and Josh Waters, completed the Top 10 Trial in second position followed by Honda-powered Team HRC with Japan Post, which is chasing a third consecutive victory in its home round of the EWC with riders Teppei Nagoe, Takumi Takahashi and MotoGP race winner Johann Zarco.
Having failed to progress to the Top 10 Trial in 2023, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team claimed a fine fourth as Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul rounded out the top five.
With the Top 10 Trial reserved for the 10 fastest teams according to Friday’s combined qualifying classification, the Dunlop-supplied Superstock squads – led by pole-sitting Teramoto@J-Trip Racing – were able to spend Saturday afternoon completing their preparations for Sunday’s eight-hour race.
Although F.C.C. TSR Honda France reached the Top 10 Trial – one of four permanent EWC teams to do so – Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, KM 99, Motobox Kremer Racing and Tati Team Beringer Racing could instead reflect on encouraging performances during Friday’s running. KM 99 qualified 15th, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar 18th, Tati Team Beringer Racing 31st and Motobox Kremer Racing 43rd.
YAMAHA-POWERED FRITZ REFLECTS ON FLYING LAP
“It was an amazing lap,” 31-year-old Marvin Fritz said. “At Spa I got the lap record but normally here at Suzuka Karel and Niccolò are a bit faster. But since last year I’ve got a really good feeling, especially in the third sector where I always struggled but it’s my favourite now. The bike was perfect, we work together like we all are a big family, and this is why we are always fast, all three of us. We were celebrating before Karel crashed because we knew the pole was sure, but we were happy when we saw he was standing up and fine. The bike was damaged, but the race bike is ready and we feel comfortable and confident. The main focus in the race is to gain points in the championship. Of course a win would be nice but it’s important to have good points going to the Bol d’Or [season finale].”
Of his high-speed crash in the Top 10 Trial, Hanika said: “I just tried my maximum performance, my 100 per cent and it didn’t work out. Yamaha gave us a perfect machine for this kind of session where only one lap matters. I did my best ever first sector but to be able to go under 2m05s I had to keep going like this and I just carried too much corner speed into Turn 7. Unfortunately, I lost the front and I’m really sorry for this but the most important is Marvin could manage an amazing lap, super-smooth and super-clean, which gave us the five points for the championship.”
Ryo Mizuno, who was fastest in both Blue Rider qualifying sessions on Friday, said: “I was aiming for the pole position so I’m not so super-satisfied but with the second position we did really well. The team did a really good performance and I’m very pleased how we brought everything together. Tomorrow is the day and tonight we’ll have further meetings to plan everything for tomorrow.”
MOTOGP STAR ZARCO SAVOURS TOP 10 TRIAL
Johann Zarco will start his first Suzuka 8 Hours – and his first EWC race – in third position alongside Team HRC with Japan Post team-mates Teppei Nagoe and Takumi Takahashi. After joining Takahashi in the Top 10 Trial, the French MotoGP star said: “It was special and I like it. You feel a different stress in MotoGP but I’m pretty happy I did this experience and also I did an improvement compared to yesterday and that’s important.”
TERAMOTO@J-TRIP RACING STORMS TO SUPERSTOCK POLE
Japan-based Teramoto@J-Trip Racing was the talk of the Dunlop-supplied Superstock contingent by claiming pole position for round three of the FIM Endurance World Cup. The Suzuki-equipped outfit, featuring riders Takeshi Ishizuka, an EWC regular, Takeru Murase and Koji Teramoto, excelled during qualifying for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race to bank first place in class ahead of Team Étoile and Taira Promote Racing. NCXX Racing with Riders Club beat Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team to fourth position followed by TONE RT Syncedge 4413 BMW and Wójcik Racing Team, which includes Gino Rea in its line-up. Team Tatara Aprilia and points-leading National Motos Honda FMA were next with Edwin Gesundheit Racing rounding out the top 10.
The 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race is counting for the FIM Endurance World Cup for the first time, thereby giving European Superstock teams the chance to contest one of international motorcycle racing’s most iconic events. They’re benefiting from a tyre support package offered jointly by FIM Endurance World Championship promoter Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and Dunlop, the official tyre supplier to the Superstock category. Through the arrangement, 10 sets of tyres are being provided free of charge to each European Superstock team contesting the third event of the EWC season. National Motos Honda FMA, Team Étoile and Wójcik Racing Team are the beneficiaries of this incentive.
More, from a press release issued by HRC:
Team HRC with Japan Post Qualifies Third
Johann Zarco (30). Photo courtesy HRC.
On July 19 (Fri), Team HRC with Japan Post was third in qualifying for the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Road Race (Suzuka 8 Hours) 45th Annual Event.
Free practice was held from 8:30 to 10:30 in the morning, followed by the first 20-minute qualifying sessions for the blue, yellow, and red riders from 12:05 pm.
Qualifying for the EWC is determined by the average lap times of the two fastest riders from each team. Based on the results of today’s two qualifying sessions, two riders from the top 10 teams will compete in the Top 10 Trials on Saturday, determining the grid for positions from 1 through 10. The grid for positions 11 and lower reflect the results of today’s qualifying sessions.
Free practice was repeatedly red-flagged and restarted due to a crashes. The session was finally stopped due to a crashed bike on the hairpin just off-track, with 6 minutes remaining in scheduled time.
Team HRC with Japan Post (Takumi Takahashi / Teppei Nagoe / Johann Zarco) set the fastest lap in free practice of 2 min 6.238s, followed by Team ATJ with docomo business (Satoru Iwata / Kouki Suzuki / Yuta Okaya) in 4th position with 2 min 7.143s, TOHO Racing (Ryuichi Kiyonari / Kazuki Watanabe/ Ikuhiro Enokido) 5th with 2 min 7.162s, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda (Yuki Kunii / Naomichi Uramoto / Mario Aji) 6th with 2 min 7.304 sec. and Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing (Kohta Nozane / Kisuke Sakumoto / Taiga Hada) 9th with 2 min 7.391 sec.
For Team HRC with Japan Post, Takahashi’s best lap was 2 min.7.567s, Nagoe’s was 2 min 6.390s, and Zarco’s was 2 min 6.238s.
Team manager Teruaki Matsubara said, “We confirmed the base settings, then Nagoe and Zarco prepared for qualifying, and Takahashi worked on the race set-up.”
In the first qualifying session, the blue riders entered the course first, but one rider crashed in the early stage. SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda’s Aji and Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Nozane collided and crashed at the hairpin, causing a red flag. Aji required a medical examination following the accident. By the end of the session, Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi was 4th 2 min 6.381s.
The yellow riders were next on track. Although the session was red-flagged due to a crash, Team HRC with Japan Post’s Johann Zarco set the second fastest time of 2 min 6.084s. Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Hada was 3rd with 2 min 6.743s, SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda’s Uramoto was 4th with 2 min 6.772s, and Alain Techer for F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Josh Hook / Mike Di Meglio / Alan Techer) was 6th with 2 min 7.529s. Andi Farid Izdihar for Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (Md Zaqhwan Bin Zaidi / Andi Farid Izdihar / Nakarin Atiratphuvapat) was 10th with 2 min 8.017s.
In the red rider qualifying session, SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda’s Kunii took an early lead with a 2 min 5.942s lap. Team HRC with Japan Post’s Teppei Nagoe then rose to 3rd, setting 2 min 5.980s on the following lap, but returned to the pits in 3rd. At the end of the session, Kunii was 2nd, Nagoe 3rd, and F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Techer was 5th with 2 min 7.090s.
Track temperature during the first qualifying session was 58℃, but in the second qualifying session, dropped to 40℃. Teams were expected to try and improve their lap times on the cooler track, and attention turned to what lap times they could set.
The blue riders entered the track to start the second qualifying session. Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Nozane set a time in the 2 min 5s range, and was 2nd fastest with 2 min 5.923s. Team ATJ with docomo business’ Iwata was 4th with 2 min 7.213s.
In the yellow riders’ second qualifying session, Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Hada topped the leaderboard with a 2 min 6.507s lap, followed by Team HRC with Japan Post’s Zarco 3rd with 2 min 6.795s. In the red riders’ second session, Team HRC with Japan Post’s Nagoe was 6th with 2 min 7.574s.
Once all qualifying sessions were complete, the averages of the top two riders for each team were officially calculated. Team HRC with Japan Post was 3rd, followed by Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing 5th, SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda 6th, F.C.C. TSR Honda France 9th, Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda (Kazuki Ito / Daijiro Hiura) 10th, TOHO Racing 11th, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo 13th, and Team ATJ with docomo business 14th. Tomorrow’s Top 10 Trial will determine the top 10 grid positions.
After the qualifying results, team manager Matsubara said, “Each of our three riders rode their first qualifying sessions on new tires. We knew that the track temperature would drop during the second qualifying session, so in this session our riders prepared for the race in their first hot laps as the track temperature would be close to race conditions. Qualifying was fruitful, as our goal was to be in the top 10, which they accomplished, and they also verified the bike’s feel. Other Honda teams are also improving their times, so we will concentrate in the Top 10 Trial tomorrow and the race on Sunday.”
Takumi Takahashi 30
The red flag came out just as I attempted a hot lap, so I could not increase my pace. However, I was able to set times in the low 2 min 6s range, and I am happy that I was able to stay in the top 10 and further prepare for the race. I am not worried because, Nagoe, Zarco and I all have more than enough energy. I don’t know who from our team will ride in the Top 10 Trial, but I don’t have to participate in it if the other two want to. I will leave it up to the team.
Teppei Nagoe 30
I saw many red flags early in the blue and yellow qualifying sessions, so I decided to attack with 10 minutes remaining and concentrate on two laps. I was aiming for the mid 2 min 5s range, but unfortunately it was just barely in the 5s range. To be honest, I am disappointed to lose to SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda who race in the All-Japan championship, but I am confident that I can set good times and I am happy that I’m in the top 10. I would like to ride in the Trial because I haven’t before, and last year I I could not race due to illness. It is a rare opportunity for people from all over the world to see me race, so I would like to be selected.
Johann Zarco 30
I am getting more and more accustomed to the Suzuka Circuit and I feel that I am setting consistent times for the race. In qualifying, the number of tires was limited, so I had to share them with my teammates, which limited the timing of my hot laps. It was a shame that just when I went out on new tires, the red flag came out and I couldn’t find the right timing. As for the team, I’m glad that we were able be in the top 10. The team decides who will race in the Top 10 trial, so I am not sure if I will be selected, but I am willing to give it a try. As an athlete, if I can challenge myself, then of course I want to race.
Editorial Note: Americans Julian Correa, Joshua Raymond, Jr., and Eli Banish qualified sixth, 15th, and 17th, respectively, in British Talent Cup Friday at Brands Hatch.
Irwin fires to the top of incredibly close Free Practice at Brands Hatch
Glenn Irwin fired the Hager PBM Ducati to the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship Free Practice times, saving his best for last in a hectic final lap to top the times by just 0.131s as five manufacturers featured inside the top six ahead of tomorrow’s opening race at Brands Hatch.
The competition was fierce in Free Practice and after the opening session the top 13 riders were covered by just 0.895s, but that intensified further in the afternoon with just 0.993s separating the top 17 contenders.
Irwin’s flying lap wasn’t without moments including touching the grass at Stirlings, but he managed to hold off his nemesis Tommy Bridewell as the pair prepare to go head-to-head on the Grand Prix circuit tomorrow for the first time since their epic title fight last October.
Ryan Vickers had topped the morning session and the OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing rider claimed third place, just 0.013s ahead of Leon Haslam for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team with Danny Kent completing the top five.
Jason O’Halloran made it five manufacturers inside the top six on the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki with Andrew Irwin making it two Honda Racing UK contenders in the top eight.
Christian Iddon and Lee Jackson were separated by just 0.003s as Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman held tenth and eleventh positions. Charlie Nesbitt claimed the final position of the riders who progress directly into Speedy Hire Qualifying 2 tomorrow.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, combined Free Practice times:
Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) 1m:25.853s
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.131s
Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) +0.144s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +0.157s
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) +0.228s
Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) +0.336s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.352s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.363s
Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) +0.366s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) +0.457s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) +0.457s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +0.536s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Glenn Irwin
Hager PBM Ducati
“It has been a good day and lovely to be back at Brands Hatch as it is a place I have a lot of special memories at. It wasn’t long ago we took part in one of the best days of my racing career and the atmosphere at the finale and winning races last year was fantastic.
“There has been a lot of work done by the boys today; we were not far off in the first session but I wasn’t happy with the feeling. They worked hard before FP2 and immediately we had a better feeling at the start of the session.
“We had a little go on the final run and I ran really wide at turn two and I thought ‘flip sake this is your last lap Glenn just get your finger out’ and then the green light came on after Graham Hill so I thought let’s have a bit of a go.
“It was all going so good and then I got Stirling the best I have got it in terms of entry and apex, but was a bit greedy on the gas and I was onto the grass on the exit and having to roll off so I was really surprised to be fastest.
“I always like taking part in event when there are such small margins and with the top 17 covered by less than a second it shows the level of BSB. I am excited for the weekend and I just want to win races and that Monster Energy King of Brands trophy!”
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed his second Supersport Superpole of the season with a new lap record at Most. The Italian, also the pole sitter at Misano, has been in great form this year and will start tomorrow’s 19 lap race hoping to stop the run of four consecutive wins for Huertas
Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) was over one tenth of a second slower than Montella’s lap record pace
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) once again lead the Yamaha charge. For Manzi it will be his fifth consecutive front row start
Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) registered his best qualifying performance of the season in sixth position. The MV Agusta rider is one of three riders from the Italian manufacturer inside the top ten
More on worldsbk.com
P1 | Yari Montella | Barni Spark Racing Team
“It was a good day for sure. It was strange because in the morning I didn’t feel comfortable with the rear tyre. We were able to work hard during the sessions, and find a good solution to this problem. I believed we had the speed for pole position. We fought for the pole position with Huertas and tomorrow I expect it will be the same as in Donington and Misano against him. I have good pace and I feel good with the bike. We’ll try to do our best in Race 1.”
TITANIC TRIO RETURNS: familiar faces, new colours as Razgatlioglu leads Bautista and Rea on Friday at Most
Four manufacturers were in the top four on Friday at Most with plenty to dissect from the two practice sessions
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was once again the rider to beat in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the #54 just beat Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by a tenth at the Autodrom Most. Razgatlioglu and Bautista were the only two riders inside the 1’31s bracket on the first day of the Czech Round.
RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP: leading the away again
Razgatlioglu continued exactly how he started the weekend by posting an uncatchable lap time in FP2, posting a 1’31.519s, almost four tenths quicker than he went in the morning and once again leading BMW’s charge. Teammate Michael van der Mark was one of two more BMW riders inside the top ten as he claimed eighth, just ahead of Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) in ninth with only 0.030s separating the pair. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) improved on his final lap to move into 13th place.
BAUTISTA’S BEST FRIDAY OF 2024? second place, just a tenth behind…
Reigning Champion Bautista claimed second place after posting a 1’31.622s with him and Razgatlioglu the only two riders in the 1’31s bracket. Teammate Nicolo Bulega (was fifth, half-a-second down on Razgatlioglu and four tenths away from the #1. Independent star Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) made it three Ducatis in the top six as he claimed sixth with a 1’32.110s, just a tenth away from Bulega ahead. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) had a difficult Friday morning with several off-track excursions, but he bounced back in the afternoon for P10, just a couple of hundredths ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 11th in FP2 and 12th overall. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) had a really challenging Friday afternoon with the #21 not setting a lap time with his bike only running on two cylinders. However, his FP1 time of 1’32.800s was good enough for 10th in that session and 17th overall.
STRONG FRIDAY FOR REA: third place and top Yamaha
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) seems to have been able to continue with the momentum he built at Donington as he finished third on Friday after setting a 1’32.033s. The #65 was the lead Yamaha rider once again, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in seventh. Gardner was one of a handful of riders unable to improve in the afternoon’s warmer conditions but his 1’32.233s from FP1 still secured a spot in the top seven. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top ten after ‘Loka’ had a crash at Turn 2 in FP2, but he was able to post a 1’32.369s to secure a top ten spot. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 14th, Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 19th and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) 21st.
LOWES IN FOURTH: four manufacturers in the top four
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider once again as he secured fourth place with a 1’32.052s, just a couple of hundredths away from Rea in front. The #22’s P4 means four different manufacturers secured a place in the top four. Teammate Axel Bassani was quick out of the blocks in FP1 and FP2 but fell down the order to 15th, while Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completed the Kawasaki runners with 18th place.
GOOD MORNING, DIFFICULT AFTERNOON: mixed day for Honda
Honda had a good Friday morning but neither Team HRC could improve in the afternoon. Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge were, as always, closely matched with just half-a-tenth between the two Spaniards. Vierge’s day was disrupted by a technical issue in FP2. Leandro Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was the fastest of the MIE Honda riders after setting a 1’34.344s, finishing around four tenths clear of teammate Hayden Gillim, who, on his first visit to Most, had a solid start to his debut WorldSBK weekend.
The top six from WorldSBK’s Friday action, full results here:
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.519s
2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.103s
3. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.514s
4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.533s
5. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.552s
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.591s
Yari Montella was quickest in World Supersport Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodrom Most, in the Czech Republic. Riding his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 on Pirelli control tires, the Italian lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:34.882 to lead the field of 33 riders.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was second-best with a 1:35.042 on his Evan Bros. Yamaha YZF-R6.
Valentin Debise (53). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Stefano Manzi was third-fastest with a 1:25.165 on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing machine.
The 2021 Champion was unbeatable at Donington, and he’s started the Czech Round in the same fashion with the fastest FP1 time
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) continued where he left Donington last weekend by topping Free Practice 1 at the Autodrom Most. The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has travelled east to the Czech Republic for Round 6 of the 2024 season and the Turkish superstar’s form has continued as he lapped almost three tenths quicker than his rivals as the Czech Round got underway.
Razgatlioglu initially went for an out lap before returning to the pits for a while, eventually setting a lap time later than his rivals. However, his delayed start to his hot laps didn’t prevent him from immediately going fastest. The #54 was straight into the 1’32s before setting a 1’31.947s around halfway through the 45-minute Free Practice 1 session. Straight away, he was six tenths clear of his rivals, although the gap did close slightly as the session progressed. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) claimed second as he continued to be the lead Yamaha rider, lapping just under three tenths slower than the 2021 Champion, while Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was third as he had a strong start to his weekend.
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was another who started the weekend in a good way, often being in the top three but finishing in fourth. He set a 1’32.362s to finish 0.415s behind Razgatlioglu as he finished as the top Independent rider. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) continued his Donington form in FP1 as he claimed fifth, just 0.003s behind Petrucci, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top six finishing exactly a tenth behind the #45.
Seventh place belonged to Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) as he posted a 1’32.507s, 0.031s clear of Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) in eighth. After admitting on Thursday that he was expecting a tough weekend, it’ll give Honda confidence after a decent start to the weekend with Lecuona in P8 and Xavi Vierge just outside the top ten. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider in ninth with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) rounding out the top ten.
The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.947s
EWC CHAMPION TEAM YART FASTEST SO FAR WITH SUZUKA TOP 10 TRIAL TO COME
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team has completed Second Qualifying for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race on top of the timing screens – but must now replicate its impressive pace in Saturday’s Top 10 Trial if it’s to land pole position for Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship on Sunday.
Ducati Team Kagayama is second in the overall classification and secures its place in the Top 10 Trial followed by Team HRC with Japan Post, which is chasing a third consecutive victory in the Suzuka 8 Hours.
With Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul fourth, it means four different motorcycle manufacturers are represented in the combined qualifying top four.
The fastest 10 teams according to the combined qualifying results will now prepare for the Top 10 Trial to decide the first 10 places on the starting grid for Sunday’s eight-hour contest.
Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda, AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda have also made it through to the Top 10 Trial according to the provisional classification.
Meanwhile, Teramoto@J-Trip Racing is on the provisional Superstock pole position in the Dunlop-supplied category followed by Team Étoile and Taira Promote Racing.
HOW SECOND QUALIFYING UNFOLDED
BLUE RIDER MIZUNO AT THE DOUBLE
Ducati Team Kagayama’s Ryo Mizuno was once again the Blue Rider to beat with a best time of 2m05.789s. Kohta Nozane was second fastest for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing with a 2m05.923s effort followed by Takuya Tsuda, who produced a 2m06.911s run for AutoRace Ube Racing Team. Satoru Iwata (TeamATJ with docomo business) was fourth quickest followed by Kazuki Ito (Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda). With his work essentially done in First Qualifying, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s Niccolò Canepa went sixth quickest ahead of Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi seventh. Mario Aji was next up for SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda as Randy de Puniet went ninth quickest on his KM 99 Yamaha. Leading Superstock contender Ryosuke Iwato rounded out the top 10 for Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team. Masahiro Shinjo was a faller for Team Tatara Aprilia at the Hairpin, while Takafumi Kato crashed his Honda Soyukai Tochigi Racing & Kohyohkai Dream Racing Team entry at Turn 3. The 20-minute session was red-flagged and not restarted with 1m38s remaining after Mitsuhiro Yoshida (Honda Hamamatsu Escargot & Kumamoto Racing) and Sébastien Suchet (National Motos Honda FMA) collided at Turn 5.
Team HRC with Japan Post Completes Suzuka 8 Hours Final Test Sessions On Top
On Wednesday, July 17, the final test sessions were conducted at the Suzuka Circuit in preparation for the 2024 FIM World Endurance Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 HoursRoad Race 45th Annual Event.
All 46 teams participated in Session 1, which ran for 90 minutes from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The fastest time of 2 min 6.746s was set by Team HRC with Japan Post (Takumi Takahashi / Teppei Nagoe / Johann Zarco), the only team to set a 2 min 6s time during the session. YART – YAMAHA (Yamaha) was second fastest, followed by DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA (Ducati) in 3rd, and Yoshimura SERT Motul (Suzuki) in 4th. Team ATJ with docomo business (Satoru Iwata / Kouki Suzuki / Yuta Okaya) was 5th with a lap time of 2 min 7.967s.
In the 75-minute Session 2 from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm, YART – YAMAHA set the top time of 2 min 7.195s, followed by Yoshimura SERT Motul 2nd with 2 min 7.364s, Team HRC with Japan Post 3rd with 2 min 7.653s, and SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda (Yuki Kunii / Naomichi Uramoto / Mario Aji) 4th with 2 min 8.102s.
Session 3 was held over 60 minutes from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, with DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA setting the fastest lap of 2 minutes 6.819s. Team HRC with Japan Post was 4th with 2 minutes 8.183 seconds. Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda (Kazuki Ito / Daijiro Hiura) was 5th with 2 min 8.383 seconds.
Session 4 was held over 90 minutes from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm. The conditions were delicate, as light rain had fallen and the track was beginning to dry. Although some teams opted not to run, the top time of 2 min 14.670s was set by TATI TEAM BERINGER RACING (Hugo Clere / Randy Krummenacher / Corentin Perolari). Team HRC with Japan Post was 5th with a time of 2 min 18.153s.
The final session, Session 5, began at 4:30 pm and lasted 90 minutes. Team HRC with Japan Post set the top time of 2 min 6.119s, followed by DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA in 2nd with 2 min 6.724s, and Yoshimura SERT Motul 3rd with 2 min 6.812s. The top three teams were in the 2 min 6s range. YART – YAMAHA was 4th with 2 min 7.429s, followed by F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Josh Hook / Mike Di Meglio / Alan Techer) in 5th with 2 min 7.693s.
All teams conducted long runs in the final test, and despite numerous red flags and resumptions, Team HRC with Japan Post managed to complete the test without incident. Takahashi set the fastest time of 2 min 6.119s. Nagoe and Zarco set best laps of 2 min 7.630s and 2 min 7.096s respectively.
Team Manager Matsubara commented, “We made efficient use of the two race bikes. We prioritized Zarco having enough time to get a feel for the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP in his switch from MotoGP bikes. Likewise, we asked Nagoe to ride so he could regain the good feel he had during the previous tests. Takahashi was able to make progress with the setup, although he had to pit more often than usual, because he had to adjust the bike to clear the issues that came up in the previous tests. It rained in Session 4, but we were able to ride in the dry in Session 5 and get solid results.”
The next scheduled session is timed qualifying on Friday the 19th. The EWC qualifying grid will determined by each rider’s average time. Team HRC with Japan Post will continue to make adjustments to the bike in preparation for qualifying.
Full Results* Courtesy of EWC & ITS
Takumi Takahashi 30
I honestly wanted more time to test. I am used to riding Suzuka 8 Hours bikes, but both Zarco and Nagoe have only done a few runs, so I wish they had more time to get used to the bike. We still haven’t reached the ideal situation that I had expected, but they are professionals, so I think they will be able to adjust by the time of the race. My times have improved compared to last year, but I still want to do better, and I think I can. I will continue to prepare for the race.
Teppei Nagoe 30
It has been a while, a little less than a month, since our last test. I rode so that I could get back the riding feel. I left the setup to Takahashi, so I could concentrate on my own riding. I think I was able to make good progress despite the limited number of tires. My best time today was set in my fourth run with wet patches on the track. I did not have time for hot laps, so I hope to contribute to the team by setting a good time in Friday’s qualifying session and hopefully set the team’s best lap time.
Johann Zarco 30
I’m glad to be back in Suzuka again, I have been training and preparing for Suzuka 8 Hours in between MotoGP races, and I think I can ride naturally, overcoming the change from MotoGP. I am matching the style of my teammates and riding faster. I could confirm the bike’s setup today, and it was a good test. Tomorrow I will rest well, and then I will work had again from Friday.
Torin Collins will make a surprise wildcard appearance at Round 5 of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike championship, courtesy of Kawasaki and Economy Lube.
In this, the 40th anniversary of the Ninja nameplate, Kawasaki will add a third rider to the deep CSBK field alongside Jordan Szoke and Connor Campbell.
The 19-year-old Collins made a sensational CSBK debut at Rad-Torque Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta, scoring a home-track win in race two aboard a prior-generation ZX-10R.
Said Torin, “I’m super excited to get to ride in another wildcard in CSBK. I’m looking forward to learning at one of the most famous tracks in North America, and I’m really excited to test myself against the best riders in Canada. I’m glad I was able to get this opportunity and a big thanks to Canadian Kawasaki and Economy Lube & Tire for making this happen.”
That performance at Alberta captured the attention of series supporter Economy Lube, who immediately set to work finding a bike for CTMP.
That bike will end up coming from Economy Lube boss Stephen Moxey’s own stable, in the form of an ex-Waznie Racing Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R last ridden by 14-time champ Jordan Szoke.
“I just knew we had to get this kid on a bike,” Moxey enthused. “Watching the way he rode on a mostly-stock, much older bike in Alberta was incredible. I’m excited to see what he can do on this one!”
The bike will be familiar to Economy Lube crew chief Scott Miller, whose Fast Company shop does engine work for Waznie Racing Ninja racebikes.
Fourteen-time CSBK champion Szoke will setup the bike and also host Collins under the Waznie Racing/Kawasaki tent at CTMP.
“It’s important to me to help build Canadian racing and the depth of talent we have in the series right now is just amazing,” said Szoke. “Obviously in my career I’ve had great success with Kawasaki, and I think Waznie Racing can help Torin add to the Team Green legacy.”
Kawasaki has a long history of supporting Canadian talent, having enjoyed success with names like Jordan Szoke, Sebastien Tremblay, and most recently, 2023 Pro Sportbike champion David MacKay.
Torin’s return gives Kawasaki three riders with a genuine shot at the podium and a race win during the August event, in the form of Szoke, Collins, and Rookie Pro of the Year contender Connor Campbell all aboard Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machines.
The fifth round of the CSBK championship kicks off August 9 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) continued his recent run of success Saturday at Autodrom Most. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Toprak Razgatlioglu earned pole position during FIM Superbike World Championship Superpole qualifying Saturday at Autodrom Most, in the Czech Republic.
Riding his ROKiT BMW Motorrad M 1000 RR on Pirelli control tires, the Turkish star lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:30.064. Not only was that fast enough to top the field of 23 riders, it was also fast enough to surpass Razgatlioglu’s own All-Time Lap Record of 1:30.719, which he set earlier in the day in Free Practice Three.
Andrea Iannone was second-fastest and the top Independent Team qualifier with a 1:30.729 on his Team GoEleven Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Alex Lowes claimed the third and final spot on the front row by lapping the course in 1:30.758 on his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR.
American Garrett Gerloff stepped up big on Saturday and qualified eighth overall — and the second-best BMW rider — at 1:31.082 on his Bonovo Action BMW.
American Hayden Gillim, competing as a fill-in rider for the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team, qualified 23rd in the 23-rider field with a 1:33.756 in his first-ever event with the team, on Pirelli tires, and at Autodrom Most.
Marvin Fritz (1) at speed on the Yamalube Yamaha YZF-R1. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Yamalube YART Yamaha’s Niccolo Canepa, Marvin Fritz, and Karel Hanika captured pole position for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours race in Japan.
During the Top 10 Trial (a.k.a. Superpole) qualifying session Saturday, Yamalube YART Yamaha’s Marvin Fritz recorded a 2:05.130 around the famed 3.6-mile (5.8 km) road course on his Bridgestone-shod YZF-R1 to top the field.
Ducati Team Kagayama (Ryo Mizuno/Hafizh Syahrin/Josh Waters) was second-best with a 2:05.248 on their Panigale V4 R.
Team HRC with Japan Post (Teppei Nagoe/Takumi Takahashi/Johann Zarco) was third with a time of 2:05.531 on their Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
YART YAMAHA WINS TOP 10 TRIAL TO CLAIM EWC SUZUKA 8 HOURS POLE
*Reigning EWC champion team set to start iconic FIM Endurance World Championship race in first
*Ducati Team Kagayama second for maiden Suzuka appearance following new-for-2024 alliance
*MotoGP star Johann Zarco helps Team HRC to third place in action-packed showdown
Yamalube YART Yamaha’s Marvin Fritz (1) finishing his Top 10 Trial qualifying lap at Suzuka. Photo courtesy FIM EWC.
For immediate release (20 July 2024): Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team will start Sunday’s 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race from pole position after its dramatic victory in the Top 10 Trial, which sets the first 10 positions on the starting grid for Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship.
Marvin Fritz’s flying lap of 2m05.130s proved decisive after team-mate Karel Hanika crashed during his Top 10 Trial run. The German rider’s effort means YART, which also includes Niccolò Canepa in its line-up, can celebrate three pole positions out of three in this season’s EWC with the five points scored putting it ahead of Yoshimura SERT Motul in the race to win the 2024 EWC title.
It was also Yamaha’s first Top 10 Trial success since Yamaha Factory Team triumphed in 2017 and came after YART had finished ahead in the combined qualifying classification after Friday’s running.
Ducati Team Kagayama, consisting of Ryo Mizuno, Hafizh Syahrin and Josh Waters, completed the Top 10 Trial in second position followed by Honda-powered Team HRC with Japan Post, which is chasing a third consecutive victory in its home round of the EWC with riders Teppei Nagoe, Takumi Takahashi and MotoGP race winner Johann Zarco.
Having failed to progress to the Top 10 Trial in 2023, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team claimed a fine fourth as Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul rounded out the top five.
With the Top 10 Trial reserved for the 10 fastest teams according to Friday’s combined qualifying classification, the Dunlop-supplied Superstock squads – led by pole-sitting Teramoto@J-Trip Racing – were able to spend Saturday afternoon completing their preparations for Sunday’s eight-hour race.
Although F.C.C. TSR Honda France reached the Top 10 Trial – one of four permanent EWC teams to do so – Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, KM 99, Motobox Kremer Racing and Tati Team Beringer Racing could instead reflect on encouraging performances during Friday’s running. KM 99 qualified 15th, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar 18th, Tati Team Beringer Racing 31st and Motobox Kremer Racing 43rd.
YAMAHA-POWERED FRITZ REFLECTS ON FLYING LAP
“It was an amazing lap,” 31-year-old Marvin Fritz said. “At Spa I got the lap record but normally here at Suzuka Karel and Niccolò are a bit faster. But since last year I’ve got a really good feeling, especially in the third sector where I always struggled but it’s my favourite now. The bike was perfect, we work together like we all are a big family, and this is why we are always fast, all three of us. We were celebrating before Karel crashed because we knew the pole was sure, but we were happy when we saw he was standing up and fine. The bike was damaged, but the race bike is ready and we feel comfortable and confident. The main focus in the race is to gain points in the championship. Of course a win would be nice but it’s important to have good points going to the Bol d’Or [season finale].”
Of his high-speed crash in the Top 10 Trial, Hanika said: “I just tried my maximum performance, my 100 per cent and it didn’t work out. Yamaha gave us a perfect machine for this kind of session where only one lap matters. I did my best ever first sector but to be able to go under 2m05s I had to keep going like this and I just carried too much corner speed into Turn 7. Unfortunately, I lost the front and I’m really sorry for this but the most important is Marvin could manage an amazing lap, super-smooth and super-clean, which gave us the five points for the championship.”
Ryo Mizuno, who was fastest in both Blue Rider qualifying sessions on Friday, said: “I was aiming for the pole position so I’m not so super-satisfied but with the second position we did really well. The team did a really good performance and I’m very pleased how we brought everything together. Tomorrow is the day and tonight we’ll have further meetings to plan everything for tomorrow.”
MOTOGP STAR ZARCO SAVOURS TOP 10 TRIAL
Johann Zarco will start his first Suzuka 8 Hours – and his first EWC race – in third position alongside Team HRC with Japan Post team-mates Teppei Nagoe and Takumi Takahashi. After joining Takahashi in the Top 10 Trial, the French MotoGP star said: “It was special and I like it. You feel a different stress in MotoGP but I’m pretty happy I did this experience and also I did an improvement compared to yesterday and that’s important.”
TERAMOTO@J-TRIP RACING STORMS TO SUPERSTOCK POLE
Japan-based Teramoto@J-Trip Racing was the talk of the Dunlop-supplied Superstock contingent by claiming pole position for round three of the FIM Endurance World Cup. The Suzuki-equipped outfit, featuring riders Takeshi Ishizuka, an EWC regular, Takeru Murase and Koji Teramoto, excelled during qualifying for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race to bank first place in class ahead of Team Étoile and Taira Promote Racing. NCXX Racing with Riders Club beat Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team to fourth position followed by TONE RT Syncedge 4413 BMW and Wójcik Racing Team, which includes Gino Rea in its line-up. Team Tatara Aprilia and points-leading National Motos Honda FMA were next with Edwin Gesundheit Racing rounding out the top 10.
The 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race is counting for the FIM Endurance World Cup for the first time, thereby giving European Superstock teams the chance to contest one of international motorcycle racing’s most iconic events. They’re benefiting from a tyre support package offered jointly by FIM Endurance World Championship promoter Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and Dunlop, the official tyre supplier to the Superstock category. Through the arrangement, 10 sets of tyres are being provided free of charge to each European Superstock team contesting the third event of the EWC season. National Motos Honda FMA, Team Étoile and Wójcik Racing Team are the beneficiaries of this incentive.
More, from a press release issued by HRC:
Team HRC with Japan Post Qualifies Third
Johann Zarco (30). Photo courtesy HRC.
On July 19 (Fri), Team HRC with Japan Post was third in qualifying for the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Road Race (Suzuka 8 Hours) 45th Annual Event.
Free practice was held from 8:30 to 10:30 in the morning, followed by the first 20-minute qualifying sessions for the blue, yellow, and red riders from 12:05 pm.
Qualifying for the EWC is determined by the average lap times of the two fastest riders from each team. Based on the results of today’s two qualifying sessions, two riders from the top 10 teams will compete in the Top 10 Trials on Saturday, determining the grid for positions from 1 through 10. The grid for positions 11 and lower reflect the results of today’s qualifying sessions.
Free practice was repeatedly red-flagged and restarted due to a crashes. The session was finally stopped due to a crashed bike on the hairpin just off-track, with 6 minutes remaining in scheduled time.
Team HRC with Japan Post (Takumi Takahashi / Teppei Nagoe / Johann Zarco) set the fastest lap in free practice of 2 min 6.238s, followed by Team ATJ with docomo business (Satoru Iwata / Kouki Suzuki / Yuta Okaya) in 4th position with 2 min 7.143s, TOHO Racing (Ryuichi Kiyonari / Kazuki Watanabe/ Ikuhiro Enokido) 5th with 2 min 7.162s, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda (Yuki Kunii / Naomichi Uramoto / Mario Aji) 6th with 2 min 7.304 sec. and Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing (Kohta Nozane / Kisuke Sakumoto / Taiga Hada) 9th with 2 min 7.391 sec.
For Team HRC with Japan Post, Takahashi’s best lap was 2 min.7.567s, Nagoe’s was 2 min 6.390s, and Zarco’s was 2 min 6.238s.
Team manager Teruaki Matsubara said, “We confirmed the base settings, then Nagoe and Zarco prepared for qualifying, and Takahashi worked on the race set-up.”
In the first qualifying session, the blue riders entered the course first, but one rider crashed in the early stage. SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda’s Aji and Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Nozane collided and crashed at the hairpin, causing a red flag. Aji required a medical examination following the accident. By the end of the session, Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi was 4th 2 min 6.381s.
The yellow riders were next on track. Although the session was red-flagged due to a crash, Team HRC with Japan Post’s Johann Zarco set the second fastest time of 2 min 6.084s. Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Hada was 3rd with 2 min 6.743s, SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda’s Uramoto was 4th with 2 min 6.772s, and Alain Techer for F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Josh Hook / Mike Di Meglio / Alan Techer) was 6th with 2 min 7.529s. Andi Farid Izdihar for Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo (Md Zaqhwan Bin Zaidi / Andi Farid Izdihar / Nakarin Atiratphuvapat) was 10th with 2 min 8.017s.
In the red rider qualifying session, SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda’s Kunii took an early lead with a 2 min 5.942s lap. Team HRC with Japan Post’s Teppei Nagoe then rose to 3rd, setting 2 min 5.980s on the following lap, but returned to the pits in 3rd. At the end of the session, Kunii was 2nd, Nagoe 3rd, and F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Techer was 5th with 2 min 7.090s.
Track temperature during the first qualifying session was 58℃, but in the second qualifying session, dropped to 40℃. Teams were expected to try and improve their lap times on the cooler track, and attention turned to what lap times they could set.
The blue riders entered the track to start the second qualifying session. Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Nozane set a time in the 2 min 5s range, and was 2nd fastest with 2 min 5.923s. Team ATJ with docomo business’ Iwata was 4th with 2 min 7.213s.
In the yellow riders’ second qualifying session, Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing’s Hada topped the leaderboard with a 2 min 6.507s lap, followed by Team HRC with Japan Post’s Zarco 3rd with 2 min 6.795s. In the red riders’ second session, Team HRC with Japan Post’s Nagoe was 6th with 2 min 7.574s.
Once all qualifying sessions were complete, the averages of the top two riders for each team were officially calculated. Team HRC with Japan Post was 3rd, followed by Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing 5th, SDG Team HARC-PRO.Honda 6th, F.C.C. TSR Honda France 9th, Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda (Kazuki Ito / Daijiro Hiura) 10th, TOHO Racing 11th, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo 13th, and Team ATJ with docomo business 14th. Tomorrow’s Top 10 Trial will determine the top 10 grid positions.
After the qualifying results, team manager Matsubara said, “Each of our three riders rode their first qualifying sessions on new tires. We knew that the track temperature would drop during the second qualifying session, so in this session our riders prepared for the race in their first hot laps as the track temperature would be close to race conditions. Qualifying was fruitful, as our goal was to be in the top 10, which they accomplished, and they also verified the bike’s feel. Other Honda teams are also improving their times, so we will concentrate in the Top 10 Trial tomorrow and the race on Sunday.”
Takumi Takahashi 30
The red flag came out just as I attempted a hot lap, so I could not increase my pace. However, I was able to set times in the low 2 min 6s range, and I am happy that I was able to stay in the top 10 and further prepare for the race. I am not worried because, Nagoe, Zarco and I all have more than enough energy. I don’t know who from our team will ride in the Top 10 Trial, but I don’t have to participate in it if the other two want to. I will leave it up to the team.
Teppei Nagoe 30
I saw many red flags early in the blue and yellow qualifying sessions, so I decided to attack with 10 minutes remaining and concentrate on two laps. I was aiming for the mid 2 min 5s range, but unfortunately it was just barely in the 5s range. To be honest, I am disappointed to lose to SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda who race in the All-Japan championship, but I am confident that I can set good times and I am happy that I’m in the top 10. I would like to ride in the Trial because I haven’t before, and last year I I could not race due to illness. It is a rare opportunity for people from all over the world to see me race, so I would like to be selected.
Johann Zarco 30
I am getting more and more accustomed to the Suzuka Circuit and I feel that I am setting consistent times for the race. In qualifying, the number of tires was limited, so I had to share them with my teammates, which limited the timing of my hot laps. It was a shame that just when I went out on new tires, the red flag came out and I couldn’t find the right timing. As for the team, I’m glad that we were able be in the top 10. The team decides who will race in the Top 10 trial, so I am not sure if I will be selected, but I am willing to give it a try. As an athlete, if I can challenge myself, then of course I want to race.
Editorial Note: Americans Julian Correa, Joshua Raymond, Jr., and Eli Banish qualified sixth, 15th, and 17th, respectively, in British Talent Cup Friday at Brands Hatch.
Irwin fires to the top of incredibly close Free Practice at Brands Hatch
Glenn Irwin fired the Hager PBM Ducati to the top of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship Free Practice times, saving his best for last in a hectic final lap to top the times by just 0.131s as five manufacturers featured inside the top six ahead of tomorrow’s opening race at Brands Hatch.
The competition was fierce in Free Practice and after the opening session the top 13 riders were covered by just 0.895s, but that intensified further in the afternoon with just 0.993s separating the top 17 contenders.
Irwin’s flying lap wasn’t without moments including touching the grass at Stirlings, but he managed to hold off his nemesis Tommy Bridewell as the pair prepare to go head-to-head on the Grand Prix circuit tomorrow for the first time since their epic title fight last October.
Ryan Vickers had topped the morning session and the OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing rider claimed third place, just 0.013s ahead of Leon Haslam for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team with Danny Kent completing the top five.
Jason O’Halloran made it five manufacturers inside the top six on the Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki with Andrew Irwin making it two Honda Racing UK contenders in the top eight.
Christian Iddon and Lee Jackson were separated by just 0.003s as Josh Brookes and Peter Hickman held tenth and eleventh positions. Charlie Nesbitt claimed the final position of the riders who progress directly into Speedy Hire Qualifying 2 tomorrow.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, combined Free Practice times:
Glenn Irwin (Hager PBM Ducati) 1m:25.853s
Tommy Bridewell (Honda Racing UK) +0.131s
Ryan Vickers (OMG GRILLA Yamaha Racing) +0.144s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +0.157s
Danny Kent (McAMS Racing Yamaha) +0.228s
Jason O’Halloran (Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki) +0.336s
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +0.352s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.363s
Lee Jackson (MasterMac Honda) +0.366s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) +0.457s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) +0.457s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda) +0.536s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Glenn Irwin
Hager PBM Ducati
“It has been a good day and lovely to be back at Brands Hatch as it is a place I have a lot of special memories at. It wasn’t long ago we took part in one of the best days of my racing career and the atmosphere at the finale and winning races last year was fantastic.
“There has been a lot of work done by the boys today; we were not far off in the first session but I wasn’t happy with the feeling. They worked hard before FP2 and immediately we had a better feeling at the start of the session.
“We had a little go on the final run and I ran really wide at turn two and I thought ‘flip sake this is your last lap Glenn just get your finger out’ and then the green light came on after Graham Hill so I thought let’s have a bit of a go.
“It was all going so good and then I got Stirling the best I have got it in terms of entry and apex, but was a bit greedy on the gas and I was onto the grass on the exit and having to roll off so I was really surprised to be fastest.
“I always like taking part in event when there are such small margins and with the top 17 covered by less than a second it shows the level of BSB. I am excited for the weekend and I just want to win races and that Monster Energy King of Brands trophy!”
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed his second Supersport Superpole of the season with a new lap record at Most. The Italian, also the pole sitter at Misano, has been in great form this year and will start tomorrow’s 19 lap race hoping to stop the run of four consecutive wins for Huertas
Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) was over one tenth of a second slower than Montella’s lap record pace
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) once again lead the Yamaha charge. For Manzi it will be his fifth consecutive front row start
Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) registered his best qualifying performance of the season in sixth position. The MV Agusta rider is one of three riders from the Italian manufacturer inside the top ten
More on worldsbk.com
P1 | Yari Montella | Barni Spark Racing Team
“It was a good day for sure. It was strange because in the morning I didn’t feel comfortable with the rear tyre. We were able to work hard during the sessions, and find a good solution to this problem. I believed we had the speed for pole position. We fought for the pole position with Huertas and tomorrow I expect it will be the same as in Donington and Misano against him. I have good pace and I feel good with the bike. We’ll try to do our best in Race 1.”
"Stoprak" Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) continued his strong recent run of form by topping both World Superbike practice session at Autodrom Most. Photo courtesy Dorna.
TITANIC TRIO RETURNS: familiar faces, new colours as Razgatlioglu leads Bautista and Rea on Friday at Most
Four manufacturers were in the top four on Friday at Most with plenty to dissect from the two practice sessions
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was once again the rider to beat in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the #54 just beat Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by a tenth at the Autodrom Most. Razgatlioglu and Bautista were the only two riders inside the 1’31s bracket on the first day of the Czech Round.
RAZGATLIOGLU ON TOP: leading the away again
Razgatlioglu continued exactly how he started the weekend by posting an uncatchable lap time in FP2, posting a 1’31.519s, almost four tenths quicker than he went in the morning and once again leading BMW’s charge. Teammate Michael van der Mark was one of two more BMW riders inside the top ten as he claimed eighth, just ahead of Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) in ninth with only 0.030s separating the pair. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) improved on his final lap to move into 13th place.
BAUTISTA’S BEST FRIDAY OF 2024? second place, just a tenth behind…
Reigning Champion Bautista claimed second place after posting a 1’31.622s with him and Razgatlioglu the only two riders in the 1’31s bracket. Teammate Nicolo Bulega (was fifth, half-a-second down on Razgatlioglu and four tenths away from the #1. Independent star Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) made it three Ducatis in the top six as he claimed sixth with a 1’32.110s, just a tenth away from Bulega ahead. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) had a difficult Friday morning with several off-track excursions, but he bounced back in the afternoon for P10, just a couple of hundredths ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) in 11th in FP2 and 12th overall. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) had a really challenging Friday afternoon with the #21 not setting a lap time with his bike only running on two cylinders. However, his FP1 time of 1’32.800s was good enough for 10th in that session and 17th overall.
STRONG FRIDAY FOR REA: third place and top Yamaha
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) seems to have been able to continue with the momentum he built at Donington as he finished third on Friday after setting a 1’32.033s. The #65 was the lead Yamaha rider once again, with Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in seventh. Gardner was one of a handful of riders unable to improve in the afternoon’s warmer conditions but his 1’32.233s from FP1 still secured a spot in the top seven. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top ten after ‘Loka’ had a crash at Turn 2 in FP2, but he was able to post a 1’32.369s to secure a top ten spot. Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 14th, Bradley Ray (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) was 19th and Philipp Oettl (GMT94 Yamaha) 21st.
LOWES IN FOURTH: four manufacturers in the top four
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider once again as he secured fourth place with a 1’32.052s, just a couple of hundredths away from Rea in front. The #22’s P4 means four different manufacturers secured a place in the top four. Teammate Axel Bassani was quick out of the blocks in FP1 and FP2 but fell down the order to 15th, while Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completed the Kawasaki runners with 18th place.
GOOD MORNING, DIFFICULT AFTERNOON: mixed day for Honda
Honda had a good Friday morning but neither Team HRC could improve in the afternoon. Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge were, as always, closely matched with just half-a-tenth between the two Spaniards. Vierge’s day was disrupted by a technical issue in FP2. Leandro Mercado (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) was the fastest of the MIE Honda riders after setting a 1’34.344s, finishing around four tenths clear of teammate Hayden Gillim, who, on his first visit to Most, had a solid start to his debut WorldSBK weekend.
The top six from WorldSBK’s Friday action, full results here:
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.519s
2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.103s
3. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.514s
4. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.533s
5. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.552s
6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.591s
Yari Montella was quickest in World Supersport Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Autodrom Most, in the Czech Republic. Riding his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 on Pirelli control tires, the Italian lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:34.882 to lead the field of 33 riders.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was second-best with a 1:35.042 on his Evan Bros. Yamaha YZF-R6.
Valentin Debise (53). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Stefano Manzi was third-fastest with a 1:25.165 on his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing machine.
"Stoprak" Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) continued his strong recent run of form by topping both World Superbike practice session at Autodrom Most. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The 2021 Champion was unbeatable at Donington, and he’s started the Czech Round in the same fashion with the fastest FP1 time
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) continued where he left Donington last weekend by topping Free Practice 1 at the Autodrom Most. The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has travelled east to the Czech Republic for Round 6 of the 2024 season and the Turkish superstar’s form has continued as he lapped almost three tenths quicker than his rivals as the Czech Round got underway.
Razgatlioglu initially went for an out lap before returning to the pits for a while, eventually setting a lap time later than his rivals. However, his delayed start to his hot laps didn’t prevent him from immediately going fastest. The #54 was straight into the 1’32s before setting a 1’31.947s around halfway through the 45-minute Free Practice 1 session. Straight away, he was six tenths clear of his rivals, although the gap did close slightly as the session progressed. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) claimed second as he continued to be the lead Yamaha rider, lapping just under three tenths slower than the 2021 Champion, while Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was third as he had a strong start to his weekend.
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was another who started the weekend in a good way, often being in the top three but finishing in fourth. He set a 1’32.362s to finish 0.415s behind Razgatlioglu as he finished as the top Independent rider. Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) continued his Donington form in FP1 as he claimed fifth, just 0.003s behind Petrucci, while Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) completed the top six finishing exactly a tenth behind the #45.
Seventh place belonged to Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) as he posted a 1’32.507s, 0.031s clear of Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) in eighth. After admitting on Thursday that he was expecting a tough weekend, it’ll give Honda confidence after a decent start to the weekend with Lecuona in P8 and Xavi Vierge just outside the top ten. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was the lead Kawasaki rider in ninth with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) rounding out the top ten.
The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:
1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’31.947s
EWC CHAMPION TEAM YART FASTEST SO FAR WITH SUZUKA TOP 10 TRIAL TO COME
Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team has completed Second Qualifying for the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race on top of the timing screens – but must now replicate its impressive pace in Saturday’s Top 10 Trial if it’s to land pole position for Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship on Sunday.
Ducati Team Kagayama is second in the overall classification and secures its place in the Top 10 Trial followed by Team HRC with Japan Post, which is chasing a third consecutive victory in the Suzuka 8 Hours.
With Suzuki-powered Yoshimura SERT Motul fourth, it means four different motorcycle manufacturers are represented in the combined qualifying top four.
The fastest 10 teams according to the combined qualifying results will now prepare for the Top 10 Trial to decide the first 10 places on the starting grid for Sunday’s eight-hour contest.
Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda, AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France and Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda have also made it through to the Top 10 Trial according to the provisional classification.
Meanwhile, Teramoto@J-Trip Racing is on the provisional Superstock pole position in the Dunlop-supplied category followed by Team Étoile and Taira Promote Racing.
HOW SECOND QUALIFYING UNFOLDED
BLUE RIDER MIZUNO AT THE DOUBLE
Ducati Team Kagayama’s Ryo Mizuno was once again the Blue Rider to beat with a best time of 2m05.789s. Kohta Nozane was second fastest for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing with a 2m05.923s effort followed by Takuya Tsuda, who produced a 2m06.911s run for AutoRace Ube Racing Team. Satoru Iwata (TeamATJ with docomo business) was fourth quickest followed by Kazuki Ito (Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda). With his work essentially done in First Qualifying, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team’s Niccolò Canepa went sixth quickest ahead of Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi seventh. Mario Aji was next up for SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda as Randy de Puniet went ninth quickest on his KM 99 Yamaha. Leading Superstock contender Ryosuke Iwato rounded out the top 10 for Kawasaki Plaza Racing Team. Masahiro Shinjo was a faller for Team Tatara Aprilia at the Hairpin, while Takafumi Kato crashed his Honda Soyukai Tochigi Racing & Kohyohkai Dream Racing Team entry at Turn 3. The 20-minute session was red-flagged and not restarted with 1m38s remaining after Mitsuhiro Yoshida (Honda Hamamatsu Escargot & Kumamoto Racing) and Sébastien Suchet (National Motos Honda FMA) collided at Turn 5.
Team HRC with Japan Post Completes Suzuka 8 Hours Final Test Sessions On Top
On Wednesday, July 17, the final test sessions were conducted at the Suzuka Circuit in preparation for the 2024 FIM World Endurance Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 HoursRoad Race 45th Annual Event.
All 46 teams participated in Session 1, which ran for 90 minutes from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The fastest time of 2 min 6.746s was set by Team HRC with Japan Post (Takumi Takahashi / Teppei Nagoe / Johann Zarco), the only team to set a 2 min 6s time during the session. YART – YAMAHA (Yamaha) was second fastest, followed by DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA (Ducati) in 3rd, and Yoshimura SERT Motul (Suzuki) in 4th. Team ATJ with docomo business (Satoru Iwata / Kouki Suzuki / Yuta Okaya) was 5th with a lap time of 2 min 7.967s.
In the 75-minute Session 2 from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm, YART – YAMAHA set the top time of 2 min 7.195s, followed by Yoshimura SERT Motul 2nd with 2 min 7.364s, Team HRC with Japan Post 3rd with 2 min 7.653s, and SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda (Yuki Kunii / Naomichi Uramoto / Mario Aji) 4th with 2 min 8.102s.
Session 3 was held over 60 minutes from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, with DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA setting the fastest lap of 2 minutes 6.819s. Team HRC with Japan Post was 4th with 2 minutes 8.183 seconds. Honda DREAM RT Sakurai Honda (Kazuki Ito / Daijiro Hiura) was 5th with 2 min 8.383 seconds.
Session 4 was held over 90 minutes from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm. The conditions were delicate, as light rain had fallen and the track was beginning to dry. Although some teams opted not to run, the top time of 2 min 14.670s was set by TATI TEAM BERINGER RACING (Hugo Clere / Randy Krummenacher / Corentin Perolari). Team HRC with Japan Post was 5th with a time of 2 min 18.153s.
The final session, Session 5, began at 4:30 pm and lasted 90 minutes. Team HRC with Japan Post set the top time of 2 min 6.119s, followed by DUCATI Team KAGAYAMA in 2nd with 2 min 6.724s, and Yoshimura SERT Motul 3rd with 2 min 6.812s. The top three teams were in the 2 min 6s range. YART – YAMAHA was 4th with 2 min 7.429s, followed by F.C.C. TSR Honda France (Josh Hook / Mike Di Meglio / Alan Techer) in 5th with 2 min 7.693s.
All teams conducted long runs in the final test, and despite numerous red flags and resumptions, Team HRC with Japan Post managed to complete the test without incident. Takahashi set the fastest time of 2 min 6.119s. Nagoe and Zarco set best laps of 2 min 7.630s and 2 min 7.096s respectively.
Team Manager Matsubara commented, “We made efficient use of the two race bikes. We prioritized Zarco having enough time to get a feel for the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP in his switch from MotoGP bikes. Likewise, we asked Nagoe to ride so he could regain the good feel he had during the previous tests. Takahashi was able to make progress with the setup, although he had to pit more often than usual, because he had to adjust the bike to clear the issues that came up in the previous tests. It rained in Session 4, but we were able to ride in the dry in Session 5 and get solid results.”
The next scheduled session is timed qualifying on Friday the 19th. The EWC qualifying grid will determined by each rider’s average time. Team HRC with Japan Post will continue to make adjustments to the bike in preparation for qualifying.
Full Results* Courtesy of EWC & ITS
Takumi Takahashi 30
I honestly wanted more time to test. I am used to riding Suzuka 8 Hours bikes, but both Zarco and Nagoe have only done a few runs, so I wish they had more time to get used to the bike. We still haven’t reached the ideal situation that I had expected, but they are professionals, so I think they will be able to adjust by the time of the race. My times have improved compared to last year, but I still want to do better, and I think I can. I will continue to prepare for the race.
Teppei Nagoe 30
It has been a while, a little less than a month, since our last test. I rode so that I could get back the riding feel. I left the setup to Takahashi, so I could concentrate on my own riding. I think I was able to make good progress despite the limited number of tires. My best time today was set in my fourth run with wet patches on the track. I did not have time for hot laps, so I hope to contribute to the team by setting a good time in Friday’s qualifying session and hopefully set the team’s best lap time.
Johann Zarco 30
I’m glad to be back in Suzuka again, I have been training and preparing for Suzuka 8 Hours in between MotoGP races, and I think I can ride naturally, overcoming the change from MotoGP. I am matching the style of my teammates and riding faster. I could confirm the bike’s setup today, and it was a good test. Tomorrow I will rest well, and then I will work had again from Friday.
Torin Collins will make a surprise wildcard appearance at Round 5 of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike championship, courtesy of Kawasaki and Economy Lube.
In this, the 40th anniversary of the Ninja nameplate, Kawasaki will add a third rider to the deep CSBK field alongside Jordan Szoke and Connor Campbell.
The 19-year-old Collins made a sensational CSBK debut at Rad-Torque Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta, scoring a home-track win in race two aboard a prior-generation ZX-10R.
Said Torin, “I’m super excited to get to ride in another wildcard in CSBK. I’m looking forward to learning at one of the most famous tracks in North America, and I’m really excited to test myself against the best riders in Canada. I’m glad I was able to get this opportunity and a big thanks to Canadian Kawasaki and Economy Lube & Tire for making this happen.”
That performance at Alberta captured the attention of series supporter Economy Lube, who immediately set to work finding a bike for CTMP.
That bike will end up coming from Economy Lube boss Stephen Moxey’s own stable, in the form of an ex-Waznie Racing Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R last ridden by 14-time champ Jordan Szoke.
“I just knew we had to get this kid on a bike,” Moxey enthused. “Watching the way he rode on a mostly-stock, much older bike in Alberta was incredible. I’m excited to see what he can do on this one!”
The bike will be familiar to Economy Lube crew chief Scott Miller, whose Fast Company shop does engine work for Waznie Racing Ninja racebikes.
Fourteen-time CSBK champion Szoke will setup the bike and also host Collins under the Waznie Racing/Kawasaki tent at CTMP.
“It’s important to me to help build Canadian racing and the depth of talent we have in the series right now is just amazing,” said Szoke. “Obviously in my career I’ve had great success with Kawasaki, and I think Waznie Racing can help Torin add to the Team Green legacy.”
Kawasaki has a long history of supporting Canadian talent, having enjoyed success with names like Jordan Szoke, Sebastien Tremblay, and most recently, 2023 Pro Sportbike champion David MacKay.
Torin’s return gives Kawasaki three riders with a genuine shot at the podium and a race win during the August event, in the form of Szoke, Collins, and Rookie Pro of the Year contender Connor Campbell all aboard Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machines.
The fifth round of the CSBK championship kicks off August 9 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.
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