MotoGP: More From The Red Bull Grand Prix Of The Americas In Austin

Michael Gougis

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March 28, 2025

MotoGP: More From The Red Bull Grand Prix Of The Americas In Austin

With a perfect scorecard after two rounds of the 2025 season, Marc Marquez said he had to be wary of overconfidence en route to Circuit of The Americas, where he has won seven races. Marquez was quick to point out that this was the only circuit where he crashed out in 2019, the season where he won 12 of 19 races and set a record for the biggest points gap back to second at the end of the year. The wet surface at COTA indeed bit him in the first practice session on Friday, his factory Ducati launching him into a nasty highside in the downhill Turn Two. Marquez returned to pit lane, finished the session third and led the second session on a damp-but-drying track in the afternoon.

Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo by Michael Gougis.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo by Michael Gougis.

Franco Morbidelli carried his momentum from a podium finish in the Grand Prix race in Argentina to Austin, topping the first practice session on Friday and ending the second session third. It was a 2-3 finish to the session for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, with Fabio Di Giannantonio second. After an embarrassing crash in pre-season testing, Di Giannantonio said he felt he could fight for podium positions at COTA.

Alex Marquez (73). Photo by Michael Gougis.

Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo by Michael Gougis.

BK8 Gresini teammates Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer took fourth and fifth, giving Ducati a clean sweep of the top five positions. Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia continued with his difficult beginning to the season, finishing the second session tenth and just making it into Q2 for Saturday.

Jack Miller (43). Even at a world-class circuit like COTA, inflatable barriers provided by the Roadracing World Action Fund are needed to help keep riders safe. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Jack Miller led the non-Ducati charge on his Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1. Quick in the wet, Miller and Joan Mir on the factory Honda were the only two Japanese bikes in the top 10. But this season sees only six Ducatis in the field instead of the eight of last year, and Johann Zarco, who battled for the podium in Argentina but crashed and finished 20th, pointed out earlier that with two of the almighty Desmosedicis gone, the others would obviously move up the order.

Johann Zarco (5). Photo by Michael Gougis.

Raise two kids and have them win 10 World Championships, smash the record books and lead the current season by locking out the top two positions on the podium in four straight races, and fans will want to get selfies taken with you. Julia Marquez is living the racing parent’s dream.

MotoAmerica: Di Mario Leads Talent Cup First Qualifying

Michael Gougis

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March 28, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Di Mario Leads Talent Cup First Qualifying

Alessandro Di Mario topped the first qualifying session for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup class at Circuit of The Americas, with five riders within a second going into the final qualifying session at the end of Saturday.

Di Mario’s fastest lap was canceled, but he still edged Sam Drane by 0.133 seconds. Kody Kopp was third, 0.580 seconds behind Di Mario and just ahead of Bodie Paige, with Carson King fifth.

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MotoGP : M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier

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March 28, 2025

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MotoGP : M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon At COTA

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Texas, Austin. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the six-time World Champion turned a lap time of 2:02:929. It was good enough to lead the 22-rider field.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 2:03.665 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.

His teammate, Franco Morbidelli was third at 2:03.766 on his Ducati Desmosedici GP24, making it three Ducatis on the front row.

The two-time World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia finished the session 10th with a 2:04.459 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25.

Classification practice motogp

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marquez leads drying Friday Practice, Bagnaia scrapes through to Q2. There were almost major contrasting fortunes for the factory Ducati outfit but in the end, both sides could breathe a sigh of relief.

Starting wet, finishing dry and with a flurry, Friday afternoon’s MotoGP™ Practice at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas was a real treat. With rain easing off after a lunch time shower, we got the fastest times of the weekend thus far, resulting in Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) setting a 2.09:929 to set the only time in the 2.02 bracket of the day, holding off Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team pairing Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli behind.

WET START: getting a feel for track conditions

Although the opening 20 minutes were completed on wet tyres as a drying line had yet to fully form, the slicks were soon donned and the times soon tumbling. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac MotoGP Team) never shies away from being one of the first to put on slick tyres and he was the first again, followed by the two factory Ducatis and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). All four demoted Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) from top spot, as the 2020 World Champion enjoyed competitivity in the opening moments of the hour-long session.

However, with the rain abating and track conditions improving with each passing second, it was always going to be who left it latest in terms of who stood the best chance of being inside the top ten and therefore going directly into Q2. Marc Marquez was the first to blink, slicing nearly a second from the top time and into the 2’04s, whilst at the other end of the top ten, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was in P10 and had a target on his back from the likes of teammate Ai Ogura, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Morbidelli.

LATE DRAMA: yellow flags and huge improvements

A late crash for Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) brought out the yellow flags but the Frenchman was all OK. The last 90 seconds were wild with an abundance of late laps and although nobody could get near the #93 – a 0.736s gap to the opposition – it was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and teammate Morbidelli that joined him in the top three, ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and his teammate Aldeguer, who is through into Q2 for the first time.

Jack Miller’s strong session resulted in him being top Yamaha, ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), who makes Q2 for the first time in KTM. Joan Mir held on to go through directly to Q2, just ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). ‘Pecco’ scraped through with a tenth to spare, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) the first rider forced into Q1.

Q1 JUNGLE: a heavyweight scrap to move into Q2

The 2021 World Champion is in good company in Q1 though with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Ai Ogura all having to tough it out – there’re only two spots available so there will be some very big names with some very big disappointments come Q1 on Saturday morning from COTA.

MotoAmerica: Di Mario Tops Friday Talent Cup Practice In Austin

Michael Gougis

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March 28, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Di Mario Tops Friday Talent Cup Practice In Austin

Alessandro Di Mario was fastest in the first ever session of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup series, leading Bodie Paige and Julian Correa on their spec KTM-powered Kramer APX 350 MA racebikes.

The trio had a significant gap to the rest of the field after the initial session for the new series, which took place on a wet track in damp and drizzling conditions.

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Moto2 : Dixon Quickest Friday Afternoon in Austin

Mathilde Gasnier

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March 28, 2025

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Moto2 : Dixon Quickest Friday Afternoon in Austin

Jake Dixon led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Brit lapped the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:18.501, topping the field of 28 riders.

Italian Tony Arbolino was second-best with a time of 2:19.102 on his BluCru Pramac Yamaha Moto2 Boscoscuro.

Spanish rider Alonso Lopez did a third-fastest 2:19.415 on his Team HDR Heidrun Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 23th with a best time of 2:21.922 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Dixon in a league of his own, Gonzalez faces Q1. The top two in the Moto2 Championship endure opposing days at a damp Circuit of The Americas.

Days at the office don’t get much better than that if your name is Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). P1 in FP1 was backed up by a dominant P1 in Practice to see the British rider sail into Saturday as the rider to beat in Moto2 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, as Tony Arbolino (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) and Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun) pocketed P2 and P3 on Friday.

After Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun) led the opening exchanges of Practice, Dixon surged to the summit of the session by the midway point and with 10 minutes to go, the #96 was 0.7s clear of the chasers on a drying Circuit of The Americas.

With under five minutes to go, a clear dry line was appearing around a large part of the 5.5km long layout, which meant we saw some late improvers. Arbolino climbed to P2 with less than two minutes to go, Sergio Garcia’s QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI replacement, Oscar Gutierrez, jumped to an impressive P7 before rookie star Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) went P5 – and then P4 on his final flyer. But World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was struggling. A crash at Turn 12 was followed by the Spaniard being unable to find a better lap once he’d got back out, seeing the title chase leader finish in P26, 3.984s off Dixon’s pace.

Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) completed the top five behind Dixon, Arbolino, Lopez and Holgado, with Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team) doing a great job to earn P6. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing LINO SENOGO) and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) claimed P7 and P8 respectively, as Gutierrez bagged a first automatic Q2 spot in P9. As did Yuki Kunii, the IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia rookie ended Practice in P10, as Aron Canet (Fantic Racing LINO SENOGO), Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) were the final top 14 riders on Friday in Austin.

Home her Joe Roberts will also be hoping he can get into the pole position fight from Q1. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Work to do in Q1 then for Gonzalez, while home hero Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) will also be hoping he can get into the pole position fight from Q1 on Saturday afternoon. Tune in at 13:45 local time (UTC -5) to watch how the Moto2 Americas GP grid is formed.

FULL RESULTS!

Moto3 : Bertelle Is Best Friday Afternoon in Texas

Mathilde Gasnier

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March 28, 2025

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Moto3 : Bertelle Is Best Friday Afternoon in Texas

Matteo Bertelle led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Bertelle used his Pirelli-shod LEVELUP-MTA KTM to lap the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track in 2:23.704, which led the field of 26 riders.

Maximo Quiles was second-best with a time of 2:24.181 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.

Scott Ogden, piloting his CIP Green Power KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:24.369.

Classification PR moto3

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bertelle blasts to P1 in Moto3™ Practice, debutant Quiles sensational in second. An established name and a fresh face lead the way in Moto3 as their Friday action concludes.

Practice for the Moto3™ World Championship saw a familiar name on top as Matteo Bertelle (LEVEL UP – MTA) continued his prowess from the opening two Grands Prix. In a session that was once again wet, he led a very fast rookie in Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), whilst Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) was P3.

For the fifth time this season so far, a session was topped by Bertelle, as he took P1 once again and led the charge for the riders going straight to Q2 but there was a whole new name behind him. Get ready to hear more about Maximo Quiles who on his Moto3 debut took second ahead of a field packed full of established stars. Briefly going top in the closing stages, the wet weather was certainly kind to the #28 who’s already causing a stir. Great Britain’s Scott Ogden clinched third place, ahead of David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP).

Sixth may have been enough to keep Jose Antonio Rueda’s (Red Bull KTM Ajo) run of top six finishes in all sessions alive but it didn’t tell the full story as he crashed at Turn 20 and lost eight minutes, briefly putting him at risk of not making the cut before bouncing back with a late flying lap. Adrian Fernandez joins teammate Almansa in Q2 with P7 ahead of Rueda’s teammate Carpe and a late-improving Riccardo Rossi. However, save of the year has gone to Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) in P10, who tucked the front at the final corner but somehow held onto it in miraculous fashion.

Through to Q2 for the first time in his rookie season, Cormac Buchanan (BOE Motorsports), ahead of Adrian Cruces (CIP Green Power), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), with the Japanese rider squeezing in. Joel Kelso (Level Up MTA), Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia) and Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) all crashed and thus find themselves going via Q1.

Practice results confirmed, get ready for more action in Moto3 tomorrow!

Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Record Sales In 2024

Michael Gougis

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March 28, 2025

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Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Record Sales In 2024

Krämer Motorcycles USA is proud to announce that it achieved an all-time sales record in 2024, more than doubling its unit sales volume compared to the previous year. Additionally, the company also doubled its gross revenue over the same period, quadrupling its business size in just three years.

This milestone cements Krämer Motorcycles as the go-to brand in North America for racers and track day enthusiasts seeking turnkey, dedicated track and racing motorcycles. It also confirms the United States as Krämer’s largest global market.

“We didn’t get a chance to brag last year about our record-breaking sales success in 2023, so to double those numbers now in 2024 is a huge achievement for the Krämer Motorcycles USA team, and something we wanted to celebrate. I am immensely proud of the team’s accomplishments last year, and 2025 is already looking like a banner year for Krämer as well,” said Jensen Beeler, CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA.”

Leading the sales surge was the special-edition Krämer GP2-890 RR, limited to just 125 units worldwide. With over one-third of the production run landing in the United States, the GP2-890 RR exceeded expectations, set a new standard for middleweight racing, and secured race wins across multiple clubs nationwide.

Similarly, the EVO2 platform continues to be a cornerstone motorcycle for Krämer Motorcycles USA in 2024, and retains its position as the brand’s most popular model in the United States. Based around a 690cc single-cylinder engine, the Krämer EVO2-690 R consistently shows itself capable of winning against top-level Twins Cup competitors, thanks to its 80hp peak power output, 276 lbs wet weight, and rigid road-racing chassis.

A new addition to the Krämer Motorcycles lineup is the roisterous Krämer GP2-890 XX naked bike. With its hooligan style and extremely limited quantities, the GP2-890 XX offers something unique and different to riders that are looking for a more relaxed and thrilling track experience. Announced at the EICMA show in Milan last year, and the first model to be part of Krämer’s new factory customization offering, the Krämer GP2-890 XX is already nearly sold out for the US market for the 2025 model year.

Looking ahead to 2025, Krämer Motorcycles USA aims to build on its success with the introduction of the Krämer APX-350 MA, which is purpose-built for the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup series. Catering to riders aged 14 to 21, the MotoAmerica Talent Cup will see the entire grid competing on the Krämer APX-350 MA, as these young racers vie for a chance to move into the Red Bull Rookies Cup, as an official part of the “Road to MotoGP” program.

“Being the spec-bike manufacturer for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup is a big leap forward for Krämer Motorcycles, and we aim to show that the Krämer APX-350 MA is the new reference point for rider-development motorcycles,” said Joe Karvonen, COO/Owner of Krämer Motorcycles USA. “Our success in the USA is built off the superior machinery and service that our team provides to amateur club racers, and we are excited to bring that level of performance and dedication to the professional racers in the MotoAmerica paddock this year.”

With more product and service announcements still to come this year, Krämer Motorcycles USA looks forward to 2025 being another breakout year.

World Superbike: Bimota KB998 Goes On Sale April 9

Michael Gougis

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March 28, 2025

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World Superbike: Bimota KB998 Goes On Sale April 9

Unveiled to the public and media for the first time at the 2024 EICMA motorcycle show – and forming the base model for the BbKRT WorldSBK race machines of Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani – the sales start for KB998 Rimini customer machines at European and Asian bimota dealers has been announced as April 9 by the iconic Rimini-based company.

Featuring the formidable Ninja ZX-10R engine at its core, enveloped in a bimota designed and manufactured chassis featuring premium quality suspension and braking components, the first batch of KB998 Rimini machines for Europe are currently being shipped to a central European warehouse ready to be despatched to the growing bimota dealer network poised for eager customers to collect their pre-ordered machines.

According to Chief Operating Officer of bimota, Pierluigi Marconi, the official sales start on April 9 will soon see the first machines appearing in showrooms*.

“We concentrated on producing KB998 Rimini customer machines following the creation of the race versions for BbKRT to campaign in WorldSBK. The same people who crafted the race bikes are also responsible for the manufacture of customer machines. Each example of the KB998 available at a bimota dealership has been hand made in our Rimini workshop and each is the product of just one technician from the start to the end of the build process. We remain true to the bimota philosophy of innovation and hand-crafted quality which our customers expect from such exquisite machines and look forward to the reactions of the initial clients in April.”

With a production plan focussed on creating units to satisfy customer demand, and in order to participate in WorldSBK, activity in Rimini has been exceptional as explained by bimota’s Marketing Manager, Gianluca Galasso.

“Interest was already intense after EICMA but the WorldSBK activities of BbKRT have taken global awareness to another level. With the help of our partner, Kawasaki, we have developed robust back-office systems offering the best level of support and information to our growing dealer family. The demand for wholesale units is a welcome challenge and we are packing machines in readiness for imminent despatch. We relish this new era for the revered Italian motorcycle brand that we are the custodians of”.

Alpinestars Releases Francesco Bagnaia Limited Edition Supertech R Boots

Michael Gougis

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March 28, 2025

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Alpinestars Releases Francesco Bagnaia Limited Edition Supertech R Boots

Introducing the Limited Edition #GoFree Supertech R Vented Boots—a bold tribute to Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s winning spirit and passionate pursuit of greatness and MotoGP™ glory.

Engineered for elite-level performance, these boots fuse race-proven protection with Italian precision, embodying the mindset of the three-time World Champion.

Pecco’s journey to the top is a masterclass in speed, skill, and determination. From his first MotoGP™ victory in 2021, to back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023, Bagnaia has shown what it means to ride on the edge with style.

Designed in the unmistakable Ducati red, black, and white, the #GoFree Supertech R Boots are more than just gear—they’re a symbol of freedom, focus, and passion for the sport. Inspired by a pivotal moment early in Pecco’s career, #GoFree is his personal mantra: live for the ride, chase the impossible, and stay true to your passion.

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity to share with you all the Supertech R boots with my MotoGP™ design. I think it’s a great chance for my fans and Alpinestars fans to own a piece of my gear, so I’m excited about it. Thanks to Alpinestars for making this possible.”

-FRANCESCO BAGNAIA

EUR 649.95 / USD 649.95

Step into the thrill of MotoGP™ with the Limited Edition Bagnaia #GoFree Supertech R Boots, launching March 28, 2025, at 6 PM CET / 9 AM PST exclusively at Alpinestars.com and select Alpinestars dealers.

Crafted with advanced race-grade technology, these vented boots deliver maximum airflow, unmatched comfort, and world-class protection—built for riders who dare to go faster, ride harder, and chase greatness like Pecco.

Supertech R Vented Boots: MotoGP™-Grade Performance for Track and Road
The Supertech R Vented Boots set the benchmark for high-performance protective footwear, born from Alpinestars’ comprehensive research and real-world testing with MotoGP™ and World Superbike champions. The inner bootie offers enhanced impact protection, while the compound rubber sole provides superior grip on the pegs, making these boots the definitive choice for riders seeking peak performance and comfort both on and off the track.

Key features include extensive perforations for optimal ventilation, a flex area and rear bellow for enhanced flexibility, a TPU shifter for superior medial protection, and an ergonomically profiled shin plate for optimal impact absorption.

MotoGP : Morbidelli Heads Opening Practice At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier

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March 28, 2025

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MotoGP : Morbidelli Heads Opening Practice At COTA

Franco Morbidelli topped MotoGP World Championship practice Friday morning at rainy Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his Michelin-shod Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team desmosedici GP24, the Italian turned a lap of 2:12.531 around the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track and led the 22-rider field.

Surprisingly, Jack Miller was second-best with a 2:12.614 on his Prima Pramac Yamaha M1.

Marc Marquez was third with a lap of 2:12.780 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25.

Classification motogp fp1

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Stars fall in Texas: Morbidelli P1, Marc Marquez highsides in wet FP1. In far from ideal conditions, it was a far from ideal foray onto the 5.5km COTA track for the Championship leader and he wasn’t alone.

The rain poured down in Austin, Texas as the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas’ first day of track action got underway. The Circuit of the Americas usually has blissful sunshine but a wet Friday caught out Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), who suffered his first crash of the season. At the head of the field, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) continued his Argentina podium form to lead the opening session at COTA.

Conditions improved towards the end of the 45-minute session but it was the really wet conditions that caught Marquez out at Turn 2 after just six laps of the weekend. Managing to get up and return the bike to the pits – via the use of a flatbed truck. He got back out with 15 minutes to go before taking P4. Strong right the way through the session, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was on top ahead of fellow Independent rider Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) was strong again in P4 ahead of last year’s COTA revelation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

Sporadically topping the timesheets through the session, double MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was sixth ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). In one of his best sessions in orange, 2024’s COTA master Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) was ninth ahead of super-sub Augusto Fernandez (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), deputising for the injured Miguel Oliveira.

In what was a session to forget, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) suffered numerous technical gremlins throughout the session with both bikes. Three technical issues and a crash across both bikes, when it rains, it pours – no weather pun intended – and the discontent was clear for everyone in the Aprilia box; at the flag, ‘Bez’ was 20th. The problems didn’t stop there, with a nightmare Practice Start session ending a tricky session. The best Aprilia was Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) for the team’s home GP in 17^th; teammate Ai Ogura struggled in his first wet session in the class in P22.

FP1 results bagged, it’s now time to look ahead to the afternoon: live coverage resumes from 13:10 Local Time (UTC – 6).

MotoGP: More From The Red Bull Grand Prix Of The Americas In Austin

March 28, 2025

marc marquez DSC_0075 — Marc Marquez (93). Photo by Michael Gougis.

With a perfect scorecard after two rounds of the 2025 season, Marc Marquez said he had to be wary of overconfidence en route to Circuit of The Americas, where he has won seven races. Marquez was quick to point out that this was the only circuit where he crashed out in 2019, the season where he won 12 of 19 races and set a record for the biggest points gap back to second at the end of the year. The wet surface at COTA indeed bit him in the first practice session on Friday, his factory Ducati launching him into a nasty highside in the downhill Turn Two. Marquez returned to pit lane, finished the session third and led the second session on a damp-but-drying track in the afternoon.

Franco Morbidelli carried his momentum from a podium finish in the Grand Prix race in Argentina to Austin, topping the first practice session on Friday and ending the second session third. It was a 2-3 finish to the session for the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, with Fabio Di Giannantonio second. After an embarrassing crash in pre-season testing, Di Giannantonio said he felt he could fight for podium positions at COTA.

BK8 Gresini teammates Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer took fourth and fifth, giving Ducati a clean sweep of the top five positions. Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia continued with his difficult beginning to the season, finishing the second session tenth and just making it into Q2 for Saturday.

Jack Miller led the non-Ducati charge on his Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1. Quick in the wet, Miller and Joan Mir on the factory Honda were the only two Japanese bikes in the top 10. But this season sees only six Ducatis in the field instead of the eight of last year, and Johann Zarco, who battled for the podium in Argentina but crashed and finished 20th, pointed out earlier that with two of the almighty Desmosedicis gone, the others would obviously move up the order.

Raise two kids and have them win 10 World Championships, smash the record books and lead the current season by locking out the top two positions on the podium in four straight races, and fans will want to get selfies taken with you. Julia Marquez is living the racing parent’s dream.

MotoAmerica: Di Mario Leads Talent Cup First Qualifying

March 28, 2025

Di Mario DSC_0074 — Alessandro Di Mario (27). Photo by Michael Gougis.

Alessandro Di Mario topped the first qualifying session for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup class at Circuit of The Americas, with five riders within a second going into the final qualifying session at the end of Saturday.

Di Mario’s fastest lap was canceled, but he still edged Sam Drane by 0.133 seconds. Kody Kopp was third, 0.580 seconds behind Di Mario and just ahead of Bodie Paige, with Carson King fifth.

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MotoGP : M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon At COTA

March 28, 2025

Marc Marquez fastest at COTA this Friday. Photo courtesy Lenovo Ducati Team.

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Texas, Austin. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the six-time World Champion turned a lap time of 2:02:929. It was good enough to lead the 22-rider field.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of the rest with a 2:03.665 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.

His teammate, Franco Morbidelli was third at 2:03.766 on his Ducati Desmosedici GP24, making it three Ducatis on the front row.

The two-time World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia finished the session 10th with a 2:04.459 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25.

Classification practice motogp

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marquez leads drying Friday Practice, Bagnaia scrapes through to Q2. There were almost major contrasting fortunes for the factory Ducati outfit but in the end, both sides could breathe a sigh of relief.

Starting wet, finishing dry and with a flurry, Friday afternoon’s MotoGP™ Practice at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas was a real treat. With rain easing off after a lunch time shower, we got the fastest times of the weekend thus far, resulting in Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) setting a 2.09:929 to set the only time in the 2.02 bracket of the day, holding off Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team pairing Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli behind.

WET START: getting a feel for track conditions

Although the opening 20 minutes were completed on wet tyres as a drying line had yet to fully form, the slicks were soon donned and the times soon tumbling. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac MotoGP Team) never shies away from being one of the first to put on slick tyres and he was the first again, followed by the two factory Ducatis and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP). All four demoted Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) from top spot, as the 2020 World Champion enjoyed competitivity in the opening moments of the hour-long session.

However, with the rain abating and track conditions improving with each passing second, it was always going to be who left it latest in terms of who stood the best chance of being inside the top ten and therefore going directly into Q2. Marc Marquez was the first to blink, slicing nearly a second from the top time and into the 2’04s, whilst at the other end of the top ten, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was in P10 and had a target on his back from the likes of teammate Ai Ogura, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Morbidelli.

LATE DRAMA: yellow flags and huge improvements

A late crash for Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) brought out the yellow flags but the Frenchman was all OK. The last 90 seconds were wild with an abundance of late laps and although nobody could get near the #93 – a 0.736s gap to the opposition – it was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and teammate Morbidelli that joined him in the top three, ahead of Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and his teammate Aldeguer, who is through into Q2 for the first time.

Jack Miller’s strong session resulted in him being top Yamaha, ahead of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), who makes Q2 for the first time in KTM. Joan Mir held on to go through directly to Q2, just ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). ‘Pecco’ scraped through with a tenth to spare, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) the first rider forced into Q1.

Q1 JUNGLE: a heavyweight scrap to move into Q2

The 2021 World Champion is in good company in Q1 though with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Ai Ogura all having to tough it out – there’re only two spots available so there will be some very big names with some very big disappointments come Q1 on Saturday morning from COTA.

MotoAmerica: Di Mario Tops Friday Talent Cup Practice In Austin

March 28, 2025

DI Mario DSC_0066 — Alessandro Di Mario (27). Photo by Michael Gougis.

Alessandro Di Mario was fastest in the first ever session of the MotoAmerica Talent Cup series, leading Bodie Paige and Julian Correa on their spec KTM-powered Kramer APX 350 MA racebikes.

The trio had a significant gap to the rest of the field after the initial session for the new series, which took place on a wet track in damp and drizzling conditions.

Talent Cup 25_4_COTAGP_TCP_P1_res

Moto2 : Dixon Quickest Friday Afternoon in Austin

March 28, 2025

Jake Dixon heads Friday practice on top. Photo courtesy Marc VDS Team.

Jake Dixon led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Brit lapped the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:18.501, topping the field of 28 riders.

Italian Tony Arbolino was second-best with a time of 2:19.102 on his BluCru Pramac Yamaha Moto2 Boscoscuro.

Spanish rider Alonso Lopez did a third-fastest 2:19.415 on his Team HDR Heidrun Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 23th with a best time of 2:21.922 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Dixon in a league of his own, Gonzalez faces Q1. The top two in the Moto2 Championship endure opposing days at a damp Circuit of The Americas.

Days at the office don’t get much better than that if your name is Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). P1 in FP1 was backed up by a dominant P1 in Practice to see the British rider sail into Saturday as the rider to beat in Moto2 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, as Tony Arbolino (BLUCRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) and Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun) pocketed P2 and P3 on Friday.

After Alonso Lopez (Team HDR Heidrun) led the opening exchanges of Practice, Dixon surged to the summit of the session by the midway point and with 10 minutes to go, the #96 was 0.7s clear of the chasers on a drying Circuit of The Americas.

With under five minutes to go, a clear dry line was appearing around a large part of the 5.5km long layout, which meant we saw some late improvers. Arbolino climbed to P2 with less than two minutes to go, Sergio Garcia’s QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI replacement, Oscar Gutierrez, jumped to an impressive P7 before rookie star Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team) went P5 – and then P4 on his final flyer. But World Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) was struggling. A crash at Turn 12 was followed by the Spaniard being unable to find a better lap once he’d got back out, seeing the title chase leader finish in P26, 3.984s off Dixon’s pace.

Celestino Vietti (Team HDR Heidrun) completed the top five behind Dixon, Arbolino, Lopez and Holgado, with Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team) doing a great job to earn P6. Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing LINO SENOGO) and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) claimed P7 and P8 respectively, as Gutierrez bagged a first automatic Q2 spot in P9. As did Yuki Kunii, the IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia rookie ended Practice in P10, as Aron Canet (Fantic Racing LINO SENOGO), Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Mario Aji (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) were the final top 14 riders on Friday in Austin.

Work to do in Q1 then for Gonzalez, while home hero Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) will also be hoping he can get into the pole position fight from Q1 on Saturday afternoon. Tune in at 13:45 local time (UTC -5) to watch how the Moto2 Americas GP grid is formed.

FULL RESULTS!

Moto3 : Bertelle Is Best Friday Afternoon in Texas

March 28, 2025

Matteo Bertelle fastest Friday afternoon in Texas. Photo courtesy Level Up MTA Team.

Matteo Bertelle led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas. Bertelle used his Pirelli-shod LEVELUP-MTA KTM to lap the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track in 2:23.704, which led the field of 26 riders.

Maximo Quiles was second-best with a time of 2:24.181 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.

Scott Ogden, piloting his CIP Green Power KTM, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:24.369.

Classification PR moto3

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bertelle blasts to P1 in Moto3™ Practice, debutant Quiles sensational in second. An established name and a fresh face lead the way in Moto3 as their Friday action concludes.

Practice for the Moto3™ World Championship saw a familiar name on top as Matteo Bertelle (LEVEL UP – MTA) continued his prowess from the opening two Grands Prix. In a session that was once again wet, he led a very fast rookie in Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team), whilst Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) was P3.

For the fifth time this season so far, a session was topped by Bertelle, as he took P1 once again and led the charge for the riders going straight to Q2 but there was a whole new name behind him. Get ready to hear more about Maximo Quiles who on his Moto3 debut took second ahead of a field packed full of established stars. Briefly going top in the closing stages, the wet weather was certainly kind to the #28 who’s already causing a stir. Great Britain’s Scott Ogden clinched third place, ahead of David Almansa (Leopard Racing) and David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP).

Sixth may have been enough to keep Jose Antonio Rueda’s (Red Bull KTM Ajo) run of top six finishes in all sessions alive but it didn’t tell the full story as he crashed at Turn 20 and lost eight minutes, briefly putting him at risk of not making the cut before bouncing back with a late flying lap. Adrian Fernandez joins teammate Almansa in Q2 with P7 ahead of Rueda’s teammate Carpe and a late-improving Riccardo Rossi. However, save of the year has gone to Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) in P10, who tucked the front at the final corner but somehow held onto it in miraculous fashion.

Through to Q2 for the first time in his rookie season, Cormac Buchanan (BOE Motorsports), ahead of Adrian Cruces (CIP Green Power), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), with the Japanese rider squeezing in. Joel Kelso (Level Up MTA), Tatchakorn Buasri (Honda Team Asia) and Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) all crashed and thus find themselves going via Q1.

Practice results confirmed, get ready for more action in Moto3 tomorrow!

Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Record Sales In 2024

March 28, 2025

Kramer — The Krämer GP2-890 RR at its international press launch in Brno, Czech Republic. Photo: Jan Starek.