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Moto2 : Oncu Tops Final Practice In France

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto2 : Oncu Tops Final Practice In France

Deniz Öncü was quickest during Moto2 World Championship practice Saturday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex on the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, the Turkish rider recorded a 1:34.693 breaking Manuel Gonzalez’s  All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.744 he set yesterday during practice session.

Manuel Gonzalez was the best of the rest with a 1:34.772 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

Filip Salac was third-fastest with a 1:34.957 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 18th with a best time of 1:35.652 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification FP2 MOTO2

Moto3: Kelso Heads Saturday Practice At Le Mans

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto3: Kelso Heads Saturday Practice At Le Mans

Joel Kelso led Moto3 World Championship practice Saturday morning, at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Kelso used his Pirelli-shod LevelUp-MTA KTM to lap the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track in 1:39.885, which led the field of 26 riders and broke David Alonso’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:40.114 from 2024.

Adrian Fernandez was second-best with a time of 1:40.026 on his Leopard Racing Honda.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.085.

Classification FP2 Moto3

MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Was Second Fastest This Friday

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Was Second Fastest This Friday

Following his impressive P.2 finish in today’s practice session, we had the opportunity to speak with Fabio Quartararo. The Yamaha rider shared his thoughts on the bike’s performance, track conditions and the atmosphere. Calm and focused, Quartararo expressed confidence heading into qualifying, emphasizing the importance of consistency and teamwork in maintaining his momentum.

Fabio Quartararo: “I think it’s a positive day, we had a good pace on one lap and also on the long pace. So we can be pretty happy and hopefully tomorrow we can make another step forward.”

Question: Today is better than the Friday at Jerez ?

FQ: “Yes, much better because Jerez was a little bit a surprise for us. We never expected to be fighting quite high and make one good lap. Here was more natural like from the beginning I could make good pace, the time attack was also natural ,we went fast and lot of riders are really fast but for us if we only look at us, I am felling better than in Jerez.”

Question: Is it possible do make pole tomorrow ?

FQ: “It’s always possible and especially because I am able to really disconnect my brain on one lap and this is something when you take the confidence on the bike, it’s something that I like. Let’s see how much I can disconnect and how good we can make the lap. The realistic goal is to be on the front row and before P.5.”

Question: Did you expect to be so close to the record?

FQ : “Being honest yes, because we improved 1.5 seconds in Qatar compare to last year, 1.4 seconds in Jerez and I didn’t expect to make P2 but I expect the lap record to be really close. We feel on one lap we have made a big step compare to last year.”

Question: The engine confirmed ?

FQ: “Yes the engine confirmed ! Here the straight is quite short but I think it’s positive because we can see it’s better, it doesn’t affect on anything just a little bit of free time so it’s good.”

Question: How about the support here in France ?

FQ: “I can really hear the crowd it’s really special and we will try to make a great weekend and a great race tomorrow.”

Question: How have you found the grip level in Le Mans this year ?

FQ: “The grip level on this track is always really high and this is why we are performing, because we need to be realistic that on track where there is low grip and tire degradation we are more struggling. So we have to take the opportunity where we have good grip and a small straight because we can really perform.”

MotoGP : Marc Marquez Breaks Lap Record At Le Mans

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP : Marc Marquez Breaks Lap Record At Le Mans

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the six-time World Champion turned a lap time of 1:29.855. Not only was that good enough to lead the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Jorge Martin’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:29.919.

Fabio Quartararo was the best of the rest with a 1:30.032 on his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR M1.

Francesco Bagnaia, M.Marquez’s teammate was third at 1:30.039.

Rookie Fermin Aldeguer finished the session fourth with a 1:30.221 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

His teammate, Alex Marquez crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:30.256.

 

Classification practice motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marquez red hot for P1, Quartararo the chief chaser on home turf. The Frenchman claimed P2 behind a rapid #93 on Friday at Le Mans as attention turns to qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday. 

A new all-time lap record for Practice honours at the Michelin Grand Prix of France? That’s exactly what Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) served up as his 1:29.855 sees the six-time MotoGP World Champion acting as the rider to beat after the opening day of running. Leading the chase is home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), much to the delight of the packed Le Mans terraces, while Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) pocketed a P3.

How Practice unfolded: Marquez unbeatable, Quartararo fronts chasers

Leading the way into the final 30 minutes was Marc Marquez, with Quartararo 0.4s adrift in second place and Bagnaia third. That soon changed though because Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) jumped into P2 as Top Gun flew the KTM flag highest as we crept into the final 20 minutes of Practice.

The first big mover was Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). The Italian leapt to P4 from outside the top 10 on a soft Michelin rear tyre, but fortunes weren’t as favourable for teammate Joan Mir as the 2020 World Champion suffered a crash at Turn 13 with 17 minutes left on the clock.

On fresh rear rubber, Viñales closed the gap to Marquez to sit 0.005s off the #93 and pushing to get the better of his compatriot, Viñales crashed unhurt at Turn 9. Meanwhile, Bagnaia had improved his time to go P3 and with 10 minutes to go, the home crowd were applauding Quartararo as the he went 0.3s clear at the top. However, that was short-lived because five seconds later, Marquez slammed in a 1:29.855 – a new all-time lap record.

Could anyone get close to that was the question. Bagnaia went P2 to close the deficit to 0.184s and not long after, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) jumped ahead of Quartararo into P3. A late crash for Johann Zarco (Honda HRC Castrol), coupled with a Marini improvement, saw the Frenchman lose out on a place in the top 10, while the other home hero landed a late lap to back to P2. That, of course, was Quartararo.

Friday’s top 10 in Le Mans

Rookie Aldeguer continued to impress as the #54 ends Day 1 in P4 ahead of teammate and World Championship leader Alex Marquez. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) enjoyed a fruitful session, the Australian sails into Q2 in P6, as a pair of KTMs – led by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – head into Q2, with Viñales eventually ending Practice in P8.

Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was P9 and a last-lap push from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) ensured the Italian snatched the final automatic Q2 spot in P10 – meaning Marini narrowly missed out.

Next up: qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday!

A capacity crowd awaits in Le Mans and at 10:50 local time they’ll be cheering on Zarco in Q1. Make sure you tune in to see how the grid is set for the Sprint and Grand Prix, with the first battle of the weekend going green at 15:00.

FULL RESULTS!

Road To MotoGP Turns Rocky For American Mikey Lou Sanchez

John Ulrich
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0
Road To MotoGP Turns Rocky For American Mikey Lou Sanchez

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

By John Ulrich

The Road To MotoGP has turned rocky for former CMRA and MotoAmerica Mini Cup Champion Mikey Lou Sanchez, who turns 15 on May 11th. According to his parents, the talented young Texan lost his ride with Andifer American Racing after a challenging first round in the 2025 FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup Series, at Estoril, Portugal despite his parents paying the team for his season-long ride, in advance. It’s a cautionary tale for American families trying to follow the DORNA Road To MotoGP in a foreign land.

His mom Trinity Richardson Sanchez wrote, “Mikey raced the first round at Estoril. He struggled in the beginning and unfortunately didn’t qualify for the main race. He had to go into the Last Chance race Sunday morning, with only the top two advancing to the main race, (but) Mikey pulled it off and finished 2nd. He then went into Race 1 starting 30th (dead last) on the grid. With mixed conditions Mikey was able to move all the way up to 8th position, only to crash out with 5 laps to go! 

“Race 2 in the afternoon the conditions were good, and Mikey was able to move all the way up to 15th position only to be hit from behind in the last turn on the last lap which resulted in another crash and another dnf…”
 

His parents, Trinity and “Big Mike” Sanchez, issued the following statement:

“On behalf of Mikey Lou Sanchez, we are announcing the termination of our project with the Andifer American Racing Team for the 2025 season effective immediately. We had high hopes for this collaboration, however, due to unexpected and irreconcilable differences we are parting ways with the team. News for the remainder of the season is coming soon and we look forward to gridding up for the next race in Jerez. Thank you to all of the people who continue to support Mikey throughout his racing career.”

Texan Mikey Lou Sanchez currently races in the European Talent Cup in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.
Texan Mikey Lou Sanchez in 2024, when he started racing in the European Talent Cup in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.

Asked to comment on the situation today at Le Mans by Roadracing World’s Mathilde Gasnier, American Racing owner Eitan Butbul declined to comment, said he is not the manager of Andifer American Racing and that Roadracing World should talk to the manager of the American Racing affiliated JuniorGP team, which Trinity Richardson Sanchez has identified as American Racing’s Ricard Jove. 

We will post additional information as it becomes available.

American Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) in action during 2023. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.
American Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) in action during 2023. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.
American Mikey Lou Sanchez. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.
American Mikey Lou Sanchez in 2024. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.

 

Moto2 : Gonzalez Breaks Record At Le Mans

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto2 : Gonzalez Breaks Record At Le Mans

Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:34.744, topping the field of 26 riders and breaking his own All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.868 from 2024.

Diogo Moreira was second-best with a time of 1:35.079 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.

Filip Salac did a third-fastest 1:35.127 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 23th with a best time of 1:35.990 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Moto2™ sees Gonzalez complete Friday clean sweep. Le Mans may have a new master in Moto2™ – Manuel Gonzalez was in a class of his own. 

Despite a red flag towards the end of the session intensifying the need for a lap time further, nobody was able to land a blow on Manuel Gonzalez’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) Le Mans charge as the Spaniard went unbeaten on Friday in France. Diogo Moreira’s (Italtrans Racing Team) late lap saw the Brazilian grab P2 ahead of third place Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). 

It was an eventful afternoon affair in Moto2, with some notable crashes and gremlins. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was an early faller at Turn 7 but was thankfully OK, whilst Salac suffered a mechanical problem around the halfway point. Then, with just over five minutes to go, a red flag for a fall involving Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team) at Turn 14 brought out at the red flag due to gravel on track.

On the restart of the session, more yellow flags and a flurry of crashes. The first was Jorge Navarro (KLINT Forward Factory Team) at Turn 3, whilst Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Team), David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) were all fallers too. With so many yellow, it was hard to find improvements but in any case, like in the morning, honours went to Manuel Gonzalez, with Brazilian ace Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) second and Czech star Salac keeping third. Teammate Dixon and Celestino Vietti (Folladore Speed RS Team) completed the top five ahead of Navarro, whilst one late improver was Sergio Garcia (QJMotor – FRINSA – MSI).

Vietti’s teammate Alonso Lopez took eighth ahead of Albert Arenas (Italjet Gresini Moto2), with Tony Arbolino (bLU cRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounding out the top ten. Deniz Öncü’s crash wasn’t enough to undo his hard work for a position in Q2 as he clinched 11th, ahead of Aron Canet, Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Izan Guevara (bLU cRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2). Zonta Van Den Goorbergh (RW Idrofoglia Racing GP), Dani Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and David Alonso will be heavyweight names going via Q1.

Full results!

Moto3 : Muñoz Is Best Friday Afternoon in France

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto3 : Muñoz Is Best Friday Afternoon in France

David Muñoz led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Muñoz used his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.6-mile track in 1:40.236, which led the field of 26 riders.

Ryusei Yamanaka was second-best with a time of 1:40.341 on his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM. 

Adrian Fernandez, piloting his Leopard Racing Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.379. 

Classification practice motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Muñoz mounts late charge to lead Practice at Le Mans. An early crash wasn’t enough to derail the #64 in a red-flagged afternoon Moto3™ session. 

Moto3 was its usual energetic and frenetic self in a 35-minute session to determine who moves into Q2 directly and who has to fight it out in Q1. Topping the session without any such dramas, David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) bounced back from a crash at Turn 14 to go top late on and lead the charge into Saturday.

Muñoz led the way at the chequered flag but he highsided on the exit of Turn 14 early on in the session. A second faller at the corner a few minutes later was Jakob Rosenthaler (DENSSI Racing – BOE), which then resulted gravel on the circuit and a red flag whilst the marshals cleaned up. On the return to the track, Turn 14 was proving problematic as rookie sensation Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) saved a big moment before Rosenthaler’s teammate Cormac Buchanan crashed there in a similar way. This caused for yellow flags and then, in the closing stages, Buchanan fell again, making it two in one session for the #14 New Zealander.

This meant more yellow flags but sneaking a lap in to go top – after missing the first half of the session, Muñoz pipped Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and the morning’s fastest rider, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing). Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) crashed at Turn 11 despite his best efforts to repeat his COTA save but came home fourth, ahead of best rookie and returnee Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and fellow rookie Pini. Completing the top seven, Quiles’ teammate, Dennis Foggia.

Following his big crash in the morning, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) was solid to move through with P8, whilst Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) struggled throughout but salvaged ninth. Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) rounded out the top ten ahead of Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA), David Almansa (Leopard Racing) – who crept in during the closing minutes – and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), making it four rookies into Q2 as well as the home Tech 3 outfit. Big names missing out included Perrone’s teammate Jacob Roulstone, Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team).

MotoGP : M.Marquez Heads Opening Practice At Le Mans

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
MotoGP : M.Marquez Heads Opening Practice At Le Mans

Marc Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship practice Friday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans. Riding his Michelin-shod Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25, the six-time World Champion turned a lap of 1:30.764 around the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track and led the 22-rider field.

Brad Binder was second-best with a 1:31.340 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

Alex Marquez was third with a lap of 1:31.384 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

Classification fp1 motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marc Marquez tops Le Mans FP1 from Binder. The six-time MotoGP Champion makes a rapid start in France as Quartararo and Zarco enjoy a promising launch into the weekend on home turf. 

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was fastest out of the traps in FP1 at the Michelin Grand Prix of France thanks to a 1:30.764 time. That morning session best lap was enough for the six-time MotoGP Champion to beat second place Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) by a healthy 0.576s, while title race leader Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completed the top three, 0.620s shy of his elder brother’s pace.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) began the weekend with a P4, the Italian is also six tenths away from the #93’s impressive pace, with rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) enjoying FP1 having rounded out the top five.

The reigning Moto2 World Champion was a place ahead of home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), the French star was 0.678s away from top spot, with countryman Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) beginning his home GP in P8.  

There were crashes for Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in FP1, both riders were OK, with the latter ending the session in P7.

The all-important Friday afternoon Practice session bursts into life at 15:00 local time (UTC+2).

Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice In France

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice In France

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:34.916 to lead the field of 27 riders.

The Brit, Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:35.018 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

Italian rider, Tony Arbolino was third-fastest with a 1:35.077 on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 11th with a 1:35.813 on his American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification fP1 MOTO2

Moto3 : Fernandez Quickest In Opening Practice At Le Mans

Mathilde Gasnier
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0
Moto3 : Fernandez Quickest In Opening Practice At Le Mans

Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:40.882, topping the field of 26 riders.

Ryusei Yamanaka was the best of the rest with a 1:41.000 on his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI and his teammate Angel Piqueras was third with a lap time of 1:41.243.

Classification moto3 FP1

Moto2 : Oncu Tops Final Practice In France

Deniz Öncü fastest this morning during FP2 in France. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.
Deniz Öncü fastest this morning during FP2 in France. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo Team.

Deniz Öncü was quickest during Moto2 World Championship practice Saturday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex on the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, the Turkish rider recorded a 1:34.693 breaking Manuel Gonzalez’s  All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.744 he set yesterday during practice session.

Manuel Gonzalez was the best of the rest with a 1:34.772 on his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

Filip Salac was third-fastest with a 1:34.957 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Saturday morning’s practice session 18th with a best time of 1:35.652 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification FP2 MOTO2

Moto3: Kelso Heads Saturday Practice At Le Mans

Joel Kelso was fastest this morning during FP2 and broke lap record in France. Photo courtesy LevelUp MTA Team.
Joel Kelso was fastest this morning during FP2 and broke lap record in France. Photo courtesy LevelUp MTA Team.

Joel Kelso led Moto3 World Championship practice Saturday morning, at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Kelso used his Pirelli-shod LevelUp-MTA KTM to lap the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track in 1:39.885, which led the field of 26 riders and broke David Alonso’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:40.114 from 2024.

Adrian Fernandez was second-best with a time of 1:40.026 on his Leopard Racing Honda.

Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Alvaro Carpe claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.085.

Classification FP2 Moto3

MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo Was Second Fastest This Friday

Fabio Quartararo during practice session at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.
Fabio Quartararo during practice session at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team.

Following his impressive P.2 finish in today’s practice session, we had the opportunity to speak with Fabio Quartararo. The Yamaha rider shared his thoughts on the bike’s performance, track conditions and the atmosphere. Calm and focused, Quartararo expressed confidence heading into qualifying, emphasizing the importance of consistency and teamwork in maintaining his momentum.

Fabio Quartararo: “I think it’s a positive day, we had a good pace on one lap and also on the long pace. So we can be pretty happy and hopefully tomorrow we can make another step forward.”

Question: Today is better than the Friday at Jerez ?

FQ: “Yes, much better because Jerez was a little bit a surprise for us. We never expected to be fighting quite high and make one good lap. Here was more natural like from the beginning I could make good pace, the time attack was also natural ,we went fast and lot of riders are really fast but for us if we only look at us, I am felling better than in Jerez.”

Question: Is it possible do make pole tomorrow ?

FQ: “It’s always possible and especially because I am able to really disconnect my brain on one lap and this is something when you take the confidence on the bike, it’s something that I like. Let’s see how much I can disconnect and how good we can make the lap. The realistic goal is to be on the front row and before P.5.”

Question: Did you expect to be so close to the record?

FQ : “Being honest yes, because we improved 1.5 seconds in Qatar compare to last year, 1.4 seconds in Jerez and I didn’t expect to make P2 but I expect the lap record to be really close. We feel on one lap we have made a big step compare to last year.”

Question: The engine confirmed ?

FQ: “Yes the engine confirmed ! Here the straight is quite short but I think it’s positive because we can see it’s better, it doesn’t affect on anything just a little bit of free time so it’s good.”

Question: How about the support here in France ?

FQ: “I can really hear the crowd it’s really special and we will try to make a great weekend and a great race tomorrow.”

Question: How have you found the grip level in Le Mans this year ?

FQ: “The grip level on this track is always really high and this is why we are performing, because we need to be realistic that on track where there is low grip and tire degradation we are more struggling. So we have to take the opportunity where we have good grip and a small straight because we can really perform.”

MotoGP : Marc Marquez Breaks Lap Record At Le Mans

Marc Marquez was fastest this afternoon at the Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez was fastest this afternoon at the Bugatti Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Marc Marquez led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the six-time World Champion turned a lap time of 1:29.855. Not only was that good enough to lead the 22-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Jorge Martin’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:29.919.

Fabio Quartararo was the best of the rest with a 1:30.032 on his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR M1.

Francesco Bagnaia, M.Marquez’s teammate was third at 1:30.039.

Rookie Fermin Aldeguer finished the session fourth with a 1:30.221 on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

His teammate, Alex Marquez crossed the finish line fifth with a lap time of 1:30.256.

 

Classification practice motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marquez red hot for P1, Quartararo the chief chaser on home turf. The Frenchman claimed P2 behind a rapid #93 on Friday at Le Mans as attention turns to qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday. 

A new all-time lap record for Practice honours at the Michelin Grand Prix of France? That’s exactly what Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) served up as his 1:29.855 sees the six-time MotoGP World Champion acting as the rider to beat after the opening day of running. Leading the chase is home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), much to the delight of the packed Le Mans terraces, while Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) pocketed a P3.

How Practice unfolded: Marquez unbeatable, Quartararo fronts chasers

Leading the way into the final 30 minutes was Marc Marquez, with Quartararo 0.4s adrift in second place and Bagnaia third. That soon changed though because Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) jumped into P2 as Top Gun flew the KTM flag highest as we crept into the final 20 minutes of Practice.

The first big mover was Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). The Italian leapt to P4 from outside the top 10 on a soft Michelin rear tyre, but fortunes weren’t as favourable for teammate Joan Mir as the 2020 World Champion suffered a crash at Turn 13 with 17 minutes left on the clock.

On fresh rear rubber, Viñales closed the gap to Marquez to sit 0.005s off the #93 and pushing to get the better of his compatriot, Viñales crashed unhurt at Turn 9. Meanwhile, Bagnaia had improved his time to go P3 and with 10 minutes to go, the home crowd were applauding Quartararo as the he went 0.3s clear at the top. However, that was short-lived because five seconds later, Marquez slammed in a 1:29.855 – a new all-time lap record.

Could anyone get close to that was the question. Bagnaia went P2 to close the deficit to 0.184s and not long after, Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) jumped ahead of Quartararo into P3. A late crash for Johann Zarco (Honda HRC Castrol), coupled with a Marini improvement, saw the Frenchman lose out on a place in the top 10, while the other home hero landed a late lap to back to P2. That, of course, was Quartararo.

Friday’s top 10 in Le Mans

Rookie Aldeguer continued to impress as the #54 ends Day 1 in P4 ahead of teammate and World Championship leader Alex Marquez. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) enjoyed a fruitful session, the Australian sails into Q2 in P6, as a pair of KTMs – led by Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – head into Q2, with Viñales eventually ending Practice in P8.

Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was P9 and a last-lap push from Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) ensured the Italian snatched the final automatic Q2 spot in P10 – meaning Marini narrowly missed out.

Next up: qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday!

A capacity crowd awaits in Le Mans and at 10:50 local time they’ll be cheering on Zarco in Q1. Make sure you tune in to see how the grid is set for the Sprint and Grand Prix, with the first battle of the weekend going green at 15:00.

FULL RESULTS!

Road To MotoGP Turns Rocky For American Mikey Lou Sanchez

Texan Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) racing in FIM JuniorGP/European Talent Cup at Estoril in 2024. Photo courtesy Mikey Lou Sanchez Racing.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION:

By John Ulrich

The Road To MotoGP has turned rocky for former CMRA and MotoAmerica Mini Cup Champion Mikey Lou Sanchez, who turns 15 on May 11th. According to his parents, the talented young Texan lost his ride with Andifer American Racing after a challenging first round in the 2025 FIM JuniorGP European Talent Cup Series, at Estoril, Portugal despite his parents paying the team for his season-long ride, in advance. It’s a cautionary tale for American families trying to follow the DORNA Road To MotoGP in a foreign land.

His mom Trinity Richardson Sanchez wrote, “Mikey raced the first round at Estoril. He struggled in the beginning and unfortunately didn’t qualify for the main race. He had to go into the Last Chance race Sunday morning, with only the top two advancing to the main race, (but) Mikey pulled it off and finished 2nd. He then went into Race 1 starting 30th (dead last) on the grid. With mixed conditions Mikey was able to move all the way up to 8th position, only to crash out with 5 laps to go! 

“Race 2 in the afternoon the conditions were good, and Mikey was able to move all the way up to 15th position only to be hit from behind in the last turn on the last lap which resulted in another crash and another dnf…”
 

His parents, Trinity and “Big Mike” Sanchez, issued the following statement:

“On behalf of Mikey Lou Sanchez, we are announcing the termination of our project with the Andifer American Racing Team for the 2025 season effective immediately. We had high hopes for this collaboration, however, due to unexpected and irreconcilable differences we are parting ways with the team. News for the remainder of the season is coming soon and we look forward to gridding up for the next race in Jerez. Thank you to all of the people who continue to support Mikey throughout his racing career.”

Texan Mikey Lou Sanchez currently races in the European Talent Cup in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.
Texan Mikey Lou Sanchez in 2024, when he started racing in the European Talent Cup in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Sanchez Racing.

Asked to comment on the situation today at Le Mans by Roadracing World’s Mathilde Gasnier, American Racing owner Eitan Butbul declined to comment, said he is not the manager of Andifer American Racing and that Roadracing World should talk to the manager of the American Racing affiliated JuniorGP team, which Trinity Richardson Sanchez has identified as American Racing’s Ricard Jove. 

We will post additional information as it becomes available.

American Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) in action during 2023. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.
American Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) in action during 2023. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.
American Mikey Lou Sanchez. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.
American Mikey Lou Sanchez in 2024. Photo courtesy Finetwork MIR Racing Team.

 

Moto2 : Gonzalez Breaks Record At Le Mans

Manuel Gonzalez was fastest this afternoon at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Manuel Gonzalez was fastest this afternoon at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Manuel Gonzalez led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard lapped the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:34.744, topping the field of 26 riders and breaking his own All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.868 from 2024.

Diogo Moreira was second-best with a time of 1:35.079 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.

Filip Salac did a third-fastest 1:35.127 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 23th with a best time of 1:35.990 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Moto2™ sees Gonzalez complete Friday clean sweep. Le Mans may have a new master in Moto2™ – Manuel Gonzalez was in a class of his own. 

Despite a red flag towards the end of the session intensifying the need for a lap time further, nobody was able to land a blow on Manuel Gonzalez’s (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) Le Mans charge as the Spaniard went unbeaten on Friday in France. Diogo Moreira’s (Italtrans Racing Team) late lap saw the Brazilian grab P2 ahead of third place Filip Salač (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). 

It was an eventful afternoon affair in Moto2, with some notable crashes and gremlins. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was an early faller at Turn 7 but was thankfully OK, whilst Salac suffered a mechanical problem around the halfway point. Then, with just over five minutes to go, a red flag for a fall involving Alex Escrig (KLINT Forward Factory Team) at Turn 14 brought out at the red flag due to gravel on track.

On the restart of the session, more yellow flags and a flurry of crashes. The first was Jorge Navarro (KLINT Forward Factory Team) at Turn 3, whilst Adrian Huertas (Italtrans Racing Team), David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) were all fallers too. With so many yellow, it was hard to find improvements but in any case, like in the morning, honours went to Manuel Gonzalez, with Brazilian ace Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) second and Czech star Salac keeping third. Teammate Dixon and Celestino Vietti (Folladore Speed RS Team) completed the top five ahead of Navarro, whilst one late improver was Sergio Garcia (QJMotor – FRINSA – MSI).

Vietti’s teammate Alonso Lopez took eighth ahead of Albert Arenas (Italjet Gresini Moto2), with Tony Arbolino (bLU cRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2) rounding out the top ten. Deniz Öncü’s crash wasn’t enough to undo his hard work for a position in Q2 as he clinched 11th, ahead of Aron Canet, Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Izan Guevara (bLU cRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2). Zonta Van Den Goorbergh (RW Idrofoglia Racing GP), Dani Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) and David Alonso will be heavyweight names going via Q1.

Full results!

Moto3 : Muñoz Is Best Friday Afternoon in France

David Muñoz was fastest this afternoon at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dynavolt Intact Team.
David Muñoz was fastest this afternoon at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dynavolt Intact Team.

David Muñoz led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Muñoz used his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.6-mile track in 1:40.236, which led the field of 26 riders.

Ryusei Yamanaka was second-best with a time of 1:40.341 on his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM. 

Adrian Fernandez, piloting his Leopard Racing Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:40.379. 

Classification practice motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Muñoz mounts late charge to lead Practice at Le Mans. An early crash wasn’t enough to derail the #64 in a red-flagged afternoon Moto3™ session. 

Moto3 was its usual energetic and frenetic self in a 35-minute session to determine who moves into Q2 directly and who has to fight it out in Q1. Topping the session without any such dramas, David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) bounced back from a crash at Turn 14 to go top late on and lead the charge into Saturday.

Muñoz led the way at the chequered flag but he highsided on the exit of Turn 14 early on in the session. A second faller at the corner a few minutes later was Jakob Rosenthaler (DENSSI Racing – BOE), which then resulted gravel on the circuit and a red flag whilst the marshals cleaned up. On the return to the track, Turn 14 was proving problematic as rookie sensation Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) saved a big moment before Rosenthaler’s teammate Cormac Buchanan crashed there in a similar way. This caused for yellow flags and then, in the closing stages, Buchanan fell again, making it two in one session for the #14 New Zealander.

This meant more yellow flags but sneaking a lap in to go top – after missing the first half of the session, Muñoz pipped Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) and the morning’s fastest rider, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing). Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) crashed at Turn 11 despite his best efforts to repeat his COTA save but came home fourth, ahead of best rookie and returnee Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and fellow rookie Pini. Completing the top seven, Quiles’ teammate, Dennis Foggia.

Following his big crash in the morning, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) was solid to move through with P8, whilst Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) struggled throughout but salvaged ninth. Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) rounded out the top ten ahead of Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Joel Kelso (LEVELUP – MTA), David Almansa (Leopard Racing) – who crept in during the closing minutes – and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), making it four rookies into Q2 as well as the home Tech 3 outfit. Big names missing out included Perrone’s teammate Jacob Roulstone, Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team).

MotoGP : M.Marquez Heads Opening Practice At Le Mans

Marc Marquez was quickest this morning at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Ducati Corse Team.
Marc Marquez was quickest this morning at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Ducati Corse Team.

Marc Marquez topped MotoGP World Championship practice Friday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans. Riding his Michelin-shod Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25, the six-time World Champion turned a lap of 1:30.764 around the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track and led the 22-rider field.

Brad Binder was second-best with a 1:31.340 on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.

Alex Marquez was third with a lap of 1:31.384 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

Classification fp1 motogp

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Marc Marquez tops Le Mans FP1 from Binder. The six-time MotoGP Champion makes a rapid start in France as Quartararo and Zarco enjoy a promising launch into the weekend on home turf. 

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was fastest out of the traps in FP1 at the Michelin Grand Prix of France thanks to a 1:30.764 time. That morning session best lap was enough for the six-time MotoGP Champion to beat second place Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) by a healthy 0.576s, while title race leader Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) completed the top three, 0.620s shy of his elder brother’s pace.

Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) began the weekend with a P4, the Italian is also six tenths away from the #93’s impressive pace, with rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) enjoying FP1 having rounded out the top five.

The reigning Moto2 World Champion was a place ahead of home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), the French star was 0.678s away from top spot, with countryman Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) beginning his home GP in P8.  

There were crashes for Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in FP1, both riders were OK, with the latter ending the session in P7.

The all-important Friday afternoon Practice session bursts into life at 15:00 local time (UTC+2).

Moto2 : Gonzalez Tops Opening Practice In France

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest Friday morning at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dynavolt Intact GP.
Manuel Gonzalez was quickest Friday morning at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dynavolt Intact GP.

Manuel Gonzalez was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:34.916 to lead the field of 27 riders.

The Brit, Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:35.018 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

Italian rider, Tony Arbolino was third-fastest with a 1:35.077 on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Boscoscuro.

American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 11th with a 1:35.813 on his American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification fP1 MOTO2

Moto3 : Fernandez Quickest In Opening Practice At Le Mans

Adrian Fernandez was fastest this morning at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing Team.
Adrian Fernandez was fastest this morning at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Leopard Racing Team.

Adrian Fernandez was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 2.6-mile (4.19 km) road course in 1:40.882, topping the field of 26 riders.

Ryusei Yamanaka was the best of the rest with a 1:41.000 on his FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI and his teammate Angel Piqueras was third with a lap time of 1:41.243.

Classification moto3 FP1

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