Six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea claimed pole position during World Superbike Superpole Qualifying Saturday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portugal. Riding his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, the Ulsterman lapped the 2.8-mile (4.6 km) road course in 1:39.620, which was just short of his own All-Time Lap Record of 1:36.610.
Rea’s teammate Alex Lowes was second-best with a 1:39.762, and Andrea Locatelli earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:39.872 on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1.
American Garrett Gerloff qualified 12th with a 1:40.385 on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
Jorge Martin won the MotoGP World Championship Sprint Race Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Starting from pole position on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, the Spaniard won the 12-lap race by 1.390 seconds.
Brad Binder was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM RC 16, and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia finished third on his Lenovo Team Ducati.
The results of the Sprint Race reduced Bagnaia’s lead in the World Championship to just eight points over Martin.
Eight points in it: Martin outruns Binder as Bagnaia vs Miller writes some poetry in the podium fight
It’s getting CLOSE! The Pramac rider’s momentum grows again with another Sprint win as Binder grabs second and Pecco gets the gloves off with Miller
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 30 September 2023
If Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) wins the Grand Prix race at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) doesn’t follow him home, we’ll have a new Championship leader in MotoGP™ – such is the momentum carried by the number 89, who won the Tissot Sprint at Motegi in style. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was off like a shot to make a good run of it in the early stages, ultimately taking second for some more silverware, with Bagnaia completing the podium after going toe-to-toe in a spectacular duel against former teammate Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
The best start on the front row came from polesitter Martin as he shot forward for the holeshot, with Miller out-dragging Pecco for second as Binder then also managed to slot up the inside of the reigning Champion into third. As ever, the KTMs made it game on early doors.
Binder wasn’t for sitting behind teammate Miller for long though, taking over in second after a brutal but fair move and then tagging onto the rear wheel of Martin. Almost immediately, the two were creating a small but real gap, leaving Miller between that lead duo and another comprising Bagnaia and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
By third race distance, Martin and Binder were starting to pull the pin. Miller was then left looking over his shoulder as Bagnaia homed in, with Marquez also losing ground to the duo ahead of him – making it two duels at the front followed by what was becoming an increasingly close fight for fifth headed by an eight-time World Champion.
On Lap 6, there was a first real move in that fight as Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) attacked and passed Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), the young Italian then able to lock on to Marquez almost immediately. Bezzecchi feinted a couple of moves before committing to a lunge, but ultimately overcooked it and sent both of them wide, letting a fast-starting Zarco back through and allowing Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) to split the duo too.
Up ahead, Martin was on the march by the final few laps, with Binder in a secure second and Bagnaia still wrapped up behind Miller, keenly looking for a way past. He saw one and took it on Lap 9, but the Australian wasn’t having it. And so began a poetic and epic scrap to complete the Sprint podium, with both sideways, squiggly, and absolutely on the limit until a final and decisive move on the penultimate lap saw Miller forced to cede.
The Australian then watched the Ducati just edge out of reach, forced to settle for fourth and forced to keep it pinned thereafter too as a late charge from Zarco started to reel him in.
Just up the road, Martin managed to hold on to just over a second of breathing space ahead of Binder, with the two taking the top two steps on Saturday as Bagnaia came home third to complete the Sprint rostrum. Behind, Miller did manage to hold off Zarco’s late threat, with the Australian taking fourth by a tenth.
After his earlier ambition outweighed track limits when attacking Marquez, Bezzecchi had to get the hammer down get back past and stay ahead, with the eight-time World Champion right back on his rear wheel on the last two laps. A quality final tour ensured the Italian was just able to stay ahead, coming come P6 as Marquez took seventh.
Behind that battle but not by much, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) took his first Sprint points in P8, within a second of Marquez by the flag as his impressive Japanese GP continues. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) took the final Sprint point in P9. Teammate Aleix Espargaro, after fighting for fifth in the early stages, was forced to pull into pitlane and retire.
After all that, it’s just eight points in it at the top as Martin homes in. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a serious title fight! Tune in for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan Sunday showdown 15:00 (GMT +9)!
Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra broke the All-Time Lap Record and earned pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex, Chantra covered the 3.0-mile (4.8 km) course in 1:49.898 to top the field of 30 competitors. Chantra’s time also eclipsed Johann Zarco’s 2016 All-Time Lap Record of 1:49.961
American Joe Roberts qualified 11th with a 1:50.597 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, and fellow American Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) was 25th with a time of 1:51.608 on his Forward Racing machine.
The stage is set: Martin sets searing new pole record to head Bagnaia, Miller and Bezzecchi at Motegi
Friday’s freshly pressed lap record is already a memory as the number 89 comes out swinging on super Saturday, heading a host of serious contenders at the front
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 30 September 2023
Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) was absolutely untouchable in qualifying for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, setting a 1:43.198 new lap record to book a first class ticket to pole position. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) put in another impressive comeback under pressure in the final minutes to cut the gap to just 0.171 as the Championship leader takes second, with 2022 Motegi winner Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) completing the front row.
Q1: MARQUEZ VS QUARTARARO
As ever, it was a star-studded Q1 and one with plenty on the line for Honda and Yamaha on home turf. And it was Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) setting the early pace and trading fast laps on the first runs.
On take two, the number 93 shadowed El Diablo out of pitlane, setting in motion a tandem push for the top. But a late attack from Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) split the duo on the timesheets with just under two minutes remaining, and on the final lap around, Quartararo couldn’t hit back – with track limits also biting for the number 20.
Marquez kept his place at the top, the only rider in the 1:43s, with Raul Fernandez moving through in second.
Q2: SHOCK EARLY DRAMA
One headline was made almost immediately as Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) suddenly barreled out at Turn 13, rider ok but then facing a race back to the garage to try and reset. Meanwhile, Martin had taken over on top and Marquez, who had been following Bezzecchi, had latched on behind the number 89 instead.
Martin, however, was just on rails, and banged in that 1:43.198 to head the timing sheets ahead of Miller by more than half a second, three tenths quicker than Brad Binder’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) Friday lap record.
With seven minutes to go, Bezzecchi was back out, a little out of sync with the rest as the majority sat in the pitlane ready to head back out on Run 2. But once that second bite at the cherry began in earnest, the spotlight was instead on Bagnaia. He was within a tenth of Martin’s lap before making a late mistake and losing out, putting himself under some pressure to move up from fourth. But that he did, taking over in second next time round as he managed to cut the gap to the top to 0.171.
Miller improved again to end the session 0.353 off pole but on the outside of the front row, with the timing screens then largely dormant as few found late improvements. Bezzecchi, however, did manage to take fourth, just ahead of Binder.
THE GRID
Martin heads Bagnaia and Miller, with Bezzecchi right in the mix in fourth ahead of Binder. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) continued his impressive speed in Japan to take sixth, with Marquez heading Row 3 in seventh.
The eight-time World Champion is joined by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and teammate Aleix Espargaro, with Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) unable to move up from tenth. Raul Fernandez, from Q1, pipped Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) to P11.
Then comes Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), the first to miss out on Q2, with Quartararo down in P14 just ahead of Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) as the number 36 suffered a late crash in Q1 that put paid to a very hot lap.
The stage is most definitely set for some stunning racing! So you know what to do…
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer T.C. Christenson Passes Away
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame offers its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of 2005 Hall of Fame inductee T.C. Christenson, who passed away [at the age of 80] on Monday, Sept. 25.
A native of Kenosha, Wis., Christenson entered the world of motorcycling when he was 15 years old, purchasing a rundown Whizzer motorbike — which he had restored during the spring of 1959. Not long after, Christenson found his niche in drag racing.
Christenson’s love affair with drag racing began as a recreational pursuit, as he started out competing against friends on empty rural roads for bragging rights and cash. By 1963, Christenson delved into regulated racing at the local Union Grove Drag Strip, winning his very first sanctioned race.
From there, Christenson started racing aboard Nortons and began to work at Sunset Motors, a Norton dealership owned by John Gregory. Christenson and Gregory formed a dynamic duo with the Nortons, and Christenson emerged as one of the best drag racers in the Midwest during the mid-1960s. At the same time, Christenson also competed in road racing for Ducati.
In 1969, Christenson purchased the motorcycle dealership from Gregory, and the pairing continued to chase championships together by building 750cc drag racing bikes. From 1970-72, Christenson and Gregory developed a trio of twin-engine Nortons dubbed the Hogslayer, named for its ability to upset the dominant Harley-Davidson drag racers of the time.
The Hogslayer gained international fame following its construction, and Christenson and Gregory traveled to the United Kingdom on numerous occasions to demonstrate the bike on national television. The Hogslayer is now housed in the British National Motorcycle Museum in Bickenhill, England. In 2004, the Hogslayer was part of the NHRA’s “Golden 50” display at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Aboard the Hogslayer, Christenson grew into one of the fastest drag racers on Earth, earning the NHRA U.S. Nationals title during the 1972 season — the first campaign that included Fuel Bikes in the program. One year later, Christenson set the then-A/Fuel Bike elapsed time record with a 7.83-second run, which propelled him to the win at the NHRA National Motorcycle Record Championships.
Despite Norton ceasing production in 1975, Christenson claimed the official NHRA Fuel Bike National Championship in 1976. Although Christenson was able to subsidize his racing expenses through his motorcycle dealership for a few years after Norton’s closing, his racing career slowed down from that point forward with the emergence of supercharged single-engine Japanese bikes taking over the drag racing scene.
After his racing career, Christenson continued to run the Sunset Motors Dealership in Kenosha.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
Editorial Note: Americans Julian Correa (1:41.727) and Eli Banish (1:42.368) were 12th and 19th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup combined practice times Friday at Donington Park.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ryde reigns on opening day at Donington Park home round
Kyle Ryde is ready to take the fight to his Bennetts British Superbike Championship rivals at his home round of Donington Park this weekend as he upped the pace to maintain his position at the top of the combined times in the second Free Practice session.
The times tumbled in the afternoon and it was the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha pairing who were the targets for the chasing pack as Ryde snatched the top spot in the final ten seconds of the second session from teammate Ryan Vickers.
Championship leader Glenn Irwin on the BeerMonster Ducati posted the third fastest time to split the Yamahas, as Jason O’Halloran made it three Yamahas in the top four. Meanwhile his teammate and closest rival Tommy Bridewell was eleventh after a small crash at Goddards during the session as he bids to overhaul his teammate this weekend with the pair separated by just half a point.
Leon Haslam completed the top five for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team as Charlie Nesbitt surged into sixth for MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing.
Lee Jackson held onto seventh as Héctor Barberá had his strongest start to a weekend in eighth place for TAG Racing Honda with Christian Iddon and rookie Max Cook completing the top ten. Bridewell and Peter Hickman were the final riders who will progress directly into tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying 2 session as Luke Mossey and Davey Todd narrowly missed out.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Combined Free Practice times:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 1m:27.906s
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.049s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.124s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.219s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.346s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +0.365s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.444s
Hector Barbera (TAG Racing Honda) +0.618s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.653s
Max Cook (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.698s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.745s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.770s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Kyle Ryde
LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha
“Donington Park is my local track, my favourite track, and obviously I went quite well here last time with two wins, so the confidence was there straight away after just a few laps this morning. We tried many things to try and make the bike a lot better, but at the end we just had to put it back to how it was.
“I’m happy to top the times, but not happy with how the lap went or how difficult it was to do that, so it’s back to the drawing board tomorrow and we’ll go back to how it was.
“This is a great track for Yamaha and it’s a great track for myself as well, so blending in together hopefully we can take some big trophies home.”
Axel Bassani has been confirmed as a Kawasaki Racing Team rider for the 2024 season and beyond. He will join established KRT rider Alex Lowes to complete the team’s line up for next season on the official Ninja ZX-10RR.
Bassani (24) is one of the most exciting talents to rise from inside the WorldSBK paddock in recent years. He has amassed six podium finishes since he made the jump to WorldSBK racing in 2021, finishing ninth overall that year and scoring his first podium at KRT’s home round of Barcelona – Catalunya, on his MotoCorsa Ducati.
The ambitious and increasingly skilled Bassani would score three podiums the next season as he finished seventh overall. He was the top competitor in the Independent Riders’ standings in 2022, beating his closest opposition by over 100 points.
At time of writing he is fifth in the overall WorldSBK standings in 2023, and easily the best Independent Rider with two rounds to go.
His relative youth and obvious talent has made him an attractive proposition for many teams and with Jonathan Rea leaving the KRT set-up for 2024, Bassani was seen as the best prospect to be teamed up with Alex Lowes for a full campaign next year.
Bassani has scored six WorldSBK podiums already and is looking forward to having his first ride on the official KRT Ninja ZX-10RR machine once his contract with his current team expires.
Axel Bassani, stated: “I’m really happy for the important opportunity that Kawasaki is offering me. I will give the best of myself on and off the track to achieve the best possible results, hoping to give all the Kawasaki fans great emotions and satisfaction! I want to thank my family for the sacrifices made and Lorenzo Mauri for the path we have taken together which has allowed me to stand out in recent years. See you soon on the track.”
Guim Roda, Team Manager of KRT, stated: “Our 2024 strategy was set months ago, but Rea’s move made us rethink the organisational logic at KRT. We spoke internally with KMC and the decision was to take a younger rider with the potential to win races and who knew how to take advantage of all the KRT experience. His image is fresh, sincere, fun and has a lot of potential to represent Kawasaki’s image in the world. Alex Lowes will now need to apply all of his experience, while Axel will have a bit of time to learn. We are very happy with the structure we have proposed for 2024 and we are very motivated to enjoy racing and take advantage of the best aspects of the Ninja ZX-10RR. I hope the fans enjoy next season with this latest project we are working on.”
Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki Motors Europe, Race Planning Manager, stated: “While we continue to compete for wins and podiums in the remaining races of the 2023 season with Jonathan and Alex, already the Kawasaki Racing Team is long-term planning for next season. It is almost impossible to express the impact that Jonathan has had within the Kawasaki racing family and as he leaves us at the end of the season there is a golden opportunity for a rider new to our racing project to make an impression. We are delighted to have signed Axel and our feeling is that his impressive track record so far is only a small indication of his future potential. We look forward to realizing that potential and seeing him blossom on the KRT Ninja ZX-10RR.”
Shigemi Tanaka, General Manager of Marketing and Sales Division, Kawasaki Motors Ltd., Japan, concluded: “Our WorldSBK racing project has achieved multiple manufacturer and rider World Championships in recent years; first with Tom Sykes and then thanks to Jonathan Rea. The news that Jonathan will move elsewhere in 2024 signifies the end of one incredible chapter and the beginning of another in Kawasaki’s illustrious racing history. The global Kawasaki family welcomes the news that Axel Bassani joins the KRT racing project for the coming season and we are confident that, in partnership with Alex Lowes, we will once again field two exciting and success hungry riders on our iconic Ninja machinery in the 2024 WorldSBK Championship.”
Jorge Navarro led World Supersport Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the Spaniard lapped the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) course in 1:43.849 to lead the field of 32 riders.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport front runner Valentin Debise was fourth in FP2 with a lap at 1:44.137 on his GMT94 Yamaha.
Alvaro Bautista posted the best lap time in World Superbike Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, Bautista lapped the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) roller coaster of asphalt in 1:40.476 to top the field of 25 riders.
America Garrett Gerloff was second overall on Friday with the 1:40.763 he did on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR in FP1 in the morning.
Third-quickest overall Friday was Bautista’s teammate Michael Rinaldo, who turned a 1:40.827 on his Ducati in FP2.
Bautista blazes ahead on Friday in Portimao as Razgatlioglu faces challenges
Alvaro Bautista (1) and Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy Dorna.
In the opening day of the Pirelli Portuguese Round at Portimao, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) left no room for doubt about his title aspirations, topping the combined timesheets with a commanding performance. The Ducati rider’s dominance was evident as he led the pack by over a quarter of a second, setting a strong pace for the weekend. While Bautista shone, his main Championship rival, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), faced challenges and finished in ninth place in the combined standings.
Bautista asserted his title ambitions with authority by clocking a lap time of 1’40.476. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) shone brightly among the Independent riders, taking second place. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was another Ducati standout, securing third. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) finished the day in fourth place, demonstrating his intent to add to his impressive Portimao record. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) clinched fifth place. In sixth place, it was Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who impressed. Van der Mark’s consistent pace in sixth position bodes well for the upcoming races, as he aims to capitalize on his strong start in Portimao.
Bautista showcased his superiority in Portimao, leading both FP1 and FP2 with impressive times, emphasizing his intent to dominate the weekend and to extend his championship lead.
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“I’m so happy with Friday because already from this morning, I felt so good on the bike. In the morning, I was using the SC2 tire in the front, and it’s a tire that I usually don’t like. But in FP1, we normally use the tire a bit less, so the feeling wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t like with the SC1, especially in the long corner. I missed the line, and it wasn’t easy. Anyway, the feeling was good, and I was able to keep a consistent pace. Then in the afternoon, with more temperature out on track, we put the SC1 in front, and I felt much better. I could work on the race pace, and I did more than the race distance with the tire, and the pace was quite consistent. I didn’t drop a lap, and the feeling with the bike was good from the first to the last lap. It’s been a really positive day, and we didn’t need to change much on the bike. To have a matchpoint or not isn’t my target right now. I think it’s more important to enjoy the moment and try to give my best, and then we’ll see.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Razgatlioglu faced a challenging Friday at Portimao, sitting in ninth place on the combined times, seeking a rebound ahead of the weekend.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gerloff stood out as the top Independent rider, finishing second on the combined times, showcasing impressive pace.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reinforcing Ducati’s strong presence at the front is Rinaldi in third place. His performance could play a crucial role in the team’s success.
Stefano Manzi led World Supersport Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the Italian lapped the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) track in 1:44.190 to lead the field of 32 riders. Manzi’s lap time was very close to Raffaele De Rosa’s 2022 Race Lap Record of 1:44.123.
Six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea claimed pole position during World Superbike Superpole Qualifying Saturday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portugal. Riding his factory Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, the Ulsterman lapped the 2.8-mile (4.6 km) road course in 1:39.620, which was just short of his own All-Time Lap Record of 1:36.610.
Rea’s teammate Alex Lowes was second-best with a 1:39.762, and Andrea Locatelli earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:39.872 on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1.
American Garrett Gerloff qualified 12th with a 1:40.385 on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Jorge Martin won the MotoGP World Championship Sprint Race Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Starting from pole position on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, the Spaniard won the 12-lap race by 1.390 seconds.
Brad Binder was the runner-up on his Red Bull KTM RC 16, and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia finished third on his Lenovo Team Ducati.
The results of the Sprint Race reduced Bagnaia’s lead in the World Championship to just eight points over Martin.
Eight points in it: Martin outruns Binder as Bagnaia vs Miller writes some poetry in the podium fight
It’s getting CLOSE! The Pramac rider’s momentum grows again with another Sprint win as Binder grabs second and Pecco gets the gloves off with Miller
Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 30 September 2023
If Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) wins the Grand Prix race at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) doesn’t follow him home, we’ll have a new Championship leader in MotoGP™ – such is the momentum carried by the number 89, who won the Tissot Sprint at Motegi in style. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was off like a shot to make a good run of it in the early stages, ultimately taking second for some more silverware, with Bagnaia completing the podium after going toe-to-toe in a spectacular duel against former teammate Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
The best start on the front row came from polesitter Martin as he shot forward for the holeshot, with Miller out-dragging Pecco for second as Binder then also managed to slot up the inside of the reigning Champion into third. As ever, the KTMs made it game on early doors.
Binder wasn’t for sitting behind teammate Miller for long though, taking over in second after a brutal but fair move and then tagging onto the rear wheel of Martin. Almost immediately, the two were creating a small but real gap, leaving Miller between that lead duo and another comprising Bagnaia and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
By third race distance, Martin and Binder were starting to pull the pin. Miller was then left looking over his shoulder as Bagnaia homed in, with Marquez also losing ground to the duo ahead of him – making it two duels at the front followed by what was becoming an increasingly close fight for fifth headed by an eight-time World Champion.
On Lap 6, there was a first real move in that fight as Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) attacked and passed Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), the young Italian then able to lock on to Marquez almost immediately. Bezzecchi feinted a couple of moves before committing to a lunge, but ultimately overcooked it and sent both of them wide, letting a fast-starting Zarco back through and allowing Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) to split the duo too.
Up ahead, Martin was on the march by the final few laps, with Binder in a secure second and Bagnaia still wrapped up behind Miller, keenly looking for a way past. He saw one and took it on Lap 9, but the Australian wasn’t having it. And so began a poetic and epic scrap to complete the Sprint podium, with both sideways, squiggly, and absolutely on the limit until a final and decisive move on the penultimate lap saw Miller forced to cede.
The Australian then watched the Ducati just edge out of reach, forced to settle for fourth and forced to keep it pinned thereafter too as a late charge from Zarco started to reel him in.
Just up the road, Martin managed to hold on to just over a second of breathing space ahead of Binder, with the two taking the top two steps on Saturday as Bagnaia came home third to complete the Sprint rostrum. Behind, Miller did manage to hold off Zarco’s late threat, with the Australian taking fourth by a tenth.
After his earlier ambition outweighed track limits when attacking Marquez, Bezzecchi had to get the hammer down get back past and stay ahead, with the eight-time World Champion right back on his rear wheel on the last two laps. A quality final tour ensured the Italian was just able to stay ahead, coming come P6 as Marquez took seventh.
Behind that battle but not by much, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) took his first Sprint points in P8, within a second of Marquez by the flag as his impressive Japanese GP continues. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) took the final Sprint point in P9. Teammate Aleix Espargaro, after fighting for fifth in the early stages, was forced to pull into pitlane and retire.
After all that, it’s just eight points in it at the top as Martin homes in. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a serious title fight! Tune in for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan Sunday showdown 15:00 (GMT +9)!
Thailand’s Somkiat Chantra broke the All-Time Lap Record and earned pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex, Chantra covered the 3.0-mile (4.8 km) course in 1:49.898 to top the field of 30 competitors. Chantra’s time also eclipsed Johann Zarco’s 2016 All-Time Lap Record of 1:49.961
American Joe Roberts qualified 11th with a 1:50.597 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, and fellow American Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) was 25th with a time of 1:51.608 on his Forward Racing machine.
The stage is set: Martin sets searing new pole record to head Bagnaia, Miller and Bezzecchi at Motegi
Friday’s freshly pressed lap record is already a memory as the number 89 comes out swinging on super Saturday, heading a host of serious contenders at the front
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 30 September 2023
Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) was absolutely untouchable in qualifying for the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, setting a 1:43.198 new lap record to book a first class ticket to pole position. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) put in another impressive comeback under pressure in the final minutes to cut the gap to just 0.171 as the Championship leader takes second, with 2022 Motegi winner Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) completing the front row.
Q1: MARQUEZ VS QUARTARARO
As ever, it was a star-studded Q1 and one with plenty on the line for Honda and Yamaha on home turf. And it was Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) setting the early pace and trading fast laps on the first runs.
On take two, the number 93 shadowed El Diablo out of pitlane, setting in motion a tandem push for the top. But a late attack from Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) split the duo on the timesheets with just under two minutes remaining, and on the final lap around, Quartararo couldn’t hit back – with track limits also biting for the number 20.
Marquez kept his place at the top, the only rider in the 1:43s, with Raul Fernandez moving through in second.
Q2: SHOCK EARLY DRAMA
One headline was made almost immediately as Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) suddenly barreled out at Turn 13, rider ok but then facing a race back to the garage to try and reset. Meanwhile, Martin had taken over on top and Marquez, who had been following Bezzecchi, had latched on behind the number 89 instead.
Martin, however, was just on rails, and banged in that 1:43.198 to head the timing sheets ahead of Miller by more than half a second, three tenths quicker than Brad Binder’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) Friday lap record.
With seven minutes to go, Bezzecchi was back out, a little out of sync with the rest as the majority sat in the pitlane ready to head back out on Run 2. But once that second bite at the cherry began in earnest, the spotlight was instead on Bagnaia. He was within a tenth of Martin’s lap before making a late mistake and losing out, putting himself under some pressure to move up from fourth. But that he did, taking over in second next time round as he managed to cut the gap to the top to 0.171.
Miller improved again to end the session 0.353 off pole but on the outside of the front row, with the timing screens then largely dormant as few found late improvements. Bezzecchi, however, did manage to take fourth, just ahead of Binder.
THE GRID
Martin heads Bagnaia and Miller, with Bezzecchi right in the mix in fourth ahead of Binder. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) continued his impressive speed in Japan to take sixth, with Marquez heading Row 3 in seventh.
The eight-time World Champion is joined by Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and teammate Aleix Espargaro, with Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) unable to move up from tenth. Raul Fernandez, from Q1, pipped Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) to P11.
Then comes Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), the first to miss out on Q2, with Quartararo down in P14 just ahead of Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) as the number 36 suffered a late crash in Q1 that put paid to a very hot lap.
The stage is most definitely set for some stunning racing! So you know what to do…
T.C. Christenson, R.I.P. Photo courtesy AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer T.C. Christenson Passes Away
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame offers its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of 2005 Hall of Fame inductee T.C. Christenson, who passed away [at the age of 80] on Monday, Sept. 25.
A native of Kenosha, Wis., Christenson entered the world of motorcycling when he was 15 years old, purchasing a rundown Whizzer motorbike — which he had restored during the spring of 1959. Not long after, Christenson found his niche in drag racing.
Christenson’s love affair with drag racing began as a recreational pursuit, as he started out competing against friends on empty rural roads for bragging rights and cash. By 1963, Christenson delved into regulated racing at the local Union Grove Drag Strip, winning his very first sanctioned race.
From there, Christenson started racing aboard Nortons and began to work at Sunset Motors, a Norton dealership owned by John Gregory. Christenson and Gregory formed a dynamic duo with the Nortons, and Christenson emerged as one of the best drag racers in the Midwest during the mid-1960s. At the same time, Christenson also competed in road racing for Ducati.
In 1969, Christenson purchased the motorcycle dealership from Gregory, and the pairing continued to chase championships together by building 750cc drag racing bikes. From 1970-72, Christenson and Gregory developed a trio of twin-engine Nortons dubbed the Hogslayer, named for its ability to upset the dominant Harley-Davidson drag racers of the time.
The Hogslayer gained international fame following its construction, and Christenson and Gregory traveled to the United Kingdom on numerous occasions to demonstrate the bike on national television. The Hogslayer is now housed in the British National Motorcycle Museum in Bickenhill, England. In 2004, the Hogslayer was part of the NHRA’s “Golden 50” display at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Aboard the Hogslayer, Christenson grew into one of the fastest drag racers on Earth, earning the NHRA U.S. Nationals title during the 1972 season — the first campaign that included Fuel Bikes in the program. One year later, Christenson set the then-A/Fuel Bike elapsed time record with a 7.83-second run, which propelled him to the win at the NHRA National Motorcycle Record Championships.
Despite Norton ceasing production in 1975, Christenson claimed the official NHRA Fuel Bike National Championship in 1976. Although Christenson was able to subsidize his racing expenses through his motorcycle dealership for a few years after Norton’s closing, his racing career slowed down from that point forward with the emergence of supercharged single-engine Japanese bikes taking over the drag racing scene.
After his racing career, Christenson continued to run the Sunset Motors Dealership in Kenosha.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.
Editorial Note: Americans Julian Correa (1:41.727) and Eli Banish (1:42.368) were 12th and 19th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup combined practice times Friday at Donington Park.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Ryde reigns on opening day at Donington Park home round
Kyle Ryde is ready to take the fight to his Bennetts British Superbike Championship rivals at his home round of Donington Park this weekend as he upped the pace to maintain his position at the top of the combined times in the second Free Practice session.
The times tumbled in the afternoon and it was the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha pairing who were the targets for the chasing pack as Ryde snatched the top spot in the final ten seconds of the second session from teammate Ryan Vickers.
Championship leader Glenn Irwin on the BeerMonster Ducati posted the third fastest time to split the Yamahas, as Jason O’Halloran made it three Yamahas in the top four. Meanwhile his teammate and closest rival Tommy Bridewell was eleventh after a small crash at Goddards during the session as he bids to overhaul his teammate this weekend with the pair separated by just half a point.
Leon Haslam completed the top five for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team as Charlie Nesbitt surged into sixth for MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing.
Lee Jackson held onto seventh as Héctor Barberá had his strongest start to a weekend in eighth place for TAG Racing Honda with Christian Iddon and rookie Max Cook completing the top ten. Bridewell and Peter Hickman were the final riders who will progress directly into tomorrow’s eBay Qualifying 2 session as Luke Mossey and Davey Todd narrowly missed out.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Combined Free Practice times:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 1m:27.906s
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.049s
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.124s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.219s
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.346s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +0.365s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.444s
Hector Barbera (TAG Racing Honda) +0.618s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.653s
Max Cook (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +0.698s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +0.745s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +0.770s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Kyle Ryde
LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha
“Donington Park is my local track, my favourite track, and obviously I went quite well here last time with two wins, so the confidence was there straight away after just a few laps this morning. We tried many things to try and make the bike a lot better, but at the end we just had to put it back to how it was.
“I’m happy to top the times, but not happy with how the lap went or how difficult it was to do that, so it’s back to the drawing board tomorrow and we’ll go back to how it was.
“This is a great track for Yamaha and it’s a great track for myself as well, so blending in together hopefully we can take some big trophies home.”
Axel Bassani with his new Kawasaki contract. Photo courtesy Kawasaki Motors Europe.
Axel Bassani To Join KRT
Axel Bassani has been confirmed as a Kawasaki Racing Team rider for the 2024 season and beyond. He will join established KRT rider Alex Lowes to complete the team’s line up for next season on the official Ninja ZX-10RR.
Bassani (24) is one of the most exciting talents to rise from inside the WorldSBK paddock in recent years. He has amassed six podium finishes since he made the jump to WorldSBK racing in 2021, finishing ninth overall that year and scoring his first podium at KRT’s home round of Barcelona – Catalunya, on his MotoCorsa Ducati.
The ambitious and increasingly skilled Bassani would score three podiums the next season as he finished seventh overall. He was the top competitor in the Independent Riders’ standings in 2022, beating his closest opposition by over 100 points.
At time of writing he is fifth in the overall WorldSBK standings in 2023, and easily the best Independent Rider with two rounds to go.
His relative youth and obvious talent has made him an attractive proposition for many teams and with Jonathan Rea leaving the KRT set-up for 2024, Bassani was seen as the best prospect to be teamed up with Alex Lowes for a full campaign next year.
Bassani has scored six WorldSBK podiums already and is looking forward to having his first ride on the official KRT Ninja ZX-10RR machine once his contract with his current team expires.
Axel Bassani, stated: “I’m really happy for the important opportunity that Kawasaki is offering me. I will give the best of myself on and off the track to achieve the best possible results, hoping to give all the Kawasaki fans great emotions and satisfaction! I want to thank my family for the sacrifices made and Lorenzo Mauri for the path we have taken together which has allowed me to stand out in recent years. See you soon on the track.”
Guim Roda, Team Manager of KRT, stated: “Our 2024 strategy was set months ago, but Rea’s move made us rethink the organisational logic at KRT. We spoke internally with KMC and the decision was to take a younger rider with the potential to win races and who knew how to take advantage of all the KRT experience. His image is fresh, sincere, fun and has a lot of potential to represent Kawasaki’s image in the world. Alex Lowes will now need to apply all of his experience, while Axel will have a bit of time to learn. We are very happy with the structure we have proposed for 2024 and we are very motivated to enjoy racing and take advantage of the best aspects of the Ninja ZX-10RR. I hope the fans enjoy next season with this latest project we are working on.”
Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki Motors Europe, Race Planning Manager, stated: “While we continue to compete for wins and podiums in the remaining races of the 2023 season with Jonathan and Alex, already the Kawasaki Racing Team is long-term planning for next season. It is almost impossible to express the impact that Jonathan has had within the Kawasaki racing family and as he leaves us at the end of the season there is a golden opportunity for a rider new to our racing project to make an impression. We are delighted to have signed Axel and our feeling is that his impressive track record so far is only a small indication of his future potential. We look forward to realizing that potential and seeing him blossom on the KRT Ninja ZX-10RR.”
Shigemi Tanaka, General Manager of Marketing and Sales Division, Kawasaki Motors Ltd., Japan, concluded: “Our WorldSBK racing project has achieved multiple manufacturer and rider World Championships in recent years; first with Tom Sykes and then thanks to Jonathan Rea. The news that Jonathan will move elsewhere in 2024 signifies the end of one incredible chapter and the beginning of another in Kawasaki’s illustrious racing history. The global Kawasaki family welcomes the news that Axel Bassani joins the KRT racing project for the coming season and we are confident that, in partnership with Alex Lowes, we will once again field two exciting and success hungry riders on our iconic Ninja machinery in the 2024 WorldSBK Championship.”
Jorge Navarro (9). Photo courtesy Ten Kate Racing.
Jorge Navarro led World Supersport Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the Spaniard lapped the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) course in 1:43.849 to lead the field of 32 riders.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport front runner Valentin Debise was fourth in FP2 with a lap at 1:44.137 on his GMT94 Yamaha.
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Aruba.it Racing Ducati.
Alvaro Bautista posted the best lap time in World Superbike Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, Bautista lapped the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) roller coaster of asphalt in 1:40.476 to top the field of 25 riders.
America Garrett Gerloff was second overall on Friday with the 1:40.763 he did on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR in FP1 in the morning.
Third-quickest overall Friday was Bautista’s teammate Michael Rinaldo, who turned a 1:40.827 on his Ducati in FP2.
Bautista blazes ahead on Friday in Portimao as Razgatlioglu faces challenges
Alvaro Bautista (1) and Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy Dorna.
In the opening day of the Pirelli Portuguese Round at Portimao, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) left no room for doubt about his title aspirations, topping the combined timesheets with a commanding performance. The Ducati rider’s dominance was evident as he led the pack by over a quarter of a second, setting a strong pace for the weekend. While Bautista shone, his main Championship rival, Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), faced challenges and finished in ninth place in the combined standings.
Bautista asserted his title ambitions with authority by clocking a lap time of 1’40.476. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) shone brightly among the Independent riders, taking second place. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was another Ducati standout, securing third. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) finished the day in fourth place, demonstrating his intent to add to his impressive Portimao record. Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) clinched fifth place. In sixth place, it was Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who impressed. Van der Mark’s consistent pace in sixth position bodes well for the upcoming races, as he aims to capitalize on his strong start in Portimao.
Bautista showcased his superiority in Portimao, leading both FP1 and FP2 with impressive times, emphasizing his intent to dominate the weekend and to extend his championship lead.
Alvaro Bautista (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“I’m so happy with Friday because already from this morning, I felt so good on the bike. In the morning, I was using the SC2 tire in the front, and it’s a tire that I usually don’t like. But in FP1, we normally use the tire a bit less, so the feeling wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t like with the SC1, especially in the long corner. I missed the line, and it wasn’t easy. Anyway, the feeling was good, and I was able to keep a consistent pace. Then in the afternoon, with more temperature out on track, we put the SC1 in front, and I felt much better. I could work on the race pace, and I did more than the race distance with the tire, and the pace was quite consistent. I didn’t drop a lap, and the feeling with the bike was good from the first to the last lap. It’s been a really positive day, and we didn’t need to change much on the bike. To have a matchpoint or not isn’t my target right now. I think it’s more important to enjoy the moment and try to give my best, and then we’ll see.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Razgatlioglu faced a challenging Friday at Portimao, sitting in ninth place on the combined times, seeking a rebound ahead of the weekend.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gerloff stood out as the top Independent rider, finishing second on the combined times, showcasing impressive pace.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Reinforcing Ducati’s strong presence at the front is Rinaldi in third place. His performance could play a crucial role in the team’s success.
Stefano Manzi (62). Photo courtesy Ten Kate Racing.
Stefano Manzi led World Supersport Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the Italian lapped the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) track in 1:44.190 to lead the field of 32 riders. Manzi’s lap time was very close to Raffaele De Rosa’s 2022 Race Lap Record of 1:44.123.
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