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MotoGP : M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP : M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon At COTA

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

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

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

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

 

Classification practice motogp

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

WET START: getting a feel for track conditions

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

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

LATE DRAMA: yellow flags and huge improvements

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

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

Q1 JUNGLE: a heavyweight scrap to move into Q2

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

MotoAmerica: Di Mario Tops Friday Talent Cup Practice In Austin

Michael Gougis
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MotoAmerica: Di Mario Tops Friday Talent Cup Practice In Austin

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

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

 

Talent Cup 25_4_COTAGP_TCP_P1_res

Moto2 : Dixon Quickest Friday Afternoon in Austin

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto2 : Dixon Quickest Friday Afternoon in Austin

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

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

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

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

Classification practice moto2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FULL RESULTS!

Moto3 : Bertelle Is Best Friday Afternoon in Texas

Mathilde Gasnier
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Moto3 : Bertelle Is Best Friday Afternoon in Texas

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

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

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

Classification PR moto3

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Record Sales In 2024

Michael Gougis
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Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Record Sales In 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Superbike: Bimota KB998 Goes On Sale April 9

Michael Gougis
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World Superbike: Bimota KB998 Goes On Sale April 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alpinestars Releases Francesco Bagnaia Limited Edition Supertech R Boots

Michael Gougis
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Alpinestars Releases Francesco Bagnaia Limited Edition Supertech R Boots

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

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

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

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

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

-FRANCESCO BAGNAIA

EUR 649.95 / USD 649.95

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

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

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

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

MotoGP : Morbidelli Heads Opening Practice At COTA

Mathilde Gasnier
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MotoGP : Morbidelli Heads Opening Practice At COTA

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

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

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

Classification motogp fp1

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

WorldSBK : Razgatlioglu Heads Friday Practice At Portimao

Mathilde Gasnier
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WorldSBK : Razgatlioglu Heads Friday Practice At Portimao

Toprak Razgatlioglu led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR on spec Pirelli tires, the 2024 WorldSuperbike Champion covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:39.995 to lead the field of 23 riders.

Rookie, Nicolo Bulega was second-best with a 1:40.294 on his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Razgatlioglu’s teammate, Michael Van Der Mark was third with a 1:40.506.

Danilo Petrucci was 6th on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Ducati Panigale V4R with a lap time of 1:40.757. 

American Garrett Gerloff was 19th with a time of 1:42.009 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

WSBK FP2 Results

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Razgatlioglu misses FP1, tops FP2 as WorldSBK hits Portimao on Friday, Bulega and van der Mark complete top three. The reigning Champion missed all of Free Practice 1, but it didn’t impact him in FP2 as he topped the times by three tenths ahead of Bulega.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) is the rider to beat after Friday’s MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action after he set a 1’39.995s to claim P1 ahead of rival Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The Turkish superstar set no times in FP1 due to a technical issue but responded in style in FP2 for the Pirelli Portuguese Round with the only 1’39s lap of the day, with Bulega trailing the #1 by three tenths at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

RAZGATLIOGLU BOUNCES BACK: No FP1, no problem for the #1…

The day got off to a terrible start for Razgatlioglu, with just one out lap completed in FP1 thanks to a technical issue. However, in FP2, the #1 was back out on track – and one of the first riders to hit the track – and it didn’t take him long to be towards the top of the timesheets. He moved into P2 with his first flying lap with a 1’40.735s as he embarked on the first of two 10-lap stints as he traded times with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). He later improved to a 1’40.637s on that first run before his times dropped off as the stint progressed. With 12 minutes remaining, ‘El Turco’ set a 1’40.089s to move into a provisional P1 before improving to a 1’39.995s for the first lap in the 1’39s bracket this weekend. Teammate Michael van der Mark put in a late lap of a 1’40.506s to ensure both BMWs were in the top three, lapping more than half a second slower than Razgatlioglu.

BULEGA AS CONSISTENT AS EVER: can he take the fight to ‘El Turco’?

Bulega’s pace and consistency were remarkable during FP2 as he set laps in the 1’46.6s before dropping into the 1’46.7s towards the end of his first run, with his best time in that stint a 1’40.620s to beat ‘El Turco’ in the first half of the session by just 0.017s. in his second run, the #11 found even more time, improving to a 1’40.483s before setting a 1’40.294s for his fastest time of the day. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) was the second fastest Ducati with a 1’40.595s although he crashed at Turn 5 towards the end of FP2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fifth, just a tenth behind Iannone in fourth, while Barni Spark Racing Team duo Danilo Petrucci and Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) were sixth and seventh respectively; Bautista, Petrucci and Montella were separated by less than a tenth. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) moved into ninth with a late lap in FP2 after his team worked quickly to fix an electrical issue that developed with around 15 minutes to go. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) finished in 17th place in the combined classification; he crashed at Turn 13 in FP1.

BIMOTA IN THE MIX? Close to the Independent Ducatis ahead…

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the lead Bimota rider on Friday as he finished in tenth place with a 1’40.872s, 0.877s down on Razgatlioglu, although the #22 had been running in the top three in the early stages of FP2. Across the box, Axel Bassani had used a fresh tyre at the end of FP1 to claim P3 in that session, but he was the only rider not to improve his time in FP2. Bassani’s fastest time was a 1’41.046s, while he was two tenths slower in the second session.

SUPERCONCECCSIONS FOR YAMAHA: the development continues, Locatelli leads their way

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the lead Yamaha rider across Friday’s action as he finished in 11th place with a 1’41.035s, 1.040s down on Bulega’s time, while Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was just six hundredths away from ‘Loka’ in 13th place. Dominique Aegerter was two places down on teammate Remy Gardner while Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu were 20th and 21st respectively; Rabat had an FP1 crash at Turn 8. Jason O’Halloran, standing in for the still-recovering Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha), was 22nd as he got his hands on the Yamaha R1 in WorldSBK spec for the first time; he improved his time by almost two seconds between FP1 and FP2. Yamaha have new superconcession parts for this weekend on the chassis, using them for the first time at Portimao.

VIERGE AHEAD OF LECUONA: not much between the pair

Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) led Honda’s charge as he took 14th place with a 1’41.143s, while teammate Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) was 16th and six tenths down on the #97. Lecuona is making his return from injury this weekend as he looks to help Honda’s continued development on the CBR1000RR-R. It’s the same for Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) as he finished in 18th place with a 1’41.904s, while his teammate, Zaqhwan Zaidi, was 23rd.

GERLOFF IN 19TH: technical issues in FP1 for the American

Kawasaki’s sole rider in 2025, Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team), was 19th with a 1’42.009s, although he did have issues in FP1. He lost time in the morning session with a technical issue which cost him valuable running time, but FP2 was trouble-free as he worked on the ZX-10RR.

The top six from Friday’s WorldSBK action, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’39.995s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.299s

3. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.511s

4. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) +0.600s

5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.711s

6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.762s

Don’t miss any of Saturday’s action, including FP3, Tissot Superpole and Race 1, from 09:00 Local Time (UTC+0) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

 

 

Italian CIV: American Jayden Fernandez Testing With Team MMR

Trudy Ulrich
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Italian CIV: American Jayden Fernandez Testing With Team MMR

JAYDEN FERNANDEZ READY FOR HIS FIRST TEST WITH TEAM MMR AND THE NEW APRILIA RS660 TROFEO

On Sunday, March 30, at the Cremona Circuit, young American talent Jayden Fernandez will officially kick off his first racing season in Europe. This marks a major step for Jayden, who comes from the MotoAmerica Junior Cup, where he finished the 2024 season in sixth place overall. Like several other young American riders, he has decided to continue his career in Europe, where the championships are more competitive and serve as a crucial pathway for a rider’s development.

In 2025, Jayden will compete in the Italian CIV Championship – Aprilia RS660 Trofeo with Team MMR, led by Massimiliano Morlacchi and directly supported by Aprilia Racing. The season will begin with an official test at the Cremona Circuit, organized by the team, where Jayden will have the opportunity to ride the new Aprilia RS660 Trofeo for the first time. This test will be essential for him to get familiar with the bike and work with the team to find a base setup that will allow him to be competitive right away.

After the test, Jayden will head straight to Misano Adriatico, where the first CIV race weekend will take place from April 4 to April 6.

Jayden Fernandez:
“I’m really happy and excited to continue my career in such a competitive championship like the Italian CIV. I’ll give my best to achieve the best possible results. I’m proud to be part of Team MMR, which is recognized as one of the top teams in the championship, and I’ll do my best to meet their expectations.”

MotoGP : M.Marquez Fastest Friday Afternoon At COTA

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

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

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

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

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

 

Classification practice motogp

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

WET START: getting a feel for track conditions

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

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

LATE DRAMA: yellow flags and huge improvements

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

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

Q1 JUNGLE: a heavyweight scrap to move into Q2

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

MotoAmerica: Di Mario Tops Friday Talent Cup Practice In Austin

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

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

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

 

Talent Cup 25_4_COTAGP_TCP_P1_res

Moto2 : Dixon Quickest Friday Afternoon in Austin

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

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

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

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

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

Classification practice moto2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FULL RESULTS!

Moto3 : Bertelle Is Best Friday Afternoon in Texas

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

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

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

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

Classification PR moto3

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Record Sales In 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Superbike: Bimota KB998 Goes On Sale April 9

The bimota KB998. Photo courtesy bimota.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alpinestars Releases Francesco Bagnaia Limited Edition Supertech R Boots

The new limited edition Francesco Bagnaia Alpinestars Supertech R racing boots, in front of the 2006 Team Roberts 990cc KR211V on display at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas. Photo by Michael Gougis.

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

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

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

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

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

-FRANCESCO BAGNAIA

EUR 649.95 / USD 649.95

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

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

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

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

MotoGP : Morbidelli Heads Opening Practice At COTA

Franco Morbidelli (21). Photo by Michael Gougis.

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

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

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

Classification motogp fp1

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

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

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

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

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

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

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

WorldSBK : Razgatlioglu Heads Friday Practice At Portimao

Toprak Razgatlioglu fastest in FP2 at Portimao. Photo courtesy ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
Toprak Razgatlioglu fastest in FP2 at Portimao. Photo courtesy ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

Toprak Razgatlioglu led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR on spec Pirelli tires, the 2024 WorldSuperbike Champion covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:39.995 to lead the field of 23 riders.

Rookie, Nicolo Bulega was second-best with a 1:40.294 on his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Razgatlioglu’s teammate, Michael Van Der Mark was third with a 1:40.506.

Danilo Petrucci was 6th on his Barni Spark Racing Ducati Ducati Panigale V4R with a lap time of 1:40.757. 

American Garrett Gerloff was 19th with a time of 1:42.009 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

WSBK FP2 Results

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Razgatlioglu misses FP1, tops FP2 as WorldSBK hits Portimao on Friday, Bulega and van der Mark complete top three. The reigning Champion missed all of Free Practice 1, but it didn’t impact him in FP2 as he topped the times by three tenths ahead of Bulega.

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) is the rider to beat after Friday’s MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship action after he set a 1’39.995s to claim P1 ahead of rival Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The Turkish superstar set no times in FP1 due to a technical issue but responded in style in FP2 for the Pirelli Portuguese Round with the only 1’39s lap of the day, with Bulega trailing the #1 by three tenths at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

RAZGATLIOGLU BOUNCES BACK: No FP1, no problem for the #1…

The day got off to a terrible start for Razgatlioglu, with just one out lap completed in FP1 thanks to a technical issue. However, in FP2, the #1 was back out on track – and one of the first riders to hit the track – and it didn’t take him long to be towards the top of the timesheets. He moved into P2 with his first flying lap with a 1’40.735s as he embarked on the first of two 10-lap stints as he traded times with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). He later improved to a 1’40.637s on that first run before his times dropped off as the stint progressed. With 12 minutes remaining, ‘El Turco’ set a 1’40.089s to move into a provisional P1 before improving to a 1’39.995s for the first lap in the 1’39s bracket this weekend. Teammate Michael van der Mark put in a late lap of a 1’40.506s to ensure both BMWs were in the top three, lapping more than half a second slower than Razgatlioglu.

BULEGA AS CONSISTENT AS EVER: can he take the fight to ‘El Turco’?

Bulega’s pace and consistency were remarkable during FP2 as he set laps in the 1’46.6s before dropping into the 1’46.7s towards the end of his first run, with his best time in that stint a 1’40.620s to beat ‘El Turco’ in the first half of the session by just 0.017s. in his second run, the #11 found even more time, improving to a 1’40.483s before setting a 1’40.294s for his fastest time of the day. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) was the second fastest Ducati with a 1’40.595s although he crashed at Turn 5 towards the end of FP2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was fifth, just a tenth behind Iannone in fourth, while Barni Spark Racing Team duo Danilo Petrucci and Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) were sixth and seventh respectively; Bautista, Petrucci and Montella were separated by less than a tenth. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) moved into ninth with a late lap in FP2 after his team worked quickly to fix an electrical issue that developed with around 15 minutes to go. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) finished in 17th place in the combined classification; he crashed at Turn 13 in FP1.

BIMOTA IN THE MIX? Close to the Independent Ducatis ahead…

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) was the lead Bimota rider on Friday as he finished in tenth place with a 1’40.872s, 0.877s down on Razgatlioglu, although the #22 had been running in the top three in the early stages of FP2. Across the box, Axel Bassani had used a fresh tyre at the end of FP1 to claim P3 in that session, but he was the only rider not to improve his time in FP2. Bassani’s fastest time was a 1’41.046s, while he was two tenths slower in the second session.

SUPERCONCECCSIONS FOR YAMAHA: the development continues, Locatelli leads their way

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) was the lead Yamaha rider across Friday’s action as he finished in 11th place with a 1’41.035s, 1.040s down on Bulega’s time, while Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was just six hundredths away from ‘Loka’ in 13th place. Dominique Aegerter was two places down on teammate Remy Gardner while Tito Rabat (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and teammate Bahattin Sofuoglu were 20th and 21st respectively; Rabat had an FP1 crash at Turn 8. Jason O’Halloran, standing in for the still-recovering Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha), was 22nd as he got his hands on the Yamaha R1 in WorldSBK spec for the first time; he improved his time by almost two seconds between FP1 and FP2. Yamaha have new superconcession parts for this weekend on the chassis, using them for the first time at Portimao.

VIERGE AHEAD OF LECUONA: not much between the pair

Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) led Honda’s charge as he took 14th place with a 1’41.143s, while teammate Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC) was 16th and six tenths down on the #97. Lecuona is making his return from injury this weekend as he looks to help Honda’s continued development on the CBR1000RR-R. It’s the same for Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) as he finished in 18th place with a 1’41.904s, while his teammate, Zaqhwan Zaidi, was 23rd.

GERLOFF IN 19TH: technical issues in FP1 for the American

Kawasaki’s sole rider in 2025, Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team), was 19th with a 1’42.009s, although he did have issues in FP1. He lost time in the morning session with a technical issue which cost him valuable running time, but FP2 was trouble-free as he worked on the ZX-10RR.

The top six from Friday’s WorldSBK action, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’39.995s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.299s

3. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.511s

4. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) +0.600s

5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.711s

6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.762s

Don’t miss any of Saturday’s action, including FP3, Tissot Superpole and Race 1, from 09:00 Local Time (UTC+0) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!

 

 

Italian CIV: American Jayden Fernandez Testing With Team MMR

American Jayden Fernandez is riding in the CIV Italian Series for Team MMR. MMR photo.

JAYDEN FERNANDEZ READY FOR HIS FIRST TEST WITH TEAM MMR AND THE NEW APRILIA RS660 TROFEO

On Sunday, March 30, at the Cremona Circuit, young American talent Jayden Fernandez will officially kick off his first racing season in Europe. This marks a major step for Jayden, who comes from the MotoAmerica Junior Cup, where he finished the 2024 season in sixth place overall. Like several other young American riders, he has decided to continue his career in Europe, where the championships are more competitive and serve as a crucial pathway for a rider’s development.

In 2025, Jayden will compete in the Italian CIV Championship – Aprilia RS660 Trofeo with Team MMR, led by Massimiliano Morlacchi and directly supported by Aprilia Racing. The season will begin with an official test at the Cremona Circuit, organized by the team, where Jayden will have the opportunity to ride the new Aprilia RS660 Trofeo for the first time. This test will be essential for him to get familiar with the bike and work with the team to find a base setup that will allow him to be competitive right away.

After the test, Jayden will head straight to Misano Adriatico, where the first CIV race weekend will take place from April 4 to April 6.

Jayden Fernandez:
“I’m really happy and excited to continue my career in such a competitive championship like the Italian CIV. I’ll give my best to achieve the best possible results. I’m proud to be part of Team MMR, which is recognized as one of the top teams in the championship, and I’ll do my best to meet their expectations.”

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