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World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Takes Pole For Suzuka 8-Hours

David Swarts
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World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Takes Pole For Suzuka 8-Hours
S0RDY40n00S5tth0S2NyEpehpT5UKl-metaU3V6dWthIDggSG91cnMgVG9wIDEwIFRyaWFsIGZpbmFsIHJhbmtpbmcucGRm-
 Final Qualifying Results

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by FIM EWC:

TEAM HRC CHARGES TO EWC SUZUKA 8 HOURS POLE WITH THRILLING TOP 10 TRIAL TRIUMPH

*Honda-powered squad all set to line up at the front for Japan’s famous EWC counter

*YART Yamaha quickest in qualifying and boosts EWC title advantage with bonus score

*TOHO Racing completes top three ahead of SDG Honda and Yoshimura SERT Motul

*Drama for F.C.C. TSR Honda France as new recruit Mackenzie falls in Top 10 Trial

*Suzuka’s iconic 8 Hours will be broadcast live on TV and around the world on Sunday

(5 August 2023): Team HRC with Japan Post has won the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race Top 10 Trial to secure pole position for tomorrow’s third round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship.

Its riders Xavi Vierge and Tetsuta Nagashima combined to beat Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team pairing of Karel Hanika and Marvin Fritz as Ryuichi Kiyonari and Ikuhiro Enokido joined forces to claim third for TOHO Racing following the thrilling one-at-a-time shootout for top spot on the starting grid.

With the Top 10 Trial – which is unique to the Suzuka 8 Hours – for two riders only, Takumi Takahashi, Niccolò Canepa and Takuma Kunimine didn’t ride for HRC, YART and TOHO respectively, but all three played key roles in getting their respective teams to the grid battle, which awarded bonus points on a descending 5-4-3-2-1 scale to the fastest five squads.

It means Austria-based YART has edged five points ahead of defending EWC world champion team F.C.C. TSR Honda France after the Japanese squad was a non-scorer when it completed the Top 10 Trial in 10th position.

TOP TRIO SAID WHAT?

Nagashima, who was part of the Honda-powered HRC line-up that won the Suzuka 8 Hours last season, recovered from a foot injury to secure his entry for his home round of the EWC. And it was his 2m05.329s lap time that made the difference in the Top 10 Trial.

“I’m really happy to be back and to be in pole position,” Nagashima said. “After my injury I felt very discouraged, I lost a bit of my confidence and physically I could not push to the limit. But I would like to thank HRC for believing in me and for bringing me back here. To be able to have the pole position again makes me really happy.”

While Hanika managed a 2m05.519s on his run, Fritz had to make do with a 2m06.115s, which meant Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team settled for second on Sunday’s grid.

“It was my first Top 10 Trial, I could have ridden already three times but every time there was a typhoon or bad weather so it was cancelled so I was very happy it was happening today,” German rider Fritz said. “Unfortunately, my lap wasn’t perfect, I had a bad third sector but, in the end, Karel made an amazing lap time. The most important thing is we worked very hard from the test here to now. Our set-up is pretty good, we’re feeling good on the bike and I feel we have a good package for the race tomorrow.”

After securing third place, Kiyonari said: “My lap time wasn’t the best, I felt a bit slow. If Takuma [Kunimine] had done the lap instead of me he would have been faster but I am thankful the team passed the opportunity to me. I did enjoy it but tomorrow is going to be another day for us and we will do our best.”

HOW THE BATTLE FOR TOP 10 TRIAL GLORY UNFOLDED

Teams placed 10th to sixth in the Combined Qualifying Classification went first with Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA’s Kohta Arakawa the opening rider in the one-at-a-time shootout. He clocked a 2m07.828s, which Atsumi Cocoro tried but failed to beat for S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC.

Drama followed for F.C.C. TSR Honda France when new recruit Tarran Mackenzie fell at the 200R Chicane during his run, making team-mate Mike Di Meglio’s subsequent effort of 2m07.788s immaterial with the 2022 EWC world champion team restricted to 10th position.

Dan Linfoot was also unable to beat Arakawa’s benchmark, the British rider posting a 2m07.671s best for AutoRace Ube Racing Team. After a handful of moments, Haruki Noguchi could only manage a 2m08.046s run for SDG Honda Racing.

Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA’s second rider, Daijiro Hiura, built on team-mate Arakawa’s strong opening run with a time of 2m06.970s. Marcel Schrötter clocked a 2m08.542s for S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC before Di Meglio set his 2m07.788s.

Takuya Tsuda then went quickest of all for AutoRace Ube Racing Team in 2m06.811s only for Naomichi Uramoto to go quicker still, his 2m06.644s the best so far for SDG Honda Racing.

The teams qualifying from fifth to first were next up with Ryuichi Kiyonari posting a 2m08.132s for TOHO Racing. Kazuma Watanabe then registered a 2m07.518s for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, while Gregg Black recorded a 2m07.252s for Yoshimura SERT Motul.

World Superbike ace and EWC rookie Xavi Vierge flew to a 2m05.919s best for Team HRC with Japan Post before Karel Hanika delivered in style by recording a 2m05.519s best for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team.

TOHO Racing’s Ikuhiro Enokido was the first of the final group of five riders to take on the Top 10 Trial. He managed a 2m06.343s with Ryo Mizuno clocking a 2m06.756s for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing. Yoshimura SERT Motul rider Sylvain Guintoli charged to a 2m06.720s to set up a final pole position showdown between Team HRC’s Tetsuta Nagashima and YART Yamaha’s Marvin Fritz.

Nagashima was first to go aboard his Bridgestone-equipped Honda and the home hero shrugged off his lack of recent riding time owing to a foot injury to set a 2m05.329s around Suzuka Circuit’s 5.821-kilometre Full Course 2-Wheels layout.

Fritz gave his all aboard his Yamaha, also running on Bridgestone tyres, but a slower third sector than Nagashima had managed left him crossing the line in a time of 2m06.115s.

It meant Team HRC with Japan Post won the Top 10 Trial to take pole position for the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race ahead of Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, TOHO Racing, SDG Honda Racing, Yoshimura SERT Motul, Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, AutoRace Ube Racing Team, Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA, S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC and F.C.C. TSR Honda France.

Of the other all-season EWC teams competing in the Suzuka 8 Hours, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is set to start 11th followed by Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar in 12th. Honda Viltaïs Racing is due to line up in 21st, KM99 in 23rd and Motobox Kremer Racing 38th.

 

 

Yamaha R7 Cup: Kayla Yaakov Wins Race One At Cartagena Circuit In Spain

David Swarts
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Yamaha R7 Cup: Kayla Yaakov Wins Race One At Cartagena Circuit In Spain

American Kayla Yaakov, age 16, won Yamaha bLU cRU R7 Cup Race One Saturday at Cartagena Circuit, in Spain.

Yaakov won the 10-lap race by 0.118 second over Matias Perez, and Eric Molina finished third just 0.631 second behind Yaakov.

The race had 16 starters.

MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Silverstone

David Swarts
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MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Silverstone

Randy Krummenacher won MotoE World Championship Race One Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Dynavolt Intact GP electrified Ducati racebike, the Swiss racer won the five-lap sprint by 0.142 second over Ongetta SIC58 Squardacorse’s Kevin Manfredi. LCR E-Team’s Eric Granado finished third.

 

MotoE R1
 MotoE Points after R1

MotoGP: Bezzecchi Claims Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone (Updated)

David Swarts
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MotoGP: Bezzecchi Claims Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone (Updated)

Marco Bezzecchi claimed pole position during MotoGP World Championship qualifying Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici, the Italian lapped the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) track in 2:15.359 to lead the field of 22 riders.

Australian Jack Miller was the best of the rest with a 2:15.629 on his Red Bull KTM RC16, and Alex Marquez earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:15.771 on his Gresini Racing Ducati.

 

MotoGP Comb Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bezzecchi steals stunning pole position from Miller as the rain hits at Silverstone

Despite a late crash, the Italian nabs the honours from early pacesetter Miller, with Alex Marquez completing the front row and the rain shaking up the order in qualifying

 

Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 05 August 2023

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) pulled a stunner out of the hat in qualifying for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, reigning in the rain to take a second pole in succession and deny an early charge from Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Australian couldn’t quite hit back despite a late crash for Bezzecchi, and the front row is completed by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the number 73 showed more wet weather prowess, also despite a crash. With a wet qualifying setting the grid for both the Tissot Sprint, expected to be in the wet, and the Grand Prix race, which may prove dry… the stage is set for another weekend of unpredictability in MotoGP™!

Q1: Marc Marquez & Quartararo out, Morbidelli top

As ever, the fight to get through from Q1 featured plenty superstar names, amongst them Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

After Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had topped FP2 in similar conditions, he was the one to watch initiailly – but then the number 49 crashed out, rider ok but his progress then seriously dented. Next up, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) took over on top, and the more veteran Italian was in the groove.

The next drama was for Quartararo as the Frenchman pulled off quite a save, but he stopped at the side of the track and that also put paid to his progress. He got back to pitlane but didn’t set another fast lap, just one more on the board.

Bastianini threatened and Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) also emerged as a serious threat for a place in Q2, slotting into second. Then it all came down to Marc Marquez, losing out in the first part of the lap, then gaining some time back… but then tagging onto teammate Joan Mir and having to overtake the number 36. It wasn’t enough for either, with Morbidelli easing through on top and rookie Augusto Fernandez nabbing that second place in Q2.

Q2

The conditions remained torrential in Q2. The first serious shot at pole was a stunning lap from Miller as the Australian pulled over a second and a half clear, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) taking over in second. But then came the first drama as Pecco slid out, rider ok but losing his chance to head back out.

Alex Marquez was the first to make a real attack on Miller’s time, the number 73 getting within a tenth and a half as the field managed to home in on the goalposts. He then also suffered a crash, rider ok, but out of contention. And then came Bezzecchi. The sophomore sliced round Silverstone to knock an impressive 0.270 off rain master Miller’s time, taking over in provisional pole.

From there, Bezzecchi stole more headlines as he had a fairly fast crash out of the session, but rider ok… and that laptime remained unbeatable. He takes back to back poles in very different conditions and at very different venues, with Miller forced to settle for second.

THE GRID

Behind Bezzecchi and Miller, Alex Marquez takes that third on the grid to complete the front row. He’s ahead of Bagnaia, whose crash seemed like it could be costly for his grid position, but the reigning Champion actually didn’t lose out too much as he heads the second row. He’s joined by a stunning Q2 performance from Q1 graduate and rookie Augusto Fernandez who takes fifth, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) completing Row 2 despite also crashing in the session.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) lend their firepower to Row 3, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in P10 and looking for a classic Binder slice through the order. Morbidelli is next up, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) left ruing the weather more than anyone after his amazing speed in the dry on Friday gives way to P12 on the grid on Saturday and Sunday.

Bastianini is left in P13 on the grid, ahead of Marc Marquez and a truly impressive first qualifying back for Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) just behind his former teammate. Quartararo finds himself at the back of the field at Silverstone, looking for much more once the lights go out. Join us for the first instance of that this afternoon!

Moto2: Acosta Earns Pole, Roberts Qualifies 10th In The Wet At Silverstone

David Swarts
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Moto2: Acosta Earns Pole, Roberts Qualifies 10th In The Wet At Silverstone

Pedro Acosta earned pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the Spaniard covered the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) road course in 2:16.953 to top the field of 29 riders.

American Joe Roberts qualified 10th with a time of 2:18.811 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.

American Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) is not racing at Silverstone. He is still recovering from surgery on his right forearm.

 

Moto2 Comb Qual

Moto3: Masia Takes Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone

David Swarts
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Moto3: Masia Takes Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone

Spaniard Jaume Masia took pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying on Saturday at Silverstone, in England. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, Masia lapped the  wet 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:25.072 to top the field of 28 riders.

 

Moto3 Comb Qual

 

MotoE: Granado Grabs Pole Position At Silverstone

David Swarts
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MotoE: Granado Grabs Pole Position At Silverstone
MotoE Q2
 MotoE Q1

 

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

MotoE™: dramatic Q2 sees Granado grab first pole of 2023

Silverstone shakes it up as Torres and Ferrari both crash out, with Granado joined by Casadei and Garzo on a front row looking to capitalise

Friday, 04 August 2023

There could be some serious shifts in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship standings on Saturday as qualifying sets the scene for two classic showdowns at Silverstone. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) will start from his first pole of the season after navigating a start-stop Q2 interrupted by a Red Flag, with Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) and Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) joining him on the front row.

Crashes for both points leader Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) AND closest challenger Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) – riders ok – see them start from the third row, and Ferrari also has a Long Lap penalty for Race 1 after his crash came under yellow flags out for the Torres incident.

Before all that, it was Casadei and Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) who moved through from a calmer Q1, but the drama hit in Q2 as that crash for Torres see him lose out on a chance at pole – and cancel some laps due to the yellow flags. Ferrari then crashed in the incident that would earn him the Long Lap, and that caused even more drama: as the Gresini machine remained in the gravel, the Red Flag came out with just over two minutes to go.

Once cleared, it was announced the session would restart for three minutes, allowing the riders to head back out for one more shot at it. Not all did, but the session came to a frenetic close with Granado on pole for the first time in 2023, back on top after a tougher start to the season. Casadei takes second despite coming from Q1, and with Garzo in third it’s three riders who could gain big in the standings as the two at the top start from further back.

Check out the full session below and get ready for Race 1 at 12:15 (GMT +1), before Race 2 at 16:10. You can tune in to MotoE™ via your MotoGP™ coverage provider! For Italy that’s Sky Italy with Race 1 live and Race 2 live or on delay, in France CANAL+SPORT 360, and in Spain both races are live via DAZN. In the UK, TNT Sports 2 shows Race 1 live, and often Race 2 – depending on programming. Switzerland’s coverage is across SRF/RTS/RSI, and viewers in Brazil can watch on ESPN4. From Down Under with Fox Sports Australia to the northern tip of Europe with VIAPLAY across Scandinavia, look for MotoE™ with the MotoGP™ broadcaster in your territory, with the full list of our partners HERE. MotoGP™ media partners broadcast MotoE™ live or on delay on their linear or digital channels, and everyone can also tune in to watch both races live and OnDemand via VideoPass on motogp.com!

Manx GP: Roper Riding Team Obsolete’s Ex-Phil Read MV Agusta 500 Triple

David Swarts
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Manx GP: Roper Riding Team Obsolete’s Ex-Phil Read MV Agusta 500 Triple

Centenary Celebration – Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix  

August 22 – 29, 2023

Isle of Man – Team Obsolete is proud to announce the continuation of their long association with this iconic Isle of Man motorcycle racing venue.  “It is an honor to support the Centenary Celebration at the world’s greatest motorcycle racing venue!!” said Team Owner Rob Iannucci.

Team Obsolete and Isle of Man TT winner Dave Roper are set to pay tribute to the late Phil Read, MBE, seven times F.I.M. World Champion, and also to the Manx Grand Prix Centennial.

Roper will ride Phil’s 1973 MV Agusta 500 triple in the “Made at the Manx Grand Prix Parade” on the legendary mountain circuit.  Phil began his amateur career at the Manx Grand Prix, and went on to a brilliant professional career (seven (7) World Championships.)  Arai Europe is providing Roper with a “Phil Read” helmet.

Roper will be joined by 16 invited “legend riders,” pairing them with other historic bikes. They will likewise pay tribute to other past famous riders who began their careers at the Manx GP.

Many thanks to the Organizers, and to our sponsors: Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim, and AVON Tyres.

World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Tops Q1 At Suzuka 8-Hours

David Swarts
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World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Tops Q1 At Suzuka 8-Hours

Team HRC sets the standard in Suzuka EWC First Qualifying as YART stars

First Qualifying for the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race is complete with plenty of drama and a rapid fastest lap time from Team HRC’s Tetsuta Nagashima. A summary of the key action follows.

Tetsuta Nagashima was fastest for Team HRC with Japan Post in the opening Blue Rider session, which was briefly red-flagged after Takafumi Kato fell at Turn 15, albeit without injury. Nagashima’s 2m05.722s benchmark was 0.791s quicker than Niccolò Canepa’s effort for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team as Greg Black went third quickest for Yoshimura SERT Motul followed by Ryo Mizuno (Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing) and Mike Di Meglio (F.C.C. TSR Honda France), while Randy de Puniet was a faller for Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar.

The subsequent Yellow Rider group was red-flagged twice, first to allow the recovery of Alan Techer’s F.C.C. TSR Honda France entry and Josh Water’s S-Pulse Dream Racing -ITEC Suzuki after they collided at The Hairpin. Techer’s Honda briefly caught fire but both riders were uninjured. The second stoppage followed a crash for Shigenori Sakurayama at the Second Curve. The session ended with Marvin Fritz on top for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team in a time of 2m07.084s, the German outpacing Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi. Takuya Tsuda was third quickest for AutoRace Ube Racing Team with Kazuma Watanabe fourth for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, while Yoshimura SERT Motul’s Sylvain Guintoli took fifth.

Karel Hanika’s 2m06.009s lap put Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team on top of the Red Rider group after Team HRC with Japan Post’s EWC rookie Xavi Vierge appeared to look as though his 2m06.121s couldn’t be beaten. Ikuhiro Enokido was third quickest despite crashing his TOHO Racing Honda in the closing moments of the session, which was red flagged for a second time when Maiku Watanuki crashed heavily at Turn 15, with no injury reported. The first stoppage was required to clear gravel from the track. Tarran Mackenzie, who is making his EWC debut this weekend as a late replacement for the injured Josh Hook, was fourth fastest for F.C.C. TSR Honda France. Haruki Noguchi was fifth for SDG Honda Racing, while Kosuke Sakumoto was a faller through the ‘S’ Curves.

The final qualifying results will be based on the average time of the fastest two riders from each team at the completion of Second Qualifying, which is due to get under way at 09h50 local time tomorrow (Saturday). However, the top 10 places on the grid will be decided by the outcome of the one-at-a-time Top 10 Trial from 16h00 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, today’s hour-long Night Practice is due to start at 18h30 (local time) today.

 

Q1 Blue Rider Results
 Q1 Yellow Rider Results
 Q1 Red Rider Results

Moto2: Triumph Extends Exclusive Engine Deal Through 2029

David Swarts
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Moto2: Triumph Extends Exclusive Engine Deal Through 2029

Triumph Motorcycles extends partnership with Moto2™ until 2029

The marque will remain the Exclusive Engine Supplier for Moto2™ for another five seasons and develop a full new race gearbox to debut in 2025

Friday, 04 August 2023

Triumph Motorcycles has signed a new contract to continue as Exclusive Engine Supplier for the FIM Moto2™ World Championship for another five seasons, from 2025-2029. This will see Triumph reach the milestone of powering the Moto2™ teams for a decade, enabling riders and teams to thrive and develop using its record-breaking 765 triple engine.

To build on the success so far and to further improve the performance and capability of the engine, Triumph will also develop a full new race gearbox, which will make its debut in the 2025 season. Some improvements are already underway, with the engineering team testing parts after use in this year’s Moto2™ rounds in order to make improvements in gear selection for the 2024 season.

Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles: “Moto2 continues to be an excellent platform to showcase the performance and capability of our 765 triple engines, driving demand for our new Street Triple 765 range. Over the last five years, we’ve used the race engine programme to drive enhancements to the 765 engine, and gain insights and learnings that we’ve used to further develop and evolve our Street Triple 765 range. Our reputation for bulletproof durability, reliability and class-leading performance has grown, which in turn, drives our global sales.

“Just as the Moto2 teams make every lap count, our engineers have used every opportunity to enhance every dimension of the engine performance, from speed, power and torque, to revs, cylinder pressure and compression ratio. This has enabled us to deliver improvements on track each season, achieving shorter race times, faster top speeds and lap times, more winners and closer racing.

“The new race gearbox will make a big difference to the results that riders can achieve on track in Moto2, and in advance of this, our engineering team is already testing and developing improvements in gear selection, testing parts after use in this year’s Moto2 rounds.”

Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer, Dorna Sports: “Our first five years working with Triumph are proving to be a real success, with great racing, riders achieving new Moto2 records across the board and impressive reliability from the off. We wanted this collaboration to help to define that step between Moto3 and the MotoGP class, and I think Triumph have achieved just that. We’re really happy with the way the partnership is evolving as well, with more innovation and development still to come, and we’re looking forward to five more exciting years together.”

As competition for the Triumph Triple Trophy heats up, the winner’s bike, an exclusive Street Triple 765 RS, was also unveiled at Silverstone on the Day of Champions in a special press conference announcing the new contract. Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer of Triumph Motorcycles, was joined by Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna Sports, as well as Moto2™ riders Jake Dixon (Tensite GASGAS Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp).

The Triumph Triple Trophy is designed to recognise impressive performances throughout the field and the 2023 competition has been fiercely fought so far. Pedro Acosta’s (Red Bull KTM Ajo) incredible lap times see him at the top of the leaderboard with 26 points, closely followed by rookie Dennis Foggia (Italtrans Racing Team) in 2nd place with 21 points, thanks to his excellent race progression. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) share 3rd place on 17 points.  This year’s winner will follow in the footsteps of Moto2™ greats Jeremy Alcoba, Raul Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi. Follow the competition at Triumph.

Watch the full press conference below and tune in this weekend as Moto2™ returns from the summer break for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix!

World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Takes Pole For Suzuka 8-Hours

Tetsuta Nagashima (33) on his Team HRC with Japan Post Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at Suzuka. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
S0RDY40n00S5tth0S2NyEpehpT5UKl-metaU3V6dWthIDggSG91cnMgVG9wIDEwIFRyaWFsIGZpbmFsIHJhbmtpbmcucGRm-
 Final Qualifying Results

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by FIM EWC:

TEAM HRC CHARGES TO EWC SUZUKA 8 HOURS POLE WITH THRILLING TOP 10 TRIAL TRIUMPH

*Honda-powered squad all set to line up at the front for Japan’s famous EWC counter

*YART Yamaha quickest in qualifying and boosts EWC title advantage with bonus score

*TOHO Racing completes top three ahead of SDG Honda and Yoshimura SERT Motul

*Drama for F.C.C. TSR Honda France as new recruit Mackenzie falls in Top 10 Trial

*Suzuka’s iconic 8 Hours will be broadcast live on TV and around the world on Sunday

(5 August 2023): Team HRC with Japan Post has won the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race Top 10 Trial to secure pole position for tomorrow’s third round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship.

Its riders Xavi Vierge and Tetsuta Nagashima combined to beat Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team pairing of Karel Hanika and Marvin Fritz as Ryuichi Kiyonari and Ikuhiro Enokido joined forces to claim third for TOHO Racing following the thrilling one-at-a-time shootout for top spot on the starting grid.

With the Top 10 Trial – which is unique to the Suzuka 8 Hours – for two riders only, Takumi Takahashi, Niccolò Canepa and Takuma Kunimine didn’t ride for HRC, YART and TOHO respectively, but all three played key roles in getting their respective teams to the grid battle, which awarded bonus points on a descending 5-4-3-2-1 scale to the fastest five squads.

It means Austria-based YART has edged five points ahead of defending EWC world champion team F.C.C. TSR Honda France after the Japanese squad was a non-scorer when it completed the Top 10 Trial in 10th position.

TOP TRIO SAID WHAT?

Nagashima, who was part of the Honda-powered HRC line-up that won the Suzuka 8 Hours last season, recovered from a foot injury to secure his entry for his home round of the EWC. And it was his 2m05.329s lap time that made the difference in the Top 10 Trial.

“I’m really happy to be back and to be in pole position,” Nagashima said. “After my injury I felt very discouraged, I lost a bit of my confidence and physically I could not push to the limit. But I would like to thank HRC for believing in me and for bringing me back here. To be able to have the pole position again makes me really happy.”

While Hanika managed a 2m05.519s on his run, Fritz had to make do with a 2m06.115s, which meant Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team settled for second on Sunday’s grid.

“It was my first Top 10 Trial, I could have ridden already three times but every time there was a typhoon or bad weather so it was cancelled so I was very happy it was happening today,” German rider Fritz said. “Unfortunately, my lap wasn’t perfect, I had a bad third sector but, in the end, Karel made an amazing lap time. The most important thing is we worked very hard from the test here to now. Our set-up is pretty good, we’re feeling good on the bike and I feel we have a good package for the race tomorrow.”

After securing third place, Kiyonari said: “My lap time wasn’t the best, I felt a bit slow. If Takuma [Kunimine] had done the lap instead of me he would have been faster but I am thankful the team passed the opportunity to me. I did enjoy it but tomorrow is going to be another day for us and we will do our best.”

HOW THE BATTLE FOR TOP 10 TRIAL GLORY UNFOLDED

Teams placed 10th to sixth in the Combined Qualifying Classification went first with Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA’s Kohta Arakawa the opening rider in the one-at-a-time shootout. He clocked a 2m07.828s, which Atsumi Cocoro tried but failed to beat for S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC.

Drama followed for F.C.C. TSR Honda France when new recruit Tarran Mackenzie fell at the 200R Chicane during his run, making team-mate Mike Di Meglio’s subsequent effort of 2m07.788s immaterial with the 2022 EWC world champion team restricted to 10th position.

Dan Linfoot was also unable to beat Arakawa’s benchmark, the British rider posting a 2m07.671s best for AutoRace Ube Racing Team. After a handful of moments, Haruki Noguchi could only manage a 2m08.046s run for SDG Honda Racing.

Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA’s second rider, Daijiro Hiura, built on team-mate Arakawa’s strong opening run with a time of 2m06.970s. Marcel Schrötter clocked a 2m08.542s for S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC before Di Meglio set his 2m07.788s.

Takuya Tsuda then went quickest of all for AutoRace Ube Racing Team in 2m06.811s only for Naomichi Uramoto to go quicker still, his 2m06.644s the best so far for SDG Honda Racing.

The teams qualifying from fifth to first were next up with Ryuichi Kiyonari posting a 2m08.132s for TOHO Racing. Kazuma Watanabe then registered a 2m07.518s for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, while Gregg Black recorded a 2m07.252s for Yoshimura SERT Motul.

World Superbike ace and EWC rookie Xavi Vierge flew to a 2m05.919s best for Team HRC with Japan Post before Karel Hanika delivered in style by recording a 2m05.519s best for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team.

TOHO Racing’s Ikuhiro Enokido was the first of the final group of five riders to take on the Top 10 Trial. He managed a 2m06.343s with Ryo Mizuno clocking a 2m06.756s for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing. Yoshimura SERT Motul rider Sylvain Guintoli charged to a 2m06.720s to set up a final pole position showdown between Team HRC’s Tetsuta Nagashima and YART Yamaha’s Marvin Fritz.

Nagashima was first to go aboard his Bridgestone-equipped Honda and the home hero shrugged off his lack of recent riding time owing to a foot injury to set a 2m05.329s around Suzuka Circuit’s 5.821-kilometre Full Course 2-Wheels layout.

Fritz gave his all aboard his Yamaha, also running on Bridgestone tyres, but a slower third sector than Nagashima had managed left him crossing the line in a time of 2m06.115s.

It meant Team HRC with Japan Post won the Top 10 Trial to take pole position for the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race ahead of Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, TOHO Racing, SDG Honda Racing, Yoshimura SERT Motul, Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, AutoRace Ube Racing Team, Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA, S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC and F.C.C. TSR Honda France.

Of the other all-season EWC teams competing in the Suzuka 8 Hours, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is set to start 11th followed by Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar in 12th. Honda Viltaïs Racing is due to line up in 21st, KM99 in 23rd and Motobox Kremer Racing 38th.

 

 

Yamaha R7 Cup: Kayla Yaakov Wins Race One At Cartagena Circuit In Spain

Kayla Yaakov with her first-place trophy and Yamaha YZF-R7 in Spain. Photo courtesy David Yaakov.
Kayla Yaakov with her first-place trophy and Yamaha YZF-R7 in Spain. Photo courtesy David Yaakov.

American Kayla Yaakov, age 16, won Yamaha bLU cRU R7 Cup Race One Saturday at Cartagena Circuit, in Spain.

Yaakov won the 10-lap race by 0.118 second over Matias Perez, and Eric Molina finished third just 0.631 second behind Yaakov.

The race had 16 starters.

MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Silverstone

Silverstone Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.
Silverstone Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.

Randy Krummenacher won MotoE World Championship Race One Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Dynavolt Intact GP electrified Ducati racebike, the Swiss racer won the five-lap sprint by 0.142 second over Ongetta SIC58 Squardacorse’s Kevin Manfredi. LCR E-Team’s Eric Granado finished third.

 

MotoE R1
 MotoE Points after R1

MotoGP: Bezzecchi Claims Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone (Updated)

Marco Bezzecchi, as seen during practice on Friday at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Mooney VR46 Racing Team.

Marco Bezzecchi claimed pole position during MotoGP World Championship qualifying Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici, the Italian lapped the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) track in 2:15.359 to lead the field of 22 riders.

Australian Jack Miller was the best of the rest with a 2:15.629 on his Red Bull KTM RC16, and Alex Marquez earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:15.771 on his Gresini Racing Ducati.

 

MotoGP Comb Qual

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bezzecchi steals stunning pole position from Miller as the rain hits at Silverstone

Despite a late crash, the Italian nabs the honours from early pacesetter Miller, with Alex Marquez completing the front row and the rain shaking up the order in qualifying

 

Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 05 August 2023

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) pulled a stunner out of the hat in qualifying for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, reigning in the rain to take a second pole in succession and deny an early charge from Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Australian couldn’t quite hit back despite a late crash for Bezzecchi, and the front row is completed by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the number 73 showed more wet weather prowess, also despite a crash. With a wet qualifying setting the grid for both the Tissot Sprint, expected to be in the wet, and the Grand Prix race, which may prove dry… the stage is set for another weekend of unpredictability in MotoGP™!

Q1: Marc Marquez & Quartararo out, Morbidelli top

As ever, the fight to get through from Q1 featured plenty superstar names, amongst them Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

After Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had topped FP2 in similar conditions, he was the one to watch initiailly – but then the number 49 crashed out, rider ok but his progress then seriously dented. Next up, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) took over on top, and the more veteran Italian was in the groove.

The next drama was for Quartararo as the Frenchman pulled off quite a save, but he stopped at the side of the track and that also put paid to his progress. He got back to pitlane but didn’t set another fast lap, just one more on the board.

Bastianini threatened and Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) also emerged as a serious threat for a place in Q2, slotting into second. Then it all came down to Marc Marquez, losing out in the first part of the lap, then gaining some time back… but then tagging onto teammate Joan Mir and having to overtake the number 36. It wasn’t enough for either, with Morbidelli easing through on top and rookie Augusto Fernandez nabbing that second place in Q2.

Q2

The conditions remained torrential in Q2. The first serious shot at pole was a stunning lap from Miller as the Australian pulled over a second and a half clear, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) taking over in second. But then came the first drama as Pecco slid out, rider ok but losing his chance to head back out.

Alex Marquez was the first to make a real attack on Miller’s time, the number 73 getting within a tenth and a half as the field managed to home in on the goalposts. He then also suffered a crash, rider ok, but out of contention. And then came Bezzecchi. The sophomore sliced round Silverstone to knock an impressive 0.270 off rain master Miller’s time, taking over in provisional pole.

From there, Bezzecchi stole more headlines as he had a fairly fast crash out of the session, but rider ok… and that laptime remained unbeatable. He takes back to back poles in very different conditions and at very different venues, with Miller forced to settle for second.

THE GRID

Behind Bezzecchi and Miller, Alex Marquez takes that third on the grid to complete the front row. He’s ahead of Bagnaia, whose crash seemed like it could be costly for his grid position, but the reigning Champion actually didn’t lose out too much as he heads the second row. He’s joined by a stunning Q2 performance from Q1 graduate and rookie Augusto Fernandez who takes fifth, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) completing Row 2 despite also crashing in the session.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) lend their firepower to Row 3, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in P10 and looking for a classic Binder slice through the order. Morbidelli is next up, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) left ruing the weather more than anyone after his amazing speed in the dry on Friday gives way to P12 on the grid on Saturday and Sunday.

Bastianini is left in P13 on the grid, ahead of Marc Marquez and a truly impressive first qualifying back for Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) just behind his former teammate. Quartararo finds himself at the back of the field at Silverstone, looking for much more once the lights go out. Join us for the first instance of that this afternoon!

Moto2: Acosta Earns Pole, Roberts Qualifies 10th In The Wet At Silverstone

Pedro Acosta (37), as seen during practice on Friday. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Pedro Acosta (37), as seen at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Ajo.

Pedro Acosta earned pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the Spaniard covered the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) road course in 2:16.953 to top the field of 29 riders.

American Joe Roberts qualified 10th with a time of 2:18.811 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.

American Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) is not racing at Silverstone. He is still recovering from surgery on his right forearm.

 

Moto2 Comb Qual

Moto3: Masia Takes Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone

Jaume Masia (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jaume Masia (5). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Spaniard Jaume Masia took pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying on Saturday at Silverstone, in England. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, Masia lapped the  wet 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:25.072 to top the field of 28 riders.

 

Moto3 Comb Qual

 

MotoE: Granado Grabs Pole Position At Silverstone

Eric Granado (51). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Eric Granado (51). Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoE Q2
 MotoE Q1

 

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

MotoE™: dramatic Q2 sees Granado grab first pole of 2023

Silverstone shakes it up as Torres and Ferrari both crash out, with Granado joined by Casadei and Garzo on a front row looking to capitalise

Friday, 04 August 2023

There could be some serious shifts in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship standings on Saturday as qualifying sets the scene for two classic showdowns at Silverstone. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) will start from his first pole of the season after navigating a start-stop Q2 interrupted by a Red Flag, with Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) and Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) joining him on the front row.

Crashes for both points leader Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) AND closest challenger Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) – riders ok – see them start from the third row, and Ferrari also has a Long Lap penalty for Race 1 after his crash came under yellow flags out for the Torres incident.

Before all that, it was Casadei and Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) who moved through from a calmer Q1, but the drama hit in Q2 as that crash for Torres see him lose out on a chance at pole – and cancel some laps due to the yellow flags. Ferrari then crashed in the incident that would earn him the Long Lap, and that caused even more drama: as the Gresini machine remained in the gravel, the Red Flag came out with just over two minutes to go.

Once cleared, it was announced the session would restart for three minutes, allowing the riders to head back out for one more shot at it. Not all did, but the session came to a frenetic close with Granado on pole for the first time in 2023, back on top after a tougher start to the season. Casadei takes second despite coming from Q1, and with Garzo in third it’s three riders who could gain big in the standings as the two at the top start from further back.

Check out the full session below and get ready for Race 1 at 12:15 (GMT +1), before Race 2 at 16:10. You can tune in to MotoE™ via your MotoGP™ coverage provider! For Italy that’s Sky Italy with Race 1 live and Race 2 live or on delay, in France CANAL+SPORT 360, and in Spain both races are live via DAZN. In the UK, TNT Sports 2 shows Race 1 live, and often Race 2 – depending on programming. Switzerland’s coverage is across SRF/RTS/RSI, and viewers in Brazil can watch on ESPN4. From Down Under with Fox Sports Australia to the northern tip of Europe with VIAPLAY across Scandinavia, look for MotoE™ with the MotoGP™ broadcaster in your territory, with the full list of our partners HERE. MotoGP™ media partners broadcast MotoE™ live or on delay on their linear or digital channels, and everyone can also tune in to watch both races live and OnDemand via VideoPass on motogp.com!

Manx GP: Roper Riding Team Obsolete’s Ex-Phil Read MV Agusta 500 Triple

Team Obsolete's ex-Phil Read 1973 MV Agusta 500cc triple. Photo courtesy Team Obsolete.
Team Obsolete's ex-Phil Read 1973 MV Agusta 500cc triple. Photo courtesy Team Obsolete.

Centenary Celebration – Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix  

August 22 – 29, 2023

Isle of Man – Team Obsolete is proud to announce the continuation of their long association with this iconic Isle of Man motorcycle racing venue.  “It is an honor to support the Centenary Celebration at the world’s greatest motorcycle racing venue!!” said Team Owner Rob Iannucci.

Team Obsolete and Isle of Man TT winner Dave Roper are set to pay tribute to the late Phil Read, MBE, seven times F.I.M. World Champion, and also to the Manx Grand Prix Centennial.

Roper will ride Phil’s 1973 MV Agusta 500 triple in the “Made at the Manx Grand Prix Parade” on the legendary mountain circuit.  Phil began his amateur career at the Manx Grand Prix, and went on to a brilliant professional career (seven (7) World Championships.)  Arai Europe is providing Roper with a “Phil Read” helmet.

Roper will be joined by 16 invited “legend riders,” pairing them with other historic bikes. They will likewise pay tribute to other past famous riders who began their careers at the Manx GP.

Many thanks to the Organizers, and to our sponsors: Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim, and AVON Tyres.

World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Tops Q1 At Suzuka 8-Hours

Team HRC with Japan Post (33) was quickest in the first qualifying session Friday at the Suzuka 8-Hours, in Japan. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Team HRC with Japan Post (33) was quickest in the first qualifying session Friday at the Suzuka 8-Hours, in Japan. This is Blue Rider Tetsuta Nagashima. Photo by Kohei Hirota.

Team HRC sets the standard in Suzuka EWC First Qualifying as YART stars

First Qualifying for the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race is complete with plenty of drama and a rapid fastest lap time from Team HRC’s Tetsuta Nagashima. A summary of the key action follows.

Tetsuta Nagashima was fastest for Team HRC with Japan Post in the opening Blue Rider session, which was briefly red-flagged after Takafumi Kato fell at Turn 15, albeit without injury. Nagashima’s 2m05.722s benchmark was 0.791s quicker than Niccolò Canepa’s effort for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team as Greg Black went third quickest for Yoshimura SERT Motul followed by Ryo Mizuno (Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing) and Mike Di Meglio (F.C.C. TSR Honda France), while Randy de Puniet was a faller for Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar.

The subsequent Yellow Rider group was red-flagged twice, first to allow the recovery of Alan Techer’s F.C.C. TSR Honda France entry and Josh Water’s S-Pulse Dream Racing -ITEC Suzuki after they collided at The Hairpin. Techer’s Honda briefly caught fire but both riders were uninjured. The second stoppage followed a crash for Shigenori Sakurayama at the Second Curve. The session ended with Marvin Fritz on top for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team in a time of 2m07.084s, the German outpacing Team HRC with Japan Post’s Takumi Takahashi. Takuya Tsuda was third quickest for AutoRace Ube Racing Team with Kazuma Watanabe fourth for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, while Yoshimura SERT Motul’s Sylvain Guintoli took fifth.

Karel Hanika’s 2m06.009s lap put Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team on top of the Red Rider group after Team HRC with Japan Post’s EWC rookie Xavi Vierge appeared to look as though his 2m06.121s couldn’t be beaten. Ikuhiro Enokido was third quickest despite crashing his TOHO Racing Honda in the closing moments of the session, which was red flagged for a second time when Maiku Watanuki crashed heavily at Turn 15, with no injury reported. The first stoppage was required to clear gravel from the track. Tarran Mackenzie, who is making his EWC debut this weekend as a late replacement for the injured Josh Hook, was fourth fastest for F.C.C. TSR Honda France. Haruki Noguchi was fifth for SDG Honda Racing, while Kosuke Sakumoto was a faller through the ‘S’ Curves.

The final qualifying results will be based on the average time of the fastest two riders from each team at the completion of Second Qualifying, which is due to get under way at 09h50 local time tomorrow (Saturday). However, the top 10 places on the grid will be decided by the outcome of the one-at-a-time Top 10 Trial from 16h00 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, today’s hour-long Night Practice is due to start at 18h30 (local time) today.

 

Q1 Blue Rider Results
 Q1 Yellow Rider Results
 Q1 Red Rider Results

Moto2: Triumph Extends Exclusive Engine Deal Through 2029

Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer of Triumph Motorcycles (left) and Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at Dorna Sports. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer of Triumph Motorcycles (left) and Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer at Dorna Sports. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Triumph Motorcycles extends partnership with Moto2™ until 2029

The marque will remain the Exclusive Engine Supplier for Moto2™ for another five seasons and develop a full new race gearbox to debut in 2025

Friday, 04 August 2023

Triumph Motorcycles has signed a new contract to continue as Exclusive Engine Supplier for the FIM Moto2™ World Championship for another five seasons, from 2025-2029. This will see Triumph reach the milestone of powering the Moto2™ teams for a decade, enabling riders and teams to thrive and develop using its record-breaking 765 triple engine.

To build on the success so far and to further improve the performance and capability of the engine, Triumph will also develop a full new race gearbox, which will make its debut in the 2025 season. Some improvements are already underway, with the engineering team testing parts after use in this year’s Moto2™ rounds in order to make improvements in gear selection for the 2024 season.

Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer, Triumph Motorcycles: “Moto2 continues to be an excellent platform to showcase the performance and capability of our 765 triple engines, driving demand for our new Street Triple 765 range. Over the last five years, we’ve used the race engine programme to drive enhancements to the 765 engine, and gain insights and learnings that we’ve used to further develop and evolve our Street Triple 765 range. Our reputation for bulletproof durability, reliability and class-leading performance has grown, which in turn, drives our global sales.

“Just as the Moto2 teams make every lap count, our engineers have used every opportunity to enhance every dimension of the engine performance, from speed, power and torque, to revs, cylinder pressure and compression ratio. This has enabled us to deliver improvements on track each season, achieving shorter race times, faster top speeds and lap times, more winners and closer racing.

“The new race gearbox will make a big difference to the results that riders can achieve on track in Moto2, and in advance of this, our engineering team is already testing and developing improvements in gear selection, testing parts after use in this year’s Moto2 rounds.”

Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer, Dorna Sports: “Our first five years working with Triumph are proving to be a real success, with great racing, riders achieving new Moto2 records across the board and impressive reliability from the off. We wanted this collaboration to help to define that step between Moto3 and the MotoGP class, and I think Triumph have achieved just that. We’re really happy with the way the partnership is evolving as well, with more innovation and development still to come, and we’re looking forward to five more exciting years together.”

As competition for the Triumph Triple Trophy heats up, the winner’s bike, an exclusive Street Triple 765 RS, was also unveiled at Silverstone on the Day of Champions in a special press conference announcing the new contract. Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer of Triumph Motorcycles, was joined by Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna Sports, as well as Moto2™ riders Jake Dixon (Tensite GASGAS Aspar Team) and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp).

The Triumph Triple Trophy is designed to recognise impressive performances throughout the field and the 2023 competition has been fiercely fought so far. Pedro Acosta’s (Red Bull KTM Ajo) incredible lap times see him at the top of the leaderboard with 26 points, closely followed by rookie Dennis Foggia (Italtrans Racing Team) in 2nd place with 21 points, thanks to his excellent race progression. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) share 3rd place on 17 points.  This year’s winner will follow in the footsteps of Moto2™ greats Jeremy Alcoba, Raul Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi. Follow the competition at Triumph.

Watch the full press conference below and tune in this weekend as Moto2™ returns from the summer break for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix!

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