Joel Kelso was quickest on his CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP in Moto3 Free Practice Three at Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Cheste, Spain. His 1:38.569 was the quickest of the 27 riders classified.
Moto3 practice 3
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
MotoGP: Vinales Breaks Lap Record, Bagnaia Headed To Q1 In Valencia (Updated)
Maverick Vinales led the field during MotoGP Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, the Spaniard lapped the recently surfaced 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:29.142, which broke Jorge Lorenzo’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:29.401 set way back in 2016!
Championship hopeful Jorge Martin was the best of the rest with a 1:29.289 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, and Martin’s teammate Johann Zarco finished the session in third with a 1:29.296.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia did a best time of 1:29.801, which left him 15th in the session and heading to Qualifying One (Q1) on Saturday to try to fight his way into Q2 and the top 12 grid spots.
The top 16 riders in the session were separated by only 0.860 second, and the entire field was covered by just 1.798 seconds.
MotoGP FP2
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#PECCOvsMARTIN: the mind games begin on Day 1
Viñales breaks the lap record to head Martin, Bagnaia heads for Q1 as Friday serves up some serious talking points
Friday, 24 November 2023
The heat has officially hit fever pitch in the title battle and a huge Saturday at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana awaits. For one, Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is heading for Q1. Two, amid some interesting mind games from Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) as the Spaniard looks to overturn that 21-point deficit. He was also second quickest on Friday as Bagnaia took only P15. And all that as Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) set the pace thanks to a 1:29.142 – a new Circuit Ricardo Tormo all-time lap record.
Mind games aplenty
After FP1 saw Martin take P3 and Bagnaia P13, all eyes were on Practice and the soft rubber went in early with qualifying incredibly important at the tight and twisty Valencia layout – especially for the two title protagonists. The final five minutes of the Practice session is when things got even more interesting as Martin headed out armed with a definite game plan.
Plenty of red sectors came flying in but all eyes were on the title duo, who were locked together in the pitlane after being out on track together. Martin latched himself onto the back of Pecco and shadowed him around the out-lap – including running wide at Turn 8 – as Pecco tried his best to find a time to propel him into the top 10.
That didn’t happen on his first flying lap and with time only allowing for one final lap to be laid in the session, the pressure was on Bagnaia. But it would prove too late as a crash for Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) at Turn 3 brought out the yellow flags, and that was that. Bagnaia ended Practice in P15, meaning Q1 awaits for the Championship leader… and Martin’s tactics seemingly worked a treat as he headed straight into Q2 as the second fastest rider on track.
A top 15 covered by just 0.659s
With just over half a second covering the top 15, fine margins again made all the difference, and Viñales ends Friday with that freshly-pressed lap record. Behind Martin in second, his teammate Johann Zarco enjoyed a positive day and ended Friday as one of three riders underneath the seven-year-old lap record too. How crucial could Zarco’s pace prove to be for the rest of the weekend for Prima Pramac Racing and Martin?
Elsewhere, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) continued his strong form to claim P4, with compatriot Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – despite a crash at Turn 8 – completing the top five.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended the 60-minute Practice stint in P6, while eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) gets set for a Q2 appearance following a positive day as the #93 finished Friday in seventh. Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – another crasher in Practice – and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) are the other riders who bagged automatic Q2 spots.
The reigning Champion’s Q1 hurdle
Bagnaia will have teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) for company in the biggest 15 minutes of the season, while the likes of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) will also fancy their chances of processing.
A mouthwatering day awaits in Valencia. The 2023 title tale has taken a twist on Friday, but what does qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday have in store? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
SHOWTIME IN VALENCIA
The stage is set for Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint! Make sure you tune in:
MotoGP™ FP2: 10:10
MotoGP™ Q1: 10:50
MotoGP™ Q2: 111:15
MotoGP™ Sprint: 15:00
Acosta vs Aldeguer: a duel for the top on Friday
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is the rider to beat after the opening day of the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, exchanging lap times with Fermin Aldeguer (CAG SpeedUp) at the top of the timesheets until a decisive new all-time lap record from the reigning Champion: a 1:33.768. Aldeguer fell 0.132s short of #37 by the close of P2, with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) rounding out the top three following Friday’s running.
Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) made a step in Practice 2 to put himself within 0.238s off the pace. The Brit finished the day in 4th place ahead of his compatriot Sam Lowes (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) who enjoyed a positive opening day to round out the top five. Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) also took well to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo and put his Triumph Kalex in P6 ahead of Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing).
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) knocked one second off his lap time in Practice 2 as he found his feet in Valencia. The American bagged 8th place ahead of his teammate Dennis Foggia, with Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) kicking off his Valencia GP with a Friday P10.
Moto2™ will be back in action on Saturday for Practice 3 at 09:25 and qualifying at 13:45 local (GMT +1)! Will the Acosta-Aldeguer duel continue?
Moto3™: Holgado dominates Day 1
Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) ended Day 1 of the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana fastest after his 1:38.706 saw him top the timesheets in Practice 2. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) got the closest to the Spaniard’s time despite bringing out the red flags with a mid-session high side. The Turk was taken to the medical centre for a check-up and will be reviewed before Practice 3 in the morning, but his time stood strong as he remained the only rider to join Holgado in the 1:38 club in 2nd place. Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) finished the day in 3rd place overall after clocking a time just under three-tenths away from the top spot.
Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) missed out on the top three by just 0.047s as he took P4. Next up behind the Spaniard was Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), with 2023 World Champion Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) taking sixth. Ryusei Yamanaka (GASGAS Aspar Team) finished the day in P7 as half a second covered the top eight – the eighth of those riders being Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Vicente Perez (BOE Motorsports) rounded out the top 10.
Rookie of the Year David Alonso (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) suffered two big crashes in Practice 2, the second one involved Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) with the Japanese rider hitting the Colombian’s machine on the exit of Turn 11. Both riders were up on their feet, Sasaki rider ok and Alonso heading to the medical centre for a check-up – he’ll be reviewed tomorrow morning ahead of Practice 3.
That session will decide entrants to Q2, before the final grid of the season is decided from 12:50 (GMT +1).
Moto2: Acosta Lowers Lap Record In FP2 At Valencia
Pedro Acosta set the fastest time during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s newly crowned World Champion rode the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:33.768, eclipsing the new All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.024 he set hours earlier in the day.
American Joe Roberts improved his standing from 21st in FP1 to eighth in FP2 with a lap of 1:34.243 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session 32nd out of 32 riders with a time of 1:36.237, which was faster than the 1:36.576 he did in FP1.
Moto2 FP2
Moto3: Holgado Tops FP2 At Valencia
Daniel Holgado topped Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider navigated the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.706 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Moto3 FP2
MotoGP: Zarco Leads Opening Practice At Valencia
Johann Zarco led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, the Frenchman lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:30.191 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Qatar race winner Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best on his Gresini Racing Ducati with a time of 1:30.378, and Zarco’s teammate Jorge Martin was third-quickest with a lap at 1:30.450.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia finished FP1 13th with a 1:30.969 on his Lenovo Ducati
Just 1.061 seconds separated the top 16 riders in FP1, and the entire field was covered by only 1.8 seconds.
MotoGP FP1
Moto2: Acosta Breaks Lap Record In FP1 At Repaved Valencia
Pedro Acosta led Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the newly crowned World Champion lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:34,024. Not only was that fast enough to lead the 32-rider field, but it broke Alonso Lopez’ 2022 All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.314.
Americans Joe Roberts (1:35.293) and Sean Dylan Kelly (1:36.576) finished the session 21st and 31st, respectively.
Moto2 fp1
Moto3: Holgado Quickest In FP1 At Valencia
Daniel Holgado was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider covered the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.919 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Moto3 FP1
Shops: Royal Enfield Tech Training Center, In The November Issue
Featured In the November 2023 issue of Roadracing World:
Royal Enfield is enjoying a surge in sales. In fiscal year 2022-2023, the company sold more motorcycles than ever before, topping the 835,000 unit mark worldwide. To put that into perspective, according to Statista.com, in 2021 there were 550,000 new motorcycles of all brands (combined) sold in the U.S.
Royal Enfield’s largest market is in its home country, India, but more than 100,000 of those 835,000 motorcycles sold in 2022-23 were sold outside of India. The Americas are the company’s fastest-growing region, and the company itself is expanding. There are now more than 3,200 dealerships worldwide and three manufacturing facilities.
The point is, the company’s need for trained technicians at its dealerships is growing, and Royal Enfield is responding…
“Shops: Royal Enfield Tech Training Center,” by Michael Gougis
Central location, close to the company’s main import harbor, and avoiding the winters of the Midwest—that’s why Royal Enfield’s new tech training center is located just outside of Dallas, Texas. Take a look at how the company makes sure its motorcycles stay on the road, providing customers with miles of smiles—it’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
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First Ride: Ryvid Anthem Electric Streetbike
RYVID ANTHEM: FILLING A GAP IN THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE LANDSCAPE
By Michael Gougis
In a year of interesting and unique new motorcycles, the Ryvid Anthem may be one of the more significant machines available. The full-electric, full-size motorcycle is less expensive than other electric machines, has a greater range than an e-bike, and is designed to be easy to ride for those moving from powered bicycles onto motorcycles.
In other words, the Anthem may be a platform that brings new riders into the sport.
Roadracing World took the Anthem on a spin through the streets of Long Beach, California and its surrounding neighborhoods. What we found was a refined city motorcycle, easy to ride, comfortable and quick enough for urban use, with design features that make sense and functionality enough to make commuting to work on one a viable proposition.
Tech Briefing
What would a motorcycle look like if it was designed around the mission of being easy to build, easy to ride for newcomers, easy to configure, easy to maintain and use? The Ryvid Anthem starts to answer those questions.
For ease of construction, the Anthem is based on a pressed-steel backbone frame that requires no welding. Power comes from a 72-volt, air-cooled brushless direct current motor that forms the front of the swingarm. The motor is rated at 10 horsepower and peaks at 20 horsepower and 53 lbs.-ft. of torque. It drives a carbon belt with a 4.7:1 ratio to the rear wheel.
The 4.3 kWh lithium-ion battery holds 84 volts when fully charged, and the pack is mounted low on the frame. Two latches hold it in place, and one of the key features of the Anthem is that the battery can be removed quickly and easily. Undo the latches, disconnect three cables, and rotate the battery off of its support pins. It drops onto a set of wheels and a handle extends upward, allowing the battery pack to be pulled along like an airline carry-on bag. A commuter can park, detach the battery and wheel it into their place of work, where it can be recharged from zero to 100 percent before lunch.
The company says the Anthem can reach a maximum speed of 75 mph and has a maximum range of 75 miles.
The Anthem comes with two power modes, Sport and Eco. In Sport mode, battery regeneration is engaged with a switch on the left handlebar. In Eco mode, regeneration during slowing is automatic. In both modes, regeneration starts to occur once the brakes are applied.
Road-ready weight for the Anthem is 313 pounds. One of the unique features of the machine is the electrically adjustable seat–press a button, and the seat can be raised or lowered between 30 and 34 inches high. A four-piston caliper is mated to a single 320mm brake disc on the front wheel, while a twin-piston caliper grips a 220mm disc at the rear. Suspension features inverted forks adjustable for rebound and compression damping with 3.9 inches of travel and a single shock with damping and preload adjustability and 1.3 inches of travel.
The Anthem rolls on cast-aluminum five-spoke rims, 3.50 x 17 inches in the front and 4.50 x 17 in the back. Pirelli supplies the Diablo Rosso IV tires, 120/70 in the front and 160/17 in the rear.
Wheelbase is 52 inches, ground clearance is 7.5 inches, and rake and trail is 26 degrees and 152mm.
Riding Impressions
The keyless fob sits in a small compartment on the “tank” section, so once it is there, it’s a matter of pushing the power button and waiting for the machine to cycle up. Then, twist the throttle and go. There’s no clutch, no shifting. In Sport mode, acceleration is brisk; in Eco mode, it starts briskly then starts to slow. In Sport mode, it was very easy to cruise on major streets along with (and occasionally ahead of) traffic. And I quickly adapted to clutchless, shiftless riding. The grind of stop-and-go between traffic lights and stop signs is way less annoying. In its element, the Anthem performs.
Up to 60 mph or so, the bike is stable, with the weight carried very low. Steering is light, if not as precise as a sportbike, likely due to the rake, but once it was on its side, the bike carved an easy, predictable arc through a corner. Suspension is a bit rudimentary at the rear, but the front easily soaked up anything the streets of Long Beach threw at it–and having lived there for years, I can attest that those streets can be a challenge. I loved the feel of the front brake lever–it’s remarkable how direct and solid a single brake line feels.
I did approximately 20 miles on the bike, including some behavior that should destroy battery range, like doing multiple full-throttle runs uphill for photo purposes. The battery capacity started at 86 percent and was in the mid-50s when I was done. It seems as though the Anthem should be able to meet the company’s estimated range of 75 miles in urban, stop-and-go usage.
Ryvid CEO Dong Tran says the Anthem is designed to fill a gap in the electric motorcycle world. It is designed to be simple, easy to use, and it doesn’t have the sophistication of more powerful electric bikes on the market. On the other hand, it costs thousands less than most other full-size electric motorcycles. It is built in California, comes with a lifetime warranty, and acts and feels like a full-size motorcycle.
And it delivers 100 percent of the best of the electric motorcycle experience–the smoothness and the quiet. Rolling down Ocean Boulevard on a sunny October afternoon, the bike dead quiet, the sun’s warmth penetrating my jacket and the breeze flowing through my open visor, I was thinking, you know, I could get used to this …
Suggested retail price starts at $8,995.
FIM MiniGP World Final: Race Report And Results From Valencia
Editorial Notes:
American Nathan Gouker finished fifth overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 160cc Championship via a sixth-place finish in Race One, a fifth-place finish in Race Two, and a fourth-place finish in the Super Finale.
Americans Ryder Davis and Joshua Raymond placed fourth and 13th, respectively, overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 190cc Championship. Davis got sixth in Race One, seventh in Race Two, and seventh in the Super Finale. Raymond took 12th in Race One, 11th in Race Two, and 10th in the Super Finale.
FIM MiniGP World Final: Malaysia and Spain take 2023 spoils
Qabil Irfan and Alvaro Lucas are crowned the 160cc and 190cc Champions at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Thursday, 23 November 2023
After a fantastic day of racing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, two new names have etched their name into the FIM MiniGP World Series Champions book – Malaysia’s Qabil Irfan in the 160cc class and Spain’s Alvaro Lucas in the new 190cc class.
Having stuck in on pole position on Wednesday, Irfan was the rider to beat heading into Thursday’s races – and that’s exactly how it played out. Leading from start to finish, Irfan picked up Race 1 victory but Zaragoza made it hard work for the Malaysian as the duo crossed the finish line 0.1s apart. Starting from P8, Togashi produced a fine comeback ride to pick up a podium in P3.
After being penalised for a technical infringement in qualifying, polesitter Lucas started Race 1 and 2 from P12. In the opening 190cc race of the day, early leader Izan Rodriguez crashed as compatriot Lucas carved his way through the field to take a memorable win. Italy’s Lorenzo Pritelli was just 0.1s away from a win in P2 with Ben Wiegner of MiniGP Austria completing the podium.
Less than a second split the top four across the line in the second 160cc race of the day but taking the flag first again was Irfan. Togashi again impressed to claim P2 as British rider Ethan Sparks picked up a hard-earned podium in third.
After crashing in Race 1, Rodriguez bounced back in style to claim an important win in Race 2. Pritelli made it back-to-back second place finishes and was only 0.5s adrift from the winner as Edoardo Savino made it two Italians on the rostrum ahead of the Super Final.
Irfan, starting from pole, knew that a P1 or P2 finish would hand him the 2023 160cc crown. Another pitch-perfect ride to victory unfolded as the #35 fended off the competition to win by 1.2s – a Thursday clean sweep! Togashi battled his way to P2 to hand the Japanese star the runners-up spot in the Championship, and a P3 for Zaragoza made sure the Spaniard took home third place honours.
Having served his qualifying penalty, Lucas started from the front row in P2 sandwiched between polesitter Pritelli and the Italian’s teammate Savino. The race winner move came at Turn 1 as Lucas pinched P1 off the Italians with a clever switchback move, as drama unfolded behind. Pritelli crashed – and remounted – on Lap 1 while a few laps later, Rodriguez, 2022 160cc Champion Gabriel Vuono and Wiegner went down together at the final corner. In the end, Lucas dominated the Super Final to win his second race of the day and the title, as Savino and the recovering Pritelli picked up podiums – the latter ending the week as the 190cc runner-up, with Savino taking third overall.
And with that, another FIM MiniGP World Series Final draws to a close. It was another brilliant few days in Valencia as we already look forward to next year’s event.
About the FIM MiniGP World Series
The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021 and is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™. There are three types of competition in the FIM MiniGP World Series: FIM MiniGP National Cup, organised by or through one FMN (national federation); FIM MiniGP Regional Cup, organised by or through various FMNs; FIM MiniGP Continental Cup, organised by or through a CONU (continental union).
There are two classes Series can run: the 160cc class and the 190cc class. The latter debuted in 2023 for Series that have already run a 160cc competition. Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series but must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.
The FIM MiniGP World Final sees the top riders from each Series compete over two days in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, there are opportunities up for grabs for riders to move up and further their careers.
About the Road to MotoGP™
For more than two decades, Dorna Sports has invested in opening the doors to motorcycle racing, creating the Road to MotoGP™. Comprising initiatives all over the world providing millions of young riders the opportunity to excel, the Road to MotoGP™ is unrivalled in motorsport – opening doors, increasing access and racing towards global equality.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, in collaboration with the FIM and motorcycle federations and unions around the world. It’s the first global initiative in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality.
160 R1
160 R2
160 SF Race
FMWS_2023_160_Championship_Standings
03_Classification_Race 1 (2)
190 R2
190 SF Race
FMWS_2023_190_Championship_Standings
Moto3: Kelso Fastest In FP3 At Valencia
Joel Kelso was quickest on his CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP in Moto3 Free Practice Three at Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Cheste, Spain. His 1:38.569 was the quickest of the 27 riders classified.
Moto3 practice 3
MotoGP: Vinales Breaks Lap Record, Bagnaia Headed To Q1 In Valencia (Updated)
Maverick Vinales led the field during MotoGP Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, the Spaniard lapped the recently surfaced 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:29.142, which broke Jorge Lorenzo’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:29.401 set way back in 2016!
Championship hopeful Jorge Martin was the best of the rest with a 1:29.289 on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, and Martin’s teammate Johann Zarco finished the session in third with a 1:29.296.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia did a best time of 1:29.801, which left him 15th in the session and heading to Qualifying One (Q1) on Saturday to try to fight his way into Q2 and the top 12 grid spots.
The top 16 riders in the session were separated by only 0.860 second, and the entire field was covered by just 1.798 seconds.
MotoGP FP2
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#PECCOvsMARTIN: the mind games begin on Day 1
Viñales breaks the lap record to head Martin, Bagnaia heads for Q1 as Friday serves up some serious talking points
Friday, 24 November 2023
The heat has officially hit fever pitch in the title battle and a huge Saturday at the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana awaits. For one, Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is heading for Q1. Two, amid some interesting mind games from Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) as the Spaniard looks to overturn that 21-point deficit. He was also second quickest on Friday as Bagnaia took only P15. And all that as Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) set the pace thanks to a 1:29.142 – a new Circuit Ricardo Tormo all-time lap record.
Mind games aplenty
After FP1 saw Martin take P3 and Bagnaia P13, all eyes were on Practice and the soft rubber went in early with qualifying incredibly important at the tight and twisty Valencia layout – especially for the two title protagonists. The final five minutes of the Practice session is when things got even more interesting as Martin headed out armed with a definite game plan.
Plenty of red sectors came flying in but all eyes were on the title duo, who were locked together in the pitlane after being out on track together. Martin latched himself onto the back of Pecco and shadowed him around the out-lap – including running wide at Turn 8 – as Pecco tried his best to find a time to propel him into the top 10.
That didn’t happen on his first flying lap and with time only allowing for one final lap to be laid in the session, the pressure was on Bagnaia. But it would prove too late as a crash for Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) at Turn 3 brought out the yellow flags, and that was that. Bagnaia ended Practice in P15, meaning Q1 awaits for the Championship leader… and Martin’s tactics seemingly worked a treat as he headed straight into Q2 as the second fastest rider on track.
A top 15 covered by just 0.659s
With just over half a second covering the top 15, fine margins again made all the difference, and Viñales ends Friday with that freshly-pressed lap record. Behind Martin in second, his teammate Johann Zarco enjoyed a positive day and ended Friday as one of three riders underneath the seven-year-old lap record too. How crucial could Zarco’s pace prove to be for the rest of the weekend for Prima Pramac Racing and Martin?
Elsewhere, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) continued his strong form to claim P4, with compatriot Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – despite a crash at Turn 8 – completing the top five.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) ended the 60-minute Practice stint in P6, while eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) gets set for a Q2 appearance following a positive day as the #93 finished Friday in seventh. Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) – another crasher in Practice – and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) are the other riders who bagged automatic Q2 spots.
The reigning Champion’s Q1 hurdle
Bagnaia will have teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) for company in the biggest 15 minutes of the season, while the likes of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) will also fancy their chances of processing.
A mouthwatering day awaits in Valencia. The 2023 title tale has taken a twist on Friday, but what does qualifying and Tissot Sprint Saturday have in store? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
SHOWTIME IN VALENCIA
The stage is set for Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint! Make sure you tune in:
MotoGP™ FP2: 10:10
MotoGP™ Q1: 10:50
MotoGP™ Q2: 111:15
MotoGP™ Sprint: 15:00
Acosta vs Aldeguer: a duel for the top on Friday
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is the rider to beat after the opening day of the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana, exchanging lap times with Fermin Aldeguer (CAG SpeedUp) at the top of the timesheets until a decisive new all-time lap record from the reigning Champion: a 1:33.768. Aldeguer fell 0.132s short of #37 by the close of P2, with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) rounding out the top three following Friday’s running.
Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) made a step in Practice 2 to put himself within 0.238s off the pace. The Brit finished the day in 4th place ahead of his compatriot Sam Lowes (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) who enjoyed a positive opening day to round out the top five. Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) also took well to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo and put his Triumph Kalex in P6 ahead of Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing).
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) knocked one second off his lap time in Practice 2 as he found his feet in Valencia. The American bagged 8th place ahead of his teammate Dennis Foggia, with Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) kicking off his Valencia GP with a Friday P10.
Moto2™ will be back in action on Saturday for Practice 3 at 09:25 and qualifying at 13:45 local (GMT +1)! Will the Acosta-Aldeguer duel continue?
Moto3™: Holgado dominates Day 1
Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) ended Day 1 of the Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana fastest after his 1:38.706 saw him top the timesheets in Practice 2. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) got the closest to the Spaniard’s time despite bringing out the red flags with a mid-session high side. The Turk was taken to the medical centre for a check-up and will be reviewed before Practice 3 in the morning, but his time stood strong as he remained the only rider to join Holgado in the 1:38 club in 2nd place. Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) finished the day in 3rd place overall after clocking a time just under three-tenths away from the top spot.
Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) missed out on the top three by just 0.047s as he took P4. Next up behind the Spaniard was Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), with 2023 World Champion Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) taking sixth. Ryusei Yamanaka (GASGAS Aspar Team) finished the day in P7 as half a second covered the top eight – the eighth of those riders being Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Vicente Perez (BOE Motorsports) rounded out the top 10.
Rookie of the Year David Alonso (Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team) suffered two big crashes in Practice 2, the second one involved Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) with the Japanese rider hitting the Colombian’s machine on the exit of Turn 11. Both riders were up on their feet, Sasaki rider ok and Alonso heading to the medical centre for a check-up – he’ll be reviewed tomorrow morning ahead of Practice 3.
That session will decide entrants to Q2, before the final grid of the season is decided from 12:50 (GMT +1).
Moto2: Acosta Lowers Lap Record In FP2 At Valencia
Pedro Acosta set the fastest time during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s newly crowned World Champion rode the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:33.768, eclipsing the new All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.024 he set hours earlier in the day.
American Joe Roberts improved his standing from 21st in FP1 to eighth in FP2 with a lap of 1:34.243 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.
Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session 32nd out of 32 riders with a time of 1:36.237, which was faster than the 1:36.576 he did in FP1.
Moto2 FP2
Moto3: Holgado Tops FP2 At Valencia
Daniel Holgado topped Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider navigated the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.706 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Moto3 FP2
MotoGP: Zarco Leads Opening Practice At Valencia
Johann Zarco led MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, the Frenchman lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:30.191 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Qatar race winner Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best on his Gresini Racing Ducati with a time of 1:30.378, and Zarco’s teammate Jorge Martin was third-quickest with a lap at 1:30.450.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia finished FP1 13th with a 1:30.969 on his Lenovo Ducati
Just 1.061 seconds separated the top 16 riders in FP1, and the entire field was covered by only 1.8 seconds.
MotoGP FP1
Moto2: Acosta Breaks Lap Record In FP1 At Repaved Valencia
Pedro Acosta led Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the newly crowned World Champion lapped the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:34,024. Not only was that fast enough to lead the 32-rider field, but it broke Alonso Lopez’ 2022 All-Time Lap Record of 1:34.314.
Americans Joe Roberts (1:35.293) and Sean Dylan Kelly (1:36.576) finished the session 21st and 31st, respectively.
Moto2 fp1
Moto3: Holgado Quickest In FP1 At Valencia
Daniel Holgado was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Ricardo Tormo Circuit, near Valencia, Spain. The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider covered the recently repaved 2.5-mile (4.0 km) course in 1:38.919 to lead the field of 28 riders.
Moto3 FP1
Shops: Royal Enfield Tech Training Center, In The November Issue
Featured In the November 2023 issue of Roadracing World:
Royal Enfield is enjoying a surge in sales. In fiscal year 2022-2023, the company sold more motorcycles than ever before, topping the 835,000 unit mark worldwide. To put that into perspective, according to Statista.com, in 2021 there were 550,000 new motorcycles of all brands (combined) sold in the U.S.
Royal Enfield’s largest market is in its home country, India, but more than 100,000 of those 835,000 motorcycles sold in 2022-23 were sold outside of India. The Americas are the company’s fastest-growing region, and the company itself is expanding. There are now more than 3,200 dealerships worldwide and three manufacturing facilities.
The point is, the company’s need for trained technicians at its dealerships is growing, and Royal Enfield is responding…
“Shops: Royal Enfield Tech Training Center,” by Michael Gougis
Central location, close to the company’s main import harbor, and avoiding the winters of the Midwest—that’s why Royal Enfield’s new tech training center is located just outside of Dallas, Texas. Take a look at how the company makes sure its motorcycles stay on the road, providing customers with miles of smiles—it’s all in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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First Ride: Ryvid Anthem Electric Streetbike
RYVID ANTHEM: FILLING A GAP IN THE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE LANDSCAPE
By Michael Gougis
In a year of interesting and unique new motorcycles, the Ryvid Anthem may be one of the more significant machines available. The full-electric, full-size motorcycle is less expensive than other electric machines, has a greater range than an e-bike, and is designed to be easy to ride for those moving from powered bicycles onto motorcycles.
In other words, the Anthem may be a platform that brings new riders into the sport.
Roadracing World took the Anthem on a spin through the streets of Long Beach, California and its surrounding neighborhoods. What we found was a refined city motorcycle, easy to ride, comfortable and quick enough for urban use, with design features that make sense and functionality enough to make commuting to work on one a viable proposition.
Tech Briefing
What would a motorcycle look like if it was designed around the mission of being easy to build, easy to ride for newcomers, easy to configure, easy to maintain and use? The Ryvid Anthem starts to answer those questions.
For ease of construction, the Anthem is based on a pressed-steel backbone frame that requires no welding. Power comes from a 72-volt, air-cooled brushless direct current motor that forms the front of the swingarm. The motor is rated at 10 horsepower and peaks at 20 horsepower and 53 lbs.-ft. of torque. It drives a carbon belt with a 4.7:1 ratio to the rear wheel.
The 4.3 kWh lithium-ion battery holds 84 volts when fully charged, and the pack is mounted low on the frame. Two latches hold it in place, and one of the key features of the Anthem is that the battery can be removed quickly and easily. Undo the latches, disconnect three cables, and rotate the battery off of its support pins. It drops onto a set of wheels and a handle extends upward, allowing the battery pack to be pulled along like an airline carry-on bag. A commuter can park, detach the battery and wheel it into their place of work, where it can be recharged from zero to 100 percent before lunch.
The company says the Anthem can reach a maximum speed of 75 mph and has a maximum range of 75 miles.
The Anthem comes with two power modes, Sport and Eco. In Sport mode, battery regeneration is engaged with a switch on the left handlebar. In Eco mode, regeneration during slowing is automatic. In both modes, regeneration starts to occur once the brakes are applied.
Road-ready weight for the Anthem is 313 pounds. One of the unique features of the machine is the electrically adjustable seat–press a button, and the seat can be raised or lowered between 30 and 34 inches high. A four-piston caliper is mated to a single 320mm brake disc on the front wheel, while a twin-piston caliper grips a 220mm disc at the rear. Suspension features inverted forks adjustable for rebound and compression damping with 3.9 inches of travel and a single shock with damping and preload adjustability and 1.3 inches of travel.
The Anthem rolls on cast-aluminum five-spoke rims, 3.50 x 17 inches in the front and 4.50 x 17 in the back. Pirelli supplies the Diablo Rosso IV tires, 120/70 in the front and 160/17 in the rear.
Wheelbase is 52 inches, ground clearance is 7.5 inches, and rake and trail is 26 degrees and 152mm.
Riding Impressions
The keyless fob sits in a small compartment on the “tank” section, so once it is there, it’s a matter of pushing the power button and waiting for the machine to cycle up. Then, twist the throttle and go. There’s no clutch, no shifting. In Sport mode, acceleration is brisk; in Eco mode, it starts briskly then starts to slow. In Sport mode, it was very easy to cruise on major streets along with (and occasionally ahead of) traffic. And I quickly adapted to clutchless, shiftless riding. The grind of stop-and-go between traffic lights and stop signs is way less annoying. In its element, the Anthem performs.
Up to 60 mph or so, the bike is stable, with the weight carried very low. Steering is light, if not as precise as a sportbike, likely due to the rake, but once it was on its side, the bike carved an easy, predictable arc through a corner. Suspension is a bit rudimentary at the rear, but the front easily soaked up anything the streets of Long Beach threw at it–and having lived there for years, I can attest that those streets can be a challenge. I loved the feel of the front brake lever–it’s remarkable how direct and solid a single brake line feels.
I did approximately 20 miles on the bike, including some behavior that should destroy battery range, like doing multiple full-throttle runs uphill for photo purposes. The battery capacity started at 86 percent and was in the mid-50s when I was done. It seems as though the Anthem should be able to meet the company’s estimated range of 75 miles in urban, stop-and-go usage.
Ryvid CEO Dong Tran says the Anthem is designed to fill a gap in the electric motorcycle world. It is designed to be simple, easy to use, and it doesn’t have the sophistication of more powerful electric bikes on the market. On the other hand, it costs thousands less than most other full-size electric motorcycles. It is built in California, comes with a lifetime warranty, and acts and feels like a full-size motorcycle.
And it delivers 100 percent of the best of the electric motorcycle experience–the smoothness and the quiet. Rolling down Ocean Boulevard on a sunny October afternoon, the bike dead quiet, the sun’s warmth penetrating my jacket and the breeze flowing through my open visor, I was thinking, you know, I could get used to this …
Suggested retail price starts at $8,995.
FIM MiniGP World Final: Race Report And Results From Valencia
Editorial Notes:
American Nathan Gouker finished fifth overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 160cc Championship via a sixth-place finish in Race One, a fifth-place finish in Race Two, and a fourth-place finish in the Super Finale.
Americans Ryder Davis and Joshua Raymond placed fourth and 13th, respectively, overall in the FIM MiniGP World Series 190cc Championship. Davis got sixth in Race One, seventh in Race Two, and seventh in the Super Finale. Raymond took 12th in Race One, 11th in Race Two, and 10th in the Super Finale.
FIM MiniGP World Final: Malaysia and Spain take 2023 spoils
Qabil Irfan and Alvaro Lucas are crowned the 160cc and 190cc Champions at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo
Thursday, 23 November 2023
After a fantastic day of racing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, two new names have etched their name into the FIM MiniGP World Series Champions book – Malaysia’s Qabil Irfan in the 160cc class and Spain’s Alvaro Lucas in the new 190cc class.
Having stuck in on pole position on Wednesday, Irfan was the rider to beat heading into Thursday’s races – and that’s exactly how it played out. Leading from start to finish, Irfan picked up Race 1 victory but Zaragoza made it hard work for the Malaysian as the duo crossed the finish line 0.1s apart. Starting from P8, Togashi produced a fine comeback ride to pick up a podium in P3.
After being penalised for a technical infringement in qualifying, polesitter Lucas started Race 1 and 2 from P12. In the opening 190cc race of the day, early leader Izan Rodriguez crashed as compatriot Lucas carved his way through the field to take a memorable win. Italy’s Lorenzo Pritelli was just 0.1s away from a win in P2 with Ben Wiegner of MiniGP Austria completing the podium.
Less than a second split the top four across the line in the second 160cc race of the day but taking the flag first again was Irfan. Togashi again impressed to claim P2 as British rider Ethan Sparks picked up a hard-earned podium in third.
After crashing in Race 1, Rodriguez bounced back in style to claim an important win in Race 2. Pritelli made it back-to-back second place finishes and was only 0.5s adrift from the winner as Edoardo Savino made it two Italians on the rostrum ahead of the Super Final.
Irfan, starting from pole, knew that a P1 or P2 finish would hand him the 2023 160cc crown. Another pitch-perfect ride to victory unfolded as the #35 fended off the competition to win by 1.2s – a Thursday clean sweep! Togashi battled his way to P2 to hand the Japanese star the runners-up spot in the Championship, and a P3 for Zaragoza made sure the Spaniard took home third place honours.
Having served his qualifying penalty, Lucas started from the front row in P2 sandwiched between polesitter Pritelli and the Italian’s teammate Savino. The race winner move came at Turn 1 as Lucas pinched P1 off the Italians with a clever switchback move, as drama unfolded behind. Pritelli crashed – and remounted – on Lap 1 while a few laps later, Rodriguez, 2022 160cc Champion Gabriel Vuono and Wiegner went down together at the final corner. In the end, Lucas dominated the Super Final to win his second race of the day and the title, as Savino and the recovering Pritelli picked up podiums – the latter ending the week as the 190cc runner-up, with Savino taking third overall.
And with that, another FIM MiniGP World Series Final draws to a close. It was another brilliant few days in Valencia as we already look forward to next year’s event.
About the FIM MiniGP World Series
The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021 and is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™. There are three types of competition in the FIM MiniGP World Series: FIM MiniGP National Cup, organised by or through one FMN (national federation); FIM MiniGP Regional Cup, organised by or through various FMNs; FIM MiniGP Continental Cup, organised by or through a CONU (continental union).
There are two classes Series can run: the 160cc class and the 190cc class. The latter debuted in 2023 for Series that have already run a 160cc competition. Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series but must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.
The FIM MiniGP World Final sees the top riders from each Series compete over two days in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, there are opportunities up for grabs for riders to move up and further their careers.
About the Road to MotoGP™
For more than two decades, Dorna Sports has invested in opening the doors to motorcycle racing, creating the Road to MotoGP™. Comprising initiatives all over the world providing millions of young riders the opportunity to excel, the Road to MotoGP™ is unrivalled in motorsport – opening doors, increasing access and racing towards global equality.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, in collaboration with the FIM and motorcycle federations and unions around the world. It’s the first global initiative in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality.
160 R1
160 R2
160 SF Race
FMWS_2023_160_Championship_Standings
03_Classification_Race 1 (2)
190 R2
190 SF Race
FMWS_2023_190_Championship_Standings