MotoGP: Marini Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position In Qatar

David Swarts

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November 18, 2023

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MotoGP: Marini Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position In Qatar

MotoGP Comb Qual

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia & Martin head Row 2 as Marini slams in stunning record pole

Marini, Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez push the title contenders down to the second row on Saturday

Saturday, 18 November 2023

A stunning qualifying session at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar bubbled up to an incredible crescendo on Saturday, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) striking late with a near-perfect lap to take pole position with a new lap record. He pipped Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) by just 0.067s, with Sepang Tissot Sprint winner Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) completing the front row.

The two title contenders both got bumped off that front row, but they aren’t far away by any means: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) takes P4 and has Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) right alongside in P5, with the duo split by just 0.022s. On Friday it was 0.007s, with incredible parity so far in the desert to set up two fascinating showdowns under the floodlights.

Q1

After the first runs in a star-studded Q1, it was Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) leading the way ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), after just losing out on making the cut in Practice, next up. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), meanwhile, was dead last despite topping FP2, having seen his hot lap interrupted by a front end save.

As soon as Quartararo headed back out though, the red sectors started coming in. Two tenths up in the first sector, nearly half a second in the second, and with company from Alex Marquez tucked in behind setting similar sectors too. As both crossed the line, the number 73 took 0.087 out of El Diablo as it became an AM73-FQ20 1-2 in Q1, and under the lap record. Could anyone beat it? Zarco could indeed, pipping Alex Marquez by just 0.055 as the two moved through, leaving Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Quartararo just missing out.

Q2

The first benchmark came from Diggia as two pairings made their way around: Bagnaia followed by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), slotting into fourth and fifth, and Martin behind Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing). That nearly saw some drama as Martin tried to pass but couldn’t find a way through, but next time round with some more space, the number 89 put in a fast one and shot up to third behind Marini and Diggia at the top.

Then, Martin pulled back intp pitlane just as Bagnaia pulled back out of the garage, with… you guessed it, Marc Marquez for company once again. And the two were setting red sectors, but so was Diggia. The number 49 completed his second shot at it by cutting a stunning three and a half tenths off his own provisional pole time, setting the first ever 1:51 of Lusail.

Bagnaia was next and took over in second, two tenths off, with Marc Marquez not quite able to pip him to it but taking a provisional front row. The next assault was from Alex Marquez and it was CLOSE, with the number 73 making it a Gresini 1-2 to push Bagnaia down to third. Next up there were red sectors from Martin but the lap went away, and then it looked like Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing)) could challenge at the top before the Aprilia lost time in the final part of the lap.

But then came Marini. The Italian kept it absolutely pinned, just able to deny compatriot Diggia by 0.067s, and that was that after an awesome flurry of activity on the timesheets late on. Marini heads Diggia and Alex Marquez, with all three setting 1:51s and a second quicker than the 2021 lap record. The Independent Team riders shine under the floodlights, pushing the two contenders down to Row 2 as the penultimate 37 points of the year go up for grabs.

THE GRID

Behind Marini, Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez, the two contenders will be looking to make big gains from the off from Row 2, Bagnaia just 0.020 ahead of Martin. Zarco in sixth will be an interesting one to watch too.

Then comes Marc Marquez, Viñales and Friday’s fastest Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) on Row 3. Aleix Espargaro is down in P10 ahead of a Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) looking to make a classic Binder charge when the lights go out, the South African in P11. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) locks out the Q2 crowd in P12.

After losing out in Q1, Bezzecchi starts P13 just ahead of Quartararo. Sepang winner Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is next up in P15, and after coming across Iker Lecuona (LCR Honda Castrol) on a hot lap in Q1. Lecuona has a three-place grid penalty for that. Miller heads Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) in P16 and P17 after the Australian also thought the Portugese rider held him up in a tight, tight Q1.

Grattan Raceway Park Is For Sale…And It Has Been For Years

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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Grattan Raceway Park Is For Sale…And It Has Been For Years

Recently, some motorsports news websites posted stories reporting that Grattan Raceway Park, located near Grand Rapids, Michigan, is for sale, causing a lot of discussion and speculation about the track’s future throughout the motorsports community.

While the reports are true, they aren’t exactly news.

Grattan Raceway Park has been up for sale for years ever since its founder and original owner Edward J. “E.J.” Faasen passed away in 2017 at the age of 89.

“It has been for sale for a few years,” Sam Faasen, son of E.J. Faasen and General Manager of the family-owned racetrack, told RoadracingWorld.com Friday. “We’re all getting up there in age.

“Prior to the COVID outbreak we had a customer, and then the COVID thing hit and kind of turned the economy around a little bit. Then the inflation hit and that [affected] it a little more. But we’ve had a number of interested parties come in from outside the U.S.”

Originally constructed in 1960, Grattan Raceway Park is a 2.0-mile, 40-feet-wide, 13-turn road course with a 3,200-foot-long straightaway that can be operated in both directions, and portions of the track have been repaved over the last three years, according to Faasen.

Grattan Raceway Park hosted multiple WERA Sportsman regional race events, Sportbike Track Time track days, and other automobile and karting events in 2023, and reservations for 2024 event dates are being taken, as normal.

The track, however, is still for sale.

Asked for the listing price, Faasen referred RoadracingWorld.com to his real estate agent Joe Rizqallah (616-822-6310) at Signature Associates, who was out of the country at post time.

Belding_7201 & 7511 Lessiter

Macau Grand Prix: Hickman Takes Pole Position In China

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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Macau Grand Prix: Hickman Takes Pole Position In China

Peter Hickman takes pole for 55th Edition of Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix

A sensational last lap of the second and final qualifying session put Peter Hickman in pole position for tomorrow’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 55th Edition. The three-time race winner recorded a best time of 2:24.8, to grab the optimal starting place on the grid ahead of Saturday’s 12-lap race.

However, he may not have posted the time had it not been for the efforts of his rival Davey Todd: “I didn’t think we needed to go out again. Everything was good with the bike, we’re happy with the tyres amongst other things, so I was quite content to stay in the garage,” said the MGM FHO Racing BMW rider. “Then Davey did his lap to take provisional pole with about eight minutes left so I decided to put my helmet back on. It turned out to be the right decision as the bike performed brilliantly so I was able to grab top spot again. There’s a bit of psychology involved in that. Had Davey stayed in pole he would be super-confident ahead of tomorrow, but hopefully I’ve now given him something to think about.”

“The track was a lot better than I was expecting,” he added. “I thought it may have been greasier following all the day’s car action. The only issue was the sun into Lisboa. It was hard to find brake marks but, all in all, everything worked out okay.”

Davey Todd will start in the middle of the front row but his session got off to a challenging start when his Burrows Engineering RK Racing BMW suffered a clutch issue: “I’m delighted with the way things worked out in the end,” said Todd. “I have a good little team around me so when the clutch went there was no need to panic and we got out with plenty of time left to put that lap in. I’ve been happy with the BMW from the word go, so I’m confident ahead of tomorrow. I’m looking forward to racing with Peter [Hickman] and everyone else and putting on a show. Bring it on!”

Last year’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Erno Kostamo completes the front row of the grid and, like his two rivals at the head of the grid, he improved on his time from the morning session.

“I’m very happy with the way things have gone,” said the Finn. “I’ve lapped quicker on the ZERO UP Racing Team by Penz 13 BMW than I did last year when I won the race. My only dilemma is what tyre I decide to use tomorrow. Do I go soft, which may be a big risk, or do I go hard which will provide more stability? Whatever happens I’m looking forward to crossing swords with Peter and Davey again.”

Fourth fastest was German David Datzer on the MTP-Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13, while nine-time winner and Hickman’s team mate Michael Rutter rounded out the top five fastest riders over the two qualifying sessions.

More, from a press release issued by FHO Racing:

Peter Hickman snatches pole position at the Macau Grand Prix in a last lap dash

Peter Hickman (88). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.

FHO Racing BMW Motorrad are on pole ready for tomorrow’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, after a sensational last lap dash from Peter Hickman aboard the BMW M 1000 RR, at Team Principal Faye Ho’s home event.

Awarding Faye’s team its first-ever pole position at the Macau Grand Prix, Hicky has led the way during all practice and qualifying sessions at the Guia Circuit. Peter, a three-time Macau GP winner has been consistently fast aboard his BMW machine, sponsored by MGM, especially in the final qualifying session this afternoon.

Topping the times in yesterday’s opening practice and today’s first qualifying, Peter didn’t have it easy in the final session after delays during the days’ schedule meant low lying sun was an issue at the 6.120-km circuit.

Dicing with rival Davey Todd, Peter was back into second place in the closing stages of qualifying and had pulled into the garage, but following a lap from Davey that put him in pole position, Pete returned to the track and took back pole position with a 2:24.879 lap time, 0.0491s ahead.

Meanwhile Peter’s teammates Michael Rutter and Macau GP newcomer Josh Brookes will start the race with Michael on the second row in fifth and 13th for newcomer Josh, after a challenging day. Still getting to grips with the Macau circuit, Josh encountered an issue with his gearbox in Q1, where he only got two flying laps and finished 17th. For the afternoon he was determined to progress and with each lap of the circuit his lap times improved, where he qualified in 13th place.

The 55th Edition of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place tomorrow (Saturday 18 November) at 08:40 local time (00:40 GMT) and can be watched live here.

Josh Brookes (888). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.

Josh Brookes – 13th:

“Qualifying started off pretty disastrous, I was so desperate to do some more laps. Yesterday’s practice went well, I did as many laps as I could really, and then I was hoping to match that today and do a similar pattern during the session. Unfortunately, we had a gearbox problem so I was only able to get two timed laps, which meant we lost a lot of track time, which being new to the event track time is critical and that’s what will make the difference between where I’ll qualify and where I’ll finish. Luckily, we had Q2 in the afternoon and we got the maximum amount of laps as I could get away with. We came in during the middle got more fuel and tyres, then went and did another bunch of laps. So, I kind of maximised the amount of laps I could do in qualifying and secured my fastest lap during the last lap. Every lap I do is helpful and I’m progressing, but I’m actually a bit surprised that the progress isn’t quicker. It feels a little like I’m held back for some reason, obviously fear and self-preservation, those sort of things, but yeah, I just feel how I feel when I’m looking through the visor; I feel OK but the stopwatch is not indicating the same sensation, so I don’t know how to improve that for tomorrow. We’ve got morning warm up and I’ll get some more laps, then hopefully get into a better rhythm ready for the race.”

Michael Rutter (8). Photo courtesy FHO Racing.

Michael Rutter – 5th:

“I won’t lie, I wish I’d ended up on the front row, but I’m not I’m fifth! I’m happy in one sense, I feel better with the bike and with each lap it got better. I was feeling a bit sick in the other sessions, perhaps just getting used to it and getting up to speed, but I felt better in the final session. It was just the sun really, I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. I tried to do the best I could and ended up going quicker, so it’s all going the right way. We have morning warm-up and the race tomorrow, so hopefully we can make some further progress and move a little closer towards Pete.”

Peter Hickman. Photo courtesy FHO Racing.

Peter Hickman – Pole Position:

“The BMW’s working good; the boys are working really well. This morning in Q1 I was pretty fast, I’m a second away from where I was in qualifying in 2019. The track is bumpier as well, so I was quite happy with that, but the other boys have been super-fast as well, so second place was only a tenth behind me. It’s good to see that we have some strong competition! Coming into this afternoon, I wasn’t entirely sure when we’d get going, there’d been a lot of crashes in the car classes, but we weren’t too late in the end, so we had enough time but the sun was really low and in the run to Lisboa in particular, you really couldn’t see and couldn’t judge your braking markers at all. I thought the session was over to be honest, seven minutes to go I pulled in, I hadn’t been as fast as I was in the morning as I didn’t need to, then all of a sudden, the boys hadn’t even got the bike on the stand as I pulled in, and Davey suddenly did a 25.3 lap, so I looked up at the screen and thought ‘I best get back out on the bike!’ I went back out, seven minutes you don’t have much time, so once I’d done the out lap it meant I could only do two flying laps. The first lap wasn’t the best and I caught few people, the second lap I still caught a few people but managed to pull it out of the bag with a 2:24.879 lap time. I’m happy with that, it was lap eight of the rear tyre, so shows that we can have pace into the race if we need to. I’m mega happy for FHO Racing and of course for Faye to get her first pole position, this is the first time FHO Racing has been here so it’s a great result already and I can’t wait for the race tomorrow!”

Faye Ho – Team Principal:

“It means so much to me that we’re on pole position here at the Macau Grand Prix, at my home race in our debut year. Everyone in the team has, and always does work so hard, but this week the whole team have been amazing and to finish today on pole, is something really special – so a huge thank you to each and everyone in the team. It’s not over just yet, as we have 12 laps of the race tomorrow for Josh, Michael and Peter, but I know as a team we will put our best foot forward and do the very best we can. I’d like to wish my riders a safe and successful race, but also to our fellow competitors. The Macau Grand Prix is not an easy event, so here’s to a good race for everyone!”

MotoGP: Raul Fernandez Leads FP2 In Qatar (Updated)

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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MotoGP: Raul Fernandez Leads FP2 In Qatar (Updated)

Raul Fernandez was quickest during MotoGP Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday evening at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his CryptoDATA RNF Aprilia, the Spaniard lapped the newly repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) track in 1:52.843, which was very close to Francesco Bagnaia’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:52.772.

Fabio Di Giannantonio was the best of rest with a 1:52.892 on his Gresini Racing Ducati, and Maverick Vinales rounded out the top three with a 1:52.936 on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.

The top 18 riders in the session were separated by just 1.094 seconds.

MotoGP FP2

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Martin & Bagnaia split by 0.007s as Raul Fernandez goes fastest on Friday

The title contenders end Day 1 in P7 and P8 as Aprilia and Diggia take over the top three

Raul Fernandez (25). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Friday, 17 November 2023

Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) enjoyed a dream Friday Practice session at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, not only bagging himself a spot in Q2 but ending Friday fastest of the bunch. It was as close as ever though, with just 0.049s back to first on the chase Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the Italian looked strong from the off. The gap back to third fastest Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) is even smaller too, just 0.044.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (49). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Title contenders Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, ended the day in P7 and P8. Split by just 14 points in the duel for the Championship, it’s even closer out on the circuit so far this weekend as the duo were just 0.007s apart.

Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Dorna.

#PECCOvsMARTIN

There were Q2 spots up for grabs in Practice as the riders hit the circuit for a full hour of track time around the Lusail International Circuit. Bagnaia and Martin weren’t having it all their own way either, and as we headed into the closing stages, both riders needed to find time despite having ended FP1 higher up the order, with Martin fastest and Bagnaia third, two tenths back.

Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.

As always once the final few minutes were underway in the afternoon, red sectors came flying in. And it was Raul Fernandez who went top, beating Viñales’ benchmark. Martin pulled a lap time out of the bag to propel himself into the top 10, as did Bagnaia, but yellow flags then caught out several riders as Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) crashed unhurt at the final corner while on a time that looked certain to take the #44 into the top 10. In the end, despite some late improvers, Martin and Bagnaia secured crucial top 10s.

Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

As close as ever in MotoGP™

It’s tight at the top as Diggia, number 49, ended up a somewhat fitting 0.049 off Raul Fernandez, with that 0.044 back to Viñales becoming an even smaller 0.019 to Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in fourth. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) rounds out the top five as Aprilia came out swinging, only another 0.078 in arrears, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) putting in a very late run to grab P6.

From there it’s the only gap in the top ten bigger than a tenth down to Martin, that 0.007 back to Bagnaia and then a smashing Day 1 job from Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3). He was on a hot one in FP1 too, lighting up the timing screens before crash at Turn 14.

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had a solid day on the timesheets and stole a tow from Bagnaia to round out the top 10, too, denying Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) a place in Q2 by just 0.014.

Qualifying awaits

There are some heavy hitters set for battle in Q1 on Saturday. Miller will be joined by the Sprint victor and podium finisher from last weekend Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as well as Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – among others.

The penultimate qualifying of the year kicks off at 15:40 local time (GMT+3). There, we’ll know how Bagnaia and Martin will face down the next two battles for the maximum of 37 points on offer at Lusail… don’t miss it!

SHOWTIME IN QATAR

The stage is set for Qualifying and the Tissot Sprint! Make sure you tune in:

MotoGP™ FP2: 15:00

MotoGP™ Q1: 15:40

MotoGP™ Q2: 16:05

MotoGP™ Sprint: 20:00

Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Aldeguer takes lap record in demolition job on Day 1

Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) is the rider to beat after the opening day of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Boscosuro rider’s 1:58.059, a new all-time lap record, came in the late stages of Practice 2 to deny Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) Day 1 honours by 0.104s. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) enjoyed a positive Friday too, rounding out the top three.

Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) made a big improvement in P2 to move up to fourth place ahead of Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) who lit up the timing screens to eventually finish in 5th. Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) was looking very strong in P1 as he took well to the Lusail International Circuit, and the Spaniard finished the day in P6 ahead of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia).

It was a quiet day for Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), who, despite looking there or thereabouts in Practice 1, could only manage 8th place overall on the combined timings. The World Champion finished just ahead of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), the latter rounding out the top 10.

Moto2™ will be back in action on Saturday for Practice 3 at 14:15 and qualifying at 18:45 local (GMT +3), make sure to come back for more!

Moto3™: Masia maintains momentum ahead of match point

Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) has shown superb speed on the opening day of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Spaniard topped the timesheets with his 2:06.794 seeing him sit half a second clear of the rest of the field, and over a second quicker than his closest title rival Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).

Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) found form in Practice 2 and was the closest to Masia in second, and despite a late-session trip to the gravel trap, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) rounded out the top three on his first-ever visit to the Lusail International Circuit.

Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) missed out on the top three by 0.009s as he took P4. Next up behind the Spaniard was Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) who rounded out the top five ahead of Xavier Artigas (CFMOTO Racing PrüstelGP) and David Alonso (Gaviota ASGAS Aspar Team), the latter taking an early-session tumble.

Sasaki had a tougher Friday in Qatar and has work to do to on Saturday. The Japanese rider managed to salvage P8, as Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) completed Friday’s lightweight class top 10.

Moto3™ action continues on Saturday, make sure not to miss any of the action with Practice 3 at 14:30 local time (GMT +3) and qualifying at 17:50 (GMT +3). Can Masia set himself up to face match point from pole?

Moto2: Aldeguer Breaks Lap Record In FP2 In Qatar

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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Moto2: Aldeguer Breaks Lap Record In FP2 In Qatar

Fermin Aldeguer led Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp machine, the Spaniard lapped the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) circuit in 1:58.059, eclipsing Joe Roberts’ All-Time Lap Record of 1:58.136.

American Roberts finished the session 11th with a 1:59.231 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.

Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) was 17th in the session with a 1:59.666.

Moto2 FP2

Moto3: Masia Fastest In FP2 In Qatar

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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Jaume Masia was fastest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Championship point leader did a 2:06.794 to lead the field of 28 riders.

Moto3 FP2

MotoGP: Martin Quickest In FP1 In Qatar

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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Jorge Martin was quickest during MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati, the Spaniard covered the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) course in 1:56.393 to lead the field of 22 riders.

Martin’s teammate Johann Zarco was second-best with a time of 1:56.565.

Defending World Champion and current point leader Francesco Bagnaia made it a Ducati 1-2-3 with a 1:56.622 on his Lenovo Team Ducati.

MotoGP FP1

Moto2: Aldeguer P1, Roberts P14, SDK P21 In FP1 In Qatar

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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Moto2: Aldeguer P1, Roberts P14, SDK P21 In FP1 In Qatar

Fermin Aldeguer topped Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. The Beta Tools SpeedUp rider navigated the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) course in 2:01.097 to top the field of 30 racers.

American Joe Roberts, the Moto2 All-Time Lap Record holder at Lusail, was 14th with a 2:03.418 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.

Roberts’ countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished the session 21st with a lap of 2:04.269 on his Forward Team machine.

Moto2 FP1

Moto3: Onco On Top In FP1 In Qatar

David Swarts

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November 17, 2023

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Deniz Oncu was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo racebike, the Turkish racer lapped the recently repaved 3.4-mile (5.4 km) track in 2:09.404 to lead the field of 28 competitors.

Moto3 FP1

MotoGP: Martin Says “I Just Need To Attack”

David Swarts

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November 16, 2023

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MotoGP: Martin Says “I Just Need To Attack”

#PECCOvsMARTIN: “I’ll take the risk and gamble”

The two contenders join the pre-event Press Conference on Thursday before heading for an awesome photo call in Doha

Thursday, 16 November 2023

It all comes down to this: two contenders split by 14 points, a maximum of 74 still up for grabs, and two more weekends of competition for this season of the world’s most exciting sport. On Thursday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, the pre-event Press Conference therefore had a predictable guest list in the best way, welcoming title contenders Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) ahead of a first potential match point for Pecco.

Both then headed to the city for a spectacular photo opportunity against the awesome backdrop of the city skyline. Here are some quotes and photos from touchdown in Doha!

On seeing the MotoGP™ Stories episode:

FRANCESCO BAGNAIA: “First of all, it’s strange to say that that was just seven years ago. It seems like it was a lot longer. But yeah, when Jorge arrived in the Mahindra team I’d already followed him in the Rookies Cup the year before and he was doing incredible things, so I was expecting to have a very strong teammate. The first test in the wet, he was already faster than me. So yeah, he’s been very, very competitive from the start. He needed time to adapt to everything because some riders arrive and assume that they’re competitive and other riders need more time. The fact that right now we are fighting for the title is great and I think Jorge, Aspar and Gino can be proud.”

Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia (right). Photo courtesy Dorna. — Defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (right). Photo courtesy Dorna.

How do you feel about your chances of getting the job done this weekend?

“I’m not considering this weekend as a match point, honestly I have to gain 23 points I think, and that’s too much in a single weekend. Jorge is doing a really great job and it will be more important to think session by session to work like we did last weekend in Sepang and try to be competitive. We know perfectly well that the tarmac has been resurfaced and it could be a great question for the tyres. I think it will be demanding on the tyres because it’s new. Let’s see. It’s a track that I like. We’ve always been competitive here, apart from last year when it was at the wrong part of the season. But the lap record is still mine and I think our bike suits very well to this circuit.”

The goal is to beat Martin this weekend?

“Yeah, maybe that would be better because 14 points to lead the championship is nothing, 37 points or weekend is a lot, so you can gain or lose a lot of points in one weekend. It will be important to stay calm and work well and try to do the maximum because last weekend he gained 3 points on Saturday and then lost four on Sunday, so it’s very balanced and I think it will be a head-to-head.”

What about Bastianini?

“I don’t know. I was quite clear with the team and I’ll always say that if he has the possibility to win and he’s in a situation that he needs to push. So let’s see, but for sure it’ll be OK to work together during the sessions, maybe. I always prefer to be alone, but maybe it’s time to work together.”

Reaction to the crash in 2022…

“We were there behind, pushing for seven points and I was on the limit. I was fighting with him and then nothing… I lost the front. It was worse for him because he became injured on the leathers, so it was quite scary for him. That wasn’t the ideal start to the season. We were in quite a bit of trouble at that point.”

On the new track surface:

“I think it will be better for everyone. New asphalt means more grip. We always arrive here in March when it’s cold at the beginning, so for me it will be better, but we need to see for the tyres because we will race in different conditions compared to the past years and it will be a lot hotter. It’ll be a big question for the tyres, for sure.”

Are you still happy to be sharing data when you’re fighting for the World Championship?

“It’s always been like this. He can see my data when I’m faster and I can see his data when he’s faster. So for me it’s the same. A good thing is that we ride in two different ways, so it’s also difficult to compare sometimes.”

Do you expect it to be a close battle here?

“Let’s see. I don’t know because the new asphalt can change a lot and in the past also last year, you need to control the tyres a lot. We were seeing fastest laps in the last laps last year so it will be tricky for sure an interesting. It would be nice to have a battle like in the past. I would be happy to be in the side of Andrea Dovizioso!”

On seeing the MotoGP™ Stories episode:

JORGE MARTIN: “I watched it this week, I really enjoyed it. I had a lot fun watching it, I was laughing by myself in my hotel room. It helped me disconnect a little. When I saw the video, I felt a lot of respect and remembered a lot of good moment with Pecco. For sure, at the time I never expected that we would be here sitting together and fighting for a MotoGP World Championship. It’s an honour to be here with Pecco, but now let’s go and win it.”

Is it now essential to cut the gap?

“Yeah for sure, I don’t know the maths, I just know I need to recover points. This is my target. I’m already second in the Championship even if I don’t ride in the next two races so I just need to attack and recover points.”

Out in the desert with Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. Good way to relax?

“Yesterday was an amazing day. Thanks to Nasser, it was an amazing experience. I felt in Malaysia I was riding a little too blocked on Sunday. I was feeling like I was crashing at every corner and this didn’t help to go fast and smooth. Now it’s like I told you before, I’m already in second, I just can change to first so I will take the risks and maybe take some gambles to do it.”

Bastianini didn’t take too much risk against Pecco in the Sprint at Sepang, for example… does he have more friends out there?

“I don’t care about friends; I just care about myself. I feel if I can do my 100%, I can beat all of them so I am focused on the weekend and myself and if someone helps him or not, I can’t control it, so I don’t really care.”

On the new surface in Qatar:

“I didn’t have a look yet but as Pecco said there will be more grip with new asphalt. Tyres will be the key. We have a lot info from the past so maybe it will be useless. Maybe we have to start from zero and let’s try to be clever and fast to understand the situation.”

Ducati sharing data policy continues, or are there more secrets?

“For me it is the same, we are used to this. He knows my set up exactly because I almost never change! I think it’s like this. Battling for a Championship isn’t easy when you know your rival is looking at your data, but I’m also looking at his.”

Past battles in Qatar have been spectacular, do you expect a close battle this weekend?

“It will be super close for me. It’s difficult to understand now but it will be a close battle between all the fast riders. It’s a good chance to recover points but also a good chance to lose a lot of points. We need to be clever and fast and try to win it.”

Fans over the world are picking Team Pecco or Team Martin. Who would be dream celebrity fan?

“Difficult to say, Valentino was my idol so maybe him but that might be difficult! Let’s say Jason Statham!”

Title contenders Jorge Martin (right) and Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia (left) pose with the MotoGP World Championship trophy in downtown Doha. Photo courtesy Dorna. — Title contenders Jorge Martin (right) and Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (left) pose with the MotoGP World Championship trophy in downtown Doha. Photo courtesy Dorna.

MotoGP: Marini Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole Position In Qatar

November 18, 2023

Luca Marini (10). Photo by Kohei Hirota.

MotoGP Comb Qual

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia & Martin head Row 2 as Marini slams in stunning record pole

Marini, Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez push the title contenders down to the second row on Saturday

Saturday, 18 November 2023

A stunning qualifying session at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar bubbled up to an incredible crescendo on Saturday, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) striking late with a near-perfect lap to take pole position with a new lap record. He pipped Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) by just 0.067s, with Sepang Tissot Sprint winner Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) completing the front row.

The two title contenders both got bumped off that front row, but they aren’t far away by any means: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) takes P4 and has Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) right alongside in P5, with the duo split by just 0.022s. On Friday it was 0.007s, with incredible parity so far in the desert to set up two fascinating showdowns under the floodlights.

Q1

After the first runs in a star-studded Q1, it was Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) leading the way ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), with Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), after just losing out on making the cut in Practice, next up. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), meanwhile, was dead last despite topping FP2, having seen his hot lap interrupted by a front end save.

As soon as Quartararo headed back out though, the red sectors started coming in. Two tenths up in the first sector, nearly half a second in the second, and with company from Alex Marquez tucked in behind setting similar sectors too. As both crossed the line, the number 73 took 0.087 out of El Diablo as it became an AM73-FQ20 1-2 in Q1, and under the lap record. Could anyone beat it? Zarco could indeed, pipping Alex Marquez by just 0.055 as the two moved through, leaving Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Quartararo just missing out.

Q2

The first benchmark came from Diggia as two pairings made their way around: Bagnaia followed by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), slotting into fourth and fifth, and Martin behind Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing). That nearly saw some drama as Martin tried to pass but couldn’t find a way through, but next time round with some more space, the number 89 put in a fast one and shot up to third behind Marini and Diggia at the top.

Then, Martin pulled back intp pitlane just as Bagnaia pulled back out of the garage, with… you guessed it, Marc Marquez for company once again. And the two were setting red sectors, but so was Diggia. The number 49 completed his second shot at it by cutting a stunning three and a half tenths off his own provisional pole time, setting the first ever 1:51 of Lusail.

Bagnaia was next and took over in second, two tenths off, with Marc Marquez not quite able to pip him to it but taking a provisional front row. The next assault was from Alex Marquez and it was CLOSE, with the number 73 making it a Gresini 1-2 to push Bagnaia down to third. Next up there were red sectors from Martin but the lap went away, and then it looked like Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing)) could challenge at the top before the Aprilia lost time in the final part of the lap.

But then came Marini. The Italian kept it absolutely pinned, just able to deny compatriot Diggia by 0.067s, and that was that after an awesome flurry of activity on the timesheets late on. Marini heads Diggia and Alex Marquez, with all three setting 1:51s and a second quicker than the 2021 lap record. The Independent Team riders shine under the floodlights, pushing the two contenders down to Row 2 as the penultimate 37 points of the year go up for grabs.

THE GRID

Behind Marini, Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez, the two contenders will be looking to make big gains from the off from Row 2, Bagnaia just 0.020 ahead of Martin. Zarco in sixth will be an interesting one to watch too.

Then comes Marc Marquez, Viñales and Friday’s fastest Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) on Row 3. Aleix Espargaro is down in P10 ahead of a Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) looking to make a classic Binder charge when the lights go out, the South African in P11. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) locks out the Q2 crowd in P12.

After losing out in Q1, Bezzecchi starts P13 just ahead of Quartararo. Sepang winner Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) is next up in P15, and after coming across Iker Lecuona (LCR Honda Castrol) on a hot lap in Q1. Lecuona has a three-place grid penalty for that. Miller heads Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) in P16 and P17 after the Australian also thought the Portugese rider held him up in a tight, tight Q1.

Grattan Raceway Park Is For Sale…And It Has Been For Years

November 17, 2023

Grattan Raceway Park, near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Photo courtesy Signature Associates.

Recently, some motorsports news websites posted stories reporting that Grattan Raceway Park, located near Grand Rapids, Michigan, is for sale, causing a lot of discussion and speculation about the track’s future throughout the motorsports community.

While the reports are true, they aren’t exactly news.

Grattan Raceway Park has been up for sale for years ever since its founder and original owner Edward J. “E.J.” Faasen passed away in 2017 at the age of 89.

“It has been for sale for a few years,” Sam Faasen, son of E.J. Faasen and General Manager of the family-owned racetrack, told RoadracingWorld.com Friday. “We’re all getting up there in age.

“Prior to the COVID outbreak we had a customer, and then the COVID thing hit and kind of turned the economy around a little bit. Then the inflation hit and that [affected] it a little more. But we’ve had a number of interested parties come in from outside the U.S.”

Originally constructed in 1960, Grattan Raceway Park is a 2.0-mile, 40-feet-wide, 13-turn road course with a 3,200-foot-long straightaway that can be operated in both directions, and portions of the track have been repaved over the last three years, according to Faasen.

Grattan Raceway Park hosted multiple WERA Sportsman regional race events, Sportbike Track Time track days, and other automobile and karting events in 2023, and reservations for 2024 event dates are being taken, as normal.

The track, however, is still for sale.

Asked for the listing price, Faasen referred RoadracingWorld.com to his real estate agent Joe Rizqallah (616-822-6310) at Signature Associates, who was out of the country at post time.

Belding_7201 & 7511 Lessiter

Macau Grand Prix: Hickman Takes Pole Position In China

November 17, 2023

Peter Hickman (88). Photo courtesy Macau Grand Prix Committee.