JD Beach, the winner of the final race of the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship season, tested Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW Superbikes today during a track day event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in Homestead, Florida.
According to Team Owner Michael Kiley, his team had an obligation to do some extra testing for BMW Motorrad and his 2023 riders, Cameron Beaubier and PJ Jacobsen, were unavailable. Beaubier is still recovering from knee surgery, Jacobsen has already signed with Rahal Ducati Moto for the 2024 season, and Beach was available.
Beach told Roadracingworld.com that he rode two different M 1000 RR Superbikes while working with Scott Jensen, who was PJ Jacobsen’s Crew Chief in 2023.
Asked if Beach was being consider as a rider for his team in 2024, Kiley told Roadracingworld.com that his team’s plans were still in the works.
JD Beach (center) with fellow Pro racers Armando Ferrer (right) and Alex Arango (left) Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Photo courtesy Armando Ferrer.
MRA Announces Its Board of Directors for the 2024 Race Season
Denver, CO – The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) is pleased to announce the election of its Board of Directors for the 2024 Race Season. The MRA held its Annual Meeting & Elections on the evening of November 8, 2023, in accordance with its by-laws.
Current Vice President, Bob Hasenhundl, was elected as President and will serve through the 2024 season. Bob Hasenhundl was 1 year into a 2-year term, so his election to President leaves the Vice President position vacant. The MRA will hold a special election to fill the vacant Vice President position.
This year the MRA will see three new board members elected to their first terms, Deborah Bingham for Secretary, Tim Ellis for Public Relations & Events, and Dustin Pfeiffer for VP of Rules & Tech. Dennis Stowers, Blair Harness, Katie Rayburn, and Codey Chewning were all re-elected in their respective positions. Additionally, Noel Ross will continue to serve as Treasurer, and Dan Spurlock will retain his position as New Rider Director, as both are 1 year into a 2-year term for their roles, making them exempt from the 2024 election cycle.
The MRA congratulates its new board members and extends its sincere appreciation to all the candidates for their willingness to serve the club. Electees will take office at the December Board of Directors meeting.
2024 Board of Directors:
– Bob Hasenhundl: President
– Deborah Bingham: Secretary
– Katie Rayburn: Race Director
– Noel Ross: Treasurer
– Dan Spurlock: New Rider Director
– Dustin Pfeiffer: VP Rules & Tech
– Dennis Stowers: Rider Representative – Rulebook
– Blair Harness: Rider Representative – Trophy & Class Sponsorship
– Tim Ellis: Rider Representative – Public Relation & Events
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
#PECCOvsMARTIN: the title fight heats up as Bastianini blasts back to glory
It’s early race fireworks in the title fight, but up ahead Bastianini and Alex Marquez pull clear on Sunday
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 12 November 2023
Pecco vs Martin: it’s official. The fight for the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship is now a duel, and it’s a duel split by just 14 points as we head into the final two race weekends. It was also an early race duel at Sepang as the two went toe-to-toe in the fight for the podium, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) defending with everything he had against now sole challenger, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). But that was the fight for third!
Up ahead, Enea Bastianini’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) fantastic return to form continued as the number 23 moved through to the lead, set some absolutely searing pace, and wasn’t to be seen again. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) kept him honest enough, however, with the number 73 following up his Sprint win with another Grand Prix podium.
It was almost three abreast into Turn 1 once the lights went out, with the front row side-by-side. Bastianini played it safe, Bagnaia was on the outside, and it was Martin who let the brakes off – diving up the inside to very briefly take the holeshot. But he was deep and Bagnaia took the chance to try and cut back in, but the #1 wasn’t in the postcode of the apex either. He got back past Martin but Bastianini was already through, as was Alex Marquez.
Pecco held on to third against Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) but Martin wasn’t so lucky, getting shuffled back behind the Italian and left with a little more work to do from fifth.
And so Bastianini led Alex Marquez, with a small but increasing gap back to some stunning early race fireworks. Once Martin was able to get back past Bezzecchi, he was right on the tail of Bagnaia and the teams, factory and grandstands held their breath as the show began.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) and Jorge Martin (89) finished third and fourth, respectively, on Sunday. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The number 89 was all over the number 1 but he attacked and was denied, attacked and was denied as the two scythed round Sepang near side-by-side. It was stunning, and it could prove important in terms of more than just points. On Sundays when they’ve both seen the flag, the reigning Champion has only finished ahead of Martin once since the Red Bull Ring – on the day of Johann Zarco’s history-making win in Australia. Bagnaia hasn’t beaten Martin in a Sprint since Catalunya. But at Sepang, the reigning Champion also turned the tables in qualifying, nabbing pole from Martin and outqualifying the number 89 for the first time since Barcelona.
From that huge shot of adrenaline though, it became an ebb of tension as the laps ticked down. Bastianini led Alex Marquez, both in some clear air. Bagnaia was in a “safe” third, and Martin a “safe fourth” as the battle behind was the next.
By five laps to go, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had arrived at Bezzecchi, and this time the Yamaha rider struck quickly, slicing through almost immediately. The he was left trying to hold off the mighty power of the Ducati out the final corner and down the main straight into Turn 1, but it was mission accomplished – Quartararo was up into the top five as Bezzecchi officially dropped out on title contention.
At the front, Bastianini pounded on. With just over a second in hand, sometimes up to 1.5, the Beast was keeping very calm as he carried on – and very, very fast. He crossed the line for his first win since Aragon last year with a second and a half in hand, becoming the seventh different winner this season. Alex Marquez returned to the Grand Prix podium in second, Bagnaia took that vital third, and Martin was forced to settle for fourth to end the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 14 points adrift. Still, there are 74 left in play.
Quartararo took fifth from Bezzecchi, with Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Franco Morbidelli putting on a charge into seventh and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) P8. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was hot on the heels on the Australian, and they had Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) for company too as he completed the top ten.
Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and his teammate Pol Espargaro completed the points – with one notable name missing out on some being Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he crashed out of the battle with Miller and Diggia, rider ok.
That’s it from Sepang and another stunning weekend. Every point is pivotal, and now it’s just 14 of them with 74 to play for. This is it: Pecco vs Martin. One of them will be crowned the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Champion… and the first match point comes in Qatar for Bagnaia. So don’t go anywhere… it’s GAME ON next weekend!
PECCO BAGNAIA: “I’m happy overall we managed to find our performance in terms of overall speed. It’s been since Barcelona that I’ve been on pole position so that was very very important. I tried to do everything today but the battle with Bastianini and Jorge made me lose a bit of time and then I tried to push to catch these guys, but it was very very difficult. I tried everything but the most important thing was to finish in front of Jorge without both having any problems. I already beat him in the last races but he was having some issues. This is the first time since Austria that I’ve beat him in the same conditions so I’m happy for that it was very important to do it before Qatar. We managed to finish the weekend with one more point advantage compared to when we started.”
Talk us through the overtakes…
“Jorge was very good on the entrance of Turn 14. That’s where he made the overtake, but he went a little bit wide, so I just tried to cross the line and get in front because it’s very important to not allow him to be in front, also because I wasn’t expecting that his pace was like it was, because then looking at the gap that I opened. I thought that I was arriving to the front the same, but it was very important to win the battle with him and it was also so much fun.
“I tried to go on the outside in Thailand and it didn’t work, so it was important to finally do it. Riding around the outside is always nicer than a normal overtake…”
Thoughts about the championship:
“I think we have to wait until Valencia to know for sure. 14 points are more than nothing but it’s not too much. If it was a normal season with one race it’s a good gap to manage, but with 37 points each weekend it’s not a lot. It’s a very small gap. In Qatar it will be important to work like we did this weekend and try and understand already on Friday and be at the top like we were this weekend. Pole position or to startt in the front will be very important again and try to push like we did today. In Qatar, it will be new for everyone with the new tarmac and tyres so let’s see.”
JORGE MARTIN: “You know I’m a little bit disappointed about the result but that’s the most I could do so let’s move to Qatar and try to reset from this race. I thought I was able to recover some points today. I was feeling great at the beginning of the race, but at some point, I started to lose the front and risk a lot on the right hand corners so I have to be happy with P4. It’s not what I expected, I expected to fight for the podium or for the victory. But it is what it is so let’s move onto the next one.”
At what point did you realise?
“Yeah, after six laps I started to lose ground to Pecco. It was strange because I tried to push to put some pressure on him so maybe he’d make a mistake but I started to be close to crashing so I decided that’s not what I wanted. So that’s the maximum I could do today.”
Qatar next, how much are you looking forward to that?
“Yeah I really like Qatar. I’ve had two pole positions there in the past two seasons and I was on the podium there in my second ever race in MotoGP. I’m really looking forward to it. We have to understand the new tyres for sure but this is a track where I’m always fast.”
Fermin Aldeguer won the Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Sepang International Circuit, in Sepang, Malaysia. The Beta Tools SpeedUp rider won the 17-lap race by a large 7.128-second margin. It was the Spaniard’s second straight win and his third victory in 2023.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Pedro Acosta finished second in the race and that was enough for him to clinch the 2023 Moto2 World Championship with two rounds remaining.
Marcos Ramirez took third on his OnlyFans American Racing Kalex.
American Joe Roberts scored eighth on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, 18.482 seconds behind the winner, and his countryman Sean Dylan Kelly placed 19th on his Forward Racing machine.
Aldeguer unbeatable as Acosta clinches the title at Sepang
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is the 2023 Moto2™ World Champion thanks to a P2 finish at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. The Spaniard becomes the youngest Moto2™ title winner – taking that accolade off Marc Marquez – as Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) strode to a commanding third win of the campaign. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) kept his composure to secure a hard-earned debut Moto2™ rostrum in P3.
There was drama from the off as polesitter Aldeguer and Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) made contact on the exit of Turn 1 which saw the latter crash out. Thankfully everyone managed to avoid the Spaniard but one rider who had to take evading action was Arbolino. The Italian lost ground and was down to P7, with Acosta capitalising on Gonzalez’s misfortunes to climb up to P2.
On Lap 2, desperate to pick off the riders ahead of him, Arbolino’s slim title hopes then all but vanished. The #14 made small contact with Ai Ogura’s (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) rear wheel at Turn 9, then made more contact with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40), as Arbolino ran onto the grass. That dropped him outside the top 20.
Back at the front, Aldeguer was operating on another level. By Lap 4, the Spaniard was over two seconds clear of Acosta, who in turn was over a second up the road from third place Ramirez. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) was P4 and had Ogura and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) for company, with Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) just slightly adrift of the fight for P4.
Aldeguer’s lead kept growing and with seven laps left, six seconds split him and Acosta. Ramirez was holding Lopez, Ogura and Dixon a second behind him, with Ogura beginning to climb all over the back of Lopez’s rear wheel. With six to go, Ogura was through and then set about chasing Ramirez for the final spot on the podium.
With three to go, Ramirez was coming under increasing pressure. Ogura was taking two or three tenths a second a lap out of the Spaniard’s advantage but up the road, there were no issues whatsoever for Aldeguer and the Champion elect Acosta.
Aldeguer took the chequered flag a sensational 7.1s clear of anyone to claim a dominant victory, but it was all eyes on the rider in P2 as Acosta crossed the line to become the 2023 Moto2™ World Champion and a two-time Grand Prix Champion after his 2021 Moto3™ success. Take a bow Pedro, what a season!
Just behind, Ramirez did manage to fend off Ogura to claim a first Moto2™ podium, with the latter coming from P13 on the grid to challenge for a podium, as Dixon rounded out the top five. Chantra and Lowes take home P6 and P7, with Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and the recovering Arbolino rounding out the top 10. A disappointing day for the #14 sees his title hopes disappear for 2023, but he’ll be back stronger in 2024
Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP), Jeremy Alcoba (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™), Alex Escrig (Forward Team), Filip Salac (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and Dennis Foggia (Italtrans Racing Team) were the final points scorers in Malaysia. With the title wrapped up, Acosta will head to Qatar with only one thing in mind: winning. So will the likes of Aldeguer as we get set for what could be a spell-binding end to the 2023 Moto2™ World Championship!
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#ELT1BURON: Pedro Acosta is the 2023 FIM Moto2™ World Champion!
Believe the hype: the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider wraps up the crown at Sepang after another stunning season
Pedro Acosta celebrates his 2023 Moto2 World Championship. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 12 November 2023
Pedro Acosta is the 2023 FIM Moto2™ World Champion! The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider took his second Championship in style with a podium at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia, becoming the youngest intermediate class Champion since Dani Pedrosa in 2004 and the youngest ever in Moto2™ – just ahead of Marc Marquez. Acosta has taken 14 podiums this year including seven wins, and wraps up the crown with two races to spare. Do you believe the hype?
Acosta got his first motorbike at five years old but took a little time to really fall in love. Once he did, his ascent started to gain traction and by 2017 he was wrapping up the pre-Moto3™ title in Spain with two races to spare. He then moved into the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship, now JuniorGP™, for 2018 and made a big step in that Championship the following season – alongside debuting in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
The Rookies was where he began to really create the hype that has since followed him through the ranks. After finishing his first season as runner up with three wins and five podiums, 2020 then saw Acosta win the first six races in the Rookies and take the title with plenty of time to spare.
Making his debut in the Moto3™ World Championship in 2021, then, came with even more hype, and that was proven entirely correct. On his Grand Prix debut he took second place and started his career on the podium, just 0.042s off the win, and second time out, Acosta won. From pitlane.
More than two years later, that victory remains worthy of goosebumps and the season overall does too – with history made nearly every weekend. Acosta became the first rider to take the title in his rookie season in the 125cc/Moto3™ class since Loris Capirossi in 1990.
He moved to Moto2™ for 2022, and if anyone had doubts about the hype surrounding the Spaniard, the time to surrender them had come. In a new year and a new class, Acosta was the same sensation as he smashed the lap record in testing at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Still, it was a tougher start to the races than he’d expected and then came some injury struggles, before he won his first Moto2™ race at Mugello and rounded out the season with a second victory in Valencia. He looks back on his intermediate class debut having expected more, but for the rest it said more than enough, and then came 2023.
The favourite from the off, the first part of the season saw Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) mount a challenge against Acosta but by summer break, the number 37 had taken back the lead and started to pull clear. From there, he only continued to hammer home his advantage, culminating in his second crown secured in style. Seven wins, 14 podiums and more history made – Pedro Acosta is the 2023 FIM Moto2™ World Champion! Next stop: MotoGP™!
Pedro Acosta, the 2023 Moto2 World Champion. Photo courtesy Dorna.
#ELT1BURON IN STATS
Aged 19 years and 171 days old, Acosta becomes the second-youngest intermediate class World Champion behind MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa (19 years and 18 days old) in 2004.
However, Acosta is the youngest Moto2™ World Champion ahead of Marc Marquez (19 years and 254 days old) in 2012.
He becomes the second rider to clinch the Moto2™ World Championship having previously clinched the Moto3™ title (2021), along with Alex Marquez (Moto3™/2014 and Moto2™/2019).
In addition, Acosta becomes the second former Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner to clinch the Moto2™ title along with Johann Zarco, the first ever Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Winner in 2007 and two-time Moto2™ World Champion (2015 and 2016).
Aged 18 years and 4 days old at the 2022 Italian GP, Acosta is the youngest intermediate class winner ahead of Marc Marquez (18 years and 87 days old at the 2011 French GP).
With 10 wins in Moto2™ so far, Acosta is tied in fifth place on the list of riders with the most wins in the class with Pol Espargaro and Sam Lowes.
Acosta has stood on the podium 14 times so far this season (more than any other rider) and 19 times in Moto2™. He is now tied in 11th place on the list of riders with most podiums in the class with Andrea Iannone. If he gets two more in the two remaining races, he will surpass 2024 teammate Augusto Fernandez (20) and equal Franco Morbidelli and Miguel Oliveira, who both have 21.
QUOTES
Pedro Acosta: “I was struggling not to feel the pressure. In the end, we have to understand that we weren’t in an easy situation but the window was open to achieve the championship and I said on Thursday if it wasn’t going to be here, it was going to be in Qatar or in Valencia. In the end, I approached it like a normal weekend trying to be competitive in Sunday’s race and like this we did it. It’s true that in the last couple of races we’ve been riding more with the head because I think it’s very important for the team to be able to achieve the championship and for us to be able to fight for the team title. I think the race was good in the end. We have seen that SpeedUp have something more in the last couple of races and we have to improve. Anyway, we have to be happy we are in our way and we have another podium in the bag with two more races in the championship where we can fight to win races, so we have to be happy about this race.”
Proud of this season, it has been very different to 2021?
“Yeah, in the end like you say, it’s not like it was in Moto3. In the end, I remembered that in Sachsenring maybe I had 83 points of gap to second place. It was quite crazy, also in Portimao I was quite nervous because it was a race after I lost a lot of points in the last part of the championship. Also I was a kid, when I arrived to this championship I was 16 and now I’m close to 20, so it’s very different. Also, last year I made a lot of mistakes by Round 5 we had had close to 20 crashes, which is a lot.
“In the end, this is my third year with Aki (Ajo) working with him and this year we decided to start from zero and put all the mistakes in one box and say that nothing can get out from that box. It’s true that we’ve made mistakes during the season, like in Le Mans and in Australia. Not everything is easy, but, and I don’t know what to say in the end, the team have worked super well. It’s true that last year we suffered a lot to try to find the right setting in the bike and also I was too small and too light to be able to ride in Moto2. We made a big step in the winter in the preseason and because of this I think we’ve improved in general and in the head. We know what not to do, more than we know what to do. We’ve taken a lot of experience from last year and played with this.”
To beat Marc Marquez to youngest Moto2™ Champion, and become second youngest intermediate class Champion behind Dani Pedrosa… do you look to set those records, especially when you were called “the next Marc Marquez”, or is it just nice to see your name join theirs?
“I try not to think about it in the end. I’m the new Pedro Acosta, not the new Marc Marquez. In the end, it’s a different era, it’s different bikes, so you can’t compare this. It’s true that it’s so nice to be amongst these names, but it’s not the moment to think about this. Now I just have to enjoy myself on the bike and in the paddock and have fun with the guys that are working here. It’s not the moment to think about what I’ve done and what I want to do.”
Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Dunlop’s all-new Sportmax Slick doesn’t just talk a big game, it proves its performance in lap times! At the Dunlop Proving Grounds, in Huntsville, Alabama, Dunlop’s Motorcycle Test Engineer Taylor Knapp averaged almost a whole second improvement on the Sportmax Slick over the KR451. More impressive than that, countless lap and class records have been demolished with the new and improved tire during the 2023 MotoAmerica series at nine out of ten tracks in multiple classes!
The Sportmax Slick had lap records broken at all the MotoAmerica tracks in 2023 except at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (due to the new chicane)
The new Sportmax Slick, Dunlop’s next generation of road race tires with more grip and improved predictability is available in 17”, 12” and 10” sizes. The Sportmax Slicks have been updated with new profiles, compounds, and constructions to make them the most advanced road racing tires Dunlop has ever produced! Riders will instantly feel a greater level of confidence with the new Sportmax Slick. The new Dunlop Sportmax Slick was initially only available for use in MotoAmerica but is now available for club racers and track day riders as well.
The Sportmax Slicks were developed over the last 3 years, with internal testing being done at Dunlop’s Proving Grounds in Huntsville, Alabama by Taylor Knapp and external testing being done by top MotoAmerica stars such as multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike champion Jake Gagne, plus Richie Escalante, PJ Jacobsen, Cam Petersen, Josh Herrin, Mathew Scholtz and Josh Hayes, the all-time winningest road racer in AMA history, just to name a few.
The front profile of the Sportmax Slick was pulled up from Dunlop’s Sportmax Q5 development and features a taller and narrower profile. This new profile results in a tire that has improved trail braking feedback, more precise turn-in, greater high-speed mid-corner stability, increased compliance, and a larger footprint at camber.
The rear tire also features a redesigned profile that is taller and generates increased lateral grip, acceleration grip and improved compliance, due to a larger, more evenly distributed footprint at all angles. This new design has led to a rear tire that is more predictable in every area of the corner from turn-in to acceleration at corner exit.
Dunlop’s 17” Sportmax Slicks, developed by Dunlop’s Advanced Research Team (D.A.R.T), replaces the industry standard KR448 and KR451 range of slicks and are the new Official Tires of the MotoAmerica series. Dunlop and MotoAmerica recently renewed their contract, allowing Dunlop to remain the official tire supplier of MotoAmerica through 2025, continuing the partnership since 2015.
The Sportmax Slick updates include:
Revised compounds and naming structures to be more intuitive: R0 (softest) to R8 (most durable). The low numbers for easier or hotter tracks and the higher numbers for more abrasive or cold tracks
New sidewall design with taller sidewalls provides more cushion and bump absorption for improved traction even on the bumpiest of tracks.
Optimized rear NTEC which combines the benefits of compliant cut-breaker construction with stiffer, continuously wound aramid-fiber, and Jointless Band (JLB) construction for maximum feel and stability when leaned over for more support when on the gas.
New taller profile, which leads to better contact patch. More predictable change in contact patch area (grip) while adding lean angle or taking lean angle away and driving out of the corner.
Multiple compounds are offered for the front and rear tires, but the R8 compound is exclusive to the rear tires only.
Due to the Sportmax Slicks being race tires, tire warmers are highly recommended for all compounds.
The new Sportmax Slick tires are available now from dunlopracing.com or from your local Dunlop trackside vendor.
About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:
Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.
Veijer beats Sasaki and Masia in a dramatic Moto3™ showdown at Sepang
Collin Veijer (95). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The Netherlands has a new Grand Prix winner, and the first since 1990 as Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) defeated teammate – and title challenger – Ayumu Sasaki in the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. Championship leader Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) completed the podium in a close race to the finish that went right to the final corner. It’s now likely a two-horse race for the crown too, with some big drama for three of the five contenders on the way into the weekend at Sepang.
Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) got the best start from Row 2 and looked like he was going to take the holeshot before Veijer shot through and somehow kept it nicely in line, with Masia then able to grab second too. It didn’t take long for the Leopard rider to grab the lead though, and the number 5 then started to seriously push. Who could go with him?
Initially the answer was Sasaki, Veijer and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), but the small group couldn’t break away. It quickly became a freight train once again, but there was drama coming.
After a dramatic weekend before the lights went out, with the Buriram winner suffering some crashes including in qualifying, David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) started well down the order. By 13 laps to go, he was already into the top ten. But then came the drama as he suddenly crashed out in the group, taking, among others, fellow contender Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) out of the race – all riders ok, but the group split and two key members of the Championship fight out of the race.
The group became Masia, Sasaki, Veijer, Öncü, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team). As the laps ticked down the tension was high but no one was able to make a difference – until a difference was made for some. Rueda got it wrong at the final corner when going for a move on Bertelle, making contact with the Italian then unable to save it and going down – in a nightmare, also tagging and taking down his teammate Öncü just ahead. Again, all riders ok – Bertelle staying upright and Öncü getting back in it, but that left a trio fighting for victory: Masia, Sasaki… and Sasaki’s teammate, Veijer.
This wasn’t a team game though. Veijer passed Sasaki for the lead as the final lap began, and he then got the hammer very much down as he gunned for his first Grand Prix win to follow up his maiden podium. But still, it all went down to the final corner.
Sasaki looked for a way through and it looked like he couldn’t find one, but Veijer was wider than his teammate – leaving them gassing it away from the apex almost in unison and the number 71 very close behind. But the drag to the line wasn’t enough and Veijer kept it, taking his first win and first Grand Prix victory for the Netherlands since the 1990 Czech GP!
Sasaki took second on a day that saw so many contenders find bad fortune, but Masia also took a valuable podium and 16 points. The Spaniard is therefore now 13 clear of Sasaki in the title fight, with Alonso and Holgado both now at a deficit of 41 points.
Ortola ultimately came home fourth ahead of David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) and Joel Kelso completing the second group down to P8. Filippo Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) beat Ryusei Yamanaka (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) to ninth, with Bertelle ending up P11 after his involuntary excursion. Öncü impressively got back on and took P12. But not so, with a time penalty equivalent to a Ride Through later given to Muñoz for causing a crash, moving all up a position behind where he’d crossed the line and that just enough to technically keep Öncü in the fight for the crown…
Join us for more Moto3™ action from Qatar to see where the next twist takes us as Masia faces a first match point!
Alex Marquez won the MotoGP World Championship Sprint Race Saturday at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici, the former Moto2 World Champion won the 10-lap race by 1.589 seconds.
Jorge Martin was the runner-up on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati. Pole-sitter and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia finished third just ahead of his teammate Enea Bastianini in fourth and Red Bull KTM’s Brad Binder in fifth.
11 points in it: Alex Marquez fends off Martin as Bagnaia defends against Bastianini
The Gresini rider steals the headlines as the title protagonists duke it out and Martin gains two points in a tense Sprint at Sepang
MotoGP Sprint Race winner Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 11 November 2023
The final chapter of the 2023 Championship story is underway and the momentum swung a little more in the direction of the purple corner in Saturday’s Tissot Sprint. With Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) taking a classy, dominant victory and absolutely charging through to it too, that left Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to battle it out. And the former claimed P2, with polesitter Pecco having to settle for P3. Now, the gap ahead of Sunday’s race is just 11 points.
The rider who got the best start on the front row was actually Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), but the Beast played it to perfection for teammate Bagnaia (spoiler alert) as the Championship leader didn’t come under attack as he grabbed the holeshot and the number 23 slotted in behind. Alex Marquez struck soon after to take second though, with Martin shuffled down to fourth early doors.
Bagnaia led Alex Marquez led Martin as the number 89 hit back against Bastianini on Lap 1, and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was past the second factory Ducati not long after.
Heartrates then hit the roof at the end of Lap 2 as Alex Marquez went for a dive on Bagnaia for the lead at the final corner. The reigning Champion let the Gresini machine steam past and head wide, taking back the lead, and that left Alex Marquez nearly side by side with Martin instead, squabbling for second. The Gresini decisively grabbed it at Turn 1, however, and from there was able to start reeling Bagnaia back in.
He did just that, with Martin able to stay close and Bastainini coming back at them too, back past Miller, and with five to go Alex Marquez struck with a brutal, clean move for the lead. And then came Martin, the number 89 attacking Bagnaia almost immediately. The hammer went down.
That left Bastianini with some decisions, right on the tail of his teammate and Pecco looking to recover after losing two positions in fairly quick succession. There was another twist in the tale too as something white then appeared on the front fairing of the #1 Ducati, some debris stuck on the bike. But it didn’t last too long as the battle for third was allowed to continue regardless.
Bagnaia held on, and Bastianini may not have attacked, but he definitely put on some pressure and proved two points at once – his speed and a little team spirit, certainly in terms of avoiding too much risk. It almost cost him fourth too, with a late charge from Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) saw the South African and the Beast nearly side-by-side over the line after a last corner squabble.
One second back from that battle was Miller as the Aussie kept himself within the mix for most of the Sprint to bring home a solid 6th-place finish. Another second back was Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), who fended off Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) to take 7th place. The Italian’s teammate Luca Marini took the final Sprint point in 9th ahead of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) who rounded out the top 10.
As the title battle continues to rage on there’s no telling which way the pendulum will swing. The PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia still has plenty to give in the 2023 Championship story with 25 Grand Prix points up for grabs on Sunday and a gap of just 11 between the top two.
Can Bagnaia bounce back, or will Martin continue to apply the pressure? Find out at 15:00 local time (GMT +8)!
Fermin Aldeguer claimed pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp Boscoscuro racebike, the Spaniard navigated the 3.4-mile (5.5 km) course in 2:05.288 to lead the field of 32 riders.
Celestino Vietti was second-best with a 2:05.790 on his Fantic Racing Kalex, and Manuel Gonzalez earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:05.815 on his Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team Kalex.
Americans Joe Roberts (2:06.170) and Sean Dylan Kelly (2:07.217) qualified 10th and 27th, respectively.
Jaume Masia earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Spaniard lapped the 3.4-mile (5.5 km) track in 2:10.846, which was not only good enough to top the field of 28 riders it also smashed Dennis Foggia’s 2022 lap record of 2:11.411.
Pecco vs Martin: the contenders go toe-to-toe for pole in Malaysia
Two new lap records, a crash and a late dash for the top: qualifying delivers a serious teaser at Sepang
Saturday, 11 November 2023
The heat is on and it’s a 1-2 for the top two in the title fight at Sepang! Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Time) slammed in a late stunner at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia to claim pole for the first time since Barcelona, denying title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) as the number 89 suffered a late crash and was forced to watch from the sidelines and then settle for second. Bagnaia’s 1:57.491 is now also the new all-time lap record at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, overwriting Martin’s own set just a few seconds before, and his previous 2022 best.
Third makes for an interesting player on the grids this weekend too: Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) made it a Ducati front-row lockout after he climbed his way through Q1 to bag his first front-row start of the season.
Q1
As ever, it went to the wire in Q1. The last couple of minutes saw a flurry of laps, and it was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) who came out on top, just pipping Bastianini by 0.088.
The drama came late too, with a crash for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) when he was overtaking Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3). Rider perfectly ok, but losing out and left behind in Q1 along with the likes of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing).
Q2
After the first runs, it was Martin on top and with a freshly pressed new lap record, set behind key rival Bagnaia to boot. The Martinator was 0.238 clear of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), fastest on Friday, locking out the provisional front row as Bagnaia sat in fourth.
There were just over four minutes left on the clock as the field headed back out. In Bastianini’s case it was out for the first time in Q2, having come through Q1 and with one set of tyres in the locker for a time attack. The ‘Beast’ clocked a beast of a lap too, shooting up into provisional second on the grid just 0.108 off Martin.
A crash for Diggia in the final sector, rider ok, then looked like it could complicate life as the Yellow Flags were out, and then the same happened after a low drama lowside for Marini at Turn 9. But Bastianini was unaffected by both, and moved to within 0.041 of the top as the rest started their final assaults on Q2..
The decisive crash of the session was the next one, however. Martin was looking to better his own lap that had him on provisional pole but the number 89 overcooked it and slid out, rider ok but that last chance to push now gone. The ball was in Bagnaia’s court, and he intended to play it.
The number 1 was close in the first part of the lap, but he really turned the screw in the final two sectors. Both red, Pecco shot across the line to grab pole as Martin was forced to watch on the sidelines. And with that, it’s a 1-2 for the top two in the Championship – and Bastianini third right alongside, creating quite a front row as 37 more points go into play.
THE GRID
Behind Bagnaia, Martin and Bastianini, Alex Marquez just missed out on the top three by a whisker but will line up on the front of Row 2 in P4 with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team duo of Marini and Marco Bezzecchi joining him in 5th and 6th.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) lines up in P7 as the South African was the first rider just missing out on breaking the 1:58 barrier. Binder will be joined on the third row by 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as the pair bagged P8 and P9 in Q2 respectively.
The fourth row of the grid will feature Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who rounded out the top 10 ahead of Di Giannantonio, who failed to replicate his 1:57.8 from Q1 after that crash in Q2. The Italian has to settle for P11 on the grid, with Australian GP winner Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) completing the top 12 and a key victim of Yellow Flags, leaving the Frenchman an unrepresentative 4+ seconds off the top with no flying lap counting.
The action has only just begun at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia and the heat has already been turned right up in the title fight…
JD Beach, after winning MotoAmerica Superbike Race Two at New Jersey Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy Yamaha.
JD Beach, the winner of the final race of the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship season, tested Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW Superbikes today during a track day event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in Homestead, Florida.
According to Team Owner Michael Kiley, his team had an obligation to do some extra testing for BMW Motorrad and his 2023 riders, Cameron Beaubier and PJ Jacobsen, were unavailable. Beaubier is still recovering from knee surgery, Jacobsen has already signed with Rahal Ducati Moto for the 2024 season, and Beach was available.
Beach told Roadracingworld.com that he rode two different M 1000 RR Superbikes while working with Scott Jensen, who was PJ Jacobsen’s Crew Chief in 2023.
Asked if Beach was being consider as a rider for his team in 2024, Kiley told Roadracingworld.com that his team’s plans were still in the works.
JD Beach (center) with fellow Pro racers Armando Ferrer (right) and Alex Arango (left) Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Photo courtesy Armando Ferrer.
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA). Photo by Kelly Vernell, courtesy MRA.
MRA Announces Its Board of Directors for the 2024 Race Season
Denver, CO – The Motorcycle Roadracing Association (MRA) is pleased to announce the election of its Board of Directors for the 2024 Race Season. The MRA held its Annual Meeting & Elections on the evening of November 8, 2023, in accordance with its by-laws.
Current Vice President, Bob Hasenhundl, was elected as President and will serve through the 2024 season. Bob Hasenhundl was 1 year into a 2-year term, so his election to President leaves the Vice President position vacant. The MRA will hold a special election to fill the vacant Vice President position.
This year the MRA will see three new board members elected to their first terms, Deborah Bingham for Secretary, Tim Ellis for Public Relations & Events, and Dustin Pfeiffer for VP of Rules & Tech. Dennis Stowers, Blair Harness, Katie Rayburn, and Codey Chewning were all re-elected in their respective positions. Additionally, Noel Ross will continue to serve as Treasurer, and Dan Spurlock will retain his position as New Rider Director, as both are 1 year into a 2-year term for their roles, making them exempt from the 2024 election cycle.
The MRA congratulates its new board members and extends its sincere appreciation to all the candidates for their willingness to serve the club. Electees will take office at the December Board of Directors meeting.
2024 Board of Directors:
– Bob Hasenhundl: President
– Deborah Bingham: Secretary
– Katie Rayburn: Race Director
– Noel Ross: Treasurer
– Dan Spurlock: New Rider Director
– Dustin Pfeiffer: VP Rules & Tech
– Dennis Stowers: Rider Representative – Rulebook
– Blair Harness: Rider Representative – Trophy & Class Sponsorship
– Tim Ellis: Rider Representative – Public Relation & Events
The Motorcycle Roadracing Association is dedicated to promoting safe and competitive motorcycle road racing events for enthusiasts in Colorado and the surrounding area. For more information go to http://www.mra-racing.org/.
The start of Sunday's MotoGP race at Sepang with Francesco Bagnaia (1) and Jorge Martin (89) fighting for first place heading into Turn One. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
#PECCOvsMARTIN: the title fight heats up as Bastianini blasts back to glory
It’s early race fireworks in the title fight, but up ahead Bastianini and Alex Marquez pull clear on Sunday
Enea Bastianini (23). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 12 November 2023
Pecco vs Martin: it’s official. The fight for the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship is now a duel, and it’s a duel split by just 14 points as we head into the final two race weekends. It was also an early race duel at Sepang as the two went toe-to-toe in the fight for the podium, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) defending with everything he had against now sole challenger, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing). But that was the fight for third!
Up ahead, Enea Bastianini’s (Ducati Lenovo Team) fantastic return to form continued as the number 23 moved through to the lead, set some absolutely searing pace, and wasn’t to be seen again. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) kept him honest enough, however, with the number 73 following up his Sprint win with another Grand Prix podium.
It was almost three abreast into Turn 1 once the lights went out, with the front row side-by-side. Bastianini played it safe, Bagnaia was on the outside, and it was Martin who let the brakes off – diving up the inside to very briefly take the holeshot. But he was deep and Bagnaia took the chance to try and cut back in, but the #1 wasn’t in the postcode of the apex either. He got back past Martin but Bastianini was already through, as was Alex Marquez.
Pecco held on to third against Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) but Martin wasn’t so lucky, getting shuffled back behind the Italian and left with a little more work to do from fifth.
And so Bastianini led Alex Marquez, with a small but increasing gap back to some stunning early race fireworks. Once Martin was able to get back past Bezzecchi, he was right on the tail of Bagnaia and the teams, factory and grandstands held their breath as the show began.
Francesco Bagnaia (1) and Jorge Martin (89) finished third and fourth, respectively, on Sunday. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The number 89 was all over the number 1 but he attacked and was denied, attacked and was denied as the two scythed round Sepang near side-by-side. It was stunning, and it could prove important in terms of more than just points. On Sundays when they’ve both seen the flag, the reigning Champion has only finished ahead of Martin once since the Red Bull Ring – on the day of Johann Zarco’s history-making win in Australia. Bagnaia hasn’t beaten Martin in a Sprint since Catalunya. But at Sepang, the reigning Champion also turned the tables in qualifying, nabbing pole from Martin and outqualifying the number 89 for the first time since Barcelona.
From that huge shot of adrenaline though, it became an ebb of tension as the laps ticked down. Bastianini led Alex Marquez, both in some clear air. Bagnaia was in a “safe” third, and Martin a “safe fourth” as the battle behind was the next.
By five laps to go, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had arrived at Bezzecchi, and this time the Yamaha rider struck quickly, slicing through almost immediately. The he was left trying to hold off the mighty power of the Ducati out the final corner and down the main straight into Turn 1, but it was mission accomplished – Quartararo was up into the top five as Bezzecchi officially dropped out on title contention.
At the front, Bastianini pounded on. With just over a second in hand, sometimes up to 1.5, the Beast was keeping very calm as he carried on – and very, very fast. He crossed the line for his first win since Aragon last year with a second and a half in hand, becoming the seventh different winner this season. Alex Marquez returned to the Grand Prix podium in second, Bagnaia took that vital third, and Martin was forced to settle for fourth to end the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 14 points adrift. Still, there are 74 left in play.
Quartararo took fifth from Bezzecchi, with Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™’s Franco Morbidelli putting on a charge into seventh and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) P8. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was hot on the heels on the Australian, and they had Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) for company too as he completed the top ten.
Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and his teammate Pol Espargaro completed the points – with one notable name missing out on some being Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he crashed out of the battle with Miller and Diggia, rider ok.
That’s it from Sepang and another stunning weekend. Every point is pivotal, and now it’s just 14 of them with 74 to play for. This is it: Pecco vs Martin. One of them will be crowned the 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Champion… and the first match point comes in Qatar for Bagnaia. So don’t go anywhere… it’s GAME ON next weekend!
PECCO BAGNAIA: “I’m happy overall we managed to find our performance in terms of overall speed. It’s been since Barcelona that I’ve been on pole position so that was very very important. I tried to do everything today but the battle with Bastianini and Jorge made me lose a bit of time and then I tried to push to catch these guys, but it was very very difficult. I tried everything but the most important thing was to finish in front of Jorge without both having any problems. I already beat him in the last races but he was having some issues. This is the first time since Austria that I’ve beat him in the same conditions so I’m happy for that it was very important to do it before Qatar. We managed to finish the weekend with one more point advantage compared to when we started.”
Talk us through the overtakes…
“Jorge was very good on the entrance of Turn 14. That’s where he made the overtake, but he went a little bit wide, so I just tried to cross the line and get in front because it’s very important to not allow him to be in front, also because I wasn’t expecting that his pace was like it was, because then looking at the gap that I opened. I thought that I was arriving to the front the same, but it was very important to win the battle with him and it was also so much fun.
“I tried to go on the outside in Thailand and it didn’t work, so it was important to finally do it. Riding around the outside is always nicer than a normal overtake…”
Thoughts about the championship:
“I think we have to wait until Valencia to know for sure. 14 points are more than nothing but it’s not too much. If it was a normal season with one race it’s a good gap to manage, but with 37 points each weekend it’s not a lot. It’s a very small gap. In Qatar it will be important to work like we did this weekend and try and understand already on Friday and be at the top like we were this weekend. Pole position or to startt in the front will be very important again and try to push like we did today. In Qatar, it will be new for everyone with the new tarmac and tyres so let’s see.”
JORGE MARTIN: “You know I’m a little bit disappointed about the result but that’s the most I could do so let’s move to Qatar and try to reset from this race. I thought I was able to recover some points today. I was feeling great at the beginning of the race, but at some point, I started to lose the front and risk a lot on the right hand corners so I have to be happy with P4. It’s not what I expected, I expected to fight for the podium or for the victory. But it is what it is so let’s move onto the next one.”
At what point did you realise?
“Yeah, after six laps I started to lose ground to Pecco. It was strange because I tried to push to put some pressure on him so maybe he’d make a mistake but I started to be close to crashing so I decided that’s not what I wanted. So that’s the maximum I could do today.”
Qatar next, how much are you looking forward to that?
“Yeah I really like Qatar. I’ve had two pole positions there in the past two seasons and I was on the podium there in my second ever race in MotoGP. I’m really looking forward to it. We have to understand the new tyres for sure but this is a track where I’m always fast.”
The iconic grandstands at Sepang International Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.
Fermin Aldeguer won the Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Sepang International Circuit, in Sepang, Malaysia. The Beta Tools SpeedUp rider won the 17-lap race by a large 7.128-second margin. It was the Spaniard’s second straight win and his third victory in 2023.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Pedro Acosta finished second in the race and that was enough for him to clinch the 2023 Moto2 World Championship with two rounds remaining.
Marcos Ramirez took third on his OnlyFans American Racing Kalex.
American Joe Roberts scored eighth on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, 18.482 seconds behind the winner, and his countryman Sean Dylan Kelly placed 19th on his Forward Racing machine.
Aldeguer unbeatable as Acosta clinches the title at Sepang
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) is the 2023 Moto2™ World Champion thanks to a P2 finish at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. The Spaniard becomes the youngest Moto2™ title winner – taking that accolade off Marc Marquez – as Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) strode to a commanding third win of the campaign. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) kept his composure to secure a hard-earned debut Moto2™ rostrum in P3.
There was drama from the off as polesitter Aldeguer and Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) made contact on the exit of Turn 1 which saw the latter crash out. Thankfully everyone managed to avoid the Spaniard but one rider who had to take evading action was Arbolino. The Italian lost ground and was down to P7, with Acosta capitalising on Gonzalez’s misfortunes to climb up to P2.
On Lap 2, desperate to pick off the riders ahead of him, Arbolino’s slim title hopes then all but vanished. The #14 made small contact with Ai Ogura’s (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) rear wheel at Turn 9, then made more contact with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40), as Arbolino ran onto the grass. That dropped him outside the top 20.
Back at the front, Aldeguer was operating on another level. By Lap 4, the Spaniard was over two seconds clear of Acosta, who in turn was over a second up the road from third place Ramirez. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) was P4 and had Ogura and Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) for company, with Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) just slightly adrift of the fight for P4.
Aldeguer’s lead kept growing and with seven laps left, six seconds split him and Acosta. Ramirez was holding Lopez, Ogura and Dixon a second behind him, with Ogura beginning to climb all over the back of Lopez’s rear wheel. With six to go, Ogura was through and then set about chasing Ramirez for the final spot on the podium.
With three to go, Ramirez was coming under increasing pressure. Ogura was taking two or three tenths a second a lap out of the Spaniard’s advantage but up the road, there were no issues whatsoever for Aldeguer and the Champion elect Acosta.
Aldeguer took the chequered flag a sensational 7.1s clear of anyone to claim a dominant victory, but it was all eyes on the rider in P2 as Acosta crossed the line to become the 2023 Moto2™ World Champion and a two-time Grand Prix Champion after his 2021 Moto3™ success. Take a bow Pedro, what a season!
Just behind, Ramirez did manage to fend off Ogura to claim a first Moto2™ podium, with the latter coming from P13 on the grid to challenge for a podium, as Dixon rounded out the top five. Chantra and Lowes take home P6 and P7, with Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and the recovering Arbolino rounding out the top 10. A disappointing day for the #14 sees his title hopes disappear for 2023, but he’ll be back stronger in 2024
Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP), Jeremy Alcoba (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™), Alex Escrig (Forward Team), Filip Salac (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and Dennis Foggia (Italtrans Racing Team) were the final points scorers in Malaysia. With the title wrapped up, Acosta will head to Qatar with only one thing in mind: winning. So will the likes of Aldeguer as we get set for what could be a spell-binding end to the 2023 Moto2™ World Championship!
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
#ELT1BURON: Pedro Acosta is the 2023 FIM Moto2™ World Champion!
Believe the hype: the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider wraps up the crown at Sepang after another stunning season
Pedro Acosta celebrates his 2023 Moto2 World Championship. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 12 November 2023
Pedro Acosta is the 2023 FIM Moto2™ World Champion! The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider took his second Championship in style with a podium at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia, becoming the youngest intermediate class Champion since Dani Pedrosa in 2004 and the youngest ever in Moto2™ – just ahead of Marc Marquez. Acosta has taken 14 podiums this year including seven wins, and wraps up the crown with two races to spare. Do you believe the hype?
Acosta got his first motorbike at five years old but took a little time to really fall in love. Once he did, his ascent started to gain traction and by 2017 he was wrapping up the pre-Moto3™ title in Spain with two races to spare. He then moved into the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship, now JuniorGP™, for 2018 and made a big step in that Championship the following season – alongside debuting in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
The Rookies was where he began to really create the hype that has since followed him through the ranks. After finishing his first season as runner up with three wins and five podiums, 2020 then saw Acosta win the first six races in the Rookies and take the title with plenty of time to spare.
Making his debut in the Moto3™ World Championship in 2021, then, came with even more hype, and that was proven entirely correct. On his Grand Prix debut he took second place and started his career on the podium, just 0.042s off the win, and second time out, Acosta won. From pitlane.
More than two years later, that victory remains worthy of goosebumps and the season overall does too – with history made nearly every weekend. Acosta became the first rider to take the title in his rookie season in the 125cc/Moto3™ class since Loris Capirossi in 1990.
He moved to Moto2™ for 2022, and if anyone had doubts about the hype surrounding the Spaniard, the time to surrender them had come. In a new year and a new class, Acosta was the same sensation as he smashed the lap record in testing at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Still, it was a tougher start to the races than he’d expected and then came some injury struggles, before he won his first Moto2™ race at Mugello and rounded out the season with a second victory in Valencia. He looks back on his intermediate class debut having expected more, but for the rest it said more than enough, and then came 2023.
The favourite from the off, the first part of the season saw Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) mount a challenge against Acosta but by summer break, the number 37 had taken back the lead and started to pull clear. From there, he only continued to hammer home his advantage, culminating in his second crown secured in style. Seven wins, 14 podiums and more history made – Pedro Acosta is the 2023 FIM Moto2™ World Champion! Next stop: MotoGP™!
Pedro Acosta, the 2023 Moto2 World Champion. Photo courtesy Dorna.
#ELT1BURON IN STATS
Aged 19 years and 171 days old, Acosta becomes the second-youngest intermediate class World Champion behind MotoGP™ Legend Dani Pedrosa (19 years and 18 days old) in 2004.
However, Acosta is the youngest Moto2™ World Champion ahead of Marc Marquez (19 years and 254 days old) in 2012.
He becomes the second rider to clinch the Moto2™ World Championship having previously clinched the Moto3™ title (2021), along with Alex Marquez (Moto3™/2014 and Moto2™/2019).
In addition, Acosta becomes the second former Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner to clinch the Moto2™ title along with Johann Zarco, the first ever Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Winner in 2007 and two-time Moto2™ World Champion (2015 and 2016).
Aged 18 years and 4 days old at the 2022 Italian GP, Acosta is the youngest intermediate class winner ahead of Marc Marquez (18 years and 87 days old at the 2011 French GP).
With 10 wins in Moto2™ so far, Acosta is tied in fifth place on the list of riders with the most wins in the class with Pol Espargaro and Sam Lowes.
Acosta has stood on the podium 14 times so far this season (more than any other rider) and 19 times in Moto2™. He is now tied in 11th place on the list of riders with most podiums in the class with Andrea Iannone. If he gets two more in the two remaining races, he will surpass 2024 teammate Augusto Fernandez (20) and equal Franco Morbidelli and Miguel Oliveira, who both have 21.
QUOTES
Pedro Acosta: “I was struggling not to feel the pressure. In the end, we have to understand that we weren’t in an easy situation but the window was open to achieve the championship and I said on Thursday if it wasn’t going to be here, it was going to be in Qatar or in Valencia. In the end, I approached it like a normal weekend trying to be competitive in Sunday’s race and like this we did it. It’s true that in the last couple of races we’ve been riding more with the head because I think it’s very important for the team to be able to achieve the championship and for us to be able to fight for the team title. I think the race was good in the end. We have seen that SpeedUp have something more in the last couple of races and we have to improve. Anyway, we have to be happy we are in our way and we have another podium in the bag with two more races in the championship where we can fight to win races, so we have to be happy about this race.”
Proud of this season, it has been very different to 2021?
“Yeah, in the end like you say, it’s not like it was in Moto3. In the end, I remembered that in Sachsenring maybe I had 83 points of gap to second place. It was quite crazy, also in Portimao I was quite nervous because it was a race after I lost a lot of points in the last part of the championship. Also I was a kid, when I arrived to this championship I was 16 and now I’m close to 20, so it’s very different. Also, last year I made a lot of mistakes by Round 5 we had had close to 20 crashes, which is a lot.
“In the end, this is my third year with Aki (Ajo) working with him and this year we decided to start from zero and put all the mistakes in one box and say that nothing can get out from that box. It’s true that we’ve made mistakes during the season, like in Le Mans and in Australia. Not everything is easy, but, and I don’t know what to say in the end, the team have worked super well. It’s true that last year we suffered a lot to try to find the right setting in the bike and also I was too small and too light to be able to ride in Moto2. We made a big step in the winter in the preseason and because of this I think we’ve improved in general and in the head. We know what not to do, more than we know what to do. We’ve taken a lot of experience from last year and played with this.”
To beat Marc Marquez to youngest Moto2™ Champion, and become second youngest intermediate class Champion behind Dani Pedrosa… do you look to set those records, especially when you were called “the next Marc Marquez”, or is it just nice to see your name join theirs?
“I try not to think about it in the end. I’m the new Pedro Acosta, not the new Marc Marquez. In the end, it’s a different era, it’s different bikes, so you can’t compare this. It’s true that it’s so nice to be amongst these names, but it’s not the moment to think about this. Now I just have to enjoy myself on the bike and in the paddock and have fun with the guys that are working here. It’s not the moment to think about what I’ve done and what I want to do.”
Rancho Cucamonga, CA: Dunlop’s all-new Sportmax Slick doesn’t just talk a big game, it proves its performance in lap times! At the Dunlop Proving Grounds, in Huntsville, Alabama, Dunlop’s Motorcycle Test Engineer Taylor Knapp averaged almost a whole second improvement on the Sportmax Slick over the KR451. More impressive than that, countless lap and class records have been demolished with the new and improved tire during the 2023 MotoAmerica series at nine out of ten tracks in multiple classes!
The Sportmax Slick had lap records broken at all the MotoAmerica tracks in 2023 except at Pittsburgh International Race Complex (due to the new chicane)
The new Sportmax Slick, Dunlop’s next generation of road race tires with more grip and improved predictability is available in 17”, 12” and 10” sizes. The Sportmax Slicks have been updated with new profiles, compounds, and constructions to make them the most advanced road racing tires Dunlop has ever produced! Riders will instantly feel a greater level of confidence with the new Sportmax Slick. The new Dunlop Sportmax Slick was initially only available for use in MotoAmerica but is now available for club racers and track day riders as well.
The Sportmax Slicks were developed over the last 3 years, with internal testing being done at Dunlop’s Proving Grounds in Huntsville, Alabama by Taylor Knapp and external testing being done by top MotoAmerica stars such as multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike champion Jake Gagne, plus Richie Escalante, PJ Jacobsen, Cam Petersen, Josh Herrin, Mathew Scholtz and Josh Hayes, the all-time winningest road racer in AMA history, just to name a few.
The front profile of the Sportmax Slick was pulled up from Dunlop’s Sportmax Q5 development and features a taller and narrower profile. This new profile results in a tire that has improved trail braking feedback, more precise turn-in, greater high-speed mid-corner stability, increased compliance, and a larger footprint at camber.
The rear tire also features a redesigned profile that is taller and generates increased lateral grip, acceleration grip and improved compliance, due to a larger, more evenly distributed footprint at all angles. This new design has led to a rear tire that is more predictable in every area of the corner from turn-in to acceleration at corner exit.
Dunlop’s 17” Sportmax Slicks, developed by Dunlop’s Advanced Research Team (D.A.R.T), replaces the industry standard KR448 and KR451 range of slicks and are the new Official Tires of the MotoAmerica series. Dunlop and MotoAmerica recently renewed their contract, allowing Dunlop to remain the official tire supplier of MotoAmerica through 2025, continuing the partnership since 2015.
The Sportmax Slick updates include:
Revised compounds and naming structures to be more intuitive: R0 (softest) to R8 (most durable). The low numbers for easier or hotter tracks and the higher numbers for more abrasive or cold tracks
New sidewall design with taller sidewalls provides more cushion and bump absorption for improved traction even on the bumpiest of tracks.
Optimized rear NTEC which combines the benefits of compliant cut-breaker construction with stiffer, continuously wound aramid-fiber, and Jointless Band (JLB) construction for maximum feel and stability when leaned over for more support when on the gas.
New taller profile, which leads to better contact patch. More predictable change in contact patch area (grip) while adding lean angle or taking lean angle away and driving out of the corner.
Multiple compounds are offered for the front and rear tires, but the R8 compound is exclusive to the rear tires only.
Due to the Sportmax Slicks being race tires, tire warmers are highly recommended for all compounds.
The new Sportmax Slick tires are available now from dunlopracing.com or from your local Dunlop trackside vendor.
About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:
Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.
Veijer beats Sasaki and Masia in a dramatic Moto3™ showdown at Sepang
Collin Veijer (95). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The Netherlands has a new Grand Prix winner, and the first since 1990 as Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) defeated teammate – and title challenger – Ayumu Sasaki in the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia. Championship leader Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) completed the podium in a close race to the finish that went right to the final corner. It’s now likely a two-horse race for the crown too, with some big drama for three of the five contenders on the way into the weekend at Sepang.
Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) got the best start from Row 2 and looked like he was going to take the holeshot before Veijer shot through and somehow kept it nicely in line, with Masia then able to grab second too. It didn’t take long for the Leopard rider to grab the lead though, and the number 5 then started to seriously push. Who could go with him?
Initially the answer was Sasaki, Veijer and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo), but the small group couldn’t break away. It quickly became a freight train once again, but there was drama coming.
After a dramatic weekend before the lights went out, with the Buriram winner suffering some crashes including in qualifying, David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) started well down the order. By 13 laps to go, he was already into the top ten. But then came the drama as he suddenly crashed out in the group, taking, among others, fellow contender Dani Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) out of the race – all riders ok, but the group split and two key members of the Championship fight out of the race.
The group became Masia, Sasaki, Veijer, Öncü, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team). As the laps ticked down the tension was high but no one was able to make a difference – until a difference was made for some. Rueda got it wrong at the final corner when going for a move on Bertelle, making contact with the Italian then unable to save it and going down – in a nightmare, also tagging and taking down his teammate Öncü just ahead. Again, all riders ok – Bertelle staying upright and Öncü getting back in it, but that left a trio fighting for victory: Masia, Sasaki… and Sasaki’s teammate, Veijer.
This wasn’t a team game though. Veijer passed Sasaki for the lead as the final lap began, and he then got the hammer very much down as he gunned for his first Grand Prix win to follow up his maiden podium. But still, it all went down to the final corner.
Sasaki looked for a way through and it looked like he couldn’t find one, but Veijer was wider than his teammate – leaving them gassing it away from the apex almost in unison and the number 71 very close behind. But the drag to the line wasn’t enough and Veijer kept it, taking his first win and first Grand Prix victory for the Netherlands since the 1990 Czech GP!
Sasaki took second on a day that saw so many contenders find bad fortune, but Masia also took a valuable podium and 16 points. The Spaniard is therefore now 13 clear of Sasaki in the title fight, with Alonso and Holgado both now at a deficit of 41 points.
Ortola ultimately came home fourth ahead of David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) and Joel Kelso completing the second group down to P8. Filippo Farioli (Red Bull KTM Tech3) beat Ryusei Yamanaka (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) to ninth, with Bertelle ending up P11 after his involuntary excursion. Öncü impressively got back on and took P12. But not so, with a time penalty equivalent to a Ride Through later given to Muñoz for causing a crash, moving all up a position behind where he’d crossed the line and that just enough to technically keep Öncü in the fight for the crown…
Join us for more Moto3™ action from Qatar to see where the next twist takes us as Masia faces a first match point!
Pole-sitter Francesco Bagnaia (1) led the charge into Turn One at the start of the MotoGP Sprint race at Sepang. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Alex Marquez won the MotoGP World Championship Sprint Race Saturday at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici, the former Moto2 World Champion won the 10-lap race by 1.589 seconds.
Jorge Martin was the runner-up on his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati. Pole-sitter and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia finished third just ahead of his teammate Enea Bastianini in fourth and Red Bull KTM’s Brad Binder in fifth.
11 points in it: Alex Marquez fends off Martin as Bagnaia defends against Bastianini
The Gresini rider steals the headlines as the title protagonists duke it out and Martin gains two points in a tense Sprint at Sepang
MotoGP Sprint Race winner Alex Marquez (73). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 11 November 2023
The final chapter of the 2023 Championship story is underway and the momentum swung a little more in the direction of the purple corner in Saturday’s Tissot Sprint. With Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) taking a classy, dominant victory and absolutely charging through to it too, that left Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to battle it out. And the former claimed P2, with polesitter Pecco having to settle for P3. Now, the gap ahead of Sunday’s race is just 11 points.
The rider who got the best start on the front row was actually Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), but the Beast played it to perfection for teammate Bagnaia (spoiler alert) as the Championship leader didn’t come under attack as he grabbed the holeshot and the number 23 slotted in behind. Alex Marquez struck soon after to take second though, with Martin shuffled down to fourth early doors.
Bagnaia led Alex Marquez led Martin as the number 89 hit back against Bastianini on Lap 1, and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was past the second factory Ducati not long after.
Heartrates then hit the roof at the end of Lap 2 as Alex Marquez went for a dive on Bagnaia for the lead at the final corner. The reigning Champion let the Gresini machine steam past and head wide, taking back the lead, and that left Alex Marquez nearly side by side with Martin instead, squabbling for second. The Gresini decisively grabbed it at Turn 1, however, and from there was able to start reeling Bagnaia back in.
He did just that, with Martin able to stay close and Bastainini coming back at them too, back past Miller, and with five to go Alex Marquez struck with a brutal, clean move for the lead. And then came Martin, the number 89 attacking Bagnaia almost immediately. The hammer went down.
That left Bastianini with some decisions, right on the tail of his teammate and Pecco looking to recover after losing two positions in fairly quick succession. There was another twist in the tale too as something white then appeared on the front fairing of the #1 Ducati, some debris stuck on the bike. But it didn’t last too long as the battle for third was allowed to continue regardless.
Bagnaia held on, and Bastianini may not have attacked, but he definitely put on some pressure and proved two points at once – his speed and a little team spirit, certainly in terms of avoiding too much risk. It almost cost him fourth too, with a late charge from Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) saw the South African and the Beast nearly side-by-side over the line after a last corner squabble.
One second back from that battle was Miller as the Aussie kept himself within the mix for most of the Sprint to bring home a solid 6th-place finish. Another second back was Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), who fended off Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) to take 7th place. The Italian’s teammate Luca Marini took the final Sprint point in 9th ahead of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) who rounded out the top 10.
As the title battle continues to rage on there’s no telling which way the pendulum will swing. The PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia still has plenty to give in the 2023 Championship story with 25 Grand Prix points up for grabs on Sunday and a gap of just 11 between the top two.
Can Bagnaia bounce back, or will Martin continue to apply the pressure? Find out at 15:00 local time (GMT +8)!
Fermin Aldeguer claimed pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp Boscoscuro racebike, the Spaniard navigated the 3.4-mile (5.5 km) course in 2:05.288 to lead the field of 32 riders.
Celestino Vietti was second-best with a 2:05.790 on his Fantic Racing Kalex, and Manuel Gonzalez earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:05.815 on his Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team Kalex.
Americans Joe Roberts (2:06.170) and Sean Dylan Kelly (2:07.217) qualified 10th and 27th, respectively.
Jaume Masia earned pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying Saturday at Sepang International Circuit, in Malaysia. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Spaniard lapped the 3.4-mile (5.5 km) track in 2:10.846, which was not only good enough to top the field of 28 riders it also smashed Dennis Foggia’s 2022 lap record of 2:11.411.
Pecco vs Martin: the contenders go toe-to-toe for pole in Malaysia
Two new lap records, a crash and a late dash for the top: qualifying delivers a serious teaser at Sepang
Saturday, 11 November 2023
The heat is on and it’s a 1-2 for the top two in the title fight at Sepang! Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Time) slammed in a late stunner at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia to claim pole for the first time since Barcelona, denying title rival Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) as the number 89 suffered a late crash and was forced to watch from the sidelines and then settle for second. Bagnaia’s 1:57.491 is now also the new all-time lap record at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, overwriting Martin’s own set just a few seconds before, and his previous 2022 best.
Third makes for an interesting player on the grids this weekend too: Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) made it a Ducati front-row lockout after he climbed his way through Q1 to bag his first front-row start of the season.
Q1
As ever, it went to the wire in Q1. The last couple of minutes saw a flurry of laps, and it was Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) who came out on top, just pipping Bastianini by 0.088.
The drama came late too, with a crash for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) when he was overtaking Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3). Rider perfectly ok, but losing out and left behind in Q1 along with the likes of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing).
Q2
After the first runs, it was Martin on top and with a freshly pressed new lap record, set behind key rival Bagnaia to boot. The Martinator was 0.238 clear of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), fastest on Friday, locking out the provisional front row as Bagnaia sat in fourth.
There were just over four minutes left on the clock as the field headed back out. In Bastianini’s case it was out for the first time in Q2, having come through Q1 and with one set of tyres in the locker for a time attack. The ‘Beast’ clocked a beast of a lap too, shooting up into provisional second on the grid just 0.108 off Martin.
A crash for Diggia in the final sector, rider ok, then looked like it could complicate life as the Yellow Flags were out, and then the same happened after a low drama lowside for Marini at Turn 9. But Bastianini was unaffected by both, and moved to within 0.041 of the top as the rest started their final assaults on Q2..
The decisive crash of the session was the next one, however. Martin was looking to better his own lap that had him on provisional pole but the number 89 overcooked it and slid out, rider ok but that last chance to push now gone. The ball was in Bagnaia’s court, and he intended to play it.
The number 1 was close in the first part of the lap, but he really turned the screw in the final two sectors. Both red, Pecco shot across the line to grab pole as Martin was forced to watch on the sidelines. And with that, it’s a 1-2 for the top two in the Championship – and Bastianini third right alongside, creating quite a front row as 37 more points go into play.
THE GRID
Behind Bagnaia, Martin and Bastianini, Alex Marquez just missed out on the top three by a whisker but will line up on the front of Row 2 in P4 with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team duo of Marini and Marco Bezzecchi joining him in 5th and 6th.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) lines up in P7 as the South African was the first rider just missing out on breaking the 1:58 barrier. Binder will be joined on the third row by 2021 Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as the pair bagged P8 and P9 in Q2 respectively.
The fourth row of the grid will feature Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who rounded out the top 10 ahead of Di Giannantonio, who failed to replicate his 1:57.8 from Q1 after that crash in Q2. The Italian has to settle for P11 on the grid, with Australian GP winner Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) completing the top 12 and a key victim of Yellow Flags, leaving the Frenchman an unrepresentative 4+ seconds off the top with no flying lap counting.
The action has only just begun at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia and the heat has already been turned right up in the title fight…
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