Vicenza (Italy) – Dainese Group, a leader in outdoor sports apparel and equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Angel Sánchez as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from 2nd of November. Sánchez has previously held CEO and senior leadership roles at leading international groups including Keter, ABM Italia and Conserve Italia. At the same time, Cristiano Silei, CEO of Dainese since 2015, becomes non-executive Chairman of the company.
Sánchez brings with him deep knowledge and experience with a track record of leading Consumer companies through periods of accelerated growth. Prior to joining Dainese, Sánchez was CEO of Conserve Italia, one of the largest Food and Beverage cooperatives in Europe, which includes brands such as Cirio, Yoga and Valfrutta, where the businesses doubled EBITDA during his time at the helm. He has also previously held the position of CEO of ABM Italia, a European leader in the manufacturing of cabinets, shelving and other storage products, until the company was successfully sold to Keter, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality consumer plastic products. At Keter, Sánchez was Chief Marketing Officer before his promotion to deputy CEO and Head of Europe.
Supported by majority shareholder Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG), the global investment firm, Dainese Group, is a leader in the outdoor sports apparel and equipment, and brings together the Dainese, AGV and TCX brands, as well as the recently signed license with Momo Design. Since partnering with Carlyle, Dainese has continued its trajectory of double-digit growth reaching c. €300m of topline in 2022 and maintaining best-in-class profitability. The Group is investing to support its expansion strategy and in 2022 established a direct presence in China and opened a new production facility in Vietnam. As CEO, Sánchez will be responsible for leading the company into its next stage of growth, including continuing the international expansion of the Group, development of its multi-channel proposition and its shift toward an increasingly Direct-To-Consumer distribution strategy.
“I am excited to join Dainese, a company and a brand I have admired for many years,” commented Angel Sánchez. “I look forward to harnessing the power of the respective brands of the Group and capturing the multiple growth opportunities that lie ahead, including continuing to expand its direct-to-consumer channels and growing its presence in high potential markets, such as China.”
Massimiliano Caraffa, Managing Director and Partner leading Consumer & Retail for the Carlyle Europe Partners advisory team, said: “We are pleased that Angel has joined Dainese at this important moment in the Group’s history. I have known Angel for years, and he brings with him a wealth of experience and an exceptional track record that make him the ideal candidate to lead Dainese as it embarks on this next phase of growth. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cristiano for his leadership of Dainese, and I am delighted that the company will continue to benefit from his considerable industry expertise and knowledge as he takes on his new role as non-executive Chairman.”
Commenting on the appointment of Sánchez, Cristiano Silei, said: “It has been an honor to lead Dainese for the past 9 years. Dainese is a phenomenal business with significant growth potential, and I am truly excited to welcome Angel and support him as we continue to consolidate the company’s leadership positioning in R&D, innovation and technical excellence, whilst accelerating our international expansion.”
KYT Americas Sponsored Riders Win Three of Five Class Championships in MotoAmerica 2023 Series
KYT Americas proudly congratulates Xavi Fores, Blake Davis, and Avery Dreher on their 2023 championships. Xavi Fores demonstrated exceptional talent, skill, and determination throughout the season, ultimately securing the championship title in his first full year racing MotoAmerica’s Supersport class. Blake Davis, last year’s Twins Cup champion, retains his number one plate due to his consistent podiums and front-running pace throughout the season. Avery Dreher was a tactician and master in the draft against the extremely tight competition of the Junior Cup class.
This achievement underscores the incredible skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment of these athletes. KYT Americas has long been a leader in safety and performance in motorsports, and we are honored to support these racers in their pursuit of championships.
The champions and their respective classes are as follows:
Xavi Fores – Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati
Moto America Supersport
Blake Davis – N2 Racing / BobbleHeadMoto
MotoAmerica Twins Cup
Avery Dreher – MotoAmerica Junior Cup
MotoAmerica Junior Cup
Brandon Cretu, CEO at KYT Americas, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Going into 2023, KYT Americas was looking forward to supporting these guys. We knew they were talented, even world class, but it’s so hard to predict how a season will turn out. Having three riders we sponsored win their respective class championships is very exciting for us. We look forward to continuing to support their journey and witnessing their future successes.”
KYT Americas remains steadfast in its mission to provide the highest quality safety equipment and support to racers around the world, ensuring they can perform at their best while staying safe on the track. We appreciate the trust our athletes put in us.
For more information about KYT and its commitment to motorsport safety, please visit www.kytamericas.com.
About KYT: At KYT, we incorporate over two decades of experience in world-class competition into sleek, race-engineered helmets designed to protect and perform. Our designs offer optimal ventilation and aerodynamics while maintaining the highest level of crash protection. Since 1998, KYT’s intense focus on the competitive environment allows us to produce a helmet with quality and function designed to perform at the highest level of motorsports and performance. KYT America now brings its industry leading safety, style, and service to one of the most innovative motorcycle markets in the world.
Editorial Note: Americans Julian Correa and Eli Banish finished sixth and 14th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup Race Two Sunday at Donington Park, in England.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR):
Code red: Bridewell and Irwin clash as title chase intensifies ahead of Brands Hatch
The Bennetts British Superbike field heads into Turn One Sunday at Donington Park. Photo courtesy MSVR.
The fight to become the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Champion intensified at the penultimate round of the season at Donington Park as the BeerMonster Ducati teammates clashed in the second race, both crashing out of the action. Tommy Bridewell regained the lead at the top of the standings at the end of the weekend, but there are still just 7.5 points separating the pair ahead of the Brands Hatch title decider (13/14/15 October).
In the second race of the weekend, there was a seven-way battle for the lead, but the rivalry between the BeerMonster teammates boiled over and ended with Bridewell colliding with Irwin into Melbourne and the pair both crashing out.
As the race continued, Kyle Ryde sought to take advantage and he did just that, winning the race for defending Champions LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha to continue to claw back the advantage in the standings. Despite a difficult race three for Ryde, finishing in twelfth place, he almost halved the advantage to Bridewell in the standings, with now just 35 points the deficit ahead of Brands Hatch.
Ryde’s fifth win came when the race was red flagged for rain on lap 17, but it was also more success for Leon Haslam and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team as he also capitalised on the BeerMonster Ducati riders’ non-points score.
However, it could have been more for Haslam as his weekend ended with heartache, he was holding another strong second position in the final race when a technical problem ended his charge spectacularly and caused a red flag.
The ‘Pocket Rocket’ has a 41-point deficit to Bridewell, but will arrive at the final round knowing that in 2017 his 32-point advantage in the standings ahead of the season finale was decimated, losing the title to Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne by six points.
The BeerMonster Ducati pairing couldn’t rebound in race three either as Irwin was instantly out of the race with a technical problem after the opening corner of the first lap and Bridewell struggled, dropping down the order to ninth.
As the leading title contenders had a disastrous Donington Park, Jason O’Halloran returned to winning ways in race three, whilst Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Christian Iddon was the only rider to score a double podium in today’s two races. FHO Racing BMW Motorrad’s Josh Brookes also was back on the podium in race three to show his pace in wet conditions.
Three races now remain in the battle to become Bennetts British Superbike Champion at Brands Hatch, with a maximum of 105 points available at the final Showdown.
Eight riders remain within 105 points of Bridewell at the top of the standings, with Irwin still his closest rival. Ryde and Haslam lead the chasing pack, 35 points and a further six points respectively adrift, with Lee Jackson 2.5 points down on Haslam. Meanwhile O’Halloran, Brookes and Iddon remain in mathematical contention.
British Superbike Championship front runners and teammates Glenn Irwin (2) and Tommy Bridewell (46) clashed Sunday at Donington Park. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Race 2 result:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha)
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.224s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.489s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +1.755s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +2.138s
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +3.791s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +6.387s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +6.678s
Max Cook (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +9.655s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +10.938s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Race 3 result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +6.936s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +10.884s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +13.561s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) +16.183s
Storm Stacey (Starline Racing Kawasaki) +16.414s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +16.797s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +17.368s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +17.862s
Davey Todd (Milwaukee BMW Motorrad) +19.937s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 368
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 360.5
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 333
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 327
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 324.5
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 317.5
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) 292
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 264
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
BeerMonster Ducati
Championship leader
“I’m sore after today’s crash and worn out emotionally after the weekend. Without doubt it’s been a tough day and a rollercoaster of a meeting. I apologised to Glenn and his team as it was obviously disappointing for both of us.
“I felt so strong on the bike and to come from last on the grid to lead after eight laps is almost unheard of in BSB so it’s a real shame it happened.
“In the final race, I had a few visibility issues, but I came here half a point behind in the championship standings and I’m leaving 7.5pts in the lead so I’m feeling positive going into the final round at Brands Hatch.”
Buis clinches historic title as Gennai seals Race 2 win
Mirko Gennai won FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race Two in Portugal. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki) made history by becoming the first-ever two-time WorldSSP300 Champion, securing the title with an 11th-place finish.
The race featured an intense battle between title contender Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Accolade Smrz Racing GBR) and Mirko Gennai (Team BrCorse). Gennai emerged victorious after a dramatic last lap where Perez Gonzalez briefly led but was penalized for irresponsible riding, dropping him to second place.
Dirk Geiger (Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing) finished third, leading a tightly contested group that included Daniel Mogeda (ProGP Racing) in fourth and Matteo Vannucci (AG Motorsport Italia Yamaha) in fifth. Indonesia’s Galang Hendra Pratama (Sublime Racing by MS Racing) claimed the sixth position, with these riders separated by just four tenths of a second at the end of the 13-lap race.
Gennai took his second race win at the Portuguese Round and securing third place in the Championship.
P1 | Mirko Gennai | Team BrCorse
“I finished first in Race 1 and Race 2, and I’m very happy. Perez Gonzalez and I worked together to escape at the front. We were able to break away, and I knew he would try to overtake me at the exit from the last corner, but he received a penalty. So, I got lucky. When I arrived at the parc fermé, I realized I had won when I saw my team. I want to thank them for the great job this week.”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Jeffrey Buis makes history: a double triumph in WorldSSP300
Jeffrey Buis won his second FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In the heart-pounding 2023 WorldSSP300 season, Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki), clinched the coveted WorldSSP300 title in Race 2 of the Pirelli Portuguese Round. This achievement marks his second WorldSSP300 Championship crown, making him the first and only rider to secure two titles in this fiercely competitive series. Buis first made waves in 2020 when he claimed his inaugural title, announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the WorldSSP300 series.
Buis’s incredible journey in the 2023 season showcased his determination. His standout moments included a victory at Barcelona marking a pivotal moment in his 2023 campaign, a double win in Magny-Cours when he took the Championship standings lead, and a victory at MotorLand Aragon allowing him to open his advantage to 30 points ahead of the season finale at Portimao. With a total of 7 podium finishes, including 4 thrilling victories to his name, Buis’s statistics for the season underscore his dominance in the series. Additionally, he became the first rider to amass an incredible 11 WorldSSP300 victories, cementing his legacy as one of the series’ best performers. However, the season also saw him facing formidable competition from his primary title rivals, including Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Accolade Smrz Racing BGR), Mirko Gennai (Team BrCorse), Dirk Geiger (Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing), Matteo Vannucci (AG Motorsport Italia Yamaha), and Petr Svoboda (Fusport – RT Motorsport by SKM – Kawasaki).
In 2024, Jeffrey Buis will continue his journey in WorldSSP300 switching manufacturer as he will move to the Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing team.
Jeffrey Buis biography
Jeffrey Buis began his motorcycle racing journey in 2018, debuting in the Yamaha R3 Cup and securing victory in his very first race. His early success continued with a second-place finish at the Oschersleben track during the same season. In December 2018, Buis joined the MTM Kawasaki team to compete in the 2019 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Despite being a newcomer to World Championship racing, Buis made steady progress in his debut season, achieving his best result with an eighth-place finish at Magny-Cours.
He continued to compete in WorldSSP300 in 2020, remaining with the MTM Kawasaki team. The 2020 season concluded with Buis clinching his first World Championship. He remained with the MTM Kawasaki team in 2021 to defend his title ultimately finishing third in the standings. In 2022, he moved up to the WorldSSP class with the MTM Kawasaki team but returned to WorldSSP300 for the 2023 season. His comeback was successful, with the Dutch rider claiming his second title in the series.
“After Aragon, the gap was so big, and I started to think about the title. In this race, I just needed to finish in the top 13, and that’s what I did. I didn’t want to risk anything, especially when you’re in a group; anything can happen. I was afraid that another rider might make me crash, so that’s why I took a little space from the group and just finished the race. MTM Kawasaki is like a family to me. I’ve been here since 2019, and to have won two World Championships with them is incredible. I want to especially thank Ludo for that! In 2024, I will face a new challenge, and I’m very happy for this new chance. But first, let’s celebrate this title!”
World Championship Career:
2019 – 2021: FIM World Supersport 300 Championship
Guadix is the place – Rookies Cup Selection for 2024
It’s that very special time of year, no not Christmas yet, but for young racers around the world it is even bigger, it’s time for the Selection Event for the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
This is the way that Brad Binder, Jorge Martín, Pedro Acosta and more than 200 other riders have made the step into the Cup. 112 Rookies Cup riders have started in GPs, 30 of whom have won 179 GPs and 10 World Championships. Currently, they lead the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships and Martín is 3 points off the lead in MotoGP after winning the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
111 riders from across the globe, from 30 different nations, are expected to attend this year’s Selection event in Guadix, near Granada in southern Spain for 3 days of track action starting on Monday.
Roughly half the assembled riders take to the track on Day 1, the other half on Day 2. Those who are considered to have the best chance of being invited to join the Cup are offered the possibility of riding again on Day 3.
At the end of Day 3, the Selection Committee will draw up a list of 10 riders invited to join the Cup for 2024.
Defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista won FIM Superbike World Championship Race Two Sunday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, Bautista won the 20-lap race by just 0.126 second.
Toprak Razgatlioglu was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, and Bautista’s teammate Michael Rinaldi was a very close third.
American Garrett Gerloff finished a close fourth, just 2.854 seconds behind Bautista, on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
Bautista pips Razgatlioglu to victory, inches closer to the title
Alvaro Baustia (1) edged out Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) to win Race Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In a gripping WorldSBK Race 2 at Portimao, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) etched his name in the record books once again. The reigning champion clinched his 56th victory on a Ducati, surpassing the legendary Carl Fogarty’s win tally with the Italian manufacturer.
However, this historic achievement didn’t come easy, as Bautista engaged in a breathtaking duel with Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), where the first position changed hands throughout the race. Bautista briefly took the lead on several occasions, only for Razgatlioglu to respond with remarkable moves of his own. In the end, it was Bautista who managed to secure the victory in a dramatic drag race to the finish line, edging out Razgatlioglu by a mere 0.126 seconds. Bautista’s triumph marked another milestone for Ducati, but it fell just short of securing him a second riders’ title.
Meanwhile, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) mounted a spirited charge from the second row to claim the final spot on the podium. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) continued his impressive form with a solid fourth-place finish, followed closely by Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in fifth and sixth.
Alvaro Bautista. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bautista secured his 56th Ducati win, pushing ahead of Carl Fogarty’s record.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“It was amazing! It was a great battle between Toprak and me and I’m so proud to fight with him. He did his best and he had nothing to lose, so he tried every time, everywhere. It didn’t matter which corner or how he tried the pass. I’m proud to fight with him. I also tried my best. I tried to overtake him and close the corners, but he always tried. We were very close to touching many, many times! For me, it was a very enjoyable race. In the end, at the last corner because I was strong there, I tried to pass him but he learnt about the pass after the morning overtake and he closed the last part of the corner. At the moment, I thought if I couldn’t go inside, go outside because it’s the only chance you have. I opened the gas, the bike started to accelerate, and I went to the kerb. I could pass him. I think it was a great move! It was like instinct.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Razgatlioglu fought valiantly in the epic duel with Bautista, finishing a close second in the race.
P2 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK
“We kept fighting in the race because I’m just focused on winning because I was very angry after the Superpole Race. I saw Alvaro wasn’t very strong and I was better in the last corner than in the Superpole Race but in the race, I fought with him. I said ‘this race is mine’ because he wasn’t very strong and whilst I was on the limit, it was easier to attack. I said, ‘I need to win’ and, especially on the last lap, the feeling was good, and every corner was better than before. At the last corner, I tried something different, but it didn’t work; when I picked up the bike, there’s no acceleration and this was the biggest problem. Alvaro went outside but I don’t understand how his rear tyre grips better than me, but his bike’s acceleration is unbelievable, and it was possible to come back. I’m really angry and I did everything to win. Anyway, we finished second, but I don’t care for this; we lost, and I’m just focused on winning.”
Michael Rinaldi (21) leads Andrea Locatelli (55), Iker Lecuona (7), Remy Gardner (behind Lecuona), and Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Rinaldi delivered a strong performance, claiming the final spot on the podium in Race 2.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gerloff continued his impressive form with a solid 4th place, missing the podium for 1.100s.
Andrea Locatelli (55) leads Garrett Gerloff (31), Iker Lecuona (7), and Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Locatelli finished 5th in Race 2 and currently holds 4th place in the championship.
Stefano Manzi won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the Italian won the 17-lap race by 0.084 second.
Newly crowned 2023 World Champion Nicolo Canepa was the runner-up on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, and Yari Montella placed third on his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Valentin Debise retired with a technical problem on his GMT94 Yamaha and Did Not Finish (DNF).
Defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista won the World Superbike Superpole race Sunday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, the Spaniard won the 10-lap race by just 0.142 second. It was Bautista’s fifth Superpole race win of the season.
Turkish star Toprak Razgatlioglu was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, and Razgatlioglu’s teammate Andrea Locatelli placed third.
American Garrett Gerloff went from starting 12th on the grid to finishing eighth on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR, improving his grid spot for Race Two.
Jorge Martin won the rain-affected, red-flag-shortened FIM MotoGP World Championship race at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. The race was started as a “dry” race, but rain drops were beginning to fall as the start lights went out. As soon as the race was started, the rain flags began to wave, indicating riders could come into the pits to change to bikes with rain tires, if they chose to do so, and many did.
The rain intensified and the race was eventually stopped short on lap 13 due to the deteriorating track conditions. It was not restarted, the race was declared complete, and the finishing order was set from the lap 12 running order.
Prima Pramac Racing Ducati’s Jorge Martin was awarded the victory, his third race win of the season to go with his five Sprint race wins. Defending Champion Francesco Bagnaia got second, 1.413 seconds behind Martin, on his Lenovo Team Ducati. Marc Marquez was a close third on his Repsol Honda.
The results of the race left Bagnaia with just a three-point lead in the World Championship over Martin with six rounds of racing remaining.
Nerves of steel: three points in it as Martin outpaces Pecco in the rain and Marquez returns to the rostrum
Not even a flag-to-flag can dampen Martin’s charge as he navigates a bike switch and heavy rain to come home ahead of Bagnaia, with Marquez making a charge to third
Jorge Martin (89) was leading Francesco Bagnaia (1) and Marc Marquez (93) when the MotoGP race at Motegi was stopped. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 01 October 2023
It was a day for nerves of steel at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, with the Championship on a knife edge before the race start and drops of drizzle becoming a flag-to-flag and then some serious rain. But on a day when faltering would likely have lived long in the memory, neither in the duel at the top of the standings did. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) overcame arguably his biggest test of late to put on a wet weather masterclass at the front, outpacing Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to cut the gap to just three points. The test was also a huge one for Bagnaia, on the back foot in terms of momentum and faced with the toughest conditions of the season so far, but the reigning World Champion dug in, held on, and took the necessary 20 points needed to keep that lead.
As the top two in the Championship held their nerve, so did the rider in the centre of his own storm as rumours about the future swirl: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) got back on the Grand Prix podium for the first time in 2023, and on home turf for Honda.
On the grid the tyres were slicks and the skies were grey, with Martin getting the dream start to take the holeshot, while Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) also got off the line superbly. The same can’t be said for reigning World Champion Bagnaia, who headed into Turn 1 in fourth as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), though the factory Ducati bit back on the exit of the second corner.
There was immediate disappointment for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) who ended up in the gravel after contact with several riders going into Turn 1, while Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) went wide with him.
As the rain started to increase, pitlane was opened almost immediately for riders to swap bikes, something which the vast majority opted to do. Martin led them into pitlane, with Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Marquez and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) following closely behind. Five opted to stay out: Fabio Quartararo (Moneter Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Cal Crutchlow (Yamalube RS4GP Racing Team), Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda Castrol) and Michele Pirro (Ducati Lenovo Team) were the quintet of riders, and all of a sudden, Pirro led the Japanese Grand Prix.
From those who chose to change bikes, Martin led a large group out onto the track, with Espargaro, Miller, Bagnaia and Marquez next. At Turn 10, Espargaro challenged Martin for the lead of the group but the Pramac rider struck back. As we went to clock off another lap, Quartararo and Crutchlow then changed machines. Pirro, Bradl and Morbidelli did not.
It was an incredibly dramatic start to the race, and it showed no signs of slowing down as Martin went wide under pressure from Espargaro, dropping to P9 before Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) picked him off. A ballsy move around Turn 6 though returned the position to the title hopeful as he went up the inside of the Gresini machine.
By the end of Lap 3, the riders on wets caught Morbidelli as Marquez tried to battle past Espargaro at Turn 11, but couldn’t keep it pinned as he slipped back behind the Aprilia. A little further back, Martin was out to make amends from his earlier error and got through on Miller at Turn 3 for sixth, lining up behind title rivals Bezzecchi and Bagnaia.
Amid all that, Pirro, incredibly, still led the Grand Prix by 10 seconds, but he soon swapped bikes too, meaning we had a new race leader in the form of Aleix Espargaro, who had time to spare over Marquez in second. There were then further shifts in the pecking order, as Bagnaia and Martin both picked off Bezzecchi, before the Ducatis then flew past Marc Marquez by the end of the lap to move for the podium places.
Just five laps in, and we had enough drama to last a season… and it was far from over!
A look at the timing screens showed Aleix Espargaro out front, but his lead was cut to half a second over Bagnaia, with Martin completing the provisional podium paces. Bezzecchi picked off Marquez as the Repsol Honda began sliding the wrong way, with Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) the next to get the better of him. By this stage, the race lost Binder to a crash as he slid out at Turn 3, rider ok.
Back out front, Martin was on the march, battling past Bagnaia for second and then making light work of Espargaro for the lead, and the in form Spaniard opened up a cushion of seven tenths. 1.5 seconds behind the front two, Bezzecchi moved into third place at the expense of Aleix Espargaro, who seemed to lose all drive aboard his RS-GP with Oliveira and Marquez both coming through on him seconds later.
After nine laps, it looked like the race began to settle down after probably the most hectic start to a MotoGP™ race in recent memory. Martin’s lead was out to a second, with Bagnaia still holding his advantage over Bezzecchi. Oliveira was next in line, but the master of the wet in recent times couldn’t mount a podium challenge and then entered the pits to retire by the end of Lap 12, a lost chance.
The action was still coming thick and fast behind the leaders though, with Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) and Miller staging a spectacular battle for seventh before the Aussie lost out after running it wide at Turn 11, somewhat fortunate not to crash as he rejoined the chasing pack in 10th. That suddenly put the Constructors’ crown in reach for Ducati…
Conditions were worsening, with bikes spraying up water from the asphalt as the pace slowed, but that couldn’t stop Marquez from making moves as the eight-time World Champion went by Bezzecchi and onto the podium on the drive into Turn 11. He then began taking chunks out of Bagnaia’s advantage, and it looked like just a matter of time before he reeled him in…. but then the red flag waved. Riders returned to pitlane. Including Zarco who crashed moments before the red flag and wrote off his GP23, rider ok.
With 13 of 24 laps completed, a restart would happen if conditions were to improve, but that was a big if. It seemed that conditions had cleared enough for a restart, but before they could complete the warm up lap, the red flag was waved once again, and a race result was declared. As over 50% of the race had been completed, full points were awarded.
Martin’s nerves of steel in the face of a very different challenge see him confirmed the winner, with another 25 points putting him just three off Bagnaia. But to keep that lead, if he didn’t beat him and Martin won, Pecco had to follow him home. And that he did.
Bezzecchi missed the podium but collected 13 points ahead of Aleix Espargaro and Jack Miller in P5 and P6 respectively. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) finished ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio for seventh, while Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) and Quartararo completed the top 10. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) came home in 11th in his home Grand Prix, with Mir, Crutchlow, Bradl and Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) completing the point-scoring places.
Perhaps it was a muted end, but it was simply a breathtaking, spectacular challenge and race at the Japanese Grand Prix. Now, we’ve got two weeks until the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia gets underway, which might just be as well, because it’s going to take some time to unpack this one.
Somkiat Chantra won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex, the Thai racer won the 19-lap race by 1.353 seconds. It was his first win and first podium finish of the 2023 season.
Chantra’s teammate Ai Ogura was the runner-up, and World Championship point leader Pedro Acosta placed third on his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine.
American Joe Roberts got 12th, and Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished 23rd.
Angel Sánchez, the new CEO of Dainese Group. Photo courtesy Dainese Group.
Angel Sánchez Appointed CEO of Dainese Group
Vicenza (Italy) – Dainese Group, a leader in outdoor sports apparel and equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Angel Sánchez as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from 2nd of November. Sánchez has previously held CEO and senior leadership roles at leading international groups including Keter, ABM Italia and Conserve Italia. At the same time, Cristiano Silei, CEO of Dainese since 2015, becomes non-executive Chairman of the company.
Sánchez brings with him deep knowledge and experience with a track record of leading Consumer companies through periods of accelerated growth. Prior to joining Dainese, Sánchez was CEO of Conserve Italia, one of the largest Food and Beverage cooperatives in Europe, which includes brands such as Cirio, Yoga and Valfrutta, where the businesses doubled EBITDA during his time at the helm. He has also previously held the position of CEO of ABM Italia, a European leader in the manufacturing of cabinets, shelving and other storage products, until the company was successfully sold to Keter, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality consumer plastic products. At Keter, Sánchez was Chief Marketing Officer before his promotion to deputy CEO and Head of Europe.
Supported by majority shareholder Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG), the global investment firm, Dainese Group, is a leader in the outdoor sports apparel and equipment, and brings together the Dainese, AGV and TCX brands, as well as the recently signed license with Momo Design. Since partnering with Carlyle, Dainese has continued its trajectory of double-digit growth reaching c. €300m of topline in 2022 and maintaining best-in-class profitability. The Group is investing to support its expansion strategy and in 2022 established a direct presence in China and opened a new production facility in Vietnam. As CEO, Sánchez will be responsible for leading the company into its next stage of growth, including continuing the international expansion of the Group, development of its multi-channel proposition and its shift toward an increasingly Direct-To-Consumer distribution strategy.
“I am excited to join Dainese, a company and a brand I have admired for many years,” commented Angel Sánchez. “I look forward to harnessing the power of the respective brands of the Group and capturing the multiple growth opportunities that lie ahead, including continuing to expand its direct-to-consumer channels and growing its presence in high potential markets, such as China.”
Massimiliano Caraffa, Managing Director and Partner leading Consumer & Retail for the Carlyle Europe Partners advisory team, said: “We are pleased that Angel has joined Dainese at this important moment in the Group’s history. I have known Angel for years, and he brings with him a wealth of experience and an exceptional track record that make him the ideal candidate to lead Dainese as it embarks on this next phase of growth. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cristiano for his leadership of Dainese, and I am delighted that the company will continue to benefit from his considerable industry expertise and knowledge as he takes on his new role as non-executive Chairman.”
Commenting on the appointment of Sánchez, Cristiano Silei, said: “It has been an honor to lead Dainese for the past 9 years. Dainese is a phenomenal business with significant growth potential, and I am truly excited to welcome Angel and support him as we continue to consolidate the company’s leadership positioning in R&D, innovation and technical excellence, whilst accelerating our international expansion.”
2023 MotoAmerica Champions (from left): Junior Cup Champion Avery Dreher, Supersport Champion Xavi Fores, and Twins Cup Champion Blake Davis. Image courtesy KYT Americas.
KYT Americas Sponsored Riders Win Three of Five Class Championships in MotoAmerica 2023 Series
KYT Americas proudly congratulates Xavi Fores, Blake Davis, and Avery Dreher on their 2023 championships. Xavi Fores demonstrated exceptional talent, skill, and determination throughout the season, ultimately securing the championship title in his first full year racing MotoAmerica’s Supersport class. Blake Davis, last year’s Twins Cup champion, retains his number one plate due to his consistent podiums and front-running pace throughout the season. Avery Dreher was a tactician and master in the draft against the extremely tight competition of the Junior Cup class.
This achievement underscores the incredible skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment of these athletes. KYT Americas has long been a leader in safety and performance in motorsports, and we are honored to support these racers in their pursuit of championships.
The champions and their respective classes are as follows:
Xavi Fores – Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati
Moto America Supersport
Blake Davis – N2 Racing / BobbleHeadMoto
MotoAmerica Twins Cup
Avery Dreher – MotoAmerica Junior Cup
MotoAmerica Junior Cup
Brandon Cretu, CEO at KYT Americas, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Going into 2023, KYT Americas was looking forward to supporting these guys. We knew they were talented, even world class, but it’s so hard to predict how a season will turn out. Having three riders we sponsored win their respective class championships is very exciting for us. We look forward to continuing to support their journey and witnessing their future successes.”
KYT Americas remains steadfast in its mission to provide the highest quality safety equipment and support to racers around the world, ensuring they can perform at their best while staying safe on the track. We appreciate the trust our athletes put in us.
For more information about KYT and its commitment to motorsport safety, please visit www.kytamericas.com.
About KYT: At KYT, we incorporate over two decades of experience in world-class competition into sleek, race-engineered helmets designed to protect and perform. Our designs offer optimal ventilation and aerodynamics while maintaining the highest level of crash protection. Since 1998, KYT’s intense focus on the competitive environment allows us to produce a helmet with quality and function designed to perform at the highest level of motorsports and performance. KYT America now brings its industry leading safety, style, and service to one of the most innovative motorcycle markets in the world.
Fans on pit lane during a break in the action Sunday at Donington Park. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Editorial Note: Americans Julian Correa and Eli Banish finished sixth and 14th, respectively, in R&G British Talent Cup Race Two Sunday at Donington Park, in England.
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR):
Code red: Bridewell and Irwin clash as title chase intensifies ahead of Brands Hatch
The Bennetts British Superbike field heads into Turn One Sunday at Donington Park. Photo courtesy MSVR.
The fight to become the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Champion intensified at the penultimate round of the season at Donington Park as the BeerMonster Ducati teammates clashed in the second race, both crashing out of the action. Tommy Bridewell regained the lead at the top of the standings at the end of the weekend, but there are still just 7.5 points separating the pair ahead of the Brands Hatch title decider (13/14/15 October).
In the second race of the weekend, there was a seven-way battle for the lead, but the rivalry between the BeerMonster teammates boiled over and ended with Bridewell colliding with Irwin into Melbourne and the pair both crashing out.
As the race continued, Kyle Ryde sought to take advantage and he did just that, winning the race for defending Champions LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha to continue to claw back the advantage in the standings. Despite a difficult race three for Ryde, finishing in twelfth place, he almost halved the advantage to Bridewell in the standings, with now just 35 points the deficit ahead of Brands Hatch.
Ryde’s fifth win came when the race was red flagged for rain on lap 17, but it was also more success for Leon Haslam and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team as he also capitalised on the BeerMonster Ducati riders’ non-points score.
However, it could have been more for Haslam as his weekend ended with heartache, he was holding another strong second position in the final race when a technical problem ended his charge spectacularly and caused a red flag.
The ‘Pocket Rocket’ has a 41-point deficit to Bridewell, but will arrive at the final round knowing that in 2017 his 32-point advantage in the standings ahead of the season finale was decimated, losing the title to Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne by six points.
The BeerMonster Ducati pairing couldn’t rebound in race three either as Irwin was instantly out of the race with a technical problem after the opening corner of the first lap and Bridewell struggled, dropping down the order to ninth.
As the leading title contenders had a disastrous Donington Park, Jason O’Halloran returned to winning ways in race three, whilst Oxford Products Racing Ducati’s Christian Iddon was the only rider to score a double podium in today’s two races. FHO Racing BMW Motorrad’s Josh Brookes also was back on the podium in race three to show his pace in wet conditions.
Three races now remain in the battle to become Bennetts British Superbike Champion at Brands Hatch, with a maximum of 105 points available at the final Showdown.
Eight riders remain within 105 points of Bridewell at the top of the standings, with Irwin still his closest rival. Ryde and Haslam lead the chasing pack, 35 points and a further six points respectively adrift, with Lee Jackson 2.5 points down on Haslam. Meanwhile O’Halloran, Brookes and Iddon remain in mathematical contention.
British Superbike Championship front runners and teammates Glenn Irwin (2) and Tommy Bridewell (46) clashed Sunday at Donington Park. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Race 2 result:
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha)
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) +0.224s
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.489s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +1.755s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +2.138s
Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) +3.791s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +6.387s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +6.678s
Max Cook (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +9.655s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +10.938s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park, Race 3 result:
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha)
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +6.936s
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +10.884s
Charlie Nesbitt (MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing) +13.561s
Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) +16.183s
Storm Stacey (Starline Racing Kawasaki) +16.414s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +16.797s
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) +17.368s
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +17.862s
Davey Todd (Milwaukee BMW Motorrad) +19.937s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:
Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 368
Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 360.5
Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 333
Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 327
Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 324.5
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 317.5
Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) 292
Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 264
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Tommy Bridewell
BeerMonster Ducati
Championship leader
“I’m sore after today’s crash and worn out emotionally after the weekend. Without doubt it’s been a tough day and a rollercoaster of a meeting. I apologised to Glenn and his team as it was obviously disappointing for both of us.
“I felt so strong on the bike and to come from last on the grid to lead after eight laps is almost unheard of in BSB so it’s a real shame it happened.
“In the final race, I had a few visibility issues, but I came here half a point behind in the championship standings and I’m leaving 7.5pts in the lead so I’m feeling positive going into the final round at Brands Hatch.”
Buis clinches historic title as Gennai seals Race 2 win
Mirko Gennai won FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Race Two in Portugal. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki) made history by becoming the first-ever two-time WorldSSP300 Champion, securing the title with an 11th-place finish.
The race featured an intense battle between title contender Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Accolade Smrz Racing GBR) and Mirko Gennai (Team BrCorse). Gennai emerged victorious after a dramatic last lap where Perez Gonzalez briefly led but was penalized for irresponsible riding, dropping him to second place.
Dirk Geiger (Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing) finished third, leading a tightly contested group that included Daniel Mogeda (ProGP Racing) in fourth and Matteo Vannucci (AG Motorsport Italia Yamaha) in fifth. Indonesia’s Galang Hendra Pratama (Sublime Racing by MS Racing) claimed the sixth position, with these riders separated by just four tenths of a second at the end of the 13-lap race.
Gennai took his second race win at the Portuguese Round and securing third place in the Championship.
P1 | Mirko Gennai | Team BrCorse
“I finished first in Race 1 and Race 2, and I’m very happy. Perez Gonzalez and I worked together to escape at the front. We were able to break away, and I knew he would try to overtake me at the exit from the last corner, but he received a penalty. So, I got lucky. When I arrived at the parc fermé, I realized I had won when I saw my team. I want to thank them for the great job this week.”
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
Jeffrey Buis makes history: a double triumph in WorldSSP300
Jeffrey Buis won his second FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In the heart-pounding 2023 WorldSSP300 season, Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki), clinched the coveted WorldSSP300 title in Race 2 of the Pirelli Portuguese Round. This achievement marks his second WorldSSP300 Championship crown, making him the first and only rider to secure two titles in this fiercely competitive series. Buis first made waves in 2020 when he claimed his inaugural title, announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the WorldSSP300 series.
Buis’s incredible journey in the 2023 season showcased his determination. His standout moments included a victory at Barcelona marking a pivotal moment in his 2023 campaign, a double win in Magny-Cours when he took the Championship standings lead, and a victory at MotorLand Aragon allowing him to open his advantage to 30 points ahead of the season finale at Portimao. With a total of 7 podium finishes, including 4 thrilling victories to his name, Buis’s statistics for the season underscore his dominance in the series. Additionally, he became the first rider to amass an incredible 11 WorldSSP300 victories, cementing his legacy as one of the series’ best performers. However, the season also saw him facing formidable competition from his primary title rivals, including Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Accolade Smrz Racing BGR), Mirko Gennai (Team BrCorse), Dirk Geiger (Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing), Matteo Vannucci (AG Motorsport Italia Yamaha), and Petr Svoboda (Fusport – RT Motorsport by SKM – Kawasaki).
In 2024, Jeffrey Buis will continue his journey in WorldSSP300 switching manufacturer as he will move to the Freudenberg KTM-PALIGO Racing team.
Jeffrey Buis biography
Jeffrey Buis began his motorcycle racing journey in 2018, debuting in the Yamaha R3 Cup and securing victory in his very first race. His early success continued with a second-place finish at the Oschersleben track during the same season. In December 2018, Buis joined the MTM Kawasaki team to compete in the 2019 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship. Despite being a newcomer to World Championship racing, Buis made steady progress in his debut season, achieving his best result with an eighth-place finish at Magny-Cours.
He continued to compete in WorldSSP300 in 2020, remaining with the MTM Kawasaki team. The 2020 season concluded with Buis clinching his first World Championship. He remained with the MTM Kawasaki team in 2021 to defend his title ultimately finishing third in the standings. In 2022, he moved up to the WorldSSP class with the MTM Kawasaki team but returned to WorldSSP300 for the 2023 season. His comeback was successful, with the Dutch rider claiming his second title in the series.
“After Aragon, the gap was so big, and I started to think about the title. In this race, I just needed to finish in the top 13, and that’s what I did. I didn’t want to risk anything, especially when you’re in a group; anything can happen. I was afraid that another rider might make me crash, so that’s why I took a little space from the group and just finished the race. MTM Kawasaki is like a family to me. I’ve been here since 2019, and to have won two World Championships with them is incredible. I want to especially thank Ludo for that! In 2024, I will face a new challenge, and I’m very happy for this new chance. But first, let’s celebrate this title!”
World Championship Career:
2019 – 2021: FIM World Supersport 300 Championship
The 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event will be held at Guadix, in southern Spain. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
Guadix is the place – Rookies Cup Selection for 2024
It’s that very special time of year, no not Christmas yet, but for young racers around the world it is even bigger, it’s time for the Selection Event for the 2024 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
This is the way that Brad Binder, Jorge Martín, Pedro Acosta and more than 200 other riders have made the step into the Cup. 112 Rookies Cup riders have started in GPs, 30 of whom have won 179 GPs and 10 World Championships. Currently, they lead the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships and Martín is 3 points off the lead in MotoGP after winning the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
111 riders from across the globe, from 30 different nations, are expected to attend this year’s Selection event in Guadix, near Granada in southern Spain for 3 days of track action starting on Monday.
Roughly half the assembled riders take to the track on Day 1, the other half on Day 2. Those who are considered to have the best chance of being invited to join the Cup are offered the possibility of riding again on Day 3.
At the end of Day 3, the Selection Committee will draw up a list of 10 riders invited to join the Cup for 2024.
Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (a.k.a. Algarve International Circuit) in Portimão, Portugal. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista won FIM Superbike World Championship Race Two Sunday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, Bautista won the 20-lap race by just 0.126 second.
Toprak Razgatlioglu was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, and Bautista’s teammate Michael Rinaldi was a very close third.
American Garrett Gerloff finished a close fourth, just 2.854 seconds behind Bautista, on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR.
Bautista pips Razgatlioglu to victory, inches closer to the title
Alvaro Baustia (1) edged out Toprak Razgatlioglu (54) to win Race Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In a gripping WorldSBK Race 2 at Portimao, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) etched his name in the record books once again. The reigning champion clinched his 56th victory on a Ducati, surpassing the legendary Carl Fogarty’s win tally with the Italian manufacturer.
However, this historic achievement didn’t come easy, as Bautista engaged in a breathtaking duel with Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), where the first position changed hands throughout the race. Bautista briefly took the lead on several occasions, only for Razgatlioglu to respond with remarkable moves of his own. In the end, it was Bautista who managed to secure the victory in a dramatic drag race to the finish line, edging out Razgatlioglu by a mere 0.126 seconds. Bautista’s triumph marked another milestone for Ducati, but it fell just short of securing him a second riders’ title.
Meanwhile, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) mounted a spirited charge from the second row to claim the final spot on the podium. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) continued his impressive form with a solid fourth-place finish, followed closely by Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) in fifth and sixth.
Alvaro Bautista. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bautista secured his 56th Ducati win, pushing ahead of Carl Fogarty’s record.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“It was amazing! It was a great battle between Toprak and me and I’m so proud to fight with him. He did his best and he had nothing to lose, so he tried every time, everywhere. It didn’t matter which corner or how he tried the pass. I’m proud to fight with him. I also tried my best. I tried to overtake him and close the corners, but he always tried. We were very close to touching many, many times! For me, it was a very enjoyable race. In the end, at the last corner because I was strong there, I tried to pass him but he learnt about the pass after the morning overtake and he closed the last part of the corner. At the moment, I thought if I couldn’t go inside, go outside because it’s the only chance you have. I opened the gas, the bike started to accelerate, and I went to the kerb. I could pass him. I think it was a great move! It was like instinct.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Razgatlioglu fought valiantly in the epic duel with Bautista, finishing a close second in the race.
P2 | Toprak Razgatlioglu | Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK
“We kept fighting in the race because I’m just focused on winning because I was very angry after the Superpole Race. I saw Alvaro wasn’t very strong and I was better in the last corner than in the Superpole Race but in the race, I fought with him. I said ‘this race is mine’ because he wasn’t very strong and whilst I was on the limit, it was easier to attack. I said, ‘I need to win’ and, especially on the last lap, the feeling was good, and every corner was better than before. At the last corner, I tried something different, but it didn’t work; when I picked up the bike, there’s no acceleration and this was the biggest problem. Alvaro went outside but I don’t understand how his rear tyre grips better than me, but his bike’s acceleration is unbelievable, and it was possible to come back. I’m really angry and I did everything to win. Anyway, we finished second, but I don’t care for this; we lost, and I’m just focused on winning.”
Michael Rinaldi (21) leads Andrea Locatelli (55), Iker Lecuona (7), Remy Gardner (behind Lecuona), and Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Rinaldi delivered a strong performance, claiming the final spot on the podium in Race 2.
Garrett Gerloff (31). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Gerloff continued his impressive form with a solid 4th place, missing the podium for 1.100s.
Andrea Locatelli (55) leads Garrett Gerloff (31), Iker Lecuona (7), and Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Locatelli finished 5th in Race 2 and currently holds 4th place in the championship.
Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (a.k.a. Algarve International Circuit) in Portimão, Portugal. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Stefano Manzi won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha YZF-R6, the Italian won the 17-lap race by 0.084 second.
Newly crowned 2023 World Champion Nicolo Canepa was the runner-up on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, and Yari Montella placed third on his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Valentin Debise retired with a technical problem on his GMT94 Yamaha and Did Not Finish (DNF).
Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (a.k.a. Algarve International Circuit) in Portimão, Portugal. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Defending World Champion Alvaro Bautista won the World Superbike Superpole race Sunday at Algarve International Circuit, in Portimao, Portugal. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R, the Spaniard won the 10-lap race by just 0.142 second. It was Bautista’s fifth Superpole race win of the season.
Turkish star Toprak Razgatlioglu was the runner-up on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, and Razgatlioglu’s teammate Andrea Locatelli placed third.
American Garrett Gerloff went from starting 12th on the grid to finishing eighth on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR, improving his grid spot for Race Two.
Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Jorge Martin won the rain-affected, red-flag-shortened FIM MotoGP World Championship race at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. The race was started as a “dry” race, but rain drops were beginning to fall as the start lights went out. As soon as the race was started, the rain flags began to wave, indicating riders could come into the pits to change to bikes with rain tires, if they chose to do so, and many did.
The rain intensified and the race was eventually stopped short on lap 13 due to the deteriorating track conditions. It was not restarted, the race was declared complete, and the finishing order was set from the lap 12 running order.
Prima Pramac Racing Ducati’s Jorge Martin was awarded the victory, his third race win of the season to go with his five Sprint race wins. Defending Champion Francesco Bagnaia got second, 1.413 seconds behind Martin, on his Lenovo Team Ducati. Marc Marquez was a close third on his Repsol Honda.
The results of the race left Bagnaia with just a three-point lead in the World Championship over Martin with six rounds of racing remaining.
Nerves of steel: three points in it as Martin outpaces Pecco in the rain and Marquez returns to the rostrum
Not even a flag-to-flag can dampen Martin’s charge as he navigates a bike switch and heavy rain to come home ahead of Bagnaia, with Marquez making a charge to third
Jorge Martin (89) was leading Francesco Bagnaia (1) and Marc Marquez (93) when the MotoGP race at Motegi was stopped. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 01 October 2023
It was a day for nerves of steel at the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, with the Championship on a knife edge before the race start and drops of drizzle becoming a flag-to-flag and then some serious rain. But on a day when faltering would likely have lived long in the memory, neither in the duel at the top of the standings did. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) overcame arguably his biggest test of late to put on a wet weather masterclass at the front, outpacing Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to cut the gap to just three points. The test was also a huge one for Bagnaia, on the back foot in terms of momentum and faced with the toughest conditions of the season so far, but the reigning World Champion dug in, held on, and took the necessary 20 points needed to keep that lead.
As the top two in the Championship held their nerve, so did the rider in the centre of his own storm as rumours about the future swirl: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) got back on the Grand Prix podium for the first time in 2023, and on home turf for Honda.
On the grid the tyres were slicks and the skies were grey, with Martin getting the dream start to take the holeshot, while Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) also got off the line superbly. The same can’t be said for reigning World Champion Bagnaia, who headed into Turn 1 in fourth as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), though the factory Ducati bit back on the exit of the second corner.
There was immediate disappointment for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) who ended up in the gravel after contact with several riders going into Turn 1, while Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) went wide with him.
As the rain started to increase, pitlane was opened almost immediately for riders to swap bikes, something which the vast majority opted to do. Martin led them into pitlane, with Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Marquez and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) following closely behind. Five opted to stay out: Fabio Quartararo (Moneter Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Cal Crutchlow (Yamalube RS4GP Racing Team), Stefan Bradl (LCR Honda Castrol) and Michele Pirro (Ducati Lenovo Team) were the quintet of riders, and all of a sudden, Pirro led the Japanese Grand Prix.
From those who chose to change bikes, Martin led a large group out onto the track, with Espargaro, Miller, Bagnaia and Marquez next. At Turn 10, Espargaro challenged Martin for the lead of the group but the Pramac rider struck back. As we went to clock off another lap, Quartararo and Crutchlow then changed machines. Pirro, Bradl and Morbidelli did not.
It was an incredibly dramatic start to the race, and it showed no signs of slowing down as Martin went wide under pressure from Espargaro, dropping to P9 before Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) picked him off. A ballsy move around Turn 6 though returned the position to the title hopeful as he went up the inside of the Gresini machine.
By the end of Lap 3, the riders on wets caught Morbidelli as Marquez tried to battle past Espargaro at Turn 11, but couldn’t keep it pinned as he slipped back behind the Aprilia. A little further back, Martin was out to make amends from his earlier error and got through on Miller at Turn 3 for sixth, lining up behind title rivals Bezzecchi and Bagnaia.
Amid all that, Pirro, incredibly, still led the Grand Prix by 10 seconds, but he soon swapped bikes too, meaning we had a new race leader in the form of Aleix Espargaro, who had time to spare over Marquez in second. There were then further shifts in the pecking order, as Bagnaia and Martin both picked off Bezzecchi, before the Ducatis then flew past Marc Marquez by the end of the lap to move for the podium places.
Just five laps in, and we had enough drama to last a season… and it was far from over!
A look at the timing screens showed Aleix Espargaro out front, but his lead was cut to half a second over Bagnaia, with Martin completing the provisional podium paces. Bezzecchi picked off Marquez as the Repsol Honda began sliding the wrong way, with Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) the next to get the better of him. By this stage, the race lost Binder to a crash as he slid out at Turn 3, rider ok.
Back out front, Martin was on the march, battling past Bagnaia for second and then making light work of Espargaro for the lead, and the in form Spaniard opened up a cushion of seven tenths. 1.5 seconds behind the front two, Bezzecchi moved into third place at the expense of Aleix Espargaro, who seemed to lose all drive aboard his RS-GP with Oliveira and Marquez both coming through on him seconds later.
After nine laps, it looked like the race began to settle down after probably the most hectic start to a MotoGP™ race in recent memory. Martin’s lead was out to a second, with Bagnaia still holding his advantage over Bezzecchi. Oliveira was next in line, but the master of the wet in recent times couldn’t mount a podium challenge and then entered the pits to retire by the end of Lap 12, a lost chance.
The action was still coming thick and fast behind the leaders though, with Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) and Miller staging a spectacular battle for seventh before the Aussie lost out after running it wide at Turn 11, somewhat fortunate not to crash as he rejoined the chasing pack in 10th. That suddenly put the Constructors’ crown in reach for Ducati…
Conditions were worsening, with bikes spraying up water from the asphalt as the pace slowed, but that couldn’t stop Marquez from making moves as the eight-time World Champion went by Bezzecchi and onto the podium on the drive into Turn 11. He then began taking chunks out of Bagnaia’s advantage, and it looked like just a matter of time before he reeled him in…. but then the red flag waved. Riders returned to pitlane. Including Zarco who crashed moments before the red flag and wrote off his GP23, rider ok.
With 13 of 24 laps completed, a restart would happen if conditions were to improve, but that was a big if. It seemed that conditions had cleared enough for a restart, but before they could complete the warm up lap, the red flag was waved once again, and a race result was declared. As over 50% of the race had been completed, full points were awarded.
Martin’s nerves of steel in the face of a very different challenge see him confirmed the winner, with another 25 points putting him just three off Bagnaia. But to keep that lead, if he didn’t beat him and Martin won, Pecco had to follow him home. And that he did.
Bezzecchi missed the podium but collected 13 points ahead of Aleix Espargaro and Jack Miller in P5 and P6 respectively. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) finished ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio for seventh, while Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) and Quartararo completed the top 10. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) came home in 11th in his home Grand Prix, with Mir, Crutchlow, Bradl and Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) completing the point-scoring places.
Perhaps it was a muted end, but it was simply a breathtaking, spectacular challenge and race at the Japanese Grand Prix. Now, we’ve got two weeks until the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia gets underway, which might just be as well, because it’s going to take some time to unpack this one.
Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Somkiat Chantra won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Mobility Resort Motegi, in Japan. Riding his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex, the Thai racer won the 19-lap race by 1.353 seconds. It was his first win and first podium finish of the 2023 season.
Chantra’s teammate Ai Ogura was the runner-up, and World Championship point leader Pedro Acosta placed third on his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine.
American Joe Roberts got 12th, and Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished 23rd.
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