Moto3 FP2
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
MotoGP: Folger Filling In For Pol Espargaro Starting At COTA
JONAS FOLGER TO STEP IN FOR GASGAS FACTORY RACING TECH3 AS POL ESPARGARO CONTINUES RECOVERY
2023 Motorsport news
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 are counting the days until Pol Espargaro is ready to return to his RC16 but in the meantime, and from the Grand Prix of the Americas at COTA in mid-April, the team and brand will count on the speed and experience of former MotoGP podium finisher Jonas Folger.
The 29-year-old German will make his first MotoGP appearance since 2017 and since stepping into the role as an official test rider. Jonas previously represented the Tech3 setup – scoring a thrilling runner-up result at his home Grand Prix – so knows the crew and the culture.
Pol Espargaro travelled back to Barcelona last weekend where he had surgery on his jaw. The procedure was performed on Tuesday at the Dexeus Hospital. He’ll remain under observation for a couple of days and is hopeful of being home soon when he’ll be able to step-up his physiotherapy and define a timeframe to get back in the saddle.
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will power into this weekend’s Gran Premio Michelin de la Republica Argentina with Augusto Fernandez looking to attack the time sheets at Termas de Rio Hondo.
Jonas Folger: “First of all I really hope Pol is doing well and getting back on his feet as soon as possible. I’m sure he has the right people around him. From my side I’m looking forward to racing again and arriving to Texas to see all the guys from my old team! I hope we can do a decent job and I know it will be a big challenge for me since testing has only just started. However, this will be a great opportunity to get up to speed and learn more about the bike. I’m thankful and now looking to Texas.”
Nicolas Goyon, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 Team Manager: “It’s clear Pol needs time to make a full recovery and our thoughts are still with him and we are in contact all the time. Until he is ready though Jonas’ testing role together with his recent MotoGP experience meant he is the perfect fill-in. We had some good memories with him a few years ago and he tested with us in Sepang this pre-season. He’s a great guy and we’re delighted to welcome him back.”
MotoAmerica: Paasch Breaks His Back Training On Motocross Bike (Updated)
Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch broke his back Thursday morning while training on his motocross bike at Orlando MX Park in central Florida.
“It’s a local track I’ve been training at all winter on my KTM 250,” Paasch exclusively told Roadracingworld.com. “Obviously, I know the layout pretty well. When I usually go there it’s all deep and rutted up, but when I went there today, it was all freshly prepped. I also had a new sand tire on the back compared to what I’ve been running.
“I went out first lap and rolled everything just like I always do to check everything out and make sure nothing’s changed. Second lap, coming around I hit the big double in the middle the same as I always do. It’s usually the top of fourth gear wide open.
“As soon as I took off I looked down and was like, ‘Oh, f***!’ I knew I was overshooting it. I landed flat from probably 50 feet in the air. I rode it out. I rode back to my van and pretty much slung my leg over the bike and laid down because I couldn’t stand up or sit up or anything and just waited for the ambulance to show up and take me to the hospital.”
At the hospital, Paasch was diagnosed with a compression fracture of his L3 vertebra in his lower back.
“I’m still in the hospital right now,” said Paasch. “I don’t think it’s going to require surgery. So that’s a positive. And I still have feeling in my legs and I can move my feet everything. So, I got pretty lucky, I guess. I’m just waiting for one more X-ray and hopefully get a back brace, and they’re potentially going to send me home tonight if everything checks out.
“Obviously, I’m sad and a bit down about it because it’s something so stupid. It could have easily been avoided and it should have been avoided. But sh*t happens. I made a mistake.
“Now, it’s full focus on recovery and figuring out what we need to do to get back and when we can race again. That was my first thought. As soon as I was getting put into the ambulance, ‘Where does this leave us for Road Atlanta? How long is it going to take recovery-wise?’ That’s where my head’s at. I’m keeping it positive and looking toward the future in a good way and hoping we can come back stronger and still fight for some race wins this year.”
After unsuccessfully defending his 2022 Daytona 200 crown on a TOBC Racing Triumph 765 earlier in March, Paasch has been preparing for his second season racing an Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000R in the 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship and Superbike Cup.
MotoGP: Quartararo Says “Termas Is Not My Best Track, But…”
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP GEAR UP FOR MOTOGP ROUND 2 IN ARGENTINA
Termas de Río Hondo (Argentina)
Straight after the Portuguese GP, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team packed their YZR-M1s and flew them across the Atlantic Ocean to get back into action at the Autodromo do Termas de Río Hondo for the Gran Premio de la República Argentina this weekend.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli have safely arrived in Argentina and are ready to battle for points again. Having had a first experience with the new GP weekend format, the duo are looking forward to making a comeback at the Autodromo do Termas de Río Hondo and climb the leader board.
Though he didn’t end the first Sprint and Race of the season in as high a position as he would have liked, Quartararo took the positives from the first GP and is keen to show good race pace again this weekend in Argentina.
The Frenchman only rode at the Termas track twice before in the premier class, both times securing eighth place in the race. He is keen to improve on this result this weekend to make up some places in the overall rankings. El Diablo is currently 10th in the championship standings.
Morbidelli finished both the first-ever Sprint and the Portuguese GP race in P14. The Italian is pleased that the back-to-back opening MotoGP rounds offer a chance for him to battle more towards the front this Saturday and Sunday. He is currently in 17th place in the overall standings.
Morbido is hugely popular in Latin America, thanks to his Brazilian roots. He can expect the support of the local fans, who will be cheering him on this weekend. The number-21 rider aims to do them proud like he did in 2017 when he secured the victory in the Moto2 class.
The 4.8km long Termas de Río Hondo circuit was added to the MotoGP calendar in 2014. A devastating fire in February 2021 destroyed a large part of the paddock, but it has been rebuilt since then. With an exciting lay-out that includes a mixture of fast corners (five left, nine right) and a 1076m longest straight, the fans can be assured that they will see plenty of racing and overtaking action in Argentina again.
Those who are wondering “What are the key points to a hot lap at the Termas track?” can watch our latest eSport video.
The Grand Prix of Argentina is held in the GMT -3 time zone. P1 will take place on Friday from 10:45 – 11:30 local track time, followed by P2 from 15:00 – 16:00. On Saturday, FP will be held from 10:10 – 10:40, the qualifying sessions from 10:50 – 11:30, and the Sprint starts at 15:00. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 09:45 – 09:55, and the race starts at 14:00.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
We travelled to the Termas de Río Hondo circuit immediately after the Portuguese GP. It was a long journey after the first round, but we are excited to be here and to be racing again this weekend. Last week‘s results show we have work to do, so this will be a busy week for us. In Portimao we were able to prepare the set-up for the Sprint and the Race already during the test. Here it will be trickier with the new GP weekend format. We have to make the most of every single session, especially P2. It’s the session that will likely be the most similar to the Sprint and the Race in terms of conditions. This is important for the tyre choice and, furthermore, P2 grants access into Q2. We’ll be very focused on improving our qualifying, because the outcome of both the Sprint and Race highly depends on the starting position. The local fans have a lot of passion for motorsport, so we know they will enjoy the extra racing action that the Sprint provides on Saturday, and we look forward to seeing them enjoy the show.
FABIO QUARTARARO
Considering my position after the opening lap of the Portuguese race, I did a pretty good job getting eighth place and still scoring points. With no points in the Sprint, we are already a bit behind in the standings – but the season is still very long, and we already have an opportunity to climb up in the rankings this weekend! Termas is not my best track, but I think we can do a good job. We know there‘s not a lot of grip here though, so we have to work around that.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
The positive thing about opening the season with back-to-back GP weekends is that we immediately have another chance to improve at the next track. Last year‘s tyre puncture in the Argentina GP ended my race early. It‘s nice that this year we have a Sprint and a Race, so in a way I can make up for it by racing twice this year. We are working hard on finding something to improve our performance level.
WorldSBK: Bautista P1, Gerloff P4 On Day One Of Catalunya Test
WorldSBK hits the track with two days of testing in Barcelona
Teams and riders get ready for the first European round of 2023
Current Championship leader Alvaro Bautista was back on track at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Thursday and topped the timesheets with a 1’40.500s.
Iker Lecuona was second on the first day of testing as the Honda rider posted a 1’40.721s. His teammate Xavi Vierge was fifth.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi concluding day one in third place with a 1’40.973s finishing 0.473s behind his teammate.
Garrett Gerloff was the fastest BMW rider on Thursday as he took fourth position with a 1’41.150s posted in the late afternoon.
Toprak Razgatlioglu concluded day one of testing in sixth place 0.933s off Bautista’s fastest time. The Yamaha rider had a crash at Turn 2 which disrupted his running in the morning.
WorldSBK Day 1 Report
The first of two days of testing for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field got underway at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and it was reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who led the way on Day 1. He was two tenths clear of 2022 polesitter Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) at the end of the day’s running although Bautista’s lap time was set in the morning while Lecuona’s best time came in the final stages of the day’s action.
Bautista’s best time of the day came on his 20th lap in the morning when he posted a 1’40.500s to top the timesheets. It was a strong day for the Bologna-based manufacturer with Bautista’s teammate, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, in third place and around four tenths down on Bautista. Ducati had new parts on rear suspension to try with the aim of improving stability and grip, while there was also development on the front of the bike to achieve faster corner entry.
Both Team HRC riders featured inside the top five at the end of day one with Iker Lecuona in second and Xavi Vierge in fifth place. Honda were mostly comparing the new items tested recently at MotorLand Aragon to ensure they were working at more circuits, with this including chassis bracing and an exhaust. They also continued to test some electronic setting as well as smaller items, while also looking at setup and trying to understand the machine.
Independent rider Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) leading the way for BMW. The American posted a 1’41.150s late in the session to move into fourth place.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) had a disrupted day of running following a crash at Turn 2 in the morning, but he was able to take fifth spot in the classification. The 2021 Champion posted a 1’41.433s to finish in sixth.
Both Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and teammate Alex Lowes opted to not run on Day 1 of 2 at the test.
Read the full report from Day 1 on worldsbk.com
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) was the fastest rider on Day 1 as he searched for a good feeling on his bike, posting a 1’44.846s, to finish ahead of Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) as he returns from injury.
MotoGP: Aleix Espargaro Knows Where He Needs To Improve
APRILIA FLIES TO TERMAS DE RIO HONDO FOR THE SECOND GRAND PRIX OF THE SEASON
MAVERICK CONFIDENT AFTER PODIUM AT PORTIMAO, ALEIX READY FOR A STAR-STUDDED WEEKEND
Although the first answers on the state of the MotoGP grid, coming from Portimao, are still partial and with all due caution, Aprilia can look forward to its 2023 Championship with optimism.
In Maverick’s case, the growing results on Portuguese soil, culminating in a splendid second place in the race, have confirmed his feelings. The new RS-GP is competitive and, after a necessary apprenticeship, also highlighted in the winter tests, the Spanish rider is increasingly in control.
Aleix left Portugal with a more than positive feeling, despite a final score that was not entirely true. He showed speed, he fought, but a less-than-perfect qualifying session precluded better results that were certainly within his reach. The special relationship with the Argentinean circuit, where he took his and Aprilia’s first MotoGP win last year, will certainly provide a confidence boost.
Aleix
“It’s obvious that going back to Argentina brings back wonderful memories, but this is a new season. Anyway, I am confident because in Portugal we got the answers we were looking for, I am satisfied with our level, we need to improve in qualifying to be able to prove it in the two races. Being caught up in the battles in the middle of the group inevitably makes you lose time, so we will have to start further ahead to be able to put our pace to good use”.
Maverick
“It’s only the beginning of the season but I’m feeling good. Aprilia has worked well and I feel more comfortable in the saddle, I can exploit the RS-GP better. Our objective remains to always extract the maximum from our bike, if we do this consistently I am sure the results will come. Argentina and America are two tracks that I like, I arrive there motivated”.
American Shedden Racing In Italy’s CIV Aprilia Sport Production Championship
JESSE JAMES SHEDDEN SIGNS WITH ITALIAN BIERRETI RACING FOR THE CIV APRILIA SPORT PRODUCTION CHAMPIONSHIP
After a successful 2022 North America Talent Cup (NATC) effort, Shedden will compete in Italy on the Aprilia RS250 SP2 for the spec CIV Aprilia series and aim to secure international road racing credentials.
HELENDALE, CA – Jesse James Shedden has signed with the established Italian Bierreti Racing Team to compete in the CIV Aprilia Sport Production Championship Series aboard the Aprilia RS250 SP2. Jesse James notched multiple wins aboard the Aprilia during the NATC, ultimately coming one-point shy of the championship. He looks to carry his winning record overseas to the home of Aprilia, against some of Italy’s top young racers. Signing with the Bierreti Racing team sends a strong message to competitors that Jesse James is focused on winning.
Bierreti Racing has successfully competed in CIV, CEV, and FIM series, with multiple champions racing under the Bierreti Team name. Most recently, the 2021 and 2022 Aprilia Sport Production series champions raced for Bierreti. A premier team in the paddock, Bierreti has years of experience to offer the fourteen-year old American.
When asked about the opportunity to race for a top team in Italy, Jesse James replied, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to race for Bieretti Racing in the CIV Junior Series in Italy. I love travel, I love adventure, and I love a challenge so this should be good.”
Giulia Stibioli, Bierreti’s Team Owner commented: “We are very enthusiastic having an international rider such as Jesse on board, we are sure it is a big opportunity for mutual growth. The Aprilia Sport Production has been for many riders a great way for racing in CIV Moto3 and then to start a high-level international career. We hope it is the beginning of a great collaboration!”
Jesse James Shedden will continue with sponsors who have supported him during national racing in the U.S., including: Atlas Speed Factory, Fresh n Lean, KYT Helmets, Mithos USA, Dunlop Tires, ASV Inventions, TechSpec Tank Grips, Suspension Matters, Yoshimura R&D, Maxima Racing Oils, Bickle Racing, Produkte Designs, RJR Motorsports, Alpinestars, VNM Sport, Galfer USA, and APX AXN Motorsports Solutions.
Aprilia Sport Production Series Championship Schedule:
ROUND 1: 21 May 2023; Vallelunga
ROUND 2: 11 June 2023; Magione
ROUND 3: 2 July 2023; Modena
ROUND 4: 6 August 2023; Cervesina
ROUND 5: 17 September 2023; Varano
For more information on the CIV Aprilia Sport Production Series Championship, please visit: https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/aprilia-racing/aprilia-sport-production/
MotoGP: Folger Filling In For Pol Espargaro Starting At COTA
JONAS FOLGER TO STEP IN FOR GASGAS FACTORY RACING TECH3 AS POL ESPARGARO CONTINUES RECOVERY
2023 Motorsport news
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 are counting the days until Pol Espargaro is ready to return to his RC16 but in the meantime, and from the Grand Prix of the Americas at COTA in mid-April, the team and brand will count on the speed and experience of former MotoGP podium finisher Jonas Folger.
The 29-year-old German will make his first MotoGP appearance since 2017 and since stepping into the role as an official test rider. Jonas previously represented the Tech3 setup – scoring a thrilling runner-up result at his home Grand Prix – so knows the crew and the culture.
Pol Espargaro travelled back to Barcelona last weekend where he had surgery on his jaw. The procedure was performed on Tuesday at the Dexeus Hospital. He’ll remain under observation for a couple of days and is hopeful of being home soon when he’ll be able to step-up his physiotherapy and define a timeframe to get back in the saddle.
GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will power into this weekend’s Gran Premio Michelin de la Republica Argentina with Augusto Fernandez looking to attack the time sheets at Termas de Rio Hondo.
Jonas Folger: “First of all I really hope Pol is doing well and getting back on his feet as soon as possible. I’m sure he has the right people around him. From my side I’m looking forward to racing again and arriving to Texas to see all the guys from my old team! I hope we can do a decent job and I know it will be a big challenge for me since testing has only just started. However, this will be a great opportunity to get up to speed and learn more about the bike. I’m thankful and now looking to Texas.”
Nicolas Goyon, GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 Team Manager: “It’s clear Pol needs time to make a full recovery and our thoughts are still with him and we are in contact all the time. Until he is ready though Jonas’ testing role together with his recent MotoGP experience meant he is the perfect fill-in. We had some good memories with him a few years ago and he tested with us in Sepang this pre-season. He’s a great guy and we’re delighted to welcome him back.”
MotoGP: Aprilia’s Vinales, Espargaro 1-2 In FP1 In Argentina
Moto2: Gonzalez Goes To The Top In FP1 In Argentina
MotoAmerica: Paasch Breaks His Back Training On Motocross Bike (Updated)
Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch broke his back Thursday morning while training on his motocross bike at Orlando MX Park in central Florida.
“It’s a local track I’ve been training at all winter on my KTM 250,” Paasch exclusively told Roadracingworld.com. “Obviously, I know the layout pretty well. When I usually go there it’s all deep and rutted up, but when I went there today, it was all freshly prepped. I also had a new sand tire on the back compared to what I’ve been running.
“I went out first lap and rolled everything just like I always do to check everything out and make sure nothing’s changed. Second lap, coming around I hit the big double in the middle the same as I always do. It’s usually the top of fourth gear wide open.
“As soon as I took off I looked down and was like, ‘Oh, f***!’ I knew I was overshooting it. I landed flat from probably 50 feet in the air. I rode it out. I rode back to my van and pretty much slung my leg over the bike and laid down because I couldn’t stand up or sit up or anything and just waited for the ambulance to show up and take me to the hospital.”
At the hospital, Paasch was diagnosed with a compression fracture of his L3 vertebra in his lower back.
“I’m still in the hospital right now,” said Paasch. “I don’t think it’s going to require surgery. So that’s a positive. And I still have feeling in my legs and I can move my feet everything. So, I got pretty lucky, I guess. I’m just waiting for one more X-ray and hopefully get a back brace, and they’re potentially going to send me home tonight if everything checks out.
“Obviously, I’m sad and a bit down about it because it’s something so stupid. It could have easily been avoided and it should have been avoided. But sh*t happens. I made a mistake.
“Now, it’s full focus on recovery and figuring out what we need to do to get back and when we can race again. That was my first thought. As soon as I was getting put into the ambulance, ‘Where does this leave us for Road Atlanta? How long is it going to take recovery-wise?’ That’s where my head’s at. I’m keeping it positive and looking toward the future in a good way and hoping we can come back stronger and still fight for some race wins this year.”
After unsuccessfully defending his 2022 Daytona 200 crown on a TOBC Racing Triumph 765 earlier in March, Paasch has been preparing for his second season racing an Altus Motorsports Suzuki GSX-R1000R in the 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Championship and Superbike Cup.
MotoGP: Quartararo Says “Termas Is Not My Best Track, But…”
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP GEAR UP FOR MOTOGP ROUND 2 IN ARGENTINA
Termas de Río Hondo (Argentina)
Straight after the Portuguese GP, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team packed their YZR-M1s and flew them across the Atlantic Ocean to get back into action at the Autodromo do Termas de Río Hondo for the Gran Premio de la República Argentina this weekend.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli have safely arrived in Argentina and are ready to battle for points again. Having had a first experience with the new GP weekend format, the duo are looking forward to making a comeback at the Autodromo do Termas de Río Hondo and climb the leader board.
Though he didn’t end the first Sprint and Race of the season in as high a position as he would have liked, Quartararo took the positives from the first GP and is keen to show good race pace again this weekend in Argentina.
The Frenchman only rode at the Termas track twice before in the premier class, both times securing eighth place in the race. He is keen to improve on this result this weekend to make up some places in the overall rankings. El Diablo is currently 10th in the championship standings.
Morbidelli finished both the first-ever Sprint and the Portuguese GP race in P14. The Italian is pleased that the back-to-back opening MotoGP rounds offer a chance for him to battle more towards the front this Saturday and Sunday. He is currently in 17th place in the overall standings.
Morbido is hugely popular in Latin America, thanks to his Brazilian roots. He can expect the support of the local fans, who will be cheering him on this weekend. The number-21 rider aims to do them proud like he did in 2017 when he secured the victory in the Moto2 class.
The 4.8km long Termas de Río Hondo circuit was added to the MotoGP calendar in 2014. A devastating fire in February 2021 destroyed a large part of the paddock, but it has been rebuilt since then. With an exciting lay-out that includes a mixture of fast corners (five left, nine right) and a 1076m longest straight, the fans can be assured that they will see plenty of racing and overtaking action in Argentina again.
Those who are wondering “What are the key points to a hot lap at the Termas track?” can watch our latest eSport video.
The Grand Prix of Argentina is held in the GMT -3 time zone. P1 will take place on Friday from 10:45 – 11:30 local track time, followed by P2 from 15:00 – 16:00. On Saturday, FP will be held from 10:10 – 10:40, the qualifying sessions from 10:50 – 11:30, and the Sprint starts at 15:00. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 09:45 – 09:55, and the race starts at 14:00.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
We travelled to the Termas de Río Hondo circuit immediately after the Portuguese GP. It was a long journey after the first round, but we are excited to be here and to be racing again this weekend. Last week‘s results show we have work to do, so this will be a busy week for us. In Portimao we were able to prepare the set-up for the Sprint and the Race already during the test. Here it will be trickier with the new GP weekend format. We have to make the most of every single session, especially P2. It’s the session that will likely be the most similar to the Sprint and the Race in terms of conditions. This is important for the tyre choice and, furthermore, P2 grants access into Q2. We’ll be very focused on improving our qualifying, because the outcome of both the Sprint and Race highly depends on the starting position. The local fans have a lot of passion for motorsport, so we know they will enjoy the extra racing action that the Sprint provides on Saturday, and we look forward to seeing them enjoy the show.
FABIO QUARTARARO
Considering my position after the opening lap of the Portuguese race, I did a pretty good job getting eighth place and still scoring points. With no points in the Sprint, we are already a bit behind in the standings – but the season is still very long, and we already have an opportunity to climb up in the rankings this weekend! Termas is not my best track, but I think we can do a good job. We know there‘s not a lot of grip here though, so we have to work around that.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
The positive thing about opening the season with back-to-back GP weekends is that we immediately have another chance to improve at the next track. Last year‘s tyre puncture in the Argentina GP ended my race early. It‘s nice that this year we have a Sprint and a Race, so in a way I can make up for it by racing twice this year. We are working hard on finding something to improve our performance level.
WorldSBK: Bautista P1, Gerloff P4 On Day One Of Catalunya Test
WorldSBK hits the track with two days of testing in Barcelona
Teams and riders get ready for the first European round of 2023
Current Championship leader Alvaro Bautista was back on track at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Thursday and topped the timesheets with a 1’40.500s.
Iker Lecuona was second on the first day of testing as the Honda rider posted a 1’40.721s. His teammate Xavi Vierge was fifth.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi concluding day one in third place with a 1’40.973s finishing 0.473s behind his teammate.
Garrett Gerloff was the fastest BMW rider on Thursday as he took fourth position with a 1’41.150s posted in the late afternoon.
Toprak Razgatlioglu concluded day one of testing in sixth place 0.933s off Bautista’s fastest time. The Yamaha rider had a crash at Turn 2 which disrupted his running in the morning.
WorldSBK Day 1 Report
The first of two days of testing for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field got underway at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and it was reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who led the way on Day 1. He was two tenths clear of 2022 polesitter Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) at the end of the day’s running although Bautista’s lap time was set in the morning while Lecuona’s best time came in the final stages of the day’s action.
Bautista’s best time of the day came on his 20th lap in the morning when he posted a 1’40.500s to top the timesheets. It was a strong day for the Bologna-based manufacturer with Bautista’s teammate, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, in third place and around four tenths down on Bautista. Ducati had new parts on rear suspension to try with the aim of improving stability and grip, while there was also development on the front of the bike to achieve faster corner entry.
Both Team HRC riders featured inside the top five at the end of day one with Iker Lecuona in second and Xavi Vierge in fifth place. Honda were mostly comparing the new items tested recently at MotorLand Aragon to ensure they were working at more circuits, with this including chassis bracing and an exhaust. They also continued to test some electronic setting as well as smaller items, while also looking at setup and trying to understand the machine.
Independent rider Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) leading the way for BMW. The American posted a 1’41.150s late in the session to move into fourth place.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) had a disrupted day of running following a crash at Turn 2 in the morning, but he was able to take fifth spot in the classification. The 2021 Champion posted a 1’41.433s to finish in sixth.
Both Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and teammate Alex Lowes opted to not run on Day 1 of 2 at the test.
Read the full report from Day 1 on worldsbk.com
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) was the fastest rider on Day 1 as he searched for a good feeling on his bike, posting a 1’44.846s, to finish ahead of Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) as he returns from injury.
MotoGP: Aleix Espargaro Knows Where He Needs To Improve
APRILIA FLIES TO TERMAS DE RIO HONDO FOR THE SECOND GRAND PRIX OF THE SEASON
MAVERICK CONFIDENT AFTER PODIUM AT PORTIMAO, ALEIX READY FOR A STAR-STUDDED WEEKEND
Although the first answers on the state of the MotoGP grid, coming from Portimao, are still partial and with all due caution, Aprilia can look forward to its 2023 Championship with optimism.
In Maverick’s case, the growing results on Portuguese soil, culminating in a splendid second place in the race, have confirmed his feelings. The new RS-GP is competitive and, after a necessary apprenticeship, also highlighted in the winter tests, the Spanish rider is increasingly in control.
Aleix left Portugal with a more than positive feeling, despite a final score that was not entirely true. He showed speed, he fought, but a less-than-perfect qualifying session precluded better results that were certainly within his reach. The special relationship with the Argentinean circuit, where he took his and Aprilia’s first MotoGP win last year, will certainly provide a confidence boost.
Aleix
“It’s obvious that going back to Argentina brings back wonderful memories, but this is a new season. Anyway, I am confident because in Portugal we got the answers we were looking for, I am satisfied with our level, we need to improve in qualifying to be able to prove it in the two races. Being caught up in the battles in the middle of the group inevitably makes you lose time, so we will have to start further ahead to be able to put our pace to good use”.
Maverick
“It’s only the beginning of the season but I’m feeling good. Aprilia has worked well and I feel more comfortable in the saddle, I can exploit the RS-GP better. Our objective remains to always extract the maximum from our bike, if we do this consistently I am sure the results will come. Argentina and America are two tracks that I like, I arrive there motivated”.
American Shedden Racing In Italy’s CIV Aprilia Sport Production Championship
JESSE JAMES SHEDDEN SIGNS WITH ITALIAN BIERRETI RACING FOR THE CIV APRILIA SPORT PRODUCTION CHAMPIONSHIP
After a successful 2022 North America Talent Cup (NATC) effort, Shedden will compete in Italy on the Aprilia RS250 SP2 for the spec CIV Aprilia series and aim to secure international road racing credentials.
HELENDALE, CA – Jesse James Shedden has signed with the established Italian Bierreti Racing Team to compete in the CIV Aprilia Sport Production Championship Series aboard the Aprilia RS250 SP2. Jesse James notched multiple wins aboard the Aprilia during the NATC, ultimately coming one-point shy of the championship. He looks to carry his winning record overseas to the home of Aprilia, against some of Italy’s top young racers. Signing with the Bierreti Racing team sends a strong message to competitors that Jesse James is focused on winning.
Bierreti Racing has successfully competed in CIV, CEV, and FIM series, with multiple champions racing under the Bierreti Team name. Most recently, the 2021 and 2022 Aprilia Sport Production series champions raced for Bierreti. A premier team in the paddock, Bierreti has years of experience to offer the fourteen-year old American.
When asked about the opportunity to race for a top team in Italy, Jesse James replied, “I’m really excited about the opportunity to race for Bieretti Racing in the CIV Junior Series in Italy. I love travel, I love adventure, and I love a challenge so this should be good.”
Giulia Stibioli, Bierreti’s Team Owner commented: “We are very enthusiastic having an international rider such as Jesse on board, we are sure it is a big opportunity for mutual growth. The Aprilia Sport Production has been for many riders a great way for racing in CIV Moto3 and then to start a high-level international career. We hope it is the beginning of a great collaboration!”
Jesse James Shedden will continue with sponsors who have supported him during national racing in the U.S., including: Atlas Speed Factory, Fresh n Lean, KYT Helmets, Mithos USA, Dunlop Tires, ASV Inventions, TechSpec Tank Grips, Suspension Matters, Yoshimura R&D, Maxima Racing Oils, Bickle Racing, Produkte Designs, RJR Motorsports, Alpinestars, VNM Sport, Galfer USA, and APX AXN Motorsports Solutions.
Aprilia Sport Production Series Championship Schedule:
ROUND 1: 21 May 2023; Vallelunga
ROUND 2: 11 June 2023; Magione
ROUND 3: 2 July 2023; Modena
ROUND 4: 6 August 2023; Cervesina
ROUND 5: 17 September 2023; Varano
For more information on the CIV Aprilia Sport Production Series Championship, please visit: https://www.aprilia.com/en_EN/aprilia-racing/aprilia-sport-production/