Alvaro Bautista won FIM Superbike World Championship Race Two Sunday at Magny-Cours, in France. The defending World Champion and current point leader won the re-started 17-lap race by nearly six seconds on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R
Toprak Razgatlioglu finished second on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, just ahead of Jonathan Rea and his Kawasaki Racing Team Ninja ZX-10RR.
American Garrett Gerloff finished fifth overall on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR and was the top Independent rider and the top-finishing BMW pilot.
Bautista seizes victory in Red-Flagged Race 2 at Magny-Cours
Alvaro Bautista (1) leads Jonathan Rea (65), Toprak Razgatlioglu (54), and the rest of the field early in Race Two at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In Race 2 at Magny-Cours, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) secured victory to leave France with a 57-point advantage over Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK).
Bautista started Race 2 strong, quickly taking the lead. However, Rea and Razgatlioglu were prompt to challenge him. Rea made a move at Turn 5 but couldn’t overtake Bautista, and while the Ducati rider gradually increased his lead, the race was interrupted on Lap 5. The red flag was waved following an incident involving Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with Aegerter declared unfit for racing due to a suspected concussion. The restart saw Bautista retain his lead, while Razgatlioglu eventually secured second place after a tense battle with Rea. Bautista maintained his lead until the end, winning by a six-second margin.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) fought his way to fourth place in his 100th race, with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) taking fifth ahead of Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing). Among the French riders, Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) finished in 12th place, while Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) faced technical issues and could not restart the race.
Alvaro Bautista regained his form to seize his 19th win of the season in Race 2 at Magny-Cours.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“For sure, I’m so happy to end the weekend like this, especially because I was ill on Friday and I was recovering during the weekend. Yesterday I felt better but today I felt almost 100%. In Race 2, with these conditions, it was difficult but it was similar to yesterday’s so I already knew the feeling with the bike. I tried to do a good start, and I had good feeling and pace. And after 5 laps, the race was stopped and it was difficult because in that moment I was riding really well. I tried to stay focused in the box. The second start, I felt well too and I could push from the beginning as well. At the end, I was alone but I kept pushing because I enjoyed riding like this. I’m happy overall with the weekend.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu secured a hard-fought second place, while Jonathan Rea, demonstrated his trademark consistency to claim the third position.
Andrea Locatelli celebrated his 100th race with a commendable fourth place finish.
Garrett Gerloff put on an impressive display, surging from tenth on the grid to secure fifth place.
WorldSBK Race 2 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +5.893s
3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +6.779s
4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +10.978s
5. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +11.482s
6. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) +15.258s
WorldSBK Championship standings
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 467 points
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 410 points
3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 290 points
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) held off a relentless challenge from Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) to secure a hard-fought victory in Race 2. Bulega’s triumph further extended his championship lead, now 60 points ahead of his closest rival, Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha), who finished in third place.
Bulega started strongly, attempting to break away from the pack, but Debise matched his pace lap after lap, staying within striking distance. The Frenchman’s relentless pursuit kept the pressure on Bulega until Lap 14 when the Italian managed to pull away slightly and clinch his 11th win of the season.
Behind them, the battle for fourth was a fierce one, with Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) edging out Niki Tuuli (PTR Triumph) in a race-long duel. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) finished just a fraction of a second behind Tuuli in sixth place.
Nicolo Bulega held his ground against Valentin Debise, securing a vital Race 2 victory and extending his championship lead.
P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“It was a great weekend with pole position and two victories again. It’s always something special. I want to enjoy this moment with my team. We did a great job. My feeling with the bike was very good all the weekend. I want to congratulate Debise because he was very fast. I had to push from the first corner and every lap. In the end, I won so this is important for the Championship because I take 25 points, and Manzi lost a few points. 60 points is a good advantage but I don’t want to think of the Championship now. When it’s time, we will think about it. Last year in Aragon, I had my first podium after two difficult years in Moto2TM, and then coming back on the podium was very nice. So, I have a good memory of Aragon and I’m looking forward to going there and trying to win.”
Having applied relentless pressure on Bulega throughout the race, Valentin Debise ultimately secured his second podium this weekend.
Stefano Manzi completed the podium, losing valuable points to Bulega in the championship standings.
WorldSSP Race 2 Results
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
2. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) +1.991s
3. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +12.441s
Buis takes control leading the Championship with Magny-Cours win
In a captivating showdown at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki) surged to victory in WorldSSP300 Race 2, significantly altering the Championship landscape. The 2020 Champion secured his second win of the weekend, moving him into the lead of the fiercely contested Championship – while a last-lap crash meant that previous leader Dirk Geiger could only finish in 9th. This victory marked Buis’ historic tenth win in the WorldSSP300 category, making him the first rider to reach double-digit wins in this class.
Mirko Gennai (Team BrCorse) exhibited incredible determination and racecraft as he fought his way through the pack from fifth row on the grid, ultimately finishing in second place. Meanwhile, Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Accolade Smrz Racing BGR) showcased his consistent form with a well-earned third-place finish. Perez Gonzalez’s strong performance in Race 2 added valuable points to his Championship tally, keeping him firmly in the title battle. The dramatic twists and turns of the Magny-Cours race left the top three riders separated by just 13 points in the overall championship standings, setting the stage for an electrifying remainder of the season.
In the midfield, the contest for fourth, fifth, and sixth places was fierce. Daniel Mogeda (Kawasaki GP Project) showed great determination, clinching fourth place by a mere 0.226-second gap behind Perez Gonzalez. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) took fifth place, highlighting his potential as a strong contender. Kevin Sabatucci (Team Flembbo – PI Performances) completed the top six, finishing only 0.160 seconds behind Veneman in a race marked by intense on-track duels.
Jorge Martin won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, the Spaniard won the 27-lap race by 1.350 seconds. It was his second win of the season.
Marco Bezzecchi finished second on his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati, and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia made it a Ducati sweep of the podium with third on his Lenovo Team Ducati.
Martin and Bezzecchi pip Pecco to cut the Championship deficit as Pedrosa threatens to spoil the party at Misano
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 10 September 2023
Pole position, Tissot Sprint win and a Sunday race victory. Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) weekend at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini couldn’t have gone any better as the Spaniard made no mistakes to take maximum points on his title rivals’ stomping ground. The winning margin over second place Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was just 1.3s as Bez homed in though, with reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) fighting through the pain to claim an important third. And Pecco was only just ahead of some familiar company at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli: wildcard Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Martin untouchable again as Pecco fends off Pedrosa
Just like he did in the Tissot Sprint, Martin got a perfect launch and pocketed the holeshot as Bezzecchi and Bagnaia slotted in behind. Pedrosa got away well again and was up to P4, and the MotoGP™ Legend held on after a moment between Turn 1 and 2 looking for a way through on Bagnaia. But Bagnaia then picked his way past Bezzecchi at Turn 3 as the #1 immediately began to hound Martin.
Unlike yesterday, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) made good progress off the start and at the beginning of Lap 2, the South African was up to P4 and began to chase Martin, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi.
A fascinating early race fight was unfolding at the front. Martin, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi were locked together, with Binder 0.7s adrift heading onto Lap 5. On Lap 6, Bezzecchi passed Pecco for P6 down at Turn 8 but just like he did a lap previous, the Italian was wide at Turn 10 to allow the Champion back through. That gave Martin a little bit of breathing room – if you can call 0.3s that – as Binder went quicker than the trio in front of him.
Disaster then struck for Binder at Turn 14 on Lap 8. The KTM star was down at the tight right-hand hairpin as his podium hopes ended, handing Pedrosa the lead KTM baton. The #26 was 1.5s off the leaders, as KTM’s afternoon then got worse as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out of contention after being involved in an incident with Michele Pirro (Aruba.it Racing).
Elsewhere, on Lap 12 of 27, it was time to cue the jaws music. Who for? Pedrosa. The wildcard was beginning to close at a vast rate of knots and with 15 laps left, Pedrosa was just 0.6s off Bezzecchi’s rear wheel. Unbelievable. The Little Samurai was the only rider lapping in the 1:31s at this stage of the race.
Pedrosa’s pace dropped off soon after but the gap remained at just over a second. At the front, with 10 laps to go, Martin’s lead grew to over a second for the first time as the #89 began to get the hammer down. Were the injuries to Bagnaia and Bezzecchi starting to take their toll or was Martin’s pace just too good? Bezzecchi was looking impatient behind VR46 compatriot Bagnaia, and a move came at Turn 8. By now though, Martin’s advantage was 2.2s.
Bagnaia was fading. Pedrosa was coming. 0.7s split the double World Champion from the three-time World Champion, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and an extremely classy ride for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) putting him a further four seconds back after initially closing on the number 12. A huge six laps beckoned, could Bagnaia hold on to what would be a very valuable and hard-earned 16 points?
With four laps to go, Bagnaia was holding Pedrosa at bay by 0.6s. Bezzecchi was now under two seconds away from Martin but it was too little too late, with the latter controlling his advantage nicely as he powered towards completing the perfect weekend.
With two to go, Pedrosa was right on Bagnaia’s coattails. Catching the Ducati rider was one thing but as he found out in the Sprint, passing was a whole different kettle of fish. In the end, Bagnaia did hold on to a crucial P3 as Martin made no mistake to cap off a sensational weekend. Bezzecchi bagged P2 despite his injured hand to gain ground in the title chase.
The points scorers in Misano
Just off the podium of Martin, Bezzecchi and Bagnaia, Pedrosa took the chequered flag just 0.6s away from the rostrum as the Little Samurai again demonstrates why he’s a three-time World Champion and a MotoGP™ Legend. Unreal from the popular Spaniard, who finished six seconds up the road from fifth place Viñales.
Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) was sixth ahead of Marc Marquez, who somehow bags a brilliant P7 after racing with a soft rear tyre. Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) takes home his best MotoGP™ finish in P8, as the Ducatis of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) complete the top 10.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Catalan GP winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), a recovering Binder and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) closed out the points in San Marino.
Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) joined Miller and Pirro as the riders to notch up DNFs.
36 points in it heading to India!
A brand-new challenge awaits us next time out as India hosts MotoGP™ for the very first time. Martin’s perfect weekend sees the gap between him and Championship leader Pecco sit at 36 points as the flyaway tour of the season begins… for the first time in some time, it’s back below the 37 points on offer in one weekend. Don’t miss it!
Masterclass: Acosta stamps some authority on Misano
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was back in business at Misano, putting in an inch-perfect performance to take victory The Spaniard controlled the race perfectly at the front as he edged away from home hero Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) pilling on the pressure mid race. The Italian brought home an important second place, with Alonso Lopez (+Ego SpeedUp) keeping Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) at bay to round out the podium.
Acosta came out the gates with fire in his belly as he took the holeshot from the polesitter Vietti. Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) tried to hold on from his front row start, but the Spaniard quickly fell victim to Lopez and Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) who charged their way through on the first lap.
The front three then began to break away as Lopez dropped off the back of the group, with a few bike lengths back to Gonzalez in fifth. Acosta was pushing on at the front and was asking big questions of Vietti, who was keeping the Spaniard in his sights. Still, the Championship leader’s pace began to stretch out the field and it wasn’t long before the Red Bull KTM Ajo machine was almost a second up the road.
With the pace getting hotter and hotter, Canet then cracked as a tiny mistake at Carro corner saw him crash out of a podium position with 14 laps to go, promoting Lopez to P3. That left Vietti in a lonely 2nd place and with some ground to cover to Acosta out the front. Vietti responded to the Spaniard’s hot pace however as he began to reel in the Championship leader tenth by tenth.
The Italian was throwing absolutely everything he had at it with the prospect of a home Grand Prix victory dangling before his eyes. Vietti’s bike was making all sorts of shapes as the Italian had no choice but to push the limits to try and match Acosta’s pace.
After a couple of big moments, that was all she wrote in terms of the Italian’s charge for the win though. With five laps remaining Acosta had stretched the gap back out to over two seconds, and it was game set and match from there going forward as Acosta had done all the hard work and cruised to victory by 6.3s, extending his Championship lead.
Whilst the battle for victory had been decided the battle for third was raging on. Arbolino had been carving his way through the field from the moment the lights went out. The Italian desperately needed a good result to keep his Championship hopes alive and after charging from ninth on the grid to fourth, with five laps to go he had just under a second to Lopez in the final rostrum position…
Arbolino had the bit between his teeth as he proceeded to hit his markers in a valiant attempt to reel in the Boscoscuro machine. Lopez had it covered however as the Spaniard’s pace just made it too difficult for the Italian to bridge the gap. The SpeedUp rider took his first podium since Le Mans, with Arbolino forced to settle for P4.
A late charge from Idemitsu Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra saw them pip Gonzalez as the Spaniard dropped to P7, with Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Filip Salač (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and wildcard home hero Mattia Pasini (Fieten Olie Racing GP) completing the top ten.
The attention now turns to Buddh International Circuit in India as a brand-new challenge awaits the Moto2™ grid. Join us in India from the 22nd to the 24th of September!
Back-to-back glory for Alonso
David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), take a bow. The young Colombian takes his third victory in four races after beating Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in a phenomenal Moto3™ battle at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. The top three crossed the line 0.2s apart as World Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) struggled to P16, blowing the title race wide open.
It was Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) who got the best launch from the middle of the front row as the Japanese star grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, but Masia immediately responded to take the lead at Turn 4. Kaito Toba (SIC58 Squadra Corse) lost ground on the first lap, he was shoved down to P5 as Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Alonso made forward progress.
Masia held a 0.6s advantage on Lap 2 as Sasaki and Moreira squabbled for second place. The lead was up to a second heading onto Lap 3, with the chasing pack needing to settle down and work together to try and reel in the early runaway leader. However, settling down isn’t something Öncü can do. The Turk shoved his way past Moreira and set his sights on catching Masia.
By Lap 6 of 20, Öncü and Moreira had bridged the gap. Sasaki, David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), Alonso and Toba were a further 0.7s adrift, with World Championship leader Holgado battling outside the top 10.
With 12 laps left, a lead group of seven had formed with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) tagging onto the back of the battle in P8 and P9. Lap 11 of 20 saw the lead change for the first time as Masia went from P1 to P3 in the blink of an eye, with Öncü now at the front.
With seven laps remaining, a top four of Öncü, Masia, Muñoz and Alonso had gapped Moreira, Sasaki, Toba, Veijer and Rueda. The front quartet were two seconds up the road, with Holgado still P11 and over a second off tenth place Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team).
It was bubbling up nicely for a final lap spectacular in Misano. The top four was as you were for a few laps before Muñoz had a big front-end moment at Turn 2 – the Spaniard did well to keep it upright but lost P3 to Alonso.
Heading onto the final lap, Öncü led from Masia and Alonso, with Muñoz 0.6s adrift in P4. Alonso slammed in the fastest lap of the race as we strapped in for a last-lap thriller. It stayed the same through the first half of the lap before Alonso grabbed P2 at Turn 10. Then on the run into Turn 14, Masia pocketed a two-for-one deal. It was a cracking move but Alonso returned the favour on the cutback and managed to hold onto the lead all the way to the flag. The Colombian beat Masia by 0.036s to P1 with Öncü settling for P3 having led for most of the second half of the race.
Muñoz bounced back from his Catalan GP disappointment with a solid P4, as Veijer takes home a top five after showing great late race pace. Japan’s Toba and Sasaki crossed the line in P6 and P7 respectively, with Ortola doing well to claim P8 after being shoved well wide in the early exchanges. Rueda and Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) rounded out the top 10, as Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), Moreira, Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), Ryusei Yamanaka (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) rounded out the points.
For Holgado, P16 is what the Spaniard has to swallow in Misano. The #96 remains the title leader, but his gap has been cut to just four points ahead of the inaugural Grand Prix of India. The top six – Holgado, Sasaki, Masia, Öncü, Alonso and Ortola – are split by just 29 points now. It’s game on in the Moto3™ title race! Joins us for more in India!
Pedro Acosta won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the Spaniard won the 22-lap race by 6.305 seconds.
Celestino Vietti was the best of the rest on his Fantic Racing Kalex.
Alonso Lopez scored third place on his +Ego SpeedUp Boscoscuro racebike
American Joe Roberts got eighth on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, and his countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished 20th in his first race on his new Forward Racing machine.
Nicolo Bulega won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Bulega won the 19-lap race by 1.991 seconds.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise backed up his career-best third place in Race One with an even better runner-up finish in Race Two on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R6.
Stefano Manzi was a distant third on his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha.
After his 11th race win of the season, Bulega leads the Championship by 60 points over Manzi with three rounds and six races remaining.
David Alonso won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team GASGAS, the Colombian won the 20-lap race by just 0.036 second.
Jaume Masia finished a close second on his Leopard Racing Honda, and Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Deniz Oncu was just 0.2 second behind Masia in third place at the finish.
Toprak Razgatlioglu won the World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday morning at Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, the Turkish racer won the 10-lap race by 0.970 second.
Defending Champion Alvaro Bautista was the runner-up on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, and Jonathan Rea was a close third on his Kawasaki Racing Team Ninja ZX-10RR.
ROKiT BMW Motorrad factory rider Scott Redding crashed while attempting a pass and took out Bonovo Action BMW’s Garrett Gerloff. Gerloff was forced to retire from the race, but Redding was able to remount and continue, albeit with a Long Lap Penalty for irresponsible riding.
Race 1: history made as Casadei seals it with a win
The Pons rider puts in a near-perfect performance to fend off Garzo as Spinelli completes the podium
Saturday, 09 September 2023
Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) is the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Champion, and he did it in style! The Italian took the crown with a hard-fought victory in Race 1 of his home round, coming out on top in a close finish against Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) by just 0.021s. Casadei is the first Champion since the series became a full eight-round, 16-race Championship this year, making some history in the process. The Champions’ teammate Nicholas Spinelli was in the mix from start to finish too, and took an important podium to add to the Pons team celebrations.
Casadei’s closest title rival Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) suffered some drama, slapped with a double long lap penalty after jumping the start, and it was a tougher first race for Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) as Casadei emerged imperious.
The lights went out for MotoE™ Race 1 and there was fight in Torres yet as the Spaniard flew from 5th place on the grid to snatch the holeshot from Casadei, after that small but real jump start, with Spinelli watching on in 3rd. Garzo soon latched onto the top three too as a leading group of four broke away from the rest of the field.
Casadei had fire in his belly as he hit the front, with Torres being bullied to the back of the group. We then had six laps of frantic MotoE™ action ahead of us.
That’s when news broke of Torres’ lightning launch: it was down to a jump start from the title contender, and the Spaniard then had to take two tours through the long lap loop at Tramonto before rejoining the race down in 12th place.
Meanwhile at the front, Casadei led the way with Garzo and Spinelli snapping at his heels. All the Italian had to do was finish the race with Torres down the order and he would be crowned Champion, and Spinelli and Garzo started to swap paintwork behind the race leader too. That allowed Casadei to stretch out some breathing space with three laps to go, Championship in clear sight.
The Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse duo of Kevin Manfredi and Kevin Zannoni then joined the party, and they brought Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) with them. The trio latched onto Spinelli and Garzo, who started to reel in the race leader once again.
It was too little too late though as Garzo was left with few options to attack the race leader on the final lap. The Spaniard was all over Casadei’s rear wheel through the final sector and pulled alongside the Pons machine as they flew towards the line, but it wasn’t quite enough. Casadei made it the perfect ending to his Championship challenge as he just beat Garzo to it, sealing the crown with a win.
Behind the first ever FIM Enel MotoE™ World Champion came Garzo and then Spinelli completing the podium, with Torres recovering to 10th place in the end but making sure to congratulate his title rival after the flag dropped. Manfredi, Zannoni and Ferrari completed that front group in that order.
Race 2: Spinelli takes stunning maiden win to sign off in style
A three-way fight for victory between Spinelli, Garzo and Casadei brings the curtain down on a classic season
Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) rounded out the season in style in Race 2, making it a Pons team clean sweep of riders’ crown, double on Saturday and teams’ Championship as the squad prepare to bow out of World Championship competition. The Italian took his maiden win with the gloves off as he fought off both Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and recently crowned Champion Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40), although the recently-crowned Champion still put a cherry on top of a dream weekend with another podium.
With the Championship decided it was time for all-out war as a showstopping MotoE™ finale was on it’s the way. The lights went out for the final time in 2023 and it was the Champion Casadei who held firm through the first sector to hold onto the lead, with Spinelli and Garzo glued to his rear wheel.
Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) was in the mix as well as the Spaniard now had nothing to lose, but everything to gain with his sights set on a solid result to cap off his 2023 season.
Right at the front though, Casadei dropped from 1st to 3rd in one fell swoop as Spinelli ducked under the Champion through the fastest sector on track, and Garzo quickly capitalised as well to barge his way through on the Italian.
Spinelli led Garzo as the duo broke away from the pack ever so slightly with the laps ticking away. The Spaniard had a few cheeky looks up the inside, but Spinelli held firm… until Turn 1 on the final lap. Garzo pushed his way through but Spinelli answered back with some poetry to leave the two side-by-side… and then Casadei appeared.
He shot past both, but Spinelli wasn’t accepting second in the final showdown of the season. He attacked again, Garzo took back over in second, and it was all down to the final sector. Spinelli kept it pinned to win in style, with Garzo holding off Casadei as the three staged another battle to remember.
With all that, Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) and Torres both tagged right onto the podium fight, and a small freight train formed. They completed the top five, ahead of Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) after a tougher weekend on home turf. Tito Rabat (Prettl Pramac MotoE™), Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and Alessandro Zaccone (Tech 3 E-Racing) completed the top ten. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) crashed out with Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse), riders ok.
That brings the 2023 MotoE™ season to a close after a stunning year of competition. A new name on top, an incredible winning run and more history made is only the half of it as the electric series delivered some of the closest racing on Earth. But that’s all for now – join us for more in 2024!
Kyle Wyman took the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Championship point lead with a victory in Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas. Riding his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Wyman won the six-lap race by 2.165 seconds.
Hayden Gillim, the point leader coming into the race, finished second on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson, and Gillim’s teammate James Rispoli made it a Harley-Davidson sweep of the podium with third.
Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian’s Tyler O’Hara, the defending Champion, and Jeremy McWilliams did not start the race.
O’Hara crashed his Indian when the chain broke during the Challenge dash-for-cash and a damaged radiator was discovered on the repaired machine just prior to the start of Race One. McWilliams, meanwhile, had just crashed in Super Hooligan Race One and was too beaten up to start King Of The Baggers Race One.
Jake Gagne won MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas, where it was 103 degrees F at race time. Riding his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1, Gagne won the 12-lap race by 2.529 seconds. It was Gagne’s 10th win of the season.
Mexican racer Richie Escalante rode his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R flawlessly to second place and the first podium finish of his Superbike career.
JD Beach, racing in place of Gagne’s injured teammate Cameron Petersen, got third place and his first Superbike podium finish since 2019.
Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW’s PJ Jacobsen came home fourth, well clear of Westby Racing Yamaha’s Mathew Scholtz in fifth.
Gagne Wins Again With Escalante And Beach On The Podium At COTA
Jake Gagne Wins The 39th Superbike Race Of his Career While Richie Escalante And JD Beach Podium At Circuit Of The Americas
Jake Gagne (1) crosses the finish line and celebrates the 39th Superbike victory of his career. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
AUSTIN, TX (September 9, 2023) – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha’s Jake Gagne won his 10th MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike race of the year at Circuit of The Americas on Saturday, but he was just as happy for the two who joined him on the podium – podium first timer Richie Escalante and Gagne’s teammate JD Beach.
Gagne, who wrapped up his third MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship two weeks ago, won the 39th AMA Superbike race of his career on a steaming hot Saturday in Austin by 2.5 seconds over Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Escalante, the Mexican earning the first podium of his Medallia Superbike career after his near-picture-perfect race that was a popular result with the entire paddock.
Richie Escalante (54) finished second for his first career Superbike podium. Josh Herrin (2) suffered a mechanical problem and PJ Jacobsen (99) and JD Beach (95) finished fourth and third, respectively. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Ditto for JD Beach’s third-place finish with the season-long flat tracker reaching the podium in his just his second race as the replacement rider for the injured Cameron Petersen. The podium was Beach’s first in the Superbike class since he finished second to Cameron Beaubier at New Jersey Motorsports Park in 2019.
Beach ended up just .172 of a second behind Escalante after hounding him in the closing laps and 4.38 seconds ahead of Tytlers Cycle Racing’s PJ Jacobsen.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz was fifth, 18 seconds behind Gagne and 8.4 seconds ahead of Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Corey Alexander, the New Yorker righting the ship after a tough couple of rounds.
Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong was just a few seconds adrift of Alexander in seventh with Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Ashton Yates was eighth, matching his best finish of the year.
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa was ninth in his Superbike debut on Cameron Beaubier’s vacated BMW M 1000 RR with Thrashed Bike Racing’s Max Flinders rounding out the top 10.
Notable among the non-finishers were Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Josh Herrin and Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch. Herrin battled with Gagne early, then slipped back into the grasp of Escalante and then Beach and Jacobsen. While running fifth, Herrin’s Ducati suffered a mechanical problem that took him out of the race.
Paasch, meanwhile, crashed out of the race uninjured in the early laps.
Superbike Race One
Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
Richie Escalante (Suzuki)
JD Beach (Yamaha)
PJ Jacobsen (BMW)
Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha)
Corey Alexander (BMW)
Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
Ashton Yates (BMW)
Stefano Mesa (BMW)
Max Flinders (Yamaha)
Quotes… Jake Gagne – Winner
“We’ve talked about it enough, but it’s nice to not have to think about the championship. That’s priority number one of the year. That’s the primary goal. To get that done, it feels nice. We can just kind of go racing. Obviously, there’s been some bummer luck for some of those guys. I feel like I’ve been on the lucky end all year. But regardless, I’ll take it. It was a tough, hot race for sure. The first lap was kind of wild. Me and (Josh) Herrin went back and forth a little bit, which was fun. I think even just going into turn one, he was up the inside. I released the brake, he released the brake, and we just kind of played that game for a little while. It was a bummer. I think he had a bike issue. Just kind of put my head down. I saw on the big board that it was Richie (Escalante) and JD (Beach) up there second and third after a few laps or mid-race. Congrats to both these guys. They really earned it. I know Richie has been at this Superbike game for a while now. The guy is so talented. And JD, he’s okay. Congrats to JD. It’s a great day for the team and Richie. It’s just cool to get up here on the podium with these guys. Tomorrow I’m sure will be another burner. I know these guys want to get a win, both of them. Hopefully we can learn a little bit overnight and go out there and put on a show again tomorrow.”
Richie Escalante – Second Place
“I think my team, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki is still working. It’s difficult. The level is super high. I need 37 races to finally finish on the podium, so one year and a half. Working really hard, training hard, and finally I know the tracks when it’s more flow, more like sector one here. Smooth for my style. So, I know Pittsburgh, the Ridge, Laguna Seca, here are good tracks for me to battle for the podium. Finally, I finished in P2. Really difficult weekend. Super-hot out there. In the beginning, I felt very strong. I lost a little bit of time to pass (Josh) Herrin. Then I just tried to concentrate on my pace. In the last laps, I can ride the bike just waiting for finish the race. It’s spinning everywhere, on the limit. Everybody is in the same way. Super happy. I think when you feel the podium, you want more. So, I hope to stay there tomorrow. I know it will be difficult, but I’ll try my best. I know my team will push hard tomorrow in the 15 minutes (the Sunday warm-up session) more to improve a little bit more the grip, but super happy. Finally, P2.”
JD Beach – Third Place
“It was a hot one. I’m so pumped. This team has worked so hard to help me, when they’ve got this guy (Gagne) going for the title, and even Cam P (Petersen). He’s been at the races and I’m riding his bike. He’s still trying to help and root me on. It’s been great to work with this team. They just work so damn hard. It feels so good to get this podium. I’m up here with the best guys in the US. To do that after five years, I can’t even put it into words. I think I’m just babbling right now. It’s so awesome. I hope I can do it again. It feels good to reassure myself that I can still do it. As a racer, there’s always self-doubt and these last few years I’ve had a lot. To come back out here two weeks on the bike and put it in third with it being 110 degrees out on a track that I think I was two seconds faster this weekend than when I was racing full-time before. So, it feels great.”
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
TRIPLE PODIUM DAY FOR THE VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI
Escalante Captures his First Podium in Texas and the GSX-R750s dominate the Supersport Class
BREA, CA, September 9, 2023 — Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer racked up three trophies across two MotoAmerica classes – including a first Superbike podium for Richie Escalante – in what proved to be a banner Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Race Highlights:
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Superbike
Richie Escalante earns second to claim his first Superbike podium.
Brandon Paasch crashed while fighting for sixth position.
Supersport
Tyler Scott increased his podium streak to seven with a runner-up finish.
Teagg Hobbs carded his third podium of his rookie season in third.
Torin Collins stuns with a fourth-place result in his Supersport debut.
Richie Escalante (54) finally gets his first Superbike podium in Race 1 aboard his GSX-R1000R. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
After previously scoring nine fourth-place finishes in the premier class – including seven this season alone – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante earned his first MotoAmerica Superbike podium with a runner-up result aboard his GSX-R1000R on Saturday. Escalante made his intentions clear with a front-row qualifying performance and then made good on that pace by running a close third in the race’s early stages. Escalante made a pass for a position on the third lap and subsequently held second for the remainder of the contest, overcoming the late-race pressure applied by a rival to cross the line with a breakthrough result.
“Finally, after a season-and-a-half, I finished on the podium,” Escalante said. “I’m thrilled. We are working so hard. My Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team has worked so hard with me and continued to believe in me. We’ve gotten a little bit better and more comfortable on the bike every weekend. Now I’m super happy, and I can’t wait until tomorrow. I’m going to go for another podium and try to win.”
Brandon Paasch (96) is looking to bounce back in Race 2 after a showing good pace in Race 1. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Unfortunately, Escalante’s Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Superbike teammate, Brandon Paasch, fell while contending for sixth position. Unable to continue, the resultant DNF snapped a run of seven consecutive top tens for the talented rider since joining the squad midseason, despite suffering a broken back in March. Paasch will now look to start a new streak of solid results on Sunday.
Paasch said, “I didn’t have the best start and was pushing hard. I had a pretty easy low-side crash in Turn 8. We weren’t a million miles off, but I chose the wrong tire. I was losing grip and pushing to try to make up for it. I am okay and looking forward to another shot.”
Another podium for Tyler Scott (70) but he is looking for a victory in Race 2. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott continued his recent run of front-running form, scrapping for Supersport victory right up until a red flag ended the race three laps prematurely. Starting from pole, the up-and-coming ace was embroiled in a dogfight for first from the start aboard his next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750. After leading for a stretch mid-distance, Scott settled into second and was calculating his late-race strategy when the race was stopped and ultimately called complete. Nevertheless, Scott’s second-place result represented his seventh consecutive podium effort as Scott further solidified himself in second in the Supersport championship standings.
“It was an incredible battle,” Scott said. “It’s really hot out here this weekend, but we got the bike dialed in. I had a really good start, but wanted to follow for a little bit. I got in front for a while, but once another rider got by, I just wanted to follow again and stay really close. I made a few mistakes, but we’ll move on and be stronger for tomorrow. We’re going to make a few changes overnight, but I feel really great with the team and the bike.”
Even though it is a new track for Teagg Hobbs (79), he was still able to land himself on the podium. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teagg Hobbs made it two Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750 machines in victory lane by reeling in a third podium of his rookie MotoAmerica Supersport campaign. Hobbs shook free of a thrilling multi-rider fight early to register a rather lonely ride to third. It was an impressive performance for Hobbs in his first-ever visit to the Circuit of the Americas.
Hobbs said, “It was a good race. Unfortunately, it was a little shorter than we expected. We have a little bit of work to do to catch the leaders, but I think we can do it. It’s a new track for me, so every session we’re making some strides. I have a few ideas about where I can make up some time. All we can do is go back, do our homework, and come out ready to race tomorrow. I’ve got to give it up to the whole Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team.”
In his MotoAmerica debut, Torin Collins (14) showed his race craft for an impressive fourth-place result. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
FIM JuniorGP regular Torin Collins made an empathic MotoAmerica debut, completing a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki 2-3-4 in what was both his first-ever race at the venue and his first-ever race aboard Supersport machinery. A quick study, Collins immediately adapted to the powerful GSX-R750 to outduel a pair of experienced veterans and secure fourth position. Now armed with MotoAmerica race experience, Collins aims to claim a podium in Sunday’s rematch.
“This was definitely a big step for me. I’m used to the Moto3 bike, which is 250cc and a lot lighter. This bike is a lot bigger and way more powerful, sliding around a lot on the gas. I’m not really used to that, but I’m learning quickly and that’s what is important. The series is amazing, and my first race was a difficult one. My launch wasn’t particularly good and the first few laps I was trying to be really aggressive. I had a good battle for fourth. We had a few love taps, which is good – that’s how I like it. I’m thrilled with the race, and I’m excited for tomorrow. I’m going to try to have a strong start, get the elbows out early, and try to fight for the podium.”
Team Hammer will compete again on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 131 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 358 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
ABOUT SUZUKI
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Gagne’s Hot Streak Continues at Superbike Scorcher in Texas
Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne scores fourth consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike victory in Race 1 at COTA
Jake Gagne (left) and JD Beach (right). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
MARIETTA, Ga. – September 9, 2023 – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne kept his win streak rolling with another masterclass performance in today’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 1 at the Circuit of The Americas. Fill-in rider JD Beach fought back to third to give the team a double-podium finish in the punishing conditions in Austin, Texas.
After securing his third-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at the previous round, Gagne’s hot streak continued at COTA. The Californian hit the ground running despite the triple-digit temperatures, leading every session, claiming another pole position, and setting a new track record. When the lights went out for Race 1, he got a great start and slotted into second. Gagne battled for the lead and was able to secure it on the opening lap. From there, he threw down some fast laps to remain unchallenged and earn his fourth-consecutive victory. It also marked Gagne’s 10th MotoAmerica Superbike victory this season and brings his career tally to 39.
Beach continued to make progress on the Attack Yamaha R1 in his second outing with the team as a fill-in rider for Cameron Petersen. The Kentucky rider, who has been racing full-time in the American Flat Track series since 2020, had a solid qualifying effort in fifth. He tried to grab the holeshot but ultimately was shuffled back to sixth. Undeterred, Beach put his head down and steadily made his way forward to third with three laps to go. He tried to advance to the runner-up spot but ultimately ran out of time and crossed the line third for his first MotoAmerica Superbike podium since 2019 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.
The Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team looks to keep the momentum rolling for tomorrow’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at the Circuit of The Americas.
Richard Stanboli – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“It was a great day for our riders and team. Everyone and everything functioned perfectly. Jake and our Yamaha R1s love the heat. Getting a first and third, as well as a new track record, showed the capability of both riders and the machine. We look forward to Race 2 tomorrow.”
Jake Gagne – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing
“It was a good little battle on the first lap, which was fun. Then I tried to put my head down on Lap 2 and managed to pull a little lead. It was very hot conditions, but the Yamaha handled it well, and it was awesome to see JD on the podium as well!”
JD Beach – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing
“Today’s race was a battle for me all the way through. I got a good start but messed up Turn 1 a bit and went backward. I kept charging all race long and slowly picked off the guys. It was brutal in the hot conditions, but I still felt solid at the end. I’m happy that I was able to put two Yamahas on the box and look forward to Race 2!”
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana)
Carpe takes action-packed last lap Rookies Misano win
11 KTMs fought over every square centimetre of the Misano circuit from first corner to last before Álvaro Carpe stole the slightest advantage in the last half lap. Fellow 16-year-old Spaniard Angel Piqueras chased him across the line, pursued by 15-year-old arch-rival Max Quiles for an all red-and-yellow flagged podium.
The list of race leaders through the 15 laps included pole man Rico Salmela who stole the early advantage before being swallowed by the pack. Marcos Ruda had his turn in front as did Alberto Ferrandez, Quiles, Piqueras and Carpe.
Alvaro knew he could win
“Yes, it was a fantastic race, a fantastic weekend. The battle was really difficult, with all riders riding aggressive, me also because otherwise I would have dropped to the back of the group.”
“I stayed in the front, that was good, trying to run my race at my pace and I am thrilled to secure second in the Cup in my Rookie year. I really appreciate everyone who supports me and gives me this opportunity.”
“It was a harder race than I thought it would be after Qualifying, I thought it would be a small group of us. But it was a really big group, I think it will be the same tomorrow, I will try and win as always.”
No record number yet for Piqueras
“It was difficult, I was trying to do my pace but always someone wanted to overtake me.”
“I have to be happy because it’s another podium and tomorrow we have another podium and I will do my best and try to win the race.”
“The bike is OK for me. In my opinion, I was riding well. I felt I had more pace than the other riders but I couldn’t get clear. I will try to escape tomorrow,” concluded the Cup winner who is looking to be the most successful Rookie in the 17-year history of the series.
Max happy to be back on the podium
“Yes, that was a great race, I enjoyed it a lot. In the last lap, I did some good overtakes, got into a good position but not close enough to Carpe to catch the slipstream. Coming into the final corner Pini entered very wide, crashed, I almost touched the bike.”
“I thought I would then be overtaken on the run to the line as I was very slow out of the final corner but it didn’t happen. I was very happy with that.”
“I am happy to be back on the podium, I was frustrated in Qualifying, I was happy with the bike but just didn’t get a good lap in. I am happy with the bike and will not change it for tomorrow.”
Marcos Ruda fighting at the front
“Yes, that was a good race, but on the last lap a big problem,” explained the 18-year-old Spaniard who had to check his speed suddenly as Ferrandez fell ahead. Ruda was clipped from behind by Salmela but still managed to take 4th.
“That was a big shame because I had a good feeling in the race, I was confident on the bike and enjoying it. Now I have to look forward to the final race tomorrow and getting a good result.”
“We will think about slightly changing the settings to see if we can find more grip.”
Ruche Moodley takes excellent 5th
“It was a really big group, I didn’t expect that,” explained the 16-year-old South African. “In the first laps, I made a lot of mistakes and dropped back to 11th. So I had to pass the guys one at a time and work my way forward again.”
“There was a lot of contact and pushing. Hopefully tomorrow with the experience from today I can make a better race.”
“In the fast corners, I was running a bit wide so I hope we can change something to hold a better line there.”
Rico Salmela falls on final lap
“I don’t know, I couldn’t ride normally. The bike was, like, OK I didn’t feel bad with the bike but there was just something, I couldn’t make any overtakes. I had good places to pass but just couldn’t make it, I don’t know, it just didn’t feel right today.”
“In the last lap, I think was P6 or 7, I passed Ruche and Morelli. Then before the back straight, Ferrandez crashed, Ruda had to take the brake, I touched his rear tyre and I crashed.”
“I will change the gearing for sure because, already before the first turn on the back straight the bike is hitting the limiter.”
Alberto Ferrandez didn’t make it to the line.
“I am not very lucky today,” grinned the 16-year-old Spaniard. “When we arrived at the right-hander onto the back straight on the last lap, Piqueras passed me and Max arrived, touched Piqueras who stood up the bike, touched me and I crashed.”
“But for the rest of the race, I feel very very good, with the tyres and suspension, I am ready for tomorrow. I don’t need to change the bike.”
Broadcast
This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.
Race 2 is on Sunday at 08:45, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
Alvaro Bautista won FIM Superbike World Championship Race Two Sunday at Magny-Cours, in France. The defending World Champion and current point leader won the re-started 17-lap race by nearly six seconds on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R
Toprak Razgatlioglu finished second on his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, just ahead of Jonathan Rea and his Kawasaki Racing Team Ninja ZX-10RR.
American Garrett Gerloff finished fifth overall on his Bonovo Action BMW M 1000 RR and was the top Independent rider and the top-finishing BMW pilot.
Bautista seizes victory in Red-Flagged Race 2 at Magny-Cours
Alvaro Bautista (1) leads Jonathan Rea (65), Toprak Razgatlioglu (54), and the rest of the field early in Race Two at Magny-Cours. Photo courtesy Dorna.
In Race 2 at Magny-Cours, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) secured victory to leave France with a 57-point advantage over Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK).
Bautista started Race 2 strong, quickly taking the lead. However, Rea and Razgatlioglu were prompt to challenge him. Rea made a move at Turn 5 but couldn’t overtake Bautista, and while the Ducati rider gradually increased his lead, the race was interrupted on Lap 5. The red flag was waved following an incident involving Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), with Aegerter declared unfit for racing due to a suspected concussion. The restart saw Bautista retain his lead, while Razgatlioglu eventually secured second place after a tense battle with Rea. Bautista maintained his lead until the end, winning by a six-second margin.
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) fought his way to fourth place in his 100th race, with Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) taking fifth ahead of Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing). Among the French riders, Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) finished in 12th place, while Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) faced technical issues and could not restart the race.
Alvaro Bautista regained his form to seize his 19th win of the season in Race 2 at Magny-Cours.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“For sure, I’m so happy to end the weekend like this, especially because I was ill on Friday and I was recovering during the weekend. Yesterday I felt better but today I felt almost 100%. In Race 2, with these conditions, it was difficult but it was similar to yesterday’s so I already knew the feeling with the bike. I tried to do a good start, and I had good feeling and pace. And after 5 laps, the race was stopped and it was difficult because in that moment I was riding really well. I tried to stay focused in the box. The second start, I felt well too and I could push from the beginning as well. At the end, I was alone but I kept pushing because I enjoyed riding like this. I’m happy overall with the weekend.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu secured a hard-fought second place, while Jonathan Rea, demonstrated his trademark consistency to claim the third position.
Andrea Locatelli celebrated his 100th race with a commendable fourth place finish.
Garrett Gerloff put on an impressive display, surging from tenth on the grid to secure fifth place.
WorldSBK Race 2 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +5.893s
3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +6.779s
4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +10.978s
5. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +11.482s
6. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) +15.258s
WorldSBK Championship standings
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 467 points
2. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) 410 points
3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 290 points
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) held off a relentless challenge from Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) to secure a hard-fought victory in Race 2. Bulega’s triumph further extended his championship lead, now 60 points ahead of his closest rival, Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha), who finished in third place.
Bulega started strongly, attempting to break away from the pack, but Debise matched his pace lap after lap, staying within striking distance. The Frenchman’s relentless pursuit kept the pressure on Bulega until Lap 14 when the Italian managed to pull away slightly and clinch his 11th win of the season.
Behind them, the battle for fourth was a fierce one, with Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) edging out Niki Tuuli (PTR Triumph) in a race-long duel. Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) finished just a fraction of a second behind Tuuli in sixth place.
Nicolo Bulega held his ground against Valentin Debise, securing a vital Race 2 victory and extending his championship lead.
P1 | Nicolo Bulega | Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team
“It was a great weekend with pole position and two victories again. It’s always something special. I want to enjoy this moment with my team. We did a great job. My feeling with the bike was very good all the weekend. I want to congratulate Debise because he was very fast. I had to push from the first corner and every lap. In the end, I won so this is important for the Championship because I take 25 points, and Manzi lost a few points. 60 points is a good advantage but I don’t want to think of the Championship now. When it’s time, we will think about it. Last year in Aragon, I had my first podium after two difficult years in Moto2TM, and then coming back on the podium was very nice. So, I have a good memory of Aragon and I’m looking forward to going there and trying to win.”
Having applied relentless pressure on Bulega throughout the race, Valentin Debise ultimately secured his second podium this weekend.
Stefano Manzi completed the podium, losing valuable points to Bulega in the championship standings.
WorldSSP Race 2 Results
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team)
2. Valentin Debise (GMT94 Yamaha) +1.991s
3. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +12.441s
Buis takes control leading the Championship with Magny-Cours win
In a captivating showdown at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki) surged to victory in WorldSSP300 Race 2, significantly altering the Championship landscape. The 2020 Champion secured his second win of the weekend, moving him into the lead of the fiercely contested Championship – while a last-lap crash meant that previous leader Dirk Geiger could only finish in 9th. This victory marked Buis’ historic tenth win in the WorldSSP300 category, making him the first rider to reach double-digit wins in this class.
Mirko Gennai (Team BrCorse) exhibited incredible determination and racecraft as he fought his way through the pack from fifth row on the grid, ultimately finishing in second place. Meanwhile, Jose Luis Perez Gonzalez (Accolade Smrz Racing BGR) showcased his consistent form with a well-earned third-place finish. Perez Gonzalez’s strong performance in Race 2 added valuable points to his Championship tally, keeping him firmly in the title battle. The dramatic twists and turns of the Magny-Cours race left the top three riders separated by just 13 points in the overall championship standings, setting the stage for an electrifying remainder of the season.
In the midfield, the contest for fourth, fifth, and sixth places was fierce. Daniel Mogeda (Kawasaki GP Project) showed great determination, clinching fourth place by a mere 0.226-second gap behind Perez Gonzalez. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) took fifth place, highlighting his potential as a strong contender. Kevin Sabatucci (Team Flembbo – PI Performances) completed the top six, finishing only 0.160 seconds behind Veneman in a race marked by intense on-track duels.
Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Jorge Martin won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici, the Spaniard won the 27-lap race by 1.350 seconds. It was his second win of the season.
Marco Bezzecchi finished second on his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati, and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia made it a Ducati sweep of the podium with third on his Lenovo Team Ducati.
Martin and Bezzecchi pip Pecco to cut the Championship deficit as Pedrosa threatens to spoil the party at Misano
Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 10 September 2023
Pole position, Tissot Sprint win and a Sunday race victory. Jorge Martin’s (Prima Pramac Racing) weekend at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini couldn’t have gone any better as the Spaniard made no mistakes to take maximum points on his title rivals’ stomping ground. The winning margin over second place Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was just 1.3s as Bez homed in though, with reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) fighting through the pain to claim an important third. And Pecco was only just ahead of some familiar company at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli: wildcard Dani Pedrosa (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Martin untouchable again as Pecco fends off Pedrosa
Just like he did in the Tissot Sprint, Martin got a perfect launch and pocketed the holeshot as Bezzecchi and Bagnaia slotted in behind. Pedrosa got away well again and was up to P4, and the MotoGP™ Legend held on after a moment between Turn 1 and 2 looking for a way through on Bagnaia. But Bagnaia then picked his way past Bezzecchi at Turn 3 as the #1 immediately began to hound Martin.
Unlike yesterday, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) made good progress off the start and at the beginning of Lap 2, the South African was up to P4 and began to chase Martin, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi.
A fascinating early race fight was unfolding at the front. Martin, Bagnaia and Bezzecchi were locked together, with Binder 0.7s adrift heading onto Lap 5. On Lap 6, Bezzecchi passed Pecco for P6 down at Turn 8 but just like he did a lap previous, the Italian was wide at Turn 10 to allow the Champion back through. That gave Martin a little bit of breathing room – if you can call 0.3s that – as Binder went quicker than the trio in front of him.
Disaster then struck for Binder at Turn 14 on Lap 8. The KTM star was down at the tight right-hand hairpin as his podium hopes ended, handing Pedrosa the lead KTM baton. The #26 was 1.5s off the leaders, as KTM’s afternoon then got worse as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed out of contention after being involved in an incident with Michele Pirro (Aruba.it Racing).
Elsewhere, on Lap 12 of 27, it was time to cue the jaws music. Who for? Pedrosa. The wildcard was beginning to close at a vast rate of knots and with 15 laps left, Pedrosa was just 0.6s off Bezzecchi’s rear wheel. Unbelievable. The Little Samurai was the only rider lapping in the 1:31s at this stage of the race.
Pedrosa’s pace dropped off soon after but the gap remained at just over a second. At the front, with 10 laps to go, Martin’s lead grew to over a second for the first time as the #89 began to get the hammer down. Were the injuries to Bagnaia and Bezzecchi starting to take their toll or was Martin’s pace just too good? Bezzecchi was looking impatient behind VR46 compatriot Bagnaia, and a move came at Turn 8. By now though, Martin’s advantage was 2.2s.
Bagnaia was fading. Pedrosa was coming. 0.7s split the double World Champion from the three-time World Champion, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and an extremely classy ride for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) putting him a further four seconds back after initially closing on the number 12. A huge six laps beckoned, could Bagnaia hold on to what would be a very valuable and hard-earned 16 points?
With four laps to go, Bagnaia was holding Pedrosa at bay by 0.6s. Bezzecchi was now under two seconds away from Martin but it was too little too late, with the latter controlling his advantage nicely as he powered towards completing the perfect weekend.
With two to go, Pedrosa was right on Bagnaia’s coattails. Catching the Ducati rider was one thing but as he found out in the Sprint, passing was a whole different kettle of fish. In the end, Bagnaia did hold on to a crucial P3 as Martin made no mistake to cap off a sensational weekend. Bezzecchi bagged P2 despite his injured hand to gain ground in the title chase.
The points scorers in Misano
Just off the podium of Martin, Bezzecchi and Bagnaia, Pedrosa took the chequered flag just 0.6s away from the rostrum as the Little Samurai again demonstrates why he’s a three-time World Champion and a MotoGP™ Legend. Unreal from the popular Spaniard, who finished six seconds up the road from fifth place Viñales.
Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) was sixth ahead of Marc Marquez, who somehow bags a brilliant P7 after racing with a soft rear tyre. Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) takes home his best MotoGP™ finish in P8, as the Ducatis of Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) complete the top 10.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Catalan GP winner Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), a recovering Binder and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) closed out the points in San Marino.
Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) joined Miller and Pirro as the riders to notch up DNFs.
36 points in it heading to India!
A brand-new challenge awaits us next time out as India hosts MotoGP™ for the very first time. Martin’s perfect weekend sees the gap between him and Championship leader Pecco sit at 36 points as the flyaway tour of the season begins… for the first time in some time, it’s back below the 37 points on offer in one weekend. Don’t miss it!
Masterclass: Acosta stamps some authority on Misano
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was back in business at Misano, putting in an inch-perfect performance to take victory The Spaniard controlled the race perfectly at the front as he edged away from home hero Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) pilling on the pressure mid race. The Italian brought home an important second place, with Alonso Lopez (+Ego SpeedUp) keeping Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) at bay to round out the podium.
Acosta came out the gates with fire in his belly as he took the holeshot from the polesitter Vietti. Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) tried to hold on from his front row start, but the Spaniard quickly fell victim to Lopez and Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) who charged their way through on the first lap.
The front three then began to break away as Lopez dropped off the back of the group, with a few bike lengths back to Gonzalez in fifth. Acosta was pushing on at the front and was asking big questions of Vietti, who was keeping the Spaniard in his sights. Still, the Championship leader’s pace began to stretch out the field and it wasn’t long before the Red Bull KTM Ajo machine was almost a second up the road.
With the pace getting hotter and hotter, Canet then cracked as a tiny mistake at Carro corner saw him crash out of a podium position with 14 laps to go, promoting Lopez to P3. That left Vietti in a lonely 2nd place and with some ground to cover to Acosta out the front. Vietti responded to the Spaniard’s hot pace however as he began to reel in the Championship leader tenth by tenth.
The Italian was throwing absolutely everything he had at it with the prospect of a home Grand Prix victory dangling before his eyes. Vietti’s bike was making all sorts of shapes as the Italian had no choice but to push the limits to try and match Acosta’s pace.
After a couple of big moments, that was all she wrote in terms of the Italian’s charge for the win though. With five laps remaining Acosta had stretched the gap back out to over two seconds, and it was game set and match from there going forward as Acosta had done all the hard work and cruised to victory by 6.3s, extending his Championship lead.
Whilst the battle for victory had been decided the battle for third was raging on. Arbolino had been carving his way through the field from the moment the lights went out. The Italian desperately needed a good result to keep his Championship hopes alive and after charging from ninth on the grid to fourth, with five laps to go he had just under a second to Lopez in the final rostrum position…
Arbolino had the bit between his teeth as he proceeded to hit his markers in a valiant attempt to reel in the Boscoscuro machine. Lopez had it covered however as the Spaniard’s pace just made it too difficult for the Italian to bridge the gap. The SpeedUp rider took his first podium since Le Mans, with Arbolino forced to settle for P4.
A late charge from Idemitsu Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura and Somkiat Chantra saw them pip Gonzalez as the Spaniard dropped to P7, with Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), Filip Salač (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and wildcard home hero Mattia Pasini (Fieten Olie Racing GP) completing the top ten.
The attention now turns to Buddh International Circuit in India as a brand-new challenge awaits the Moto2™ grid. Join us in India from the 22nd to the 24th of September!
Back-to-back glory for Alonso
David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team), take a bow. The young Colombian takes his third victory in four races after beating Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in a phenomenal Moto3™ battle at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. The top three crossed the line 0.2s apart as World Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) struggled to P16, blowing the title race wide open.
It was Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) who got the best launch from the middle of the front row as the Japanese star grabbed the holeshot into Turn 1, but Masia immediately responded to take the lead at Turn 4. Kaito Toba (SIC58 Squadra Corse) lost ground on the first lap, he was shoved down to P5 as Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) and Alonso made forward progress.
Masia held a 0.6s advantage on Lap 2 as Sasaki and Moreira squabbled for second place. The lead was up to a second heading onto Lap 3, with the chasing pack needing to settle down and work together to try and reel in the early runaway leader. However, settling down isn’t something Öncü can do. The Turk shoved his way past Moreira and set his sights on catching Masia.
By Lap 6 of 20, Öncü and Moreira had bridged the gap. Sasaki, David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), Alonso and Toba were a further 0.7s adrift, with World Championship leader Holgado battling outside the top 10.
With 12 laps left, a lead group of seven had formed with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) tagging onto the back of the battle in P8 and P9. Lap 11 of 20 saw the lead change for the first time as Masia went from P1 to P3 in the blink of an eye, with Öncü now at the front.
With seven laps remaining, a top four of Öncü, Masia, Muñoz and Alonso had gapped Moreira, Sasaki, Toba, Veijer and Rueda. The front quartet were two seconds up the road, with Holgado still P11 and over a second off tenth place Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team).
It was bubbling up nicely for a final lap spectacular in Misano. The top four was as you were for a few laps before Muñoz had a big front-end moment at Turn 2 – the Spaniard did well to keep it upright but lost P3 to Alonso.
Heading onto the final lap, Öncü led from Masia and Alonso, with Muñoz 0.6s adrift in P4. Alonso slammed in the fastest lap of the race as we strapped in for a last-lap thriller. It stayed the same through the first half of the lap before Alonso grabbed P2 at Turn 10. Then on the run into Turn 14, Masia pocketed a two-for-one deal. It was a cracking move but Alonso returned the favour on the cutback and managed to hold onto the lead all the way to the flag. The Colombian beat Masia by 0.036s to P1 with Öncü settling for P3 having led for most of the second half of the race.
Muñoz bounced back from his Catalan GP disappointment with a solid P4, as Veijer takes home a top five after showing great late race pace. Japan’s Toba and Sasaki crossed the line in P6 and P7 respectively, with Ortola doing well to claim P8 after being shoved well wide in the early exchanges. Rueda and Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team) rounded out the top 10, as Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), Moreira, Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), Ryusei Yamanaka (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) rounded out the points.
For Holgado, P16 is what the Spaniard has to swallow in Misano. The #96 remains the title leader, but his gap has been cut to just four points ahead of the inaugural Grand Prix of India. The top six – Holgado, Sasaki, Masia, Öncü, Alonso and Ortola – are split by just 29 points now. It’s game on in the Moto3™ title race! Joins us for more in India!
Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli. Photo courtesy Michelin.
Pedro Acosta won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the Spaniard won the 22-lap race by 6.305 seconds.
Celestino Vietti was the best of the rest on his Fantic Racing Kalex.
Alonso Lopez scored third place on his +Ego SpeedUp Boscoscuro racebike
American Joe Roberts got eighth on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, and his countryman Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) finished 20th in his first race on his new Forward Racing machine.
Nicolo Bulega won FIM Supersport World Championship Race Two Sunday at Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Bulega won the 19-lap race by 1.991 seconds.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise backed up his career-best third place in Race One with an even better runner-up finish in Race Two on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R6.
Stefano Manzi was a distant third on his Ten Kate Racing Yamaha.
After his 11th race win of the season, Bulega leads the Championship by 60 points over Manzi with three rounds and six races remaining.
Misano World Circuit - Marco Simoncelli. Photo courtesy Michelin.
David Alonso won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, in San Marino. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team GASGAS, the Colombian won the 20-lap race by just 0.036 second.
Jaume Masia finished a close second on his Leopard Racing Honda, and Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Deniz Oncu was just 0.2 second behind Masia in third place at the finish.
Toprak Razgatlioglu won the World Superbike Superpole Race Sunday morning at Magny-Cours, in France. Riding his Pata Yamaha Prometeon YZF-R1, the Turkish racer won the 10-lap race by 0.970 second.
Defending Champion Alvaro Bautista was the runner-up on his Aruba.it Racing Ducati Panigale V4R, and Jonathan Rea was a close third on his Kawasaki Racing Team Ninja ZX-10RR.
ROKiT BMW Motorrad factory rider Scott Redding crashed while attempting a pass and took out Bonovo Action BMW’s Garrett Gerloff. Gerloff was forced to retire from the race, but Redding was able to remount and continue, albeit with a Long Lap Penalty for irresponsible riding.
Race 1: history made as Casadei seals it with a win
The Pons rider puts in a near-perfect performance to fend off Garzo as Spinelli completes the podium
Saturday, 09 September 2023
Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) is the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Champion, and he did it in style! The Italian took the crown with a hard-fought victory in Race 1 of his home round, coming out on top in a close finish against Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) by just 0.021s. Casadei is the first Champion since the series became a full eight-round, 16-race Championship this year, making some history in the process. The Champions’ teammate Nicholas Spinelli was in the mix from start to finish too, and took an important podium to add to the Pons team celebrations.
Casadei’s closest title rival Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) suffered some drama, slapped with a double long lap penalty after jumping the start, and it was a tougher first race for Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) as Casadei emerged imperious.
The lights went out for MotoE™ Race 1 and there was fight in Torres yet as the Spaniard flew from 5th place on the grid to snatch the holeshot from Casadei, after that small but real jump start, with Spinelli watching on in 3rd. Garzo soon latched onto the top three too as a leading group of four broke away from the rest of the field.
Casadei had fire in his belly as he hit the front, with Torres being bullied to the back of the group. We then had six laps of frantic MotoE™ action ahead of us.
That’s when news broke of Torres’ lightning launch: it was down to a jump start from the title contender, and the Spaniard then had to take two tours through the long lap loop at Tramonto before rejoining the race down in 12th place.
Meanwhile at the front, Casadei led the way with Garzo and Spinelli snapping at his heels. All the Italian had to do was finish the race with Torres down the order and he would be crowned Champion, and Spinelli and Garzo started to swap paintwork behind the race leader too. That allowed Casadei to stretch out some breathing space with three laps to go, Championship in clear sight.
The Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse duo of Kevin Manfredi and Kevin Zannoni then joined the party, and they brought Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) with them. The trio latched onto Spinelli and Garzo, who started to reel in the race leader once again.
It was too little too late though as Garzo was left with few options to attack the race leader on the final lap. The Spaniard was all over Casadei’s rear wheel through the final sector and pulled alongside the Pons machine as they flew towards the line, but it wasn’t quite enough. Casadei made it the perfect ending to his Championship challenge as he just beat Garzo to it, sealing the crown with a win.
Behind the first ever FIM Enel MotoE™ World Champion came Garzo and then Spinelli completing the podium, with Torres recovering to 10th place in the end but making sure to congratulate his title rival after the flag dropped. Manfredi, Zannoni and Ferrari completed that front group in that order.
Race 2: Spinelli takes stunning maiden win to sign off in style
A three-way fight for victory between Spinelli, Garzo and Casadei brings the curtain down on a classic season
Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) rounded out the season in style in Race 2, making it a Pons team clean sweep of riders’ crown, double on Saturday and teams’ Championship as the squad prepare to bow out of World Championship competition. The Italian took his maiden win with the gloves off as he fought off both Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and recently crowned Champion Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40), although the recently-crowned Champion still put a cherry on top of a dream weekend with another podium.
With the Championship decided it was time for all-out war as a showstopping MotoE™ finale was on it’s the way. The lights went out for the final time in 2023 and it was the Champion Casadei who held firm through the first sector to hold onto the lead, with Spinelli and Garzo glued to his rear wheel.
Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) was in the mix as well as the Spaniard now had nothing to lose, but everything to gain with his sights set on a solid result to cap off his 2023 season.
Right at the front though, Casadei dropped from 1st to 3rd in one fell swoop as Spinelli ducked under the Champion through the fastest sector on track, and Garzo quickly capitalised as well to barge his way through on the Italian.
Spinelli led Garzo as the duo broke away from the pack ever so slightly with the laps ticking away. The Spaniard had a few cheeky looks up the inside, but Spinelli held firm… until Turn 1 on the final lap. Garzo pushed his way through but Spinelli answered back with some poetry to leave the two side-by-side… and then Casadei appeared.
He shot past both, but Spinelli wasn’t accepting second in the final showdown of the season. He attacked again, Garzo took back over in second, and it was all down to the final sector. Spinelli kept it pinned to win in style, with Garzo holding off Casadei as the three staged another battle to remember.
With all that, Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) and Torres both tagged right onto the podium fight, and a small freight train formed. They completed the top five, ahead of Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) after a tougher weekend on home turf. Tito Rabat (Prettl Pramac MotoE™), Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and Alessandro Zaccone (Tech 3 E-Racing) completed the top ten. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) crashed out with Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse), riders ok.
That brings the 2023 MotoE™ season to a close after a stunning year of competition. A new name on top, an incredible winning run and more history made is only the half of it as the electric series delivered some of the closest racing on Earth. But that’s all for now – join us for more in 2024!
Kyle Wyman took the MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Championship point lead with a victory in Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas, in Austin, Texas. Riding his Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Wyman won the six-lap race by 2.165 seconds.
Hayden Gillim, the point leader coming into the race, finished second on his Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Harley-Davidson, and Gillim’s teammate James Rispoli made it a Harley-Davidson sweep of the podium with third.
Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian’s Tyler O’Hara, the defending Champion, and Jeremy McWilliams did not start the race.
O’Hara crashed his Indian when the chain broke during the Challenge dash-for-cash and a damaged radiator was discovered on the repaired machine just prior to the start of Race One. McWilliams, meanwhile, had just crashed in Super Hooligan Race One and was too beaten up to start King Of The Baggers Race One.
Jake Gagne won MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race One Saturday at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), in Austin, Texas, where it was 103 degrees F at race time. Riding his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1, Gagne won the 12-lap race by 2.529 seconds. It was Gagne’s 10th win of the season.
Mexican racer Richie Escalante rode his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R flawlessly to second place and the first podium finish of his Superbike career.
JD Beach, racing in place of Gagne’s injured teammate Cameron Petersen, got third place and his first Superbike podium finish since 2019.
Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW’s PJ Jacobsen came home fourth, well clear of Westby Racing Yamaha’s Mathew Scholtz in fifth.
Gagne Wins Again With Escalante And Beach On The Podium At COTA
Jake Gagne Wins The 39th Superbike Race Of his Career While Richie Escalante And JD Beach Podium At Circuit Of The Americas
Jake Gagne (1) crosses the finish line and celebrates the 39th Superbike victory of his career. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
AUSTIN, TX (September 9, 2023) – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha’s Jake Gagne won his 10th MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike race of the year at Circuit of The Americas on Saturday, but he was just as happy for the two who joined him on the podium – podium first timer Richie Escalante and Gagne’s teammate JD Beach.
Gagne, who wrapped up his third MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship two weeks ago, won the 39th AMA Superbike race of his career on a steaming hot Saturday in Austin by 2.5 seconds over Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Escalante, the Mexican earning the first podium of his Medallia Superbike career after his near-picture-perfect race that was a popular result with the entire paddock.
Richie Escalante (54) finished second for his first career Superbike podium. Josh Herrin (2) suffered a mechanical problem and PJ Jacobsen (99) and JD Beach (95) finished fourth and third, respectively. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Ditto for JD Beach’s third-place finish with the season-long flat tracker reaching the podium in his just his second race as the replacement rider for the injured Cameron Petersen. The podium was Beach’s first in the Superbike class since he finished second to Cameron Beaubier at New Jersey Motorsports Park in 2019.
Beach ended up just .172 of a second behind Escalante after hounding him in the closing laps and 4.38 seconds ahead of Tytlers Cycle Racing’s PJ Jacobsen.
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz was fifth, 18 seconds behind Gagne and 8.4 seconds ahead of Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Corey Alexander, the New Yorker righting the ship after a tough couple of rounds.
Wrench Motorcycles’ Bobby Fong was just a few seconds adrift of Alexander in seventh with Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Ashton Yates was eighth, matching his best finish of the year.
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa was ninth in his Superbike debut on Cameron Beaubier’s vacated BMW M 1000 RR with Thrashed Bike Racing’s Max Flinders rounding out the top 10.
Notable among the non-finishers were Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Josh Herrin and Vision Wheel M4 Suzuki’s Brandon Paasch. Herrin battled with Gagne early, then slipped back into the grasp of Escalante and then Beach and Jacobsen. While running fifth, Herrin’s Ducati suffered a mechanical problem that took him out of the race.
Paasch, meanwhile, crashed out of the race uninjured in the early laps.
Superbike Race One
Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
Richie Escalante (Suzuki)
JD Beach (Yamaha)
PJ Jacobsen (BMW)
Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha)
Corey Alexander (BMW)
Bobby Fong (Yamaha)
Ashton Yates (BMW)
Stefano Mesa (BMW)
Max Flinders (Yamaha)
Quotes… Jake Gagne – Winner
“We’ve talked about it enough, but it’s nice to not have to think about the championship. That’s priority number one of the year. That’s the primary goal. To get that done, it feels nice. We can just kind of go racing. Obviously, there’s been some bummer luck for some of those guys. I feel like I’ve been on the lucky end all year. But regardless, I’ll take it. It was a tough, hot race for sure. The first lap was kind of wild. Me and (Josh) Herrin went back and forth a little bit, which was fun. I think even just going into turn one, he was up the inside. I released the brake, he released the brake, and we just kind of played that game for a little while. It was a bummer. I think he had a bike issue. Just kind of put my head down. I saw on the big board that it was Richie (Escalante) and JD (Beach) up there second and third after a few laps or mid-race. Congrats to both these guys. They really earned it. I know Richie has been at this Superbike game for a while now. The guy is so talented. And JD, he’s okay. Congrats to JD. It’s a great day for the team and Richie. It’s just cool to get up here on the podium with these guys. Tomorrow I’m sure will be another burner. I know these guys want to get a win, both of them. Hopefully we can learn a little bit overnight and go out there and put on a show again tomorrow.”
Richie Escalante – Second Place
“I think my team, Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki is still working. It’s difficult. The level is super high. I need 37 races to finally finish on the podium, so one year and a half. Working really hard, training hard, and finally I know the tracks when it’s more flow, more like sector one here. Smooth for my style. So, I know Pittsburgh, the Ridge, Laguna Seca, here are good tracks for me to battle for the podium. Finally, I finished in P2. Really difficult weekend. Super-hot out there. In the beginning, I felt very strong. I lost a little bit of time to pass (Josh) Herrin. Then I just tried to concentrate on my pace. In the last laps, I can ride the bike just waiting for finish the race. It’s spinning everywhere, on the limit. Everybody is in the same way. Super happy. I think when you feel the podium, you want more. So, I hope to stay there tomorrow. I know it will be difficult, but I’ll try my best. I know my team will push hard tomorrow in the 15 minutes (the Sunday warm-up session) more to improve a little bit more the grip, but super happy. Finally, P2.”
JD Beach – Third Place
“It was a hot one. I’m so pumped. This team has worked so hard to help me, when they’ve got this guy (Gagne) going for the title, and even Cam P (Petersen). He’s been at the races and I’m riding his bike. He’s still trying to help and root me on. It’s been great to work with this team. They just work so damn hard. It feels so good to get this podium. I’m up here with the best guys in the US. To do that after five years, I can’t even put it into words. I think I’m just babbling right now. It’s so awesome. I hope I can do it again. It feels good to reassure myself that I can still do it. As a racer, there’s always self-doubt and these last few years I’ve had a lot. To come back out here two weeks on the bike and put it in third with it being 110 degrees out on a track that I think I was two seconds faster this weekend than when I was racing full-time before. So, it feels great.”
More, from a press release issued by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC:
TRIPLE PODIUM DAY FOR THE VISION WHEEL M4 ECSTAR SUZUKI
Escalante Captures his First Podium in Texas and the GSX-R750s dominate the Supersport Class
BREA, CA, September 9, 2023 — Suzuki Motor USA and Team Hammer racked up three trophies across two MotoAmerica classes – including a first Superbike podium for Richie Escalante – in what proved to be a banner Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Race Highlights:
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki
Superbike
Richie Escalante earns second to claim his first Superbike podium.
Brandon Paasch crashed while fighting for sixth position.
Supersport
Tyler Scott increased his podium streak to seven with a runner-up finish.
Teagg Hobbs carded his third podium of his rookie season in third.
Torin Collins stuns with a fourth-place result in his Supersport debut.
Richie Escalante (54) finally gets his first Superbike podium in Race 1 aboard his GSX-R1000R. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
After previously scoring nine fourth-place finishes in the premier class – including seven this season alone – Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante earned his first MotoAmerica Superbike podium with a runner-up result aboard his GSX-R1000R on Saturday. Escalante made his intentions clear with a front-row qualifying performance and then made good on that pace by running a close third in the race’s early stages. Escalante made a pass for a position on the third lap and subsequently held second for the remainder of the contest, overcoming the late-race pressure applied by a rival to cross the line with a breakthrough result.
“Finally, after a season-and-a-half, I finished on the podium,” Escalante said. “I’m thrilled. We are working so hard. My Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team has worked so hard with me and continued to believe in me. We’ve gotten a little bit better and more comfortable on the bike every weekend. Now I’m super happy, and I can’t wait until tomorrow. I’m going to go for another podium and try to win.”
Brandon Paasch (96) is looking to bounce back in Race 2 after a showing good pace in Race 1. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Unfortunately, Escalante’s Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki Superbike teammate, Brandon Paasch, fell while contending for sixth position. Unable to continue, the resultant DNF snapped a run of seven consecutive top tens for the talented rider since joining the squad midseason, despite suffering a broken back in March. Paasch will now look to start a new streak of solid results on Sunday.
Paasch said, “I didn’t have the best start and was pushing hard. I had a pretty easy low-side crash in Turn 8. We weren’t a million miles off, but I chose the wrong tire. I was losing grip and pushing to try to make up for it. I am okay and looking forward to another shot.”
Another podium for Tyler Scott (70) but he is looking for a victory in Race 2. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott continued his recent run of front-running form, scrapping for Supersport victory right up until a red flag ended the race three laps prematurely. Starting from pole, the up-and-coming ace was embroiled in a dogfight for first from the start aboard his next-generation Suzuki GSX-R750. After leading for a stretch mid-distance, Scott settled into second and was calculating his late-race strategy when the race was stopped and ultimately called complete. Nevertheless, Scott’s second-place result represented his seventh consecutive podium effort as Scott further solidified himself in second in the Supersport championship standings.
“It was an incredible battle,” Scott said. “It’s really hot out here this weekend, but we got the bike dialed in. I had a really good start, but wanted to follow for a little bit. I got in front for a while, but once another rider got by, I just wanted to follow again and stay really close. I made a few mistakes, but we’ll move on and be stronger for tomorrow. We’re going to make a few changes overnight, but I feel really great with the team and the bike.”
Even though it is a new track for Teagg Hobbs (79), he was still able to land himself on the podium. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
Teagg Hobbs made it two Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750 machines in victory lane by reeling in a third podium of his rookie MotoAmerica Supersport campaign. Hobbs shook free of a thrilling multi-rider fight early to register a rather lonely ride to third. It was an impressive performance for Hobbs in his first-ever visit to the Circuit of the Americas.
Hobbs said, “It was a good race. Unfortunately, it was a little shorter than we expected. We have a little bit of work to do to catch the leaders, but I think we can do it. It’s a new track for me, so every session we’re making some strides. I have a few ideas about where I can make up some time. All we can do is go back, do our homework, and come out ready to race tomorrow. I’ve got to give it up to the whole Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team.”
In his MotoAmerica debut, Torin Collins (14) showed his race craft for an impressive fourth-place result. Photo courtesy Suzuki Motor USA, LLC.
FIM JuniorGP regular Torin Collins made an empathic MotoAmerica debut, completing a Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki 2-3-4 in what was both his first-ever race at the venue and his first-ever race aboard Supersport machinery. A quick study, Collins immediately adapted to the powerful GSX-R750 to outduel a pair of experienced veterans and secure fourth position. Now armed with MotoAmerica race experience, Collins aims to claim a podium in Sunday’s rematch.
“This was definitely a big step for me. I’m used to the Moto3 bike, which is 250cc and a lot lighter. This bike is a lot bigger and way more powerful, sliding around a lot on the gas. I’m not really used to that, but I’m learning quickly and that’s what is important. The series is amazing, and my first race was a difficult one. My launch wasn’t particularly good and the first few laps I was trying to be really aggressive. I had a good battle for fourth. We had a few love taps, which is good – that’s how I like it. I’m thrilled with the race, and I’m excited for tomorrow. I’m going to try to have a strong start, get the elbows out early, and try to fight for the podium.”
Team Hammer will compete again on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas.
ABOUT TEAM HAMMER
The 2023 season marks Team Hammer’s 43rd consecutive year of operating as a professional road racing team. Racebikes built and fielded by Team Hammer have won 131 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National races, have finished on AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National podiums 358 times, and have won 11 AMA Pro and MotoAmerica National Championships, as well as two FIM South American Championships (in Superbike and Supersport). The team has also won 137 endurance races overall (including seven 24-hour races) and 13 Overall WERA National Endurance Championships with Suzuki motorcycles, and holds the U.S. record for mileage covered in a 24-hour race. The team also competed in the televised 1990s Formula USA National Championship, famously running “Methanol Monster” GSX-R1100 Superbikes fueled by methanol, and won four F-USA Championships.
ABOUT VISION WHEEL
Founded in 1976, Vision Wheel is one of the nation’s leading providers of custom wheels for cars and trucks, and one of the first manufacturers of custom wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts. Vision Wheel looks beyond the current trends and to the future in developing, manufacturing, and distributing its wheels. Vision’s lines of street, race, off-road, American Muscle, and Milanni wheels are distributed nationally and internationally through a trusted network of distributors. Vision Wheel also produces the Vision It AR app to allow users to see how their wheel of choice will look on their vehicle before purchase and installation. For more information on Vision Wheel, visit www.visionwheel.com.
ABOUT SUZUKI
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC. (SMO) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automotive Parts, Accessories, and ECSTAR Oils & Chemicals via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors, and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Gagne’s Hot Streak Continues at Superbike Scorcher in Texas
Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne scores fourth consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike victory in Race 1 at COTA
Jake Gagne (left) and JD Beach (right). Photo courtesy Yamaha.
MARIETTA, Ga. – September 9, 2023 – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne kept his win streak rolling with another masterclass performance in today’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 1 at the Circuit of The Americas. Fill-in rider JD Beach fought back to third to give the team a double-podium finish in the punishing conditions in Austin, Texas.
After securing his third-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at the previous round, Gagne’s hot streak continued at COTA. The Californian hit the ground running despite the triple-digit temperatures, leading every session, claiming another pole position, and setting a new track record. When the lights went out for Race 1, he got a great start and slotted into second. Gagne battled for the lead and was able to secure it on the opening lap. From there, he threw down some fast laps to remain unchallenged and earn his fourth-consecutive victory. It also marked Gagne’s 10th MotoAmerica Superbike victory this season and brings his career tally to 39.
Beach continued to make progress on the Attack Yamaha R1 in his second outing with the team as a fill-in rider for Cameron Petersen. The Kentucky rider, who has been racing full-time in the American Flat Track series since 2020, had a solid qualifying effort in fifth. He tried to grab the holeshot but ultimately was shuffled back to sixth. Undeterred, Beach put his head down and steadily made his way forward to third with three laps to go. He tried to advance to the runner-up spot but ultimately ran out of time and crossed the line third for his first MotoAmerica Superbike podium since 2019 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.
The Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team looks to keep the momentum rolling for tomorrow’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at the Circuit of The Americas.
Richard Stanboli – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“It was a great day for our riders and team. Everyone and everything functioned perfectly. Jake and our Yamaha R1s love the heat. Getting a first and third, as well as a new track record, showed the capability of both riders and the machine. We look forward to Race 2 tomorrow.”
Jake Gagne – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing
“It was a good little battle on the first lap, which was fun. Then I tried to put my head down on Lap 2 and managed to pull a little lead. It was very hot conditions, but the Yamaha handled it well, and it was awesome to see JD on the podium as well!”
JD Beach – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing
“Today’s race was a battle for me all the way through. I got a good start but messed up Turn 1 a bit and went backward. I kept charging all race long and slowly picked off the guys. It was brutal in the hot conditions, but I still felt solid at the end. I’m happy that I was able to put two Yamahas on the box and look forward to Race 2!”
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.
YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana)
Carpe takes action-packed last lap Rookies Misano win
11 KTMs fought over every square centimetre of the Misano circuit from first corner to last before Álvaro Carpe stole the slightest advantage in the last half lap. Fellow 16-year-old Spaniard Angel Piqueras chased him across the line, pursued by 15-year-old arch-rival Max Quiles for an all red-and-yellow flagged podium.
The list of race leaders through the 15 laps included pole man Rico Salmela who stole the early advantage before being swallowed by the pack. Marcos Ruda had his turn in front as did Alberto Ferrandez, Quiles, Piqueras and Carpe.
Alvaro knew he could win
“Yes, it was a fantastic race, a fantastic weekend. The battle was really difficult, with all riders riding aggressive, me also because otherwise I would have dropped to the back of the group.”
“I stayed in the front, that was good, trying to run my race at my pace and I am thrilled to secure second in the Cup in my Rookie year. I really appreciate everyone who supports me and gives me this opportunity.”
“It was a harder race than I thought it would be after Qualifying, I thought it would be a small group of us. But it was a really big group, I think it will be the same tomorrow, I will try and win as always.”
No record number yet for Piqueras
“It was difficult, I was trying to do my pace but always someone wanted to overtake me.”
“I have to be happy because it’s another podium and tomorrow we have another podium and I will do my best and try to win the race.”
“The bike is OK for me. In my opinion, I was riding well. I felt I had more pace than the other riders but I couldn’t get clear. I will try to escape tomorrow,” concluded the Cup winner who is looking to be the most successful Rookie in the 17-year history of the series.
Max happy to be back on the podium
“Yes, that was a great race, I enjoyed it a lot. In the last lap, I did some good overtakes, got into a good position but not close enough to Carpe to catch the slipstream. Coming into the final corner Pini entered very wide, crashed, I almost touched the bike.”
“I thought I would then be overtaken on the run to the line as I was very slow out of the final corner but it didn’t happen. I was very happy with that.”
“I am happy to be back on the podium, I was frustrated in Qualifying, I was happy with the bike but just didn’t get a good lap in. I am happy with the bike and will not change it for tomorrow.”
Marcos Ruda fighting at the front
“Yes, that was a good race, but on the last lap a big problem,” explained the 18-year-old Spaniard who had to check his speed suddenly as Ferrandez fell ahead. Ruda was clipped from behind by Salmela but still managed to take 4th.
“That was a big shame because I had a good feeling in the race, I was confident on the bike and enjoying it. Now I have to look forward to the final race tomorrow and getting a good result.”
“We will think about slightly changing the settings to see if we can find more grip.”
Ruche Moodley takes excellent 5th
“It was a really big group, I didn’t expect that,” explained the 16-year-old South African. “In the first laps, I made a lot of mistakes and dropped back to 11th. So I had to pass the guys one at a time and work my way forward again.”
“There was a lot of contact and pushing. Hopefully tomorrow with the experience from today I can make a better race.”
“In the fast corners, I was running a bit wide so I hope we can change something to hold a better line there.”
Rico Salmela falls on final lap
“I don’t know, I couldn’t ride normally. The bike was, like, OK I didn’t feel bad with the bike but there was just something, I couldn’t make any overtakes. I had good places to pass but just couldn’t make it, I don’t know, it just didn’t feel right today.”
“In the last lap, I think was P6 or 7, I passed Ruche and Morelli. Then before the back straight, Ferrandez crashed, Ruda had to take the brake, I touched his rear tyre and I crashed.”
“I will change the gearing for sure because, already before the first turn on the back straight the bike is hitting the limiter.”
Alberto Ferrandez didn’t make it to the line.
“I am not very lucky today,” grinned the 16-year-old Spaniard. “When we arrived at the right-hander onto the back straight on the last lap, Piqueras passed me and Max arrived, touched Piqueras who stood up the bike, touched me and I crashed.”
“But for the rest of the race, I feel very very good, with the tyres and suspension, I am ready for tomorrow. I don’t need to change the bike.”
Broadcast
This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.
Race 2 is on Sunday at 08:45, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
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