MotoE: World Championship Race Two Results From Silverstone

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

MotoE: World Championship Race Two Results From Silverstone

Mattia Casadei won wet MotoE World Championship Race Two at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his HP Pons Los40 Ducati electric racebike, the Italian won the six-lap race by 1.108 seconds.

Eric Granado was the runner-up on his LCR E-Team machine, and Casadei’s teammate Nicolas Spinelli finished third, 6.776 seconds back.

Openbank Aspar Team’s Jordi Torres was fourth, 0.133 second behind Spinelli, which was enough for him to maintain his lead in the point standings.

MotoE R2
MotoE Points after R2

MotoGP: Wet Sprint Race Results From Silverstone

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

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MotoGP: Wet Sprint Race Results From Silverstone

Alex Marquez won the wet MotoGP World Championship Sprint race Saturday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Gresini Ducati Desmosedici, the Spaniard won the 10-lap race, his first Sprint race win, by 0.366 second over pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi.

Second place in the Sprint was enough for Bezzecchi to move into second in the World Championship point standings.

Maverick Vinales charged from the third row to finish third on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.

MotoGP Sprint Race
MotoGP Points after Sprint

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Alex Marquez holds off Bezzecchi for stunning Sprint win at Silverstone

The Gresini rider takes to the top step for the first time in MotoGP™, with Bezzecchi gaining some big points in second and Viñales back at the front in third

Alex Marquez (73) defeated Marco Bezzecchi (72) in the MotoGP Sprint Race at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 05 August 2023

There’s a new Tissot Sprint winner on the block! Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) moved through to the front and took off on a wet but drying track, with Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) chasing him down late on but not quite close enough to launch a last lap attack. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) made steady progress to pick his way through the order, the Aprilia rider coming home third for his first Saturday podium.

One headline also saw Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) fail to score, the number 1 having a couple of close moments on track to lose ground and ultimately forced to settle for 14th – outside the points on super Saturday! Bezzecchi therefore gains some ground with second place, and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) too as he took P6.

Bezzecchi held the hold shot from pole, but Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) didn’t waste time to strike and take over in the lead. From there it was a frenetic opening couple of laps to the Sprint, with the track wet enough for the medium wets but conditions starting to dry.

Miller quickly made his way back through on the VR46 rider to take the lead as Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) shot into P3 with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) trying to force his way through on the rookie. Martin eventually got the better of Fernandez with Alex Marquez quickly following suit, his charge beginning in earnest. Martin then tried his hand at taking the lead but Miller wasn’t letting the Spaniard have it easy as the Aussie had plenty of answers for the Pramac rider’s attacks.

Who dares wins!

The race began to settle with a seven-bike freight train battling for the victory with the top guys swapping and changing postions corner after corner. Once Alex Marquez took the lead, however, he went on to set the fastest lap and begin to stretch out the field.

Marquez, Bezzecchi, Miller, Viñales, and Martin was the order with six laps to go, with a second between Marquez and Bezzecchi, and another half a second back to Miller who had the rest of the front group right in his wheel tracks.

Marquez kept Bezzecchi at arm’s length for the rest of the race but as the rain started to come down once again on the final couple of laps, the Italian began to make up significant ground on the Gresini machine ahead. By the final sector it was only a handful of tenths but Bezzecchi didn’t quite have enough in the tank to make a move, seeing Alex Marquez sweep through to his first ever Sprint win.

Aprilia always deliver at Silverstone

Despite starting down in 8th place, Viñales was a man on a mission during Saturday’s Sprint action. The Spaniard was on the move and eventually pushed his way past the Aussie Jack Miller for the final podium spot, holding onto P3 as Miller faded the other way.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) also had his head down as he climbed his way up from 12th on the grid to 4th, before being demoted down to P5 by a late-charging Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing). Sixth went to Martin, meaning Bezzecchi just edges him down into third in the standings, and behid Miller came Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Miguel Oliveira (CrytoDARA RNF MotoGP) completed the top ten.

That leaves some big names out. Reigning Champion Bagnaia failed to score in a Sprint for the first time this year, getting pushed a little wide by Zarco but then fading down to P14. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) rode home behind teammate Joan Mir to literally observe as the Japanese giants work to make big steps forward, in P17 and P18, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) came home in P20 after that difficult qualifying too.

Next: Grand Prix Sunday!

In the wet it was a whole new picture, but the weather on Sunday looks like it might change again. Can Bezzecchi keep making gains? Will more history be made? Find out at 13:00 (GMT +1) local time as we go Grand Prix racing at Silverstone!

World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Takes Pole For Suzuka 8-Hours

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

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World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Takes Pole For Suzuka 8-Hours

S0RDY40n00S5tth0S2NyEpehpT5UKl-metaU3V6dWthIDggSG91cnMgVG9wIDEwIFRyaWFsIGZpbmFsIHJhbmtpbmcucGRm-
Final Qualifying Results

More, from a press release issued by FIM EWC:

TEAM HRC CHARGES TO EWC SUZUKA 8 HOURS POLE WITH THRILLING TOP 10 TRIAL TRIUMPH

*Honda-powered squad all set to line up at the front for Japan’s famous EWC counter

*YART Yamaha quickest in qualifying and boosts EWC title advantage with bonus score

*TOHO Racing completes top three ahead of SDG Honda and Yoshimura SERT Motul

*Drama for F.C.C. TSR Honda France as new recruit Mackenzie falls in Top 10 Trial

*Suzuka’s iconic 8 Hours will be broadcast live on TV and around the world on Sunday

(5 August 2023): Team HRC with Japan Post has won the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race Top 10 Trial to secure pole position for tomorrow’s third round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship.

Its riders Xavi Vierge and Tetsuta Nagashima combined to beat Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team pairing of Karel Hanika and Marvin Fritz as Ryuichi Kiyonari and Ikuhiro Enokido joined forces to claim third for TOHO Racing following the thrilling one-at-a-time shootout for top spot on the starting grid.

With the Top 10 Trial – which is unique to the Suzuka 8 Hours – for two riders only, Takumi Takahashi, Niccolò Canepa and Takuma Kunimine didn’t ride for HRC, YART and TOHO respectively, but all three played key roles in getting their respective teams to the grid battle, which awarded bonus points on a descending 5-4-3-2-1 scale to the fastest five squads.

It means Austria-based YART has edged five points ahead of defending EWC world champion team F.C.C. TSR Honda France after the Japanese squad was a non-scorer when it completed the Top 10 Trial in 10th position.

TOP TRIO SAID WHAT?

Nagashima, who was part of the Honda-powered HRC line-up that won the Suzuka 8 Hours last season, recovered from a foot injury to secure his entry for his home round of the EWC. And it was his 2m05.329s lap time that made the difference in the Top 10 Trial.

“I’m really happy to be back and to be in pole position,” Nagashima said. “After my injury I felt very discouraged, I lost a bit of my confidence and physically I could not push to the limit. But I would like to thank HRC for believing in me and for bringing me back here. To be able to have the pole position again makes me really happy.”

While Hanika managed a 2m05.519s on his run, Fritz had to make do with a 2m06.115s, which meant Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team settled for second on Sunday’s grid.

“It was my first Top 10 Trial, I could have ridden already three times but every time there was a typhoon or bad weather so it was cancelled so I was very happy it was happening today,” German rider Fritz said. “Unfortunately, my lap wasn’t perfect, I had a bad third sector but, in the end, Karel made an amazing lap time. The most important thing is we worked very hard from the test here to now. Our set-up is pretty good, we’re feeling good on the bike and I feel we have a good package for the race tomorrow.”

After securing third place, Kiyonari said: “My lap time wasn’t the best, I felt a bit slow. If Takuma [Kunimine] had done the lap instead of me he would have been faster but I am thankful the team passed the opportunity to me. I did enjoy it but tomorrow is going to be another day for us and we will do our best.”

HOW THE BATTLE FOR TOP 10 TRIAL GLORY UNFOLDED

Teams placed 10th to sixth in the Combined Qualifying Classification went first with Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA’s Kohta Arakawa the opening rider in the one-at-a-time shootout. He clocked a 2m07.828s, which Atsumi Cocoro tried but failed to beat for S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC.

Drama followed for F.C.C. TSR Honda France when new recruit Tarran Mackenzie fell at the 200R Chicane during his run, making team-mate Mike Di Meglio’s subsequent effort of 2m07.788s immaterial with the 2022 EWC world champion team restricted to 10th position.

Dan Linfoot was also unable to beat Arakawa’s benchmark, the British rider posting a 2m07.671s best for AutoRace Ube Racing Team. After a handful of moments, Haruki Noguchi could only manage a 2m08.046s run for SDG Honda Racing.

Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA’s second rider, Daijiro Hiura, built on team-mate Arakawa’s strong opening run with a time of 2m06.970s. Marcel Schrötter clocked a 2m08.542s for S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC before Di Meglio set his 2m07.788s.

Takuya Tsuda then went quickest of all for AutoRace Ube Racing Team in 2m06.811s only for Naomichi Uramoto to go quicker still, his 2m06.644s the best so far for SDG Honda Racing.

The teams qualifying from fifth to first were next up with Ryuichi Kiyonari posting a 2m08.132s for TOHO Racing. Kazuma Watanabe then registered a 2m07.518s for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, while Gregg Black recorded a 2m07.252s for Yoshimura SERT Motul.

World Superbike ace and EWC rookie Xavi Vierge flew to a 2m05.919s best for Team HRC with Japan Post before Karel Hanika delivered in style by recording a 2m05.519s best for Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team.

TOHO Racing’s Ikuhiro Enokido was the first of the final group of five riders to take on the Top 10 Trial. He managed a 2m06.343s with Ryo Mizuno clocking a 2m06.756s for Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing. Yoshimura SERT Motul rider Sylvain Guintoli charged to a 2m06.720s to set up a final pole position showdown between Team HRC’s Tetsuta Nagashima and YART Yamaha’s Marvin Fritz.

Nagashima was first to go aboard his Bridgestone-equipped Honda and the home hero shrugged off his lack of recent riding time owing to a foot injury to set a 2m05.329s around Suzuka Circuit’s 5.821-kilometre Full Course 2-Wheels layout.

Fritz gave his all aboard his Yamaha, also running on Bridgestone tyres, but a slower third sector than Nagashima had managed left him crossing the line in a time of 2m06.115s.

It meant Team HRC with Japan Post won the Top 10 Trial to take pole position for the 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race ahead of Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team, TOHO Racing, SDG Honda Racing, Yoshimura SERT Motul, Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, AutoRace Ube Racing Team, Honda Dream RT SAKURAI HONDA, S-PULSE DREAM RACING -ITEC and F.C.C. TSR Honda France.

Of the other all-season EWC teams competing in the Suzuka 8 Hours, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team is set to start 11th followed by Team Kawasaki Webike Trickstar in 12th. Honda Viltaïs Racing is due to line up in 21st, KM99 in 23rd and Motobox Kremer Racing 38th.

Yamaha R7 Cup: Kayla Yaakov Wins Race One At Cartagena Circuit In Spain

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

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Yamaha R7 Cup: Kayla Yaakov Wins Race One At Cartagena Circuit In Spain

American Kayla Yaakov, age 16, won Yamaha bLU cRU R7 Cup Race One Saturday at Cartagena Circuit, in Spain.

Yaakov won the 10-lap race by 0.118 second over Matias Perez, and Eric Molina finished third just 0.631 second behind Yaakov.

The race had 16 starters.

MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Silverstone

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

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MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Silverstone

Randy Krummenacher won MotoE World Championship Race One Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Dynavolt Intact GP electrified Ducati racebike, the Swiss racer won the five-lap sprint by 0.142 second over Ongetta SIC58 Squardacorse’s Kevin Manfredi. LCR E-Team’s Eric Granado finished third.

MotoE R1
MotoE Points after R1

MotoGP: Bezzecchi Claims Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone (Updated)

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

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MotoGP: Bezzecchi Claims Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone (Updated)

Marco Bezzecchi claimed pole position during MotoGP World Championship qualifying Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici, the Italian lapped the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) track in 2:15.359 to lead the field of 22 riders.

Australian Jack Miller was the best of the rest with a 2:15.629 on his Red Bull KTM RC16, and Alex Marquez earned the third and final spot on the front row with a 2:15.771 on his Gresini Racing Ducati.

MotoGP Comb Qual

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bezzecchi steals stunning pole position from Miller as the rain hits at Silverstone

Despite a late crash, the Italian nabs the honours from early pacesetter Miller, with Alex Marquez completing the front row and the rain shaking up the order in qualifying

Marco Bezzecchi (72). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 05 August 2023

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) pulled a stunner out of the hat in qualifying for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix, reigning in the rain to take a second pole in succession and deny an early charge from Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The Australian couldn’t quite hit back despite a late crash for Bezzecchi, and the front row is completed by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) as the number 73 showed more wet weather prowess, also despite a crash. With a wet qualifying setting the grid for both the Tissot Sprint, expected to be in the wet, and the Grand Prix race, which may prove dry… the stage is set for another weekend of unpredictability in MotoGP™!

Q1: Marc Marquez & Quartararo out, Morbidelli top

As ever, the fight to get through from Q1 featured plenty superstar names, amongst them Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

After Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) had topped FP2 in similar conditions, he was the one to watch initiailly – but then the number 49 crashed out, rider ok but his progress then seriously dented. Next up, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) took over on top, and the more veteran Italian was in the groove.

The next drama was for Quartararo as the Frenchman pulled off quite a save, but he stopped at the side of the track and that also put paid to his progress. He got back to pitlane but didn’t set another fast lap, just one more on the board.

Bastianini threatened and Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) also emerged as a serious threat for a place in Q2, slotting into second. Then it all came down to Marc Marquez, losing out in the first part of the lap, then gaining some time back… but then tagging onto teammate Joan Mir and having to overtake the number 36. It wasn’t enough for either, with Morbidelli easing through on top and rookie Augusto Fernandez nabbing that second place in Q2.

Q2

The conditions remained torrential in Q2. The first serious shot at pole was a stunning lap from Miller as the Australian pulled over a second and a half clear, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) taking over in second. But then came the first drama as Pecco slid out, rider ok but losing his chance to head back out.

Alex Marquez was the first to make a real attack on Miller’s time, the number 73 getting within a tenth and a half as the field managed to home in on the goalposts. He then also suffered a crash, rider ok, but out of contention. And then came Bezzecchi. The sophomore sliced round Silverstone to knock an impressive 0.270 off rain master Miller’s time, taking over in provisional pole.

From there, Bezzecchi stole more headlines as he had a fairly fast crash out of the session, but rider ok… and that laptime remained unbeatable. He takes back to back poles in very different conditions and at very different venues, with Miller forced to settle for second.

THE GRID

Behind Bezzecchi and Miller, Alex Marquez takes that third on the grid to complete the front row. He’s ahead of Bagnaia, whose crash seemed like it could be costly for his grid position, but the reigning Champion actually didn’t lose out too much as he heads the second row. He’s joined by a stunning Q2 performance from Q1 graduate and rookie Augusto Fernandez who takes fifth, with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) completing Row 2 despite also crashing in the session.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) lend their firepower to Row 3, with Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in P10 and looking for a classic Binder slice through the order. Morbidelli is next up, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) left ruing the weather more than anyone after his amazing speed in the dry on Friday gives way to P12 on the grid on Saturday and Sunday.

Bastianini is left in P13 on the grid, ahead of Marc Marquez and a truly impressive first qualifying back for Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) just behind his former teammate. Quartararo finds himself at the back of the field at Silverstone, looking for much more once the lights go out. Join us for the first instance of that this afternoon!

Moto2: Acosta Earns Pole, Roberts Qualifies 10th In The Wet At Silverstone

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

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Moto2: Acosta Earns Pole, Roberts Qualifies 10th In The Wet At Silverstone

Pedro Acosta earned pole position during Moto2 World Championship qualifying Saturday at rainy Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex, the Spaniard covered the 3.7-mile (5.9 km) road course in 2:16.953 to top the field of 29 riders.

American Joe Roberts qualified 10th with a time of 2:18.811 on his Italtrans Racing Kalex.

American Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) is not racing at Silverstone. He is still recovering from surgery on his right forearm.

Moto2 Comb Qual

Moto3: Masia Takes Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone

David Swarts

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August 5, 2023

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Moto3: Masia Takes Pole Position At Rainy Silverstone

Spaniard Jaume Masia took pole position during Moto3 World Championship qualifying on Saturday at Silverstone, in England. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, Masia lapped the wet 3.7-mile (5.9 km) course in 2:25.072 to top the field of 28 riders.

Moto3 Comb Qual

MotoE: Granado Grabs Pole Position At Silverstone

David Swarts

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August 4, 2023

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MotoE: Granado Grabs Pole Position At Silverstone

MotoE Q2
MotoE Q1

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

MotoE™: dramatic Q2 sees Granado grab first pole of 2023

Silverstone shakes it up as Torres and Ferrari both crash out, with Granado joined by Casadei and Garzo on a front row looking to capitalise

Friday, 04 August 2023

There could be some serious shifts in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship standings on Saturday as qualifying sets the scene for two classic showdowns at Silverstone. Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) will start from his first pole of the season after navigating a start-stop Q2 interrupted by a Red Flag, with Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) and Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) joining him on the front row.

Crashes for both points leader Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) AND closest challenger Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) – riders ok – see them start from the third row, and Ferrari also has a Long Lap penalty for Race 1 after his crash came under yellow flags out for the Torres incident.

Before all that, it was Casadei and Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) who moved through from a calmer Q1, but the drama hit in Q2 as that crash for Torres see him lose out on a chance at pole – and cancel some laps due to the yellow flags. Ferrari then crashed in the incident that would earn him the Long Lap, and that caused even more drama: as the Gresini machine remained in the gravel, the Red Flag came out with just over two minutes to go.

Once cleared, it was announced the session would restart for three minutes, allowing the riders to head back out for one more shot at it. Not all did, but the session came to a frenetic close with Granado on pole for the first time in 2023, back on top after a tougher start to the season. Casadei takes second despite coming from Q1, and with Garzo in third it’s three riders who could gain big in the standings as the two at the top start from further back.

Check out the full session below and get ready for Race 1 at 12:15 (GMT +1), before Race 2 at 16:10. You can tune in to MotoE™ via your MotoGP™ coverage provider! For Italy that’s Sky Italy with Race 1 live and Race 2 live or on delay, in France CANAL+SPORT 360, and in Spain both races are live via DAZN. In the UK, TNT Sports 2 shows Race 1 live, and often Race 2 – depending on programming. Switzerland’s coverage is across SRF/RTS/RSI, and viewers in Brazil can watch on ESPN4. From Down Under with Fox Sports Australia to the northern tip of Europe with VIAPLAY across Scandinavia, look for MotoE™ with the MotoGP™ broadcaster in your territory, with the full list of our partners HERE. MotoGP™ media partners broadcast MotoE™ live or on delay on their linear or digital channels, and everyone can also tune in to watch both races live and OnDemand via VideoPass on motogp.com!

Manx GP: Roper Riding Team Obsolete’s Ex-Phil Read MV Agusta 500 Triple

David Swarts

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August 4, 2023

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Manx GP: Roper Riding Team Obsolete’s Ex-Phil Read MV Agusta 500 Triple

Centenary Celebration – Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix

August 22 – 29, 2023

Isle of Man – Team Obsolete is proud to announce the continuation of their long association with this iconic Isle of Man motorcycle racing venue. “It is an honor to support the Centenary Celebration at the world’s greatest motorcycle racing venue!!” said Team Owner Rob Iannucci.

Team Obsolete and Isle of Man TT winner Dave Roper are set to pay tribute to the late Phil Read, MBE, seven times F.I.M. World Champion, and also to the Manx Grand Prix Centennial.

Roper will ride Phil’s 1973 MV Agusta 500 triple in the “Made at the Manx Grand Prix Parade” on the legendary mountain circuit. Phil began his amateur career at the Manx Grand Prix, and went on to a brilliant professional career (seven (7) World Championships.) Arai Europe is providing Roper with a “Phil Read” helmet.

Roper will be joined by 16 invited “legend riders,” pairing them with other historic bikes. They will likewise pay tribute to other past famous riders who began their careers at the Manx GP.

Many thanks to the Organizers, and to our sponsors: Vanson Leathers, Red Line Synthetic Oil, Buchanan’s Spoke & Rim, and AVON Tyres.

MotoE: World Championship Race Two Results From Silverstone

August 5, 2023

Silverstone Circuit. Photo courtesy of Michelin.

Mattia Casadei won wet MotoE World Championship Race Two at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his HP Pons Los40 Ducati electric racebike, the Italian won the six-lap race by 1.108 seconds.

Eric Granado was the runner-up on his LCR E-Team machine, and Casadei’s teammate Nicolas Spinelli finished third, 6.776 seconds back.

Openbank Aspar Team’s Jordi Torres was fourth, 0.133 second behind Spinelli, which was enough for him to maintain his lead in the point standings.

MotoE R2
MotoE Points after R2

MotoGP: Wet Sprint Race Results From Silverstone

August 5, 2023

Alex Marquez won the wet MotoGP World Championship Sprint race Saturday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Gresini Ducati Desmosedici, the Spaniard won the 10-lap race, his first Sprint race win, by 0.366 second over pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi.

Second place in the Sprint was enough for Bezzecchi to move into second in the World Championship point standings.

Maverick Vinales charged from the third row to finish third on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.

MotoGP Sprint Race
MotoGP Points after Sprint

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Alex Marquez holds off Bezzecchi for stunning Sprint win at Silverstone

The Gresini rider takes to the top step for the first time in MotoGP™, with Bezzecchi gaining some big points in second and Viñales back at the front in third

Saturday, 05 August 2023

There’s a new Tissot Sprint winner on the block! Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) moved through to the front and took off on a wet but drying track, with Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) chasing him down late on but not quite close enough to launch a last lap attack. Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) made steady progress to pick his way through the order, the Aprilia rider coming home third for his first Saturday podium.

One headline also saw Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) fail to score, the number 1 having a couple of close moments on track to lose ground and ultimately forced to settle for 14th – outside the points on super Saturday! Bezzecchi therefore gains some ground with second place, and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) too as he took P6.

Bezzecchi held the hold shot from pole, but Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) didn’t waste time to strike and take over in the lead. From there it was a frenetic opening couple of laps to the Sprint, with the track wet enough for the medium wets but conditions starting to dry.

Miller quickly made his way back through on the VR46 rider to take the lead as Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) shot into P3 with Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) trying to force his way through on the rookie. Martin eventually got the better of Fernandez with Alex Marquez quickly following suit, his charge beginning in earnest. Martin then tried his hand at taking the lead but Miller wasn’t letting the Spaniard have it easy as the Aussie had plenty of answers for the Pramac rider’s attacks.

Who dares wins!

The race began to settle with a seven-bike freight train battling for the victory with the top guys swapping and changing postions corner after corner. Once Alex Marquez took the lead, however, he went on to set the fastest lap and begin to stretch out the field.

Marquez, Bezzecchi, Miller, Viñales, and Martin was the order with six laps to go, with a second between Marquez and Bezzecchi, and another half a second back to Miller who had the rest of the front group right in his wheel tracks.

Marquez kept Bezzecchi at arm’s length for the rest of the race but as the rain started to come down once again on the final couple of laps, the Italian began to make up significant ground on the Gresini machine ahead. By the final sector it was only a handful of tenths but Bezzecchi didn’t quite have enough in the tank to make a move, seeing Alex Marquez sweep through to his first ever Sprint win.

Aprilia always deliver at Silverstone

Despite starting down in 8th place, Viñales was a man on a mission during Saturday’s Sprint action. The Spaniard was on the move and eventually pushed his way past the Aussie Jack Miller for the final podium spot, holding onto P3 as Miller faded the other way.

Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) also had his head down as he climbed his way up from 12th on the grid to 4th, before being demoted down to P5 by a late-charging Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing). Sixth went to Martin, meaning Bezzecchi just edges him down into third in the standings, and behid Miller came Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Miguel Oliveira (CrytoDARA RNF MotoGP) completed the top ten.

That leaves some big names out. Reigning Champion Bagnaia failed to score in a Sprint for the first time this year, getting pushed a little wide by Zarco but then fading down to P14. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) rode home behind teammate Joan Mir to literally observe as the Japanese giants work to make big steps forward, in P17 and P18, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) came home in P20 after that difficult qualifying too.

Next: Grand Prix Sunday!

In the wet it was a whole new picture, but the weather on Sunday looks like it might change again. Can Bezzecchi keep making gains? Will more history be made? Find out at 13:00 (GMT +1) local time as we go Grand Prix racing at Silverstone!

World Endurance: Team HRC With Japan Post Takes Pole For Suzuka 8-Hours

August 5, 2023

230805_165853_1__Z2T1909_WM — Tetsuta Nagashima (33) on his Team HRC with Japan Post Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP at Suzuka. Photo by Kohei Hirota.