After taking the victory in MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two June 4 at Road America, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC rider Josh Herrin celebrated on the cool down lap. On live TV, Herrin stood on the footpegs of his Panigale V4 R and raised both middle fingers.
The fingers were meant for all the critics who doubted his abilities, Herrin later said, but MotoAmerica did not like the gestures and fined the veteran rider $2,500.
Now, Herrin has decided to turn the situation into something good by using it as fuel to start a fundraiser to benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping prevent injuries at racetracks by advocating and facilitating the use of soft barriers from companies like Airfence and Alpina.
Herrin set a goal of $2,500, equal to his fine, and in less than 24 hours over $4,000 has been raised.
The Roadracing World Action Fund is currently raising funds to replace the 16 sections of Airfence Bike that were destroyed in a fire during a recent WERA race at Road Atlanta. The cost to replace those units is $41,600 plus shipping.
To make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Roadracing World Action Fund, click on the Action Fund tab at the top of the Roadracingworld.com home page or go to https://www.roadracingworld.com/actionfund/
Donations can also be made via PayPal at [email protected]. Put “RA fire replacements” in the comments/notes if you want the funds to go toward replacing the soft barriers lost at Road Atlanta.
Ferrandez out of sight in wet Mugello Rookies Cup win
Alberto Ferrandez totally dominated a soaking wet Race 1 at Mugello. The 15-year-old Spaniard won by over 30 seconds while a string of pursuers fell off while nowhere near able to match his pace.
Local hero Guido Pini fell from 2nd place at the first corner of the last lap leaving Jakob Rosenthaler no chance of avoiding his sliding KTM, gifting 2nd to Casey O’Gorman. Marco Morelli took a well deserved 3rd ahead of points leader Angel Piqueras.
Alberto Ferrandez in a class of his own
“I can’t believe it, what an incredible feeling,” he beamed. “The whole race was all about concentration, almost from the start I was just thinking, don’t crash, don’t crash, at every corner. It was a long and hard race for the mind.”
“I do enjoy riding in the rain so I was confident going into the race but of course also nervous about what might happen. I am so happy.”
“I am also getting a better and better feeling with the KTM every time I ride it so for tomorrow I hope we have a dry race, I want to be able to do the same thing on a dry track.”
Casey O’Gorman finally on the right side of fortune
“It’s certainly a bit better than last year and I’m happy with that,” enthused the 15-year-old Irishman referring to the fact that he fell while leading 12 months ago. “I had a lot of luck in the race with people falling off in front of me but that’s the first bit of luck I’ve had all year so I’ll take it.”
“I didn’t want a repeat of last year, I was OK as long as I could see the podium places because that was where I wanted to be. Every time I saw someone in front of me in a podium place they crashed out so…
“Finally, on the last lap I was 4th, I was planning how I was going to overtake Pini and Rosenthaler and then they both crashed on the first corner. So the rest of the lap was the slowest I did all race,” he chuckled.
Marco Morelli continues to show his class
“It’s incredible, my first podium in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, that’s fantastic.” stated the 15-year-old Argentine. “The race was so so difficult because the rain made it very tricky conditions.”
“In the first laps I did not feel so good, I couldn’t get a good feeling with the tyres but lap by lap I got some confidence and started to go a bit faster and I could gain positions.”
“I need to thank everyone supporting me. For tomorrow if the result would be the same as today that another wet race will be good but really I need to succeed in the dry to be competitive. So I look forward to doing just as well in a dry race.”
Angel Piqueras turned caution into success
“The track was so slippery, a lot of water and a bit dangerous,” explained the 16-year-old Spaniard who went backwards from pole on lap 1. “At the start of the race I just didn’t have any good feeling from the track and the tyres, I had to go slow. Then after a few laps I warmed the tyres a little and I started to feel what they were doing.”
“That gave me a bit of confidence and I could push a little more but I still wasn’t fast. I was feeling better and better as the race went on and I could get some points. I’m happy because the gap to the second in the championship has increased..”
Jakob Rosenthaler robbed of a brilliant podium
“I already felt in the sighting laps that I could run at the front and battle with the fastest riders,” explained the 17-year-old Austrian. “I knew from last year more-or-less who is fast and I could go with them and overtake a lot of guys.”
“I was really feeling confident and all the way I could gain places and get to the front. I think that from about lap 4 or 5 I was fighting for the podium and then battling, swapping, 2nd and 3rd place.”
“In the last lap I tried to get into 2nd because I knew that there were 3 riders fighting for 2 podium positions so it is always better to be in front,” he laughed.
“Then Pini overtook me going into Turn 1 and had a small highside. I couldn’t avoid him, just bad luck. I picked the bike up but the engine had stopped and I couldn’t restart it.”
“I am looking forward to tomorrow, wet or dry, I know from qualifying in the dry that I did a good lap more or less alone and I have a good feeling. So I think I have good possibilities to fight in the front group also in the dry.”
Guido Pini makes last lap mistake
“The race, before that last lap….. was good,” admitted the 15-year-old Italian ruefully. I was in 2nd position. “Ferrandez was too far in front, I tried to stay in 2nd, with another 2 riders. On the last lap, in the 1st corner I lost the rear and I crashed.”
“I’m not happy for the crash but I think the race was good. A dry race for me is better tomorrow but as we saw today I can also be fast in the wet.”
Max Quiles crashes out of an early lead
“It was a great race and in the first laps I was quite fast,” enthused the 15-year-old Spaniard. “I made an error on the first lap going for my long lap penalty, I was nervous and forgot that you can’t do it on the first lap. I did another on the second lap and would have done a third, I was still fast and in front. I was comfortable but in water, one little movement and you crash. I was quite unlucky.”
“Next time I will try to be more calm.”
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 8:50, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
Granado back on top after glorious wet weather masterclass at Mugello
The Brazilian shines in the rain as Manfredi takes a first podium in second and Ferrari makes key gains with another podium
Eric Granado (51) won wet MotoE Race Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.
It’s been a tough month for Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) as the Brazilian was forced onto the sidelines due to injury, but his return at Mugello has put him right back in play for the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship. Some solid points in Race 1 started Saturday off well, but as torrential conditions hit just ahead of the second electric showdown of the day, it was a whole new challenge. Still, the Brazilian sliced through through after a tougher start to take the lead late on and then really put the hammer down, making a gap before the Red Flag came out on the very last lap.
Behind him, there was an absolute charge from home hero Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) as he fought at the front and came home second, with Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) completing the podium and with that, moving to within just two points of leader Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) in the standings.
There was drama even before lights out as Prettl Pramac riders Tito Rabat and Luca Salvadori both didn’t make it round to pitlane in time to head back through for a second sighting lap, forcing them to start from pitlane. When the lights went out on the grid though it was spray down into Turn 1 but no drama at all, with everyone finding their braking points and setting off around Mugello for a shortened six-lap dash.
Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) got the holeshot, with Ferrari into second and Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) into third, but Manfredi was soon on the move up, as was Granado too. Ferrari then struck at the front to lead and pulled out quite a gap out of the final corner, with Casadei fighting with Granado and Manfredi.
And so, Ferrari led Granado led Manfredi, with the trio pulling clear to make it a private fight for the win as Casadei tried to regroup. As Manfredi battled Granado for second though, Casadei was able to regroup and start to pull then back in.
Alas, it wasn’t to be for the number 40. Granado took the lead at Turn 1 on the penultimate lap, and the Brazilian was pulling clear as Casadei then crashed out of that chasing group. Rider ok, but bike very much not, beached in the gravel near the air fence and bringing the Red Flag out.
With that, Granado’s gap at the front was more than enough to secure the win, and a move Manfredi had just made on Ferrari ensured the number 34 took that second place. Ferrari, forced to settle for third, still made it a positive day at the office, now within a two points of the top.
Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) took fourth after a late charge, with Torres completing the top five just ahead of Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™ duo Hector Garzo and Krummenacher. Race 1 winner Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) crashed out, as did Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team).
Mika Perez (RNF MotoE™ Team), Alessandro Zaccone (Tech 3 E-Racing) and Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the top ten.
That’s a wrap on Mugello! Torres is now top by two points from Ferrari, with Garzo back into third by another two points. And Granado? He’s now seventh, with 35 points to Torres’ 63. Bring on Germany!
HICKMAN CLAIMS VICTORY IN MILWAUKEE SENIOR TT RACE
Peter Hickman took his fourth win of the week at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races with a 20 second victory – his 13th career win – over Dean Harrison in this afternoon’s Milwaukee Senior TT Race.
Peter Hickman (10). Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
The Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW rider set the fastest lap of the race, 135.507mph, on the second lap which saw him claim two more best-ever sector times meaning he now has all six, as he came home ahead of Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki) and Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Honda).
It was Harrison who seized the initiative on the first run to Glen Helen and he led Hickman by half a second with Dunlop, perhaps surprisingly, 2.2 seconds adrift in third. James Hillier (OMG Racing Yamaha) had made a good start and was running in fifth ahead of the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles Honda duo of Conor Cummins and Davey Todd.
Dean Harrison (2). Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
Seventh to tenth were occupied by John McGuinness (Honda Racing), Jamie Coward (KTS Racing powered by Steadplan Honda), Hickman’s team-mate Josh Brookes and David Johnson (C&L Fairburn Properties/Jackson Racing Honda) with the quartet covered by just three quarters of a second.
Hickman grabbed the lead on the run to Ballaugh, courtesy of the first ever sub-three minute sector time, but Coward was out having retired at the famous landmark, and by Ramsey Hairpin, Hickman’s lead had moved out to 4.7s. Dunlop was still in third but had closed to within three quarters of a second of Harrison. Fourth to sixth was now Cummins, Hillier and Brookes.
An opening lap of 135.349mph – the quickest ever standing start lap – put Hickman 6.1 seconds ahead of Harrison with Dunlop now 3.9 seconds adrift of Harrison. Cummins still ran in fourth but whilst Hillier continued to run in fifth, he was only 0.098s ahead of Brookes. Johnson was now up to seventh as McGuinness, Dominic Herbertson and Craig Neve rounded out the top ten.
Michael Dunlop (6). Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
Through Glen Helen for the second time, Hickman’s lead had extended to 7.4 seconds, aided by another new sector time, with Brookes overhauling Hillier for fifth. Mike Browne was out though having retired at the pits and Herbertson followed him out of the race shortly afterwards when he stopped at Ballacraine.
Onto Ramsey on the second lap and Hickman had stretched his advantage to 8.7 seconds with Dunlop losing further ground as he now sat 6.8s behind Harrison. Further back, Johnson was now less than a second adrift of fellow Honda rider McGuinness.
By the Bungalow, the lead went above ten seconds for the first time and with a second lap of 135.507mph, Hickman led Harrison by 11.8 seconds. Dunlop was now more than seven seconds behind Harrison in third as Cummins, Brookes and Hillier held station in fourth to sixth. Johnson sat in seventh, 0.4 seconds ahead of McGuinness, with Todd and Neve completing the top ten, the latter doing his first 130mph+ lap.
A quicker pit stop by Harrison’s crew brought Hickman’s lead down to eight seconds at Glen Helen and there were further changes elsewhere as McGuinness moved up to sixth and Hillier dropped down to tenth.
Hickman slowly reasserted control of the race though and at the end of the lap, half race distance, his advantage was close to ten seconds once more. Dunlop was losing further ground in third and looked to be out of contention, but he remained well clear of fourth placed Cummins.
With a fourth lap speed of 134.822mph, Hickman extended his lead to 12.38s as he made his second and final pit stop but whilst Harrison was continuing to keep the pressure on, Dunlop had slipped some 23.6 seconds behind the Kawasaki rider. Cummins and Brookes were looking secure in fourth and fifth with McGuinness almost ten seconds ahead of a recovering Hillier.
The lead was again brought down to less than ten seconds at the pit stop but once Hickman overhauled Dunlop on the road, he upped his advantage once more and starting the final lap he led Harrison by 15 seconds.
That had become 19.989 seconds by the chequered flag with Dunlop completing the podium in third. Cummins ended his week on a high in fourth with Brookes doing likewise in fifth and it was Hillier who got the verdict for sixth after overtaking McGuinness on the final lap. Johnson, Todd and Rob Hodson, who posted a maiden 130mph+ lap, completed the top ten after Rutter retired at Glen Vine on the penultimate lap.
Bagnaia masters the mayhem in manic Mugello Sprint
The Tissot Sprint serves up a storm as Bezzecchi is forced to settle for second and the action comes thick and fast from first lap to last
Francesco Bagnaia (1) leads Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint race at Mugello. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 10 June 2023
The Tissot Sprint at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley kept MotoGP™ fans on the edge of their seats as a freight train of riders hurtled under the looming clouds threatening Saturday’s perfect dry running. With all the 2023 big hitters in the mix it was a tall order for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to take victory as closest challenger Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was right on the tail of the #1 to the flag, but the reigning Champion held firm to lay down the gauntlet for Sunday. The battle for 3rd went down to the wire as well as Prima Pramac Racing had their own duel, Jorge Martin just fending off his teammate Johann Zarco.
To push or not to push?
Rain clouds loomed over Mugello ahead of the first-ever Tissot Sprint at the iconic Italian venue. The lights went out, and Bagnaia took the holeshot as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) flew his way into P2. Miller didn’t hold onto it though as Bagnaia led Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Martin on the first lap.
There was drama from the off as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was eager to carve through the field. The South African saw a small gap left open by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), but as the door naturally began to close on the racing line the slightest of touches was all that was needed to send the Spaniard into the Turn 1 gravel trap. Binder was given a Long Lap for that as AM73 tumbled out, rider ok.
Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Martin, Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Bezzecchi, and Miller was the order the first time across the line. Spits of rain then began to fall as Martin decided it was time to hit the front with the pack bunching up in uncertain conditions. The rain flags came out as the riders were now able to swap bikes if they so wished.
The pack began to shuffle as the rain came down on the far section of the circuit with nine laps to go. Martin led the way with Miller and Marquez following closely. At this point, Miller decided it was time for gloves off as he divebombed Marc Marquez, sending them both wide and down the order.
Meanwhile at the front, Bagnaia had retaken the lead and with Marquez and Miller now having dropped down to P7 and P5 respectively, the order was now Bagnaia, Martin, Bezzecchi, Marini, and Miller.
The top dog vs the new kid on the block
The rain stopped and the race began to settle down with seven laps to go, but now it was now Bezzecchi catapulting himself right in the mix. The young Italian was all over the rear wheel of the race leader Bagnaia, with the Pramac duo of Martin and Zarco waiting to pick up the pieces in 3rd and 4th.
The pressure was on for Bagnaia but the #1 responded in true Champions’ fashion stretching out the field with four laps remaining. Bagnaia put the hammer down setting the fastest lap of the race, giving himself some breathing space ahead of chasing Indendent Team Ducatis. Bezzecchi threw the kitchen sink at the Mugello circuit but it wasn’t enough to get the better of Bagnaia who was in a league of his own, and brought home his first Tissot Sprint victory on home soil.
Points up for grabs
The fight for the final spot in the top 3 was decided by less than a tenth of a second as Zarco almost rode pillion to Martin on the final lap. The final sector came Zarco was trying everything to push his way through, but the Spaniard kept the door firmly closed on the #5.
Marini rounded out the top 5 on home soil with Miller recovering to P6 after dropping down the order. After Miller and Marquez had bashed bars early on, Marquez came home P7.
Walking wounded, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) held strong in a solid point-scoring finish ahead of another recovering rider in Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Italian took the final point as he crossed the line in a Tissot Sprint for the first time in his career. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) rounded out the top 10 as his 2023 struggles continued somewhat, looking for more on Sunday.
If Saturday’s action at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley is anything to go by, you do not want to miss any of the action on Sunday’s billing as the race gets underway at 14:00 local time (GMT +2)!
Aron Canet (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Canet grabs pole ahead of Acosta, Arbolino 10th
Aron Canet (Pons Wegwow Los40) put his name well and truly into the mix for victory contention at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley as the Spaniard put down a 1:50.796 in Q2, but bad luck hit not long after. He crashed out and headed to the medical centre, and he’ll need to be reviewed before the race to get the ok to start. He has a small bone infraction in two fingers, but he’ll be determined to be given the green light.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) dominated practice and was the favourite going into the session, but fell 0.159s short of his compatriot to start second. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) rounded out the top three for another front row, with teammate and Championship leader Tony Arbolino down in 10th.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) bagged P4 to secure the top spot on row two with Filip Salač (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and Jake Dixon (AutosolarGASGAS Aspar M2) joining the American on Row 2. It was looking as if Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) was going to take pole in the closing stages, but traffic mid-lap halted the Italian’s progress. Vietti will line up in P7 on the grid, fronting Row 3 ahead of the MB Conveyors SpeedUp duo of Fermin Aldeguer and Alonso Lopez. Can they move forward? Tune in at 12:15 (GMT+2) on Sunday to find out!
Deniz Oncu (53). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Öncü takes pole in demolition job at the top
Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has been faultless so far at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley as he put in an incredible 1:56.020 for pole, over half a second clear. Joel Kelso (CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP) set the 2nd fastest time but following a sanction for slow riding on the line, will start from the back of the grid and take a long lap penalty in the race. That promotes Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) to second on the grid and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) onto the front row.
Despite taking pole by over half a second, Öncü was determined to break the 1:46 barrier and set a new all-time lap record for the Moto3™ category. It wasn’t meant to be for the KTM man however, as the rear-end slid out midway through a hot lap seeing him lose half a second in one sector.
Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) led the best of the rest as the Brazilian was 0.701s shy of pole, but just like Kelso serves a back of the grid and Long Lap penalty. This gifts Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) P4 as he enjoyed a dream weekend starting from the front of row 2 at his home Grand Prix. Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) will join him on row two, with Andrea Migno (CIP Green Power), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), and Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) making up row three. Check out full results below.
The Moto3™ riders’ attention now turns to the race on Sunday, make sure not to miss any of the action as it commences at 11:00 local time (GMT +2).
Mantovani fends off Ferrari and Casadei in close Race 1
It’s a tricolore podium and a first time winner in the first electric showdown at Mugello
Saturday, 10 June 2023
Andrea Mantovani (9) beat Matteo Ferrari (11) and Mattia Casadei (40) in MotoE Race One at Mugello. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) is now a MotoE™ race winner! The Italian came out on top in Race 1 at Mugello, fighting off Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) and Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) in an all-Italian showdown for the win. Ferrari got oh so close on the final lap but couldn’t quit make a move, forced to settle for second, with Casadei a little disappointed in third but back on the podium on home turf.
Ferrari and Casadei shot off the line as the lights went out, with Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) losing some ground in the shuffle at Turn 1 and Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) the same. Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) managed to gain from seventh, but it was Mantovani making waves behind Ferrari and Casadei in the lead as the trio started to break away.
A jolt of drama came at the start of Lap 2, with Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) trying a move on Garzo for fourth and overcooking it, sliding out. Rider ok, but it left Garzo at the head of the group chasing the leading trio. As the laps ticked down though, the chasing group became a duo as Garzo and teammate Randy Krummemacher kept some clear air back to Granado, with the Brazilian starting to come under some pressure from behind.
With three to go, Mantovani then hit for the lead. A clean move at Turn 1 saw the number 9 take over, and the very same corner staged another shuffle next time round. Ferrari got past Mantovani on the straight and then headed slightly wide, just as Casadei got past Mantovani. But the number 9 was able to get the cutback on both in stunning style, back in the lead as the final lap approached.
Onto that last lap, Mantovani stayed ahead as Ferrari sliced back past Casadei, and the number 11 then set about chasing the RNF machine down. But as close as he got, he couldn’t make a move through the final sector, with Mantovani taking that stunning home win. Ferrari was forced to settle for second, with Casadei back on the rostrum for the first time in 2023 in third.
Fourth saw Garzo just get the better of rookie teammate Krummenacher, with Granado coming home sixth as he returns to action and managed to hold off Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse duo Kevin Manfredi and Kevin Zannoni. Torres eventually took P9 and will want more in Race 2, with Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) completing the top ten.
Defending Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia earned pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at the Mugello Circuit, in Italy. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici, Bagnaia lapped the 3.2-mile (5.2 km) track in 1:44.855, which eclipsed Fabio Quartararo’s 2021 All-Time Lap Record of 1:45.187.
Earning the other two spots on the front row were Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez (1:44.933) and his younger brother Alex Marquez (1:45.007), who rode a Gresini Ducati.
Bagnaia vs Marquez heats up! Pole decided by 0.078 after close Q2 showdown at Mugello
Less than a tenth of a second and one lengthy on-track debate decides pole in favour of Pecco, with MM93 second and Alex Marquez third fastest
Saturday, 10 June 2023
Another Saturday, another stunning Q2… and another portion of spice for the history books! At the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) has beaten Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) to pole by another tiny margin, this time 0.078, and the two once again exchanged some words as the number 93 slotted in behind the reigning World Champion on track. In Q2, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was third fastest despite having come through Q1, grabbing a front row for the Tissot Sprint right at the end, but he’ll serve his 3-place grid penalty on Sunday… bumping Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) up to a front row for the Grand Prix race.
Q1
As ever, there were some big names in Q1 looking for a spot in the top ten shootout, including Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez. The number 73 set the benchmark early on and no one could get close – but it was a tense finale for the rest fighting over that second chance to move through.
Initially it was held by Viñales before a late lap from Miller saw the Aussie steal it, but both the number 12 and Quartararo were still out there giving it one last shot. Viñales was close in the first two sectors before his time started to fade, and Quartararo the opposite as he started out of touch, got within two tenths, and then lost out over the line. So that was that: Alex Marquez led Miller through, Viñales loses out, and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) pips teammate Quartararo to P14.
Q2
Early on, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was on a race to get back out after a crash, and Marc Marquez was making friends with a tow, this time slotted in behind Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as they went to the top. Next, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) took over on provisional pole and the stage was set for a fairly shot at the top.
Then the fireworks really started. Marc Marquez came out of pitlane behind Bezzecchi but at a distance… and Bagnaia was heading down the main straight. As he headed round Turn 1 and saw the Repsol Honda ahead, the Italian immediately started gesticulating. He moved alongside the Honda and did the same, with Marquez not going anywhere, and then Pecco put the hammer down. The number 93 followed and the two shot off round Mugello.
That lap was a different kind of fireworks, with Pecco setting a new lap record and laying down the gauntlet, ignoring the Honda on his tail. Could Marquez do what he did in Portugal and nearly did in France, pipping the reigning World Champion at the post? Not this time. As the Repsol Honda crossed the line, it was into second place… by just 0.078. And what a show!
It wasn’t over there as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) shot up into third, and Alex Marquez was on the move. The number 73 just shuffled his fellow Q1 graduate off the front row, and that seemed a wrap. Even after the session, however, came a change. After reviewing a suspected track limits infraction for Marini at Turn 5 that had seen the Italian’s lap cancelled, it was later reinstated – putting him fourth in the session.
THE GRID(S)
That makes it Bagnaia – Marquez, Marc – Marquez, Alex fronting the grid for the Tissot Sprint at Mugello, with Marini at the head of Row 2. The Italian has Miller and Martin alongside on Saturday.
On Sunday, however, Alex Marquez has a 3-place grid penalty given in Le Mans, so the Grand Prix race grid will be Bagnaia, Marc Marquez and Marini on the front row, and Miller, Martin and Alex Marquez on Row 2.
Bezzecchi therefore heads up Row 3, joined by Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) as he rode through the pain barrier into P8, just ahead of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol). Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), after a crash at Turn 11, will start 11th, looking for some immediate progress off the line. Bastianini rounds out Q2 as he couldn’t move up the order after that early crash.
Young cruises through Q2 to take Superbike pole in Grand Bend
Grand Bend, ON – The leadup to the second round of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship made it look like a nail-biting qualifying was on the horizon, but Ben Young made sure it was anything but on Friday at the Grand Bend Motorplex.
The defending champion dominated the opening Q1 session aboard his Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW, posting a time of 1:03.533 that put him a comfortable 0.622 seconds clear of rival Alex Dumas and into the top-ten Q2 shootout.
That trend continued into the final session, however, as no one could even come close to matching the blistering pace of Young, who gradually pushed his way further and further into the 1:02 second mark before closing the day out with a best time of 1:02.734, a stunning 0.532 seconds clear of the next rider to win his fourth consecutive BS Battery Pole Award.
Made worse for the competition was not just Young’s one-lap pace, but the fact that he consistently ran in the high 1:02 mark, becoming only the second rider to ever reach that threshold after Trevor Dion smashed the lap record in 2022 behind a 1:02.371 lap.
“It was our first time on the M1000 here – last year we raced the S1000 – and we were trying some things and collecting data, so the result is obviously very interesting,” Young said. “I was hoping for close to a 1:02, but we got well into the 1:02’s, so it proved to be a good lap for the BMW on these Bridgestone tires.”
As if Young’s pole pace wasn’t stunning enough, it was equally shocking to see who will line up next to him on Saturday, as local star Chris Pletsch earned an impressive second ahead of his first ever national GP Bikes Pro Superbike appearance.
“I really couldn’t have asked for a better result. I was just trying to see if I could get into the top five,” Pletsch said. “I would never have expected to be up here next to these guys, so now we just have to hang with them tomorrow.”
The result is also a much needed one for Honda, as the Stratford Cycle Centre Honda rider will eye his brand’s first feature class podium since 2015 this weekend, though it came at the expense of Dumas who was displaced to third.
The Purple Skull Brewing/Liqui Moly Suzuki rider was able to improve his time on his last flying lap across the line, but still 0.037 seconds short of Pletsch as he narrowly settled for third on the grid and the last spot on row one.
Despite the less than ideal qualifying order, Dumas will still carry a 21-point lead into race one on Saturday, and was happy with his pace as he looks to latch on to Young early in both races and keep his championship advantage into round three.
Local star Chris Pletsch (110) impressed on Friday afternoon at Grand Bend with a second place qualifying time ahead of the weekend’s two Pro Superbike races. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.
Leading off the second row will be round one star Sam Guerin, who put his EFC Group BMW only 0.124 seconds off the front trio and firmly in podium contention if he can replicate his strong starts from the opening two races.
Right next to Guerin on the second row will be veteran Jordan Szoke, who put his LDS Consultants Kawasaki a half-second off the lead row to complete the top five. While Szoke’s single-lap pace couldn’t match the two most recent champions, his fitness has seemingly improved since round one, making him a sure threat for another podium (or two) this weekend.
Starting off the third row will be Trevor Daley, who put in a late flyer to move 0.124 seconds off Szoke and back into a more familiar spot after previously running outside the top-eight for most of the session aboard his OneSpeed Suzuki.
As for Trevor Dion, the 2022 pole-sitter went the opposite direction in 2023, being forced onto the sidelines early in Q2 thanks to a mechanical issue. The LDS Consultants Kawasaki rookie seemingly had the pace to challenge for a front row spot if not pole once again, but could only watch as a handful of riders managed to better his time in the late stages.
Joining Daley and Dion on the end of row three will be Tomas Casas, who fell just short of the 1:03 mark behind a time of 1:04.096, though still less than a second off second place aboard his Parts Canada Yamaha.
Rounding out the top-ten in Q2 were Jordan Royds on the IBEW BMW, missing out on a third-row spot by just 0.059 seconds to Casas, and Pro Sport Bike pole-sitter David MacKay, who used the extra practice time to put his ODH Snow City Cycle Kawasaki tenth on the feature class grid.
Full results from Superbike qualifying can be found on the series’ official website, while a snapshot of the other categories qualifying results are listed below.
Josh Herrin (2), after winning MotoAmerica Superbike Race Two June 4 at Road America. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
After taking the victory in MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two June 4 at Road America, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC rider Josh Herrin celebrated on the cool down lap. On live TV, Herrin stood on the footpegs of his Panigale V4 R and raised both middle fingers.
The fingers were meant for all the critics who doubted his abilities, Herrin later said, but MotoAmerica did not like the gestures and fined the veteran rider $2,500.
Now, Herrin has decided to turn the situation into something good by using it as fuel to start a fundraiser to benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping prevent injuries at racetracks by advocating and facilitating the use of soft barriers from companies like Airfence and Alpina.
Herrin set a goal of $2,500, equal to his fine, and in less than 24 hours over $4,000 has been raised.
The Roadracing World Action Fund is currently raising funds to replace the 16 sections of Airfence Bike that were destroyed in a fire during a recent WERA race at Road Atlanta. The cost to replace those units is $41,600 plus shipping.
To make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Roadracing World Action Fund, click on the Action Fund tab at the top of the Roadracingworld.com home page or go to https://www.roadracingworld.com/actionfund/
Donations can also be made via PayPal at [email protected]. Put “RA fire replacements” in the comments/notes if you want the funds to go toward replacing the soft barriers lost at Road Atlanta.
Ferrandez out of sight in wet Mugello Rookies Cup win
Alberto Ferrandez totally dominated a soaking wet Race 1 at Mugello. The 15-year-old Spaniard won by over 30 seconds while a string of pursuers fell off while nowhere near able to match his pace.
Local hero Guido Pini fell from 2nd place at the first corner of the last lap leaving Jakob Rosenthaler no chance of avoiding his sliding KTM, gifting 2nd to Casey O’Gorman. Marco Morelli took a well deserved 3rd ahead of points leader Angel Piqueras.
Alberto Ferrandez in a class of his own
“I can’t believe it, what an incredible feeling,” he beamed. “The whole race was all about concentration, almost from the start I was just thinking, don’t crash, don’t crash, at every corner. It was a long and hard race for the mind.”
“I do enjoy riding in the rain so I was confident going into the race but of course also nervous about what might happen. I am so happy.”
“I am also getting a better and better feeling with the KTM every time I ride it so for tomorrow I hope we have a dry race, I want to be able to do the same thing on a dry track.”
Casey O’Gorman finally on the right side of fortune
“It’s certainly a bit better than last year and I’m happy with that,” enthused the 15-year-old Irishman referring to the fact that he fell while leading 12 months ago. “I had a lot of luck in the race with people falling off in front of me but that’s the first bit of luck I’ve had all year so I’ll take it.”
“I didn’t want a repeat of last year, I was OK as long as I could see the podium places because that was where I wanted to be. Every time I saw someone in front of me in a podium place they crashed out so…
“Finally, on the last lap I was 4th, I was planning how I was going to overtake Pini and Rosenthaler and then they both crashed on the first corner. So the rest of the lap was the slowest I did all race,” he chuckled.
Marco Morelli continues to show his class
“It’s incredible, my first podium in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, that’s fantastic.” stated the 15-year-old Argentine. “The race was so so difficult because the rain made it very tricky conditions.”
“In the first laps I did not feel so good, I couldn’t get a good feeling with the tyres but lap by lap I got some confidence and started to go a bit faster and I could gain positions.”
“I need to thank everyone supporting me. For tomorrow if the result would be the same as today that another wet race will be good but really I need to succeed in the dry to be competitive. So I look forward to doing just as well in a dry race.”
Angel Piqueras turned caution into success
“The track was so slippery, a lot of water and a bit dangerous,” explained the 16-year-old Spaniard who went backwards from pole on lap 1. “At the start of the race I just didn’t have any good feeling from the track and the tyres, I had to go slow. Then after a few laps I warmed the tyres a little and I started to feel what they were doing.”
“That gave me a bit of confidence and I could push a little more but I still wasn’t fast. I was feeling better and better as the race went on and I could get some points. I’m happy because the gap to the second in the championship has increased..”
Jakob Rosenthaler robbed of a brilliant podium
“I already felt in the sighting laps that I could run at the front and battle with the fastest riders,” explained the 17-year-old Austrian. “I knew from last year more-or-less who is fast and I could go with them and overtake a lot of guys.”
“I was really feeling confident and all the way I could gain places and get to the front. I think that from about lap 4 or 5 I was fighting for the podium and then battling, swapping, 2nd and 3rd place.”
“In the last lap I tried to get into 2nd because I knew that there were 3 riders fighting for 2 podium positions so it is always better to be in front,” he laughed.
“Then Pini overtook me going into Turn 1 and had a small highside. I couldn’t avoid him, just bad luck. I picked the bike up but the engine had stopped and I couldn’t restart it.”
“I am looking forward to tomorrow, wet or dry, I know from qualifying in the dry that I did a good lap more or less alone and I have a good feeling. So I think I have good possibilities to fight in the front group also in the dry.”
Guido Pini makes last lap mistake
“The race, before that last lap….. was good,” admitted the 15-year-old Italian ruefully. I was in 2nd position. “Ferrandez was too far in front, I tried to stay in 2nd, with another 2 riders. On the last lap, in the 1st corner I lost the rear and I crashed.”
“I’m not happy for the crash but I think the race was good. A dry race for me is better tomorrow but as we saw today I can also be fast in the wet.”
Max Quiles crashes out of an early lead
“It was a great race and in the first laps I was quite fast,” enthused the 15-year-old Spaniard. “I made an error on the first lap going for my long lap penalty, I was nervous and forgot that you can’t do it on the first lap. I did another on the second lap and would have done a third, I was still fast and in front. I was comfortable but in water, one little movement and you crash. I was quite unlucky.”
“Next time I will try to be more calm.”
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 8:50, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
Granado back on top after glorious wet weather masterclass at Mugello
The Brazilian shines in the rain as Manfredi takes a first podium in second and Ferrari makes key gains with another podium
Eric Granado (51) won wet MotoE Race Two. Photo courtesy Dorna.
It’s been a tough month for Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) as the Brazilian was forced onto the sidelines due to injury, but his return at Mugello has put him right back in play for the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship. Some solid points in Race 1 started Saturday off well, but as torrential conditions hit just ahead of the second electric showdown of the day, it was a whole new challenge. Still, the Brazilian sliced through through after a tougher start to take the lead late on and then really put the hammer down, making a gap before the Red Flag came out on the very last lap.
Behind him, there was an absolute charge from home hero Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) as he fought at the front and came home second, with Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) completing the podium and with that, moving to within just two points of leader Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) in the standings.
There was drama even before lights out as Prettl Pramac riders Tito Rabat and Luca Salvadori both didn’t make it round to pitlane in time to head back through for a second sighting lap, forcing them to start from pitlane. When the lights went out on the grid though it was spray down into Turn 1 but no drama at all, with everyone finding their braking points and setting off around Mugello for a shortened six-lap dash.
Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) got the holeshot, with Ferrari into second and Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) into third, but Manfredi was soon on the move up, as was Granado too. Ferrari then struck at the front to lead and pulled out quite a gap out of the final corner, with Casadei fighting with Granado and Manfredi.
And so, Ferrari led Granado led Manfredi, with the trio pulling clear to make it a private fight for the win as Casadei tried to regroup. As Manfredi battled Granado for second though, Casadei was able to regroup and start to pull then back in.
Alas, it wasn’t to be for the number 40. Granado took the lead at Turn 1 on the penultimate lap, and the Brazilian was pulling clear as Casadei then crashed out of that chasing group. Rider ok, but bike very much not, beached in the gravel near the air fence and bringing the Red Flag out.
With that, Granado’s gap at the front was more than enough to secure the win, and a move Manfredi had just made on Ferrari ensured the number 34 took that second place. Ferrari, forced to settle for third, still made it a positive day at the office, now within a two points of the top.
Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) took fourth after a late charge, with Torres completing the top five just ahead of Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™ duo Hector Garzo and Krummenacher. Race 1 winner Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) crashed out, as did Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team).
Mika Perez (RNF MotoE™ Team), Alessandro Zaccone (Tech 3 E-Racing) and Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the top ten.
That’s a wrap on Mugello! Torres is now top by two points from Ferrari, with Garzo back into third by another two points. And Granado? He’s now seventh, with 35 points to Torres’ 63. Bring on Germany!
Michael Dunlop (6) leaving the starting line at the Isle of Man TT earlier this week. Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
HICKMAN CLAIMS VICTORY IN MILWAUKEE SENIOR TT RACE
Peter Hickman took his fourth win of the week at the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races with a 20 second victory – his 13th career win – over Dean Harrison in this afternoon’s Milwaukee Senior TT Race.
Peter Hickman (10). Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
The Monster Energy by FHO Racing BMW rider set the fastest lap of the race, 135.507mph, on the second lap which saw him claim two more best-ever sector times meaning he now has all six, as he came home ahead of Dean Harrison (DAO Racing Kawasaki) and Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Honda).
It was Harrison who seized the initiative on the first run to Glen Helen and he led Hickman by half a second with Dunlop, perhaps surprisingly, 2.2 seconds adrift in third. James Hillier (OMG Racing Yamaha) had made a good start and was running in fifth ahead of the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles Honda duo of Conor Cummins and Davey Todd.
Dean Harrison (2). Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
Seventh to tenth were occupied by John McGuinness (Honda Racing), Jamie Coward (KTS Racing powered by Steadplan Honda), Hickman’s team-mate Josh Brookes and David Johnson (C&L Fairburn Properties/Jackson Racing Honda) with the quartet covered by just three quarters of a second.
Hickman grabbed the lead on the run to Ballaugh, courtesy of the first ever sub-three minute sector time, but Coward was out having retired at the famous landmark, and by Ramsey Hairpin, Hickman’s lead had moved out to 4.7s. Dunlop was still in third but had closed to within three quarters of a second of Harrison. Fourth to sixth was now Cummins, Hillier and Brookes.
An opening lap of 135.349mph – the quickest ever standing start lap – put Hickman 6.1 seconds ahead of Harrison with Dunlop now 3.9 seconds adrift of Harrison. Cummins still ran in fourth but whilst Hillier continued to run in fifth, he was only 0.098s ahead of Brookes. Johnson was now up to seventh as McGuinness, Dominic Herbertson and Craig Neve rounded out the top ten.
Michael Dunlop (6). Photo courtesy Isle of Man TT Press Office.
Through Glen Helen for the second time, Hickman’s lead had extended to 7.4 seconds, aided by another new sector time, with Brookes overhauling Hillier for fifth. Mike Browne was out though having retired at the pits and Herbertson followed him out of the race shortly afterwards when he stopped at Ballacraine.
Onto Ramsey on the second lap and Hickman had stretched his advantage to 8.7 seconds with Dunlop losing further ground as he now sat 6.8s behind Harrison. Further back, Johnson was now less than a second adrift of fellow Honda rider McGuinness.
By the Bungalow, the lead went above ten seconds for the first time and with a second lap of 135.507mph, Hickman led Harrison by 11.8 seconds. Dunlop was now more than seven seconds behind Harrison in third as Cummins, Brookes and Hillier held station in fourth to sixth. Johnson sat in seventh, 0.4 seconds ahead of McGuinness, with Todd and Neve completing the top ten, the latter doing his first 130mph+ lap.
A quicker pit stop by Harrison’s crew brought Hickman’s lead down to eight seconds at Glen Helen and there were further changes elsewhere as McGuinness moved up to sixth and Hillier dropped down to tenth.
Hickman slowly reasserted control of the race though and at the end of the lap, half race distance, his advantage was close to ten seconds once more. Dunlop was losing further ground in third and looked to be out of contention, but he remained well clear of fourth placed Cummins.
With a fourth lap speed of 134.822mph, Hickman extended his lead to 12.38s as he made his second and final pit stop but whilst Harrison was continuing to keep the pressure on, Dunlop had slipped some 23.6 seconds behind the Kawasaki rider. Cummins and Brookes were looking secure in fourth and fifth with McGuinness almost ten seconds ahead of a recovering Hillier.
The lead was again brought down to less than ten seconds at the pit stop but once Hickman overhauled Dunlop on the road, he upped his advantage once more and starting the final lap he led Harrison by 15 seconds.
That had become 19.989 seconds by the chequered flag with Dunlop completing the podium in third. Cummins ended his week on a high in fourth with Brookes doing likewise in fifth and it was Hillier who got the verdict for sixth after overtaking McGuinness on the final lap. Johnson, Todd and Rob Hodson, who posted a maiden 130mph+ lap, completed the top ten after Rutter retired at Glen Vine on the penultimate lap.
Bagnaia masters the mayhem in manic Mugello Sprint
The Tissot Sprint serves up a storm as Bezzecchi is forced to settle for second and the action comes thick and fast from first lap to last
Francesco Bagnaia (1) leads Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint race at Mugello. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Saturday, 10 June 2023
The Tissot Sprint at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley kept MotoGP™ fans on the edge of their seats as a freight train of riders hurtled under the looming clouds threatening Saturday’s perfect dry running. With all the 2023 big hitters in the mix it was a tall order for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to take victory as closest challenger Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was right on the tail of the #1 to the flag, but the reigning Champion held firm to lay down the gauntlet for Sunday. The battle for 3rd went down to the wire as well as Prima Pramac Racing had their own duel, Jorge Martin just fending off his teammate Johann Zarco.
To push or not to push?
Rain clouds loomed over Mugello ahead of the first-ever Tissot Sprint at the iconic Italian venue. The lights went out, and Bagnaia took the holeshot as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) flew his way into P2. Miller didn’t hold onto it though as Bagnaia led Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Martin on the first lap.
There was drama from the off as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was eager to carve through the field. The South African saw a small gap left open by Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), but as the door naturally began to close on the racing line the slightest of touches was all that was needed to send the Spaniard into the Turn 1 gravel trap. Binder was given a Long Lap for that as AM73 tumbled out, rider ok.
Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Martin, Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Bezzecchi, and Miller was the order the first time across the line. Spits of rain then began to fall as Martin decided it was time to hit the front with the pack bunching up in uncertain conditions. The rain flags came out as the riders were now able to swap bikes if they so wished.
The pack began to shuffle as the rain came down on the far section of the circuit with nine laps to go. Martin led the way with Miller and Marquez following closely. At this point, Miller decided it was time for gloves off as he divebombed Marc Marquez, sending them both wide and down the order.
Meanwhile at the front, Bagnaia had retaken the lead and with Marquez and Miller now having dropped down to P7 and P5 respectively, the order was now Bagnaia, Martin, Bezzecchi, Marini, and Miller.
The top dog vs the new kid on the block
The rain stopped and the race began to settle down with seven laps to go, but now it was now Bezzecchi catapulting himself right in the mix. The young Italian was all over the rear wheel of the race leader Bagnaia, with the Pramac duo of Martin and Zarco waiting to pick up the pieces in 3rd and 4th.
The pressure was on for Bagnaia but the #1 responded in true Champions’ fashion stretching out the field with four laps remaining. Bagnaia put the hammer down setting the fastest lap of the race, giving himself some breathing space ahead of chasing Indendent Team Ducatis. Bezzecchi threw the kitchen sink at the Mugello circuit but it wasn’t enough to get the better of Bagnaia who was in a league of his own, and brought home his first Tissot Sprint victory on home soil.
Points up for grabs
The fight for the final spot in the top 3 was decided by less than a tenth of a second as Zarco almost rode pillion to Martin on the final lap. The final sector came Zarco was trying everything to push his way through, but the Spaniard kept the door firmly closed on the #5.
Marini rounded out the top 5 on home soil with Miller recovering to P6 after dropping down the order. After Miller and Marquez had bashed bars early on, Marquez came home P7.
Walking wounded, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) held strong in a solid point-scoring finish ahead of another recovering rider in Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team). The Italian took the final point as he crossed the line in a Tissot Sprint for the first time in his career. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) rounded out the top 10 as his 2023 struggles continued somewhat, looking for more on Sunday.
If Saturday’s action at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley is anything to go by, you do not want to miss any of the action on Sunday’s billing as the race gets underway at 14:00 local time (GMT +2)!
Aron Canet (40). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Canet grabs pole ahead of Acosta, Arbolino 10th
Aron Canet (Pons Wegwow Los40) put his name well and truly into the mix for victory contention at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley as the Spaniard put down a 1:50.796 in Q2, but bad luck hit not long after. He crashed out and headed to the medical centre, and he’ll need to be reviewed before the race to get the ok to start. He has a small bone infraction in two fingers, but he’ll be determined to be given the green light.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) dominated practice and was the favourite going into the session, but fell 0.159s short of his compatriot to start second. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) rounded out the top three for another front row, with teammate and Championship leader Tony Arbolino down in 10th.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) bagged P4 to secure the top spot on row two with Filip Salač (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and Jake Dixon (AutosolarGASGAS Aspar M2) joining the American on Row 2. It was looking as if Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) was going to take pole in the closing stages, but traffic mid-lap halted the Italian’s progress. Vietti will line up in P7 on the grid, fronting Row 3 ahead of the MB Conveyors SpeedUp duo of Fermin Aldeguer and Alonso Lopez. Can they move forward? Tune in at 12:15 (GMT+2) on Sunday to find out!
Deniz Oncu (53). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Öncü takes pole in demolition job at the top
Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has been faultless so far at the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley as he put in an incredible 1:56.020 for pole, over half a second clear. Joel Kelso (CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP) set the 2nd fastest time but following a sanction for slow riding on the line, will start from the back of the grid and take a long lap penalty in the race. That promotes Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) to second on the grid and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) onto the front row.
Despite taking pole by over half a second, Öncü was determined to break the 1:46 barrier and set a new all-time lap record for the Moto3™ category. It wasn’t meant to be for the KTM man however, as the rear-end slid out midway through a hot lap seeing him lose half a second in one sector.
Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) led the best of the rest as the Brazilian was 0.701s shy of pole, but just like Kelso serves a back of the grid and Long Lap penalty. This gifts Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) P4 as he enjoyed a dream weekend starting from the front of row 2 at his home Grand Prix. Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) will join him on row two, with Andrea Migno (CIP Green Power), Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), and Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) making up row three. Check out full results below.
The Moto3™ riders’ attention now turns to the race on Sunday, make sure not to miss any of the action as it commences at 11:00 local time (GMT +2).
Mantovani fends off Ferrari and Casadei in close Race 1
It’s a tricolore podium and a first time winner in the first electric showdown at Mugello
Saturday, 10 June 2023
Andrea Mantovani (9) beat Matteo Ferrari (11) and Mattia Casadei (40) in MotoE Race One at Mugello. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Mantovani (RNF MotoE™ Team) is now a MotoE™ race winner! The Italian came out on top in Race 1 at Mugello, fighting off Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) and Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) in an all-Italian showdown for the win. Ferrari got oh so close on the final lap but couldn’t quit make a move, forced to settle for second, with Casadei a little disappointed in third but back on the podium on home turf.
Ferrari and Casadei shot off the line as the lights went out, with Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) losing some ground in the shuffle at Turn 1 and Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) the same. Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) managed to gain from seventh, but it was Mantovani making waves behind Ferrari and Casadei in the lead as the trio started to break away.
A jolt of drama came at the start of Lap 2, with Nicholas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) trying a move on Garzo for fourth and overcooking it, sliding out. Rider ok, but it left Garzo at the head of the group chasing the leading trio. As the laps ticked down though, the chasing group became a duo as Garzo and teammate Randy Krummemacher kept some clear air back to Granado, with the Brazilian starting to come under some pressure from behind.
With three to go, Mantovani then hit for the lead. A clean move at Turn 1 saw the number 9 take over, and the very same corner staged another shuffle next time round. Ferrari got past Mantovani on the straight and then headed slightly wide, just as Casadei got past Mantovani. But the number 9 was able to get the cutback on both in stunning style, back in the lead as the final lap approached.
Onto that last lap, Mantovani stayed ahead as Ferrari sliced back past Casadei, and the number 11 then set about chasing the RNF machine down. But as close as he got, he couldn’t make a move through the final sector, with Mantovani taking that stunning home win. Ferrari was forced to settle for second, with Casadei back on the rostrum for the first time in 2023 in third.
Fourth saw Garzo just get the better of rookie teammate Krummenacher, with Granado coming home sixth as he returns to action and managed to hold off Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse duo Kevin Manfredi and Kevin Zannoni. Torres eventually took P9 and will want more in Race 2, with Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) completing the top ten.
Defending Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia earned pole position during MotoGP qualifying Saturday at the Mugello Circuit, in Italy. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici, Bagnaia lapped the 3.2-mile (5.2 km) track in 1:44.855, which eclipsed Fabio Quartararo’s 2021 All-Time Lap Record of 1:45.187.
Earning the other two spots on the front row were Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez (1:44.933) and his younger brother Alex Marquez (1:45.007), who rode a Gresini Ducati.
Bagnaia vs Marquez heats up! Pole decided by 0.078 after close Q2 showdown at Mugello
Less than a tenth of a second and one lengthy on-track debate decides pole in favour of Pecco, with MM93 second and Alex Marquez third fastest
Saturday, 10 June 2023
Another Saturday, another stunning Q2… and another portion of spice for the history books! At the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) has beaten Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) to pole by another tiny margin, this time 0.078, and the two once again exchanged some words as the number 93 slotted in behind the reigning World Champion on track. In Q2, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was third fastest despite having come through Q1, grabbing a front row for the Tissot Sprint right at the end, but he’ll serve his 3-place grid penalty on Sunday… bumping Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) up to a front row for the Grand Prix race.
Q1
As ever, there were some big names in Q1 looking for a spot in the top ten shootout, including Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez. The number 73 set the benchmark early on and no one could get close – but it was a tense finale for the rest fighting over that second chance to move through.
Initially it was held by Viñales before a late lap from Miller saw the Aussie steal it, but both the number 12 and Quartararo were still out there giving it one last shot. Viñales was close in the first two sectors before his time started to fade, and Quartararo the opposite as he started out of touch, got within two tenths, and then lost out over the line. So that was that: Alex Marquez led Miller through, Viñales loses out, and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) pips teammate Quartararo to P14.
Q2
Early on, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was on a race to get back out after a crash, and Marc Marquez was making friends with a tow, this time slotted in behind Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as they went to the top. Next, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) took over on provisional pole and the stage was set for a fairly shot at the top.
Then the fireworks really started. Marc Marquez came out of pitlane behind Bezzecchi but at a distance… and Bagnaia was heading down the main straight. As he headed round Turn 1 and saw the Repsol Honda ahead, the Italian immediately started gesticulating. He moved alongside the Honda and did the same, with Marquez not going anywhere, and then Pecco put the hammer down. The number 93 followed and the two shot off round Mugello.
That lap was a different kind of fireworks, with Pecco setting a new lap record and laying down the gauntlet, ignoring the Honda on his tail. Could Marquez do what he did in Portugal and nearly did in France, pipping the reigning World Champion at the post? Not this time. As the Repsol Honda crossed the line, it was into second place… by just 0.078. And what a show!
It wasn’t over there as Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) shot up into third, and Alex Marquez was on the move. The number 73 just shuffled his fellow Q1 graduate off the front row, and that seemed a wrap. Even after the session, however, came a change. After reviewing a suspected track limits infraction for Marini at Turn 5 that had seen the Italian’s lap cancelled, it was later reinstated – putting him fourth in the session.
THE GRID(S)
That makes it Bagnaia – Marquez, Marc – Marquez, Alex fronting the grid for the Tissot Sprint at Mugello, with Marini at the head of Row 2. The Italian has Miller and Martin alongside on Saturday.
On Sunday, however, Alex Marquez has a 3-place grid penalty given in Le Mans, so the Grand Prix race grid will be Bagnaia, Marc Marquez and Marini on the front row, and Miller, Martin and Alex Marquez on Row 2.
Bezzecchi therefore heads up Row 3, joined by Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) as he rode through the pain barrier into P8, just ahead of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) and Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol). Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), after a crash at Turn 11, will start 11th, looking for some immediate progress off the line. Bastianini rounds out Q2 as he couldn’t move up the order after that early crash.
Ben Young (1). Photo by Rob O'Brien, courtesy CSBK.
Young cruises through Q2 to take Superbike pole in Grand Bend
Grand Bend, ON – The leadup to the second round of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship made it look like a nail-biting qualifying was on the horizon, but Ben Young made sure it was anything but on Friday at the Grand Bend Motorplex.
The defending champion dominated the opening Q1 session aboard his Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW, posting a time of 1:03.533 that put him a comfortable 0.622 seconds clear of rival Alex Dumas and into the top-ten Q2 shootout.
That trend continued into the final session, however, as no one could even come close to matching the blistering pace of Young, who gradually pushed his way further and further into the 1:02 second mark before closing the day out with a best time of 1:02.734, a stunning 0.532 seconds clear of the next rider to win his fourth consecutive BS Battery Pole Award.
Made worse for the competition was not just Young’s one-lap pace, but the fact that he consistently ran in the high 1:02 mark, becoming only the second rider to ever reach that threshold after Trevor Dion smashed the lap record in 2022 behind a 1:02.371 lap.
“It was our first time on the M1000 here – last year we raced the S1000 – and we were trying some things and collecting data, so the result is obviously very interesting,” Young said. “I was hoping for close to a 1:02, but we got well into the 1:02’s, so it proved to be a good lap for the BMW on these Bridgestone tires.”
As if Young’s pole pace wasn’t stunning enough, it was equally shocking to see who will line up next to him on Saturday, as local star Chris Pletsch earned an impressive second ahead of his first ever national GP Bikes Pro Superbike appearance.
“I really couldn’t have asked for a better result. I was just trying to see if I could get into the top five,” Pletsch said. “I would never have expected to be up here next to these guys, so now we just have to hang with them tomorrow.”
The result is also a much needed one for Honda, as the Stratford Cycle Centre Honda rider will eye his brand’s first feature class podium since 2015 this weekend, though it came at the expense of Dumas who was displaced to third.
The Purple Skull Brewing/Liqui Moly Suzuki rider was able to improve his time on his last flying lap across the line, but still 0.037 seconds short of Pletsch as he narrowly settled for third on the grid and the last spot on row one.
Despite the less than ideal qualifying order, Dumas will still carry a 21-point lead into race one on Saturday, and was happy with his pace as he looks to latch on to Young early in both races and keep his championship advantage into round three.
Local star Chris Pletsch (110) impressed on Friday afternoon at Grand Bend with a second place qualifying time ahead of the weekend’s two Pro Superbike races. Photo by Rob O’Brien, courtesy CSBK.
Leading off the second row will be round one star Sam Guerin, who put his EFC Group BMW only 0.124 seconds off the front trio and firmly in podium contention if he can replicate his strong starts from the opening two races.
Right next to Guerin on the second row will be veteran Jordan Szoke, who put his LDS Consultants Kawasaki a half-second off the lead row to complete the top five. While Szoke’s single-lap pace couldn’t match the two most recent champions, his fitness has seemingly improved since round one, making him a sure threat for another podium (or two) this weekend.
Starting off the third row will be Trevor Daley, who put in a late flyer to move 0.124 seconds off Szoke and back into a more familiar spot after previously running outside the top-eight for most of the session aboard his OneSpeed Suzuki.
As for Trevor Dion, the 2022 pole-sitter went the opposite direction in 2023, being forced onto the sidelines early in Q2 thanks to a mechanical issue. The LDS Consultants Kawasaki rookie seemingly had the pace to challenge for a front row spot if not pole once again, but could only watch as a handful of riders managed to better his time in the late stages.
Joining Daley and Dion on the end of row three will be Tomas Casas, who fell just short of the 1:03 mark behind a time of 1:04.096, though still less than a second off second place aboard his Parts Canada Yamaha.
Rounding out the top-ten in Q2 were Jordan Royds on the IBEW BMW, missing out on a third-row spot by just 0.059 seconds to Casas, and Pro Sport Bike pole-sitter David MacKay, who used the extra practice time to put his ODH Snow City Cycle Kawasaki tenth on the feature class grid.
Full results from Superbike qualifying can be found on the series’ official website, while a snapshot of the other categories qualifying results are listed below.
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