Moto3 FP3
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
4SR Posts $8,000 Purse For AHRMA Pro Challenge At Barber Vintage Festival
The Formula Thunder race during the 2022 Barber Vintage Festival will be more exciting for 8,000 reasons.
(Elora, Tennessee) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is excited to announce the first running of the 4SR Leathers Pro Challenge, on October 8, 2022, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, during the 17th Annual Barber Vintage Festival. Sponsored by 4SR Leathers, the race will feature a vast array of today’s most exciting racebikes, and a total cash purse of $8,000!
“4SR Leathers is very excited to bring this special show to the AHRMA race program at the Barber Vintage Festival,” said Jerry Nickell Sr, 4SR USA Owner.
To be eligible for the cash purse, a Formula Thunder racer must meet the following criteria:
Be a licensed AHRMA member/competitor.
Be in compliance with the AHRMA Barber Racer Requirements.
Take part in the Thursday or Friday practice.
Be registered in the AHRMA Formula Thunder race on Saturday.
Be capable of racing at a competitive pace within the AHRMA Formula Thunder race (based on lap times).
Compete on a racebike which conforms to Formula Thunder machine requirements (refer to ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).
Select FIM professional licensed road racers may obtain a special waiver from AHRMA. Waivers must be sent by email to: [email protected] no later than Saturday, October 1st at 12pm CDT).
All AHRMA members currently registered to race Formula Thunder at Barber are automatically registered for the special purse. In addition to FIM professional licensed road racers, any AHRMA member qualified to ride Barber may add the Formula Thunder class. The class will be limited to a maximum of 40 riders.
For more information and to register, please visit msreg.com/ahrmabarber2022. Questions should be directed to [email protected].
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
About 4SR USA, Inc.:
4SR USA is the exclusive distributor in the USA. We pride ourselves in providing the best protective and stylish gear for the track or racing down the road. 4SR is a Czech company that produces stylish and functional motorcycle racing and riding clothing. We pride ourselves on producing gear that is of the highest quality. We are active bikers and competitors. All our designs, materials, development, and testing are performed by us and our sponsored riders. Making Your Track Days Better Since 2007
British Superbike: Glenn Irwin Quickest In Practice Friday At Donington Park
Editorial Note: American Julian Correa, riding his Microlise Cresswell Racing Honda, was 11th in British Talent Cup FP1 at Donington Park.
SBK FP1 and FP2 Comb
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Irwin in control after opening Bennetts British Superbike action at Donington Park
Glenn Irwin kicked off the penultimate round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park by setting the pace in the opening SUPERPICKS Free Practice session, topping the times for Honda Racing UK to push Bradley Ray back into second by 0.160s at the chequered flag.
The afternoon session was hampered by wet conditions, meaning that the top twelve riders from this morning’s free practice progress into tomorrow afternoon’s Q2 stage of SUPERPICKS Qualifying.
Peter Hickman had surged into third place on his final lap for the FHO Racing BMW team this morning, easing Kyle Ryde back into fourth. The Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha rider had a spell at the top earlier in the session, but led the charge of the home contenders as Leon Haslam completed the top five.
Danny Buchan had been another rider to feature at the top of the times earlier in the session and he finished in sixth place for SYNETIQ BMW ahead of tomorrow’s Qualifying and eBay Sprint Race.
The Honda Racing UK teammates Takumi Takahashi and Ryo Mizuno had a strong session with the pair split for seventh and ninth places by Andrew Irwin on the second SYNETIQ BMW.
Josh Brookes was next for the MCE Ducati team, pushing Title Fighter Tommy Bridewell outside of the top ten by 0.124s, whilst Storm Stacey completed the 12 riders through to Q2 tomorrow for Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki.
Lee Jackson was 15th fastest on the lone Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki with Jason O’Halloran returning to action in 18th place for McAMS Yamaha.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park GP, SUPERPICKS combined Free Practice result:
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) 1m30.611s
- Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.160s
- Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.557s
- Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.774s
- Leon Haslam (VisionTrack Kawasaki) +1.076s
- Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +1.116s
- Takumi Takahashi (Honda Racing UK) +1.276s
- Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +1.405s
- Ryo Mizuno (Honda Racing UK) +1.531s
- Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +1.765s
- Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.889s
- Storm Stacey (Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki) +2.205s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Glenn Irwin
Honda Racing UK
Fastest in SUPERPICKS Free Practice
“Obviously the conditions today have been a bit funny; I sat in the box for most of the session this morning and went out with about 17 minutes to go.
“I felt good and the momentum that we have had is continuing and that momentum of late has built even more. I feel that we have been getting stronger over the last couple of rounds and today it has continued.
“The bike felt good even though the conditions haven’t been great, even the lap time despite the conditions were reasonable. It is important to top Bradley and that is my goal for this weekend, to keep the Yamaha behind me.
“That is the first blow as such so now we need to keep it up for tomorrow.”
MotoGP: Provisional 2023 Calendar Released
Provisional 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar
21 races. 18 countries. The provisional 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar is here!
Friday, 30 September 2022
The wait is over and the 2023 provisional calendar can now be announced, with more races and more countries than ever before. Competition begins in Portugal at the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in March before the Championship heads to Termas de Rio Hondo and Austin, TX, for the Americas GP, kicking the season off in style. From there, it’s back to Jerez as the European leg begins, with the classics coming thick and fast: Le Mans will host the 1000th Grand Prix before the paddock returns to Mugello, the Sachsenring and Assen.
Kazakhstan is set to debut in July ahead of a second break in the middle of the season, with the Central Asian country becoming the 30th country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix since 1949 – and Sokol International Racetrack the 74th venue to stage a premier class race.
From there the paddock returns west for the British and Austrian GPs, ahead of a new date for the Catalan GP at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the event moves to September. The paddock then bids farewell to Europe in Misano ahead of another flyaway stint, beginning in another new country fresh for 2023: India.
Buddh International Circuit’s debut will make it the 75th venue at which the premier class have raced, and India becomes the 31st country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix. From there, the paddock heads further east to Japan and the classic Motegi before a weekend free to gear up for a triple-header.
As MotoGP™ continues to push to reduce its carbon footprint, India and Motegi mark the start of a longer stint in Asia – significantly reducing the paddock’s potential mileage. The first triple-header in Asia is Mandalika – Phillip Island – Buriram, before another weekend free to recharge ahead of the final three showdowns.
The season ends with a thriller of a triple-header: from Malaysia the journey back west begins, with Qatar hosting the penultimate race of the season under the floodlights at Lusail as the venue welcomes the sport back to the Middle East. Then, to round out the season with its classic final fiesta of the year, the Circuit Ricardo Tormo brings the competition to a close back in Europe.
18 countries, 21 races and another chapter of history waiting to be written: this is 2023!
Provisional 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship Schedule:
3/24-26 Algarve International Circuit, Portugal
3/31-4/2 Termas de Rio Hondo, Argentina
4/14-16 Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX, USA
4/28-30 Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Spain
5/12-14 Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans, France
6/9-11 Autodromo del Mugello, Italy
6/16-18 Sachsenring, Germany
6/23-25 TT Circuit Assen, The Netherlands
7/7-9 Sokol International Racetrack, Kazakhstan**
8/4-6 Silverstone Circuit, UK
8/18-20 Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria
9/1-3 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
9/8-10 Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, San Marino
9/22-24 Buddh International Circuit, India**
9/29-10/1 Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan
10/13-15 Mandalika International Street Circuit, Indonesia
10/20-22 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Australia
10/27-29 Chang International Circuit, Thailand
11/10-12 Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
11/17-19 Lusail International Circuit, Qatar*
11/24-26 Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia, Spain
*=Evening Race
**=Subject to Homologation
MotoGP: World Championship Racing In India In 2023
MotoGP™ to race in India from 2023
Friday, 30 September 2022
The FIM MotoGP™ World Championship is coming to India! The country will make its debut on the MotoGP™ calendar in 2023 as MotoGP™ gets ready to take on Buddh International Circuit.
India is a true economic and cultural powerhouse, with a population of over 1.4 billion people and more than 200 million motorcycles on its roads. Two-wheeled transportation counts for nearly 75% of the total number of vehicles used daily, making India one of the biggest motorcycle markets in the world and a key focus for the manufacturers in the MotoGP™ paddock.
Racing at Buddh International Circuit, located in Uttar Pradesh to the south of New Delhi, will bring the sport into the heart of this key market and make the sport more accessible than ever to our fanbase across the region. As MotoGP™ continues to expand, the Indian Grand Prix marks an important milestone in the sport’s mission to open the doors of motorcycle racing to all – writing a new chapter in the story of the world’s first motorsport Championship and welcoming new audiences and fans from every corner of the world.
Mr. Anurag Thakur, Union Sports Minister, Government of India: “It’s a historical day for sporting industry and tribute to 75th year of India’s celebration.”
Mr. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh: “It’s a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a global event. Our government will provide full support to MotoGP Bharat.”
Mr. Nand Gopal “Nandi”, Cabinet Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh: “This event will provide a major impetus to the economy by generating an influx of foreign investment in the state.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta: “We’re very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar. We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them. India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world. We very much look forward to racing at Buddh International Circuit and can’t wait to welcome the fans through the gates to see this incredible sport in person.”
MotoGP: Zarco Under Race Lap Record In FP2 In Thailand
MotoGP FP2
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
0.018 splits the top two in Thailand
Zarco heads Bagnaia, Marquez fourth, Quartararo fifth as Aprilia look to move forward
Friday, 30 September 2022
After two sessions back in business in Buriram, it’s incredibly close at the top at the OR Thailand Grand Prix. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) just took it by 0.018, with Championship challenger Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) the rider just denied the top spot but taking second. Jorge Martin completed an all-Ducati top three, and made it both Pramacs in the upper echelons.
World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had a solid day on the timesheets in fifth, right behind one rider with a little fighting talk on Friday: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). The number 93 rated his chances of a podium highly if we raced on Day 1, and was fastest in FP1 despite a slide off. Quartararo and Marquez both set their best laps in FP1, too.
On the other side of the coin, both the riders third and fourth in the standings are currently heading for Q1 and outside the top ten. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was 13th and teammate Maverick Viñales 15th as the new RS-GP tackles Thailand for the first time, and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was 11th on Friday – missing out by just 0.025.
While it rained on and off during Friday, the track was well and truly dry for MotoGP™ FP2. That gave competitors the opportunity to work on their race pace and while Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was top for the session on a 1:31.088 with 10 minutes to go, there still had been no change to the combined top 10. That would change once the time attacks started, but even then, only half the 24-strong field improved on their FP1 pace. Martin was first to shift the benchmark, then Bagnaia and finally Zarco.
Japanese GP winner Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) is sixth-fastest overall. He was frustrated with himself at a mistake while going underneath Tetsuta Nagashima (LCR Honda Idemitsu) in the closing minutes, but his FP1 effort was good enough to provisionally book a spot in Q2. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) took seventh on combined times, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Rins, and a much improved Friday position for Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).
Cal Crutchlow (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was one crasher at Turn 7, and that also triggered a relatively long yellow flag in Sector 3 near the end of FP2, affecting some. Crutchlow walked away in some pain after losing the rear and being flicked from his YZR-M1 in what was his second crash of the session, but rider given the all clear at the Medical Centre. Also hitting the floor during the afternoon were Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) at Turn 3, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) also at Turn 3 in a separate incident, and Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) at Turn 7 – riders okay.
Now we wait to see what the weather gods have in store on Saturday morning, with Bastianini and Aleix Espargaro among those hoping for dry weather again. Tune in to FP3 from 10:50 (GMT +7), before qualifying from 15:05!
Dixon and Lopez lead the way early doors
The two pull clear of Fernandez and Chantra on Friday, with Ogura seventh
Inde GASGAS Aspar Team’s Jake Dixon is the rider to beat after Friday’s running at the OR Thailand Grand Prix. His 1:36.280 puts him 0.173 clear of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up), with World Championship leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) third quickest despite a late spill. Japanese GP winner Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) finished seventh and, in the event of rain on Saturday morning, he too is safely through to Q2.
Fernandez topped FP1 before all but three riders improved in the afternoon, and Dixon took to the top. Lopez also improved after a technical problem in FP1, and Fernandez crashed late in the session, but rider ok and still third overall. Home hero Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) dusted himself off from an early crash to up the pace and end the day fourth.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) takes fifth ahead of Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), with Ogura on a 1:36.725 in P7. Rounding out the top 10 were Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40), Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP), and Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up). Filip Salac (Gresini Racing Moto2™) is provisionally into Q2 also despite a spill at Turn 3 with five minutes to go, ahead of Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), and Cameron Beaubier (American Racing).
Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40), however, is outside the top 14 after a second crash of the day when he lost the front at Turn 12. The Spaniard is 16th as it stands.
See if the rain comes or stays away on Sunday, with the last push for direct Q2 spots in FP3 taking place on Saturday at 09:55 (GMT +7) before qualifying 13:30!
Sasaki and Suzuki destroy the field on Friday
The two Japanese riders end the day more than six tenths clear of the rest as action gets back underway at Buriram
After a damp start, Ayumu Sasaki capitalised in FP2 for Moto3™ and set a 1:43.503 to head the eidl ahead of compatriot Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) on a 1:43.694. The duo were together over sixth tenths clear of the rest, with Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) leading that rest in third on a 1:44.330.
World Championship leader and Motegi winner Izan Guevara was seventh, six positions ahead of fellow Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team rider – and nearest rival for the title – Sergio Garcia.
Moto3™ was the only class which had not enjoyed any dry running on Friday morning, but halfway through FP2 the sun then made a cameo and the lap times began to tumble.
Suzuki looked like getting the sweep of the Friday sessions – a wet one and a dry one (eventually) – when he set a 1:43.694 in the last two minutes before the chequered flag.But Sasaki struck late to end the day 0.191 seconds clear of the Leopard Honda rider and 0.827 seconds up on Rossi.
Red Bull KTM Ajo teammates Daniel Holgado and Jaume Masia rounded out the top five, while Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Deniz Öncü was a commendable sixth as he grits his teeth with an injured finger after his highside in Warm Up five days ago at Motegi.
With the possibility of rain on Saturday morning, it was important for Guevara to make the top 14 cut-off for Q2 by claiming seventh on a 1:44.570. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing), and Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) completed the top 10, ahead of Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power), Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers) and Garcia.
Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP) just 0.004 seconds slower in 14th, and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) missing out by only 0.007 seconds. Also outside the top 14 for now is John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) in 16th.
What will the weather throw at the Moto3™ riders next? FP3 takes place on Saturday from 09:00 (GMT +7), before qualifying from 12:35.
Moto3: Foggia Breaks Lap Record In FP3 In Thailand
4SR Posts $8,000 Purse For AHRMA Pro Challenge At Barber Vintage Festival
The Formula Thunder race during the 2022 Barber Vintage Festival will be more exciting for 8,000 reasons.
(Elora, Tennessee) – The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is excited to announce the first running of the 4SR Leathers Pro Challenge, on October 8, 2022, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL, during the 17th Annual Barber Vintage Festival. Sponsored by 4SR Leathers, the race will feature a vast array of today’s most exciting racebikes, and a total cash purse of $8,000!
“4SR Leathers is very excited to bring this special show to the AHRMA race program at the Barber Vintage Festival,” said Jerry Nickell Sr, 4SR USA Owner.
To be eligible for the cash purse, a Formula Thunder racer must meet the following criteria:
Be a licensed AHRMA member/competitor.
Be in compliance with the AHRMA Barber Racer Requirements.
Take part in the Thursday or Friday practice.
Be registered in the AHRMA Formula Thunder race on Saturday.
Be capable of racing at a competitive pace within the AHRMA Formula Thunder race (based on lap times).
Compete on a racebike which conforms to Formula Thunder machine requirements (refer to ahrma.org/ahrma-handbook).
Select FIM professional licensed road racers may obtain a special waiver from AHRMA. Waivers must be sent by email to: [email protected] no later than Saturday, October 1st at 12pm CDT).
All AHRMA members currently registered to race Formula Thunder at Barber are automatically registered for the special purse. In addition to FIM professional licensed road racers, any AHRMA member qualified to ride Barber may add the Formula Thunder class. The class will be limited to a maximum of 40 riders.
For more information and to register, please visit msreg.com/ahrmabarber2022. Questions should be directed to [email protected].
About AHRMA:
The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.
About 4SR USA, Inc.:
4SR USA is the exclusive distributor in the USA. We pride ourselves in providing the best protective and stylish gear for the track or racing down the road. 4SR is a Czech company that produces stylish and functional motorcycle racing and riding clothing. We pride ourselves on producing gear that is of the highest quality. We are active bikers and competitors. All our designs, materials, development, and testing are performed by us and our sponsored riders. Making Your Track Days Better Since 2007
British Superbike: Glenn Irwin Quickest In Practice Friday At Donington Park
Editorial Note: American Julian Correa, riding his Microlise Cresswell Racing Honda, was 11th in British Talent Cup FP1 at Donington Park.
SBK FP1 and FP2 Comb
More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:
Irwin in control after opening Bennetts British Superbike action at Donington Park
Glenn Irwin kicked off the penultimate round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park by setting the pace in the opening SUPERPICKS Free Practice session, topping the times for Honda Racing UK to push Bradley Ray back into second by 0.160s at the chequered flag.
The afternoon session was hampered by wet conditions, meaning that the top twelve riders from this morning’s free practice progress into tomorrow afternoon’s Q2 stage of SUPERPICKS Qualifying.
Peter Hickman had surged into third place on his final lap for the FHO Racing BMW team this morning, easing Kyle Ryde back into fourth. The Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha rider had a spell at the top earlier in the session, but led the charge of the home contenders as Leon Haslam completed the top five.
Danny Buchan had been another rider to feature at the top of the times earlier in the session and he finished in sixth place for SYNETIQ BMW ahead of tomorrow’s Qualifying and eBay Sprint Race.
The Honda Racing UK teammates Takumi Takahashi and Ryo Mizuno had a strong session with the pair split for seventh and ninth places by Andrew Irwin on the second SYNETIQ BMW.
Josh Brookes was next for the MCE Ducati team, pushing Title Fighter Tommy Bridewell outside of the top ten by 0.124s, whilst Storm Stacey completed the 12 riders through to Q2 tomorrow for Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki.
Lee Jackson was 15th fastest on the lone Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki with Jason O’Halloran returning to action in 18th place for McAMS Yamaha.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Donington Park GP, SUPERPICKS combined Free Practice result:
- Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) 1m30.611s
- Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.160s
- Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.557s
- Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) +0.774s
- Leon Haslam (VisionTrack Kawasaki) +1.076s
- Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +1.116s
- Takumi Takahashi (Honda Racing UK) +1.276s
- Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +1.405s
- Ryo Mizuno (Honda Racing UK) +1.531s
- Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +1.765s
- Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.889s
- Storm Stacey (Team LKQ Euro Car Parts Kawasaki) +2.205s
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Glenn Irwin
Honda Racing UK
Fastest in SUPERPICKS Free Practice
“Obviously the conditions today have been a bit funny; I sat in the box for most of the session this morning and went out with about 17 minutes to go.
“I felt good and the momentum that we have had is continuing and that momentum of late has built even more. I feel that we have been getting stronger over the last couple of rounds and today it has continued.
“The bike felt good even though the conditions haven’t been great, even the lap time despite the conditions were reasonable. It is important to top Bradley and that is my goal for this weekend, to keep the Yamaha behind me.
“That is the first blow as such so now we need to keep it up for tomorrow.”
MotoGP: Provisional 2023 Calendar Released
Provisional 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar
21 races. 18 countries. The provisional 2023 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship calendar is here!
Friday, 30 September 2022
The wait is over and the 2023 provisional calendar can now be announced, with more races and more countries than ever before. Competition begins in Portugal at the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in March before the Championship heads to Termas de Rio Hondo and Austin, TX, for the Americas GP, kicking the season off in style. From there, it’s back to Jerez as the European leg begins, with the classics coming thick and fast: Le Mans will host the 1000th Grand Prix before the paddock returns to Mugello, the Sachsenring and Assen.
Kazakhstan is set to debut in July ahead of a second break in the middle of the season, with the Central Asian country becoming the 30th country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix since 1949 – and Sokol International Racetrack the 74th venue to stage a premier class race.
From there the paddock returns west for the British and Austrian GPs, ahead of a new date for the Catalan GP at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as the event moves to September. The paddock then bids farewell to Europe in Misano ahead of another flyaway stint, beginning in another new country fresh for 2023: India.
Buddh International Circuit’s debut will make it the 75th venue at which the premier class have raced, and India becomes the 31st country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix. From there, the paddock heads further east to Japan and the classic Motegi before a weekend free to gear up for a triple-header.
As MotoGP™ continues to push to reduce its carbon footprint, India and Motegi mark the start of a longer stint in Asia – significantly reducing the paddock’s potential mileage. The first triple-header in Asia is Mandalika – Phillip Island – Buriram, before another weekend free to recharge ahead of the final three showdowns.
The season ends with a thriller of a triple-header: from Malaysia the journey back west begins, with Qatar hosting the penultimate race of the season under the floodlights at Lusail as the venue welcomes the sport back to the Middle East. Then, to round out the season with its classic final fiesta of the year, the Circuit Ricardo Tormo brings the competition to a close back in Europe.
18 countries, 21 races and another chapter of history waiting to be written: this is 2023!
Provisional 2023 FIM MotoGP World Championship Schedule:
3/24-26 Algarve International Circuit, Portugal
3/31-4/2 Termas de Rio Hondo, Argentina
4/14-16 Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX, USA
4/28-30 Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Spain
5/12-14 Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans, France
6/9-11 Autodromo del Mugello, Italy
6/16-18 Sachsenring, Germany
6/23-25 TT Circuit Assen, The Netherlands
7/7-9 Sokol International Racetrack, Kazakhstan**
8/4-6 Silverstone Circuit, UK
8/18-20 Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria
9/1-3 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
9/8-10 Misano World Circuit – Marco Simoncelli, San Marino
9/22-24 Buddh International Circuit, India**
9/29-10/1 Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan
10/13-15 Mandalika International Street Circuit, Indonesia
10/20-22 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Australia
10/27-29 Chang International Circuit, Thailand
11/10-12 Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
11/17-19 Lusail International Circuit, Qatar*
11/24-26 Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia, Spain
*=Evening Race
**=Subject to Homologation
MotoGP: World Championship Racing In India In 2023
MotoGP™ to race in India from 2023
Friday, 30 September 2022
The FIM MotoGP™ World Championship is coming to India! The country will make its debut on the MotoGP™ calendar in 2023 as MotoGP™ gets ready to take on Buddh International Circuit.
India is a true economic and cultural powerhouse, with a population of over 1.4 billion people and more than 200 million motorcycles on its roads. Two-wheeled transportation counts for nearly 75% of the total number of vehicles used daily, making India one of the biggest motorcycle markets in the world and a key focus for the manufacturers in the MotoGP™ paddock.
Racing at Buddh International Circuit, located in Uttar Pradesh to the south of New Delhi, will bring the sport into the heart of this key market and make the sport more accessible than ever to our fanbase across the region. As MotoGP™ continues to expand, the Indian Grand Prix marks an important milestone in the sport’s mission to open the doors of motorcycle racing to all – writing a new chapter in the story of the world’s first motorsport Championship and welcoming new audiences and fans from every corner of the world.
Mr. Anurag Thakur, Union Sports Minister, Government of India: “It’s a historical day for sporting industry and tribute to 75th year of India’s celebration.”
Mr. Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh: “It’s a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a global event. Our government will provide full support to MotoGP Bharat.”
Mr. Nand Gopal “Nandi”, Cabinet Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh: “This event will provide a major impetus to the economy by generating an influx of foreign investment in the state.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta: “We’re very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar. We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them. India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world. We very much look forward to racing at Buddh International Circuit and can’t wait to welcome the fans through the gates to see this incredible sport in person.”
MotoGP: Zarco Under Race Lap Record In FP2 In Thailand
MotoGP FP2
More, from a press release issued by Dorna:
0.018 splits the top two in Thailand
Zarco heads Bagnaia, Marquez fourth, Quartararo fifth as Aprilia look to move forward
Friday, 30 September 2022
After two sessions back in business in Buriram, it’s incredibly close at the top at the OR Thailand Grand Prix. Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) just took it by 0.018, with Championship challenger Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) the rider just denied the top spot but taking second. Jorge Martin completed an all-Ducati top three, and made it both Pramacs in the upper echelons.
World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) had a solid day on the timesheets in fifth, right behind one rider with a little fighting talk on Friday: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). The number 93 rated his chances of a podium highly if we raced on Day 1, and was fastest in FP1 despite a slide off. Quartararo and Marquez both set their best laps in FP1, too.
On the other side of the coin, both the riders third and fourth in the standings are currently heading for Q1 and outside the top ten. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) was 13th and teammate Maverick Viñales 15th as the new RS-GP tackles Thailand for the first time, and Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was 11th on Friday – missing out by just 0.025.
While it rained on and off during Friday, the track was well and truly dry for MotoGP™ FP2. That gave competitors the opportunity to work on their race pace and while Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was top for the session on a 1:31.088 with 10 minutes to go, there still had been no change to the combined top 10. That would change once the time attacks started, but even then, only half the 24-strong field improved on their FP1 pace. Martin was first to shift the benchmark, then Bagnaia and finally Zarco.
Japanese GP winner Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) is sixth-fastest overall. He was frustrated with himself at a mistake while going underneath Tetsuta Nagashima (LCR Honda Idemitsu) in the closing minutes, but his FP1 effort was good enough to provisionally book a spot in Q2. Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) took seventh on combined times, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Rins, and a much improved Friday position for Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).
Cal Crutchlow (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was one crasher at Turn 7, and that also triggered a relatively long yellow flag in Sector 3 near the end of FP2, affecting some. Crutchlow walked away in some pain after losing the rear and being flicked from his YZR-M1 in what was his second crash of the session, but rider given the all clear at the Medical Centre. Also hitting the floor during the afternoon were Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) at Turn 3, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) also at Turn 3 in a separate incident, and Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) at Turn 7 – riders okay.
Now we wait to see what the weather gods have in store on Saturday morning, with Bastianini and Aleix Espargaro among those hoping for dry weather again. Tune in to FP3 from 10:50 (GMT +7), before qualifying from 15:05!
Dixon and Lopez lead the way early doors
The two pull clear of Fernandez and Chantra on Friday, with Ogura seventh
Inde GASGAS Aspar Team’s Jake Dixon is the rider to beat after Friday’s running at the OR Thailand Grand Prix. His 1:36.280 puts him 0.173 clear of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up), with World Championship leader Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) third quickest despite a late spill. Japanese GP winner Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) finished seventh and, in the event of rain on Saturday morning, he too is safely through to Q2.
Fernandez topped FP1 before all but three riders improved in the afternoon, and Dixon took to the top. Lopez also improved after a technical problem in FP1, and Fernandez crashed late in the session, but rider ok and still third overall. Home hero Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) dusted himself off from an early crash to up the pace and end the day fourth.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) takes fifth ahead of Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), with Ogura on a 1:36.725 in P7. Rounding out the top 10 were Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40), Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP), and Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up). Filip Salac (Gresini Racing Moto2™) is provisionally into Q2 also despite a spill at Turn 3 with five minutes to go, ahead of Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team), and Cameron Beaubier (American Racing).
Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40), however, is outside the top 14 after a second crash of the day when he lost the front at Turn 12. The Spaniard is 16th as it stands.
See if the rain comes or stays away on Sunday, with the last push for direct Q2 spots in FP3 taking place on Saturday at 09:55 (GMT +7) before qualifying 13:30!
Sasaki and Suzuki destroy the field on Friday
The two Japanese riders end the day more than six tenths clear of the rest as action gets back underway at Buriram
After a damp start, Ayumu Sasaki capitalised in FP2 for Moto3™ and set a 1:43.503 to head the eidl ahead of compatriot Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) on a 1:43.694. The duo were together over sixth tenths clear of the rest, with Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) leading that rest in third on a 1:44.330.
World Championship leader and Motegi winner Izan Guevara was seventh, six positions ahead of fellow Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team rider – and nearest rival for the title – Sergio Garcia.
Moto3™ was the only class which had not enjoyed any dry running on Friday morning, but halfway through FP2 the sun then made a cameo and the lap times began to tumble.
Suzuki looked like getting the sweep of the Friday sessions – a wet one and a dry one (eventually) – when he set a 1:43.694 in the last two minutes before the chequered flag.But Sasaki struck late to end the day 0.191 seconds clear of the Leopard Honda rider and 0.827 seconds up on Rossi.
Red Bull KTM Ajo teammates Daniel Holgado and Jaume Masia rounded out the top five, while Red Bull KTM Tech3’s Deniz Öncü was a commendable sixth as he grits his teeth with an injured finger after his highside in Warm Up five days ago at Motegi.
With the possibility of rain on Saturday morning, it was important for Guevara to make the top 14 cut-off for Q2 by claiming seventh on a 1:44.570. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing), and Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) completed the top 10, ahead of Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power), Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers) and Garcia.
Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PruestelGP) just 0.004 seconds slower in 14th, and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) missing out by only 0.007 seconds. Also outside the top 14 for now is John McPhee (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max) in 16th.
What will the weather throw at the Moto3™ riders next? FP3 takes place on Saturday from 09:00 (GMT +7), before qualifying from 12:35.
Moto2: Dixon Leads FP2 In Thailand
Moto3: Sasaki Stands Out In Mixed Conditions During FP2 In Thailand
MotoGP: Marc Marquez Quickest During FP1 In Thailand
Moto2: Fernandez Fastest In Drying Conditions During FP1 In Thailand
