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MotoE: Race Two Results From Le Mans (Updated)

Matteo Ferrari won MotoE World Championship Race Two Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Felo Gresini Ducati electric motorcycle, Ferrari won the eight-lap sprint by 0.712 second over Race One winner Jordi Torres, who rides an Openbank Aspar Team Ducati. Hector Garzo was a close third on his Dynavolt Intact GP Ducati.

All competitors ride Ducati electric motorcycles.

 

MotoE R2
MotoE points after R2

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Torres vs Garzo starts new MotoE™ era in style

The #81 comes out on top after a duel to the line as Ferrari slides out in Race 1 in France

 

Hector Garzo (4) leads Jordi Torres (81). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Hector Garzo (4) and Jordi Torres (81) fight for the lead in MotoE Race One. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Saturday, 13 May 2023

Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) started 2023 on top! The Spaniard duelled compatriot Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) right to the line for the first honours of the new era, coming out on top after a last lap duel. Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) crashed out of the fight at the front and has a Long Lap for Race 2 after a dramatic start, with Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) coming through to complete the rostrum on his first electric start.

Garzo took the holeshot from Ferrari as the top two shot off the line, with Torres slotting into third from third on the grid. Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) moved up into fourth after a solid start too, with the rookie on the move and a gap forming behind the top four.

At the front, it was Garzo vs Ferrari, with the lead changing on Lap 2 and then again a lap later, and in some style. That wasn’t the end of the drama for either though, with Ferrari then suddenly crashing out with four to go… leaving Garzo with a little breathing space ahead of Torres.

The chasing group had also had a shake up, with Spinelli crashing out before both Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) went down at Turn 7 – just a lap before Ferrari did the same. That made it a duel for the win and huge group fight to complete the podium, with Krummenacher leading the train on the penultimate lap.

It also added more drama for Ferrari as the Yellow Flags were still out, and he was given a Long Lap penalty to serve in Race 2. The drama wasn’t done for Race 1 yet though: a Long Lap for Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) after a shortcut ensured the Italian wouldn’t be on the rostrum, but he was still in the fight for it until the final lap.

That final lap saw Torres choose his moment to perfection, attacking into the chicane and then getting the hammer down to try and hold Garzo off. And that he did, with the number 81 able to hold on to the line, taking the first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship victory by less than a tenth.

Behind Garzo, the podium fight saw Krummenacher come out on top as the Swiss rider makes his electric debut on the rostrum, ahead of Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). Hikari Okubo (Tech3 E-Racing) completed the top five.

 

Ferrari fights back with fabulous Race 2 charge for victory

Despite a Long Lap Penalty, the Italian couldn’t be stopped as Torres and Garzo complete the rostrum

 

Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) came out swinging in Race 2 at Le Mans, overcoming a Long Lap penalty for a crash under yellows in Race 1 to charge back to the front and take the win. Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) was forced to settle for second but consolidated his points lead, with Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) leaving Le Mans with two podiums after another top finish in Race 2. Ferrari’s win was also a historic 200th podium in the Grand Prix paddock for the Gresini Team!

Garzo repeated his Race 1 heroics to nab the holeshot as the lights went out, with Ferrari slotting into second and Torres once again shadowing in third. Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) likewise made a good getaway to slot into fourth, with teammate Maria Casadei making quicker progress on take two, up into fifth.

Ferrari didn’t take long to strike for the lead, but just as he took over the Race Direction message came through: serve the Long Lap given for that Race 1 crash under yellows. The Italian pushed on to try and make the biggest gap possible before heading in though, and he was absolutely caning it. He took the penalty on the last chance lap to do so, re-emerging behind Torres as Garzo after the number 81 had grabbed the lead.

The mission was clear, and the mission was a success. First he stalked Garzo before finding a way through at Turn 1, and as the final corners dawned on the penultimate lap he was lining up a repeat. He pulled it off in style on Torres, able to stay just ahead over the final lap to take that first win of the year in style.

Torres’ second place was a tactical one as the Spaniard increased his points lead, however, and Garzo leaves with two podiums for second overall.The fight just behind saw Casadei dispatch teammate Spinelli as the Pons team locked out the top five, both sure to be looking for a little more in Mugello but putting some solid points on the board in Round 1.

Check out the full results and get ready to recharge for more as MotoE™ heads into the triple header in a few weeks!

North West 200: Patricia Fernandez-West And Cory West Make History

Patricia and Cory- the first husband and wife race team of the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.

 

When Patricia Fernandez and Cory West tied the knot last year, the newly married American couple didn’t realise they would become the first husband and wife team to compete at the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.

Travelling from their Eureka Springs, Arkansas home to Portrush for this year’s event, the pair are racing with the JMcC Roofing squad. Patricia has entered the Supersport, Superstock and Superbike races while Cory makes his debut in the Supertwins events.

“Corey says he has saved all the crazy stuff for his wife,” Patricia smiled.

Although his new wife is the one with the road racing experience in the family, Cory enjoys an impressive record in bike sport during his 23 year career. In 2004 he was Rookie of the Year in the US Superbike series. During the years since he has competed in 250cc Grand Prix and finished runner-up in the prestigious Daytona 200 three times.

“That has been a real heartbreaker for me because I lost out twice on the win by just 0.2 seconds,” Cory recalls.

Competing in the American King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan series with Harley-Davidson, Cory has previously raced against NW200 riders like Richard Cooper, Alastair Seeley and Jeremy McWilliams which means a lot of the faces in the North West paddock are familiar to him. But the North West 200 course offers a completely new challenge for the American visitor.

“There are no smooth lines around here,” Cory smiles.

“It has given him a newfound respect for me because I didn’t realise how crazy road racing is,” Patricia agrees.

Mrs. Fernandez-West has been on something of a one-woman mission to promote road racing to an American audience, competing in Armoy road races and at the Ulster Grand Prix alongside her appearances at the North West.

“I truly love the sport and although safety is always my priority, I want to try to better my personal best times each year,” she explained.

Her newcomer husband’s horizons are a little less ambitious as he finds his feet around the 8.9-mile course amidst a field of road racing legends.

“I wasn’t that nervous ahead of the first practice before I realised I was sitting beside Michael Rutter on the grid!” he smiles. “I’ve heard all the stories and know what these guys have done so if I can learn from them in the first race and maybe do better in the second race I will be happy. I am here to have good fun but like any racer, I am competitive.”

During their visit to this year’s North West 200, the couple called into the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush, a business that has sponsored the north coast races for almost a decade.

“We have had a close relationship with Patricia since she started racing at the NW200 and have followed her career closely,” General Manager, Natasha Garrott, explained. “It is good to see her again and meet her new husband, Corey. We wish the both of them immense good luck for race week.”

Moto2: Sam Lowes Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole At Le Mans

Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Sam Lowes broke the lap record on his way to taking pole position during Moto2 qualifying Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Dunlop-shod Kalex, Lowes lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) circuit in 1:35.791, which eclipsed Pedro Acosta’s 2022 All-Time Lap Record of 1:35.803.

Americans Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly qualified 17th and 19th, respectively.

 

Moto2 Comb Qual

Moto3: Sasaki Takes Pole Position At Le Mans

Ayumu Sasaki, riding his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, took pole position during Moto3 qualifying Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. The Japanese rider lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) road course in 1:41.640 to top the 27-rider field.

 

Moto3 Comb Qual

MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Le Mans

Open Bank Aspar Team’s Jordi Torres won FIM MotoE World Championship Race One Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding a Ducati electric motorcycle, Torres won the eight-lap sprint by 0.092 second over Hector Garzo. Garzo’s Dynovolt Intact GP teammate Randy Krummenacher finished third.

 

MotoE R1
MotoE points after R1

MotoGP: Bagnaia Claims Pole Position At Le Mans

MotoGP Comb Qual

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia vs Marquez: pole decided by just 0.058 at Le Mans

The reigning Champion leads the returning Marquez by half a tenth, with Marini and Miller on the chase as Quartararo misses out on Q2

Saturday, 13 May 2023

What’s 0.058 between World Champions? At the Shark Grand Prix de France it’s the difference between pole and the middle of the front row, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) denying Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the very final seconds of a blockbuster Q2. It looked like the number 93 was on to make it two from two before the late attack, but Bagnaia had other ideas and brought Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) to the front row party. The number 10 starts third, with the best seat in the house for the Bagnaia-Marquez duel alongside.

Quartararo takes on home turf Q1

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) seized early control of Q1 as he shot to the top with a 1:31.366, with Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) second before he was pipped by Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and the field started to turn the screw. They couldn’t get close to Quartararo though, with the Frenchman enjoying a gap of four tenths.

On the second runs, that changed. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) put in a sublime effort to take over on top, piping Quartararo by hundredths, and then the red sectors started lighting up for Marini. The Italian kept it together and broke home hearts, crossing the line to depose Fernandez and, consequently, push Quartararo down to third in the session – and out of Q2. The 2021 Champion starts 13th.

A Q2 of two halves

The first runs were a drama free show of speed for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as the number 12 took provisional pole, but then the field filed back out for another shot at it… or they did except Viñales. Top Gun had an issue at pit exit and headed back to the box, able to get on track but rhythm then out of whack. It then went from bad to worse for Aprilia as Aleix Espargaro slid out in a fast crash, rider ok, and attention turned to the rest as the red sectors started to pile up.

Bagnaia was the first mover, deposing Marquez from second, but Viñales remained top until a duel attack from Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and… Marquez. The number 93 had done a quick lap alone for provisional second behind Viñales, but now he was tucked in behind the number 89. Martin took to the top before the Honda right behind him stole it immediately, making it a fairly spicy 1-2.

It looked like it could be job done there, but there were three riders left on threatening laps. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was the first but ‘Thriller’ could only split Marquez and Martin, before another duo shot across the the line. Marini just pushed the Aussie off the front row, and Bagnaia? The reigning Champion just had enough in the tank to deny Marquez by an infinitesimal 0.058, forcing the number 93 to settle for second and forfeit a 100% pole record in the events in which he’s competed in 2023. But what a lead duo to fight it out for the holeshot…

How the top 12 are set for the Tissot Sprint and GP race

Bagnaia heads Marquez and Marini, with Miller still in with a shout of a holeshot in fourth. Remember Jerez? Martin is forced to settle for fifth, with Viñales ultimately starting sixth after that late Q2 drama.

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) launches from seventh after a fast Friday too, ahead of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and home hero Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing).

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a tougher Q2 but slots into tenth, and has won a Tissot Sprint from 15th lest we remind, with Aleix Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez completing the fourth row ahead of Quartararo.

MotoGP: Vinales Tops FP3 At Le Mans

Maverick Vinales, riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, was fastest during MotoGP Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. The Spaniard lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) track in 1:31.898 to lead the 21-rider field.

 

MotoGP FP3

Moto2: Chantra P1, SDK P3, Roberts P7 In Drying FP3 At Le Mans

Thai racer Somkiat Chantra, riding his Idemitsu Team Asia Kalex, was fastest during Moto2 Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. In wet-but-drying conditions, Chantra lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:39.171.

Americans Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK), riding his American Racing Team Kalex, and Joe Roberts, riding his Italtrans Racing Kalex, were third and seventh, respectively in the session.

 

Moto2 FP3

Moto3: Migno Quickest In Wet FP3 At Le Mans

Andrea Migno, riding his CIP Green Power KTM, was quickest during wet Moto3 Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Migno lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) circuit in 1:53.767 to lead the 27-rider field.

 

Moto3 FP3

MotoE: Ferrari Earns Pole Position At Le Mans

MotoE™: just 0.025 covers the front row as Ferrari nabs pole from Garzo & Torres
With rain in the air but slicks on the bikes, it was a tricky first qualifying of the new era – but Ferrari came out on top as we bid farewell to the lap record on Friday

Friday, 12 May 2023

Day 1 of the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship kicked off with an immediate arrivederci to the old lap record, with P1 seeing it fall by over 1.2 seconds as Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) started the weekend in style. In P2 the field went even quicker with Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) topping the timesheets, and the Italian nearly, nearly bettered it again in qualifying despite some drops of rain. He takes the first pole of the new era and the first with Ducati, joined on the front row by Garzo and two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) – and the three were covered by just 0.025!

After a dry Q1 gave way to ominous skies, the Q2 runners piled out of pitlane in a rush to set a lap and the red sectors lit up the timing screens. But Ferrari kept his advantage from practice to just hold on to pole by 0.022, despite a more adventurous end to the session with a tip off at Turn 3. No harm done, no one could quite better it regardless.

Garzo did leapfrog Torres, however, with Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact MotoE™) slotting into fourth to head the second row on his MotoE™ debut. Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) and rookie Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) complete that Row 2, demoting former Le Mans winner Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) to seventh.

Tune in for the first super Saturday of the new MotoE™ era tomorrow, with both races book-ending the new Tissot Sprint. They’re sure to be showstoppers, so join us at 12:10 (GMT +2) for Race 1 before the second showdown fires up at 16:10!

 

MotoE Q2
MotoE Q1

MotoE: Race Two Results From Le Mans (Updated)

The Buagtti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy CIP Green Power KTM.
The Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy CIP Green Power KTM.

Matteo Ferrari won MotoE World Championship Race Two Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Felo Gresini Ducati electric motorcycle, Ferrari won the eight-lap sprint by 0.712 second over Race One winner Jordi Torres, who rides an Openbank Aspar Team Ducati. Hector Garzo was a close third on his Dynavolt Intact GP Ducati.

All competitors ride Ducati electric motorcycles.

 

MotoE R2
MotoE points after R2

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Torres vs Garzo starts new MotoE™ era in style

The #81 comes out on top after a duel to the line as Ferrari slides out in Race 1 in France

 

Hector Garzo (4) leads Jordi Torres (81). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Hector Garzo (4) and Jordi Torres (81) fight for the lead in MotoE Race One. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Saturday, 13 May 2023

Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) started 2023 on top! The Spaniard duelled compatriot Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) right to the line for the first honours of the new era, coming out on top after a last lap duel. Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) crashed out of the fight at the front and has a Long Lap for Race 2 after a dramatic start, with Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) coming through to complete the rostrum on his first electric start.

Garzo took the holeshot from Ferrari as the top two shot off the line, with Torres slotting into third from third on the grid. Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) moved up into fourth after a solid start too, with the rookie on the move and a gap forming behind the top four.

At the front, it was Garzo vs Ferrari, with the lead changing on Lap 2 and then again a lap later, and in some style. That wasn’t the end of the drama for either though, with Ferrari then suddenly crashing out with four to go… leaving Garzo with a little breathing space ahead of Torres.

The chasing group had also had a shake up, with Spinelli crashing out before both Miquel Pons (LCR E-Team) and Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) went down at Turn 7 – just a lap before Ferrari did the same. That made it a duel for the win and huge group fight to complete the podium, with Krummenacher leading the train on the penultimate lap.

It also added more drama for Ferrari as the Yellow Flags were still out, and he was given a Long Lap penalty to serve in Race 2. The drama wasn’t done for Race 1 yet though: a Long Lap for Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) after a shortcut ensured the Italian wouldn’t be on the rostrum, but he was still in the fight for it until the final lap.

That final lap saw Torres choose his moment to perfection, attacking into the chicane and then getting the hammer down to try and hold Garzo off. And that he did, with the number 81 able to hold on to the line, taking the first FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship victory by less than a tenth.

Behind Garzo, the podium fight saw Krummenacher come out on top as the Swiss rider makes his electric debut on the rostrum, ahead of Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse). Hikari Okubo (Tech3 E-Racing) completed the top five.

 

Ferrari fights back with fabulous Race 2 charge for victory

Despite a Long Lap Penalty, the Italian couldn’t be stopped as Torres and Garzo complete the rostrum

 

Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) came out swinging in Race 2 at Le Mans, overcoming a Long Lap penalty for a crash under yellows in Race 1 to charge back to the front and take the win. Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) was forced to settle for second but consolidated his points lead, with Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) leaving Le Mans with two podiums after another top finish in Race 2. Ferrari’s win was also a historic 200th podium in the Grand Prix paddock for the Gresini Team!

Garzo repeated his Race 1 heroics to nab the holeshot as the lights went out, with Ferrari slotting into second and Torres once again shadowing in third. Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) likewise made a good getaway to slot into fourth, with teammate Maria Casadei making quicker progress on take two, up into fifth.

Ferrari didn’t take long to strike for the lead, but just as he took over the Race Direction message came through: serve the Long Lap given for that Race 1 crash under yellows. The Italian pushed on to try and make the biggest gap possible before heading in though, and he was absolutely caning it. He took the penalty on the last chance lap to do so, re-emerging behind Torres as Garzo after the number 81 had grabbed the lead.

The mission was clear, and the mission was a success. First he stalked Garzo before finding a way through at Turn 1, and as the final corners dawned on the penultimate lap he was lining up a repeat. He pulled it off in style on Torres, able to stay just ahead over the final lap to take that first win of the year in style.

Torres’ second place was a tactical one as the Spaniard increased his points lead, however, and Garzo leaves with two podiums for second overall.The fight just behind saw Casadei dispatch teammate Spinelli as the Pons team locked out the top five, both sure to be looking for a little more in Mugello but putting some solid points on the board in Round 1.

Check out the full results and get ready to recharge for more as MotoE™ heads into the triple header in a few weeks!

North West 200: Patricia Fernandez-West And Cory West Make History

Cory West and Patricia Fernandez-West (seated) with Natasha Garrott (standing), the General Manager of the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.
Cory West and Patricia Fernandez-West (seated) with Natasha Garrott (standing), the General Manager of the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

Patricia and Cory- the first husband and wife race team of the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.

 

When Patricia Fernandez and Cory West tied the knot last year, the newly married American couple didn’t realise they would become the first husband and wife team to compete at the fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.

Travelling from their Eureka Springs, Arkansas home to Portrush for this year’s event, the pair are racing with the JMcC Roofing squad. Patricia has entered the Supersport, Superstock and Superbike races while Cory makes his debut in the Supertwins events.

“Corey says he has saved all the crazy stuff for his wife,” Patricia smiled.

Although his new wife is the one with the road racing experience in the family, Cory enjoys an impressive record in bike sport during his 23 year career. In 2004 he was Rookie of the Year in the US Superbike series. During the years since he has competed in 250cc Grand Prix and finished runner-up in the prestigious Daytona 200 three times.

“That has been a real heartbreaker for me because I lost out twice on the win by just 0.2 seconds,” Cory recalls.

Competing in the American King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan series with Harley-Davidson, Cory has previously raced against NW200 riders like Richard Cooper, Alastair Seeley and Jeremy McWilliams which means a lot of the faces in the North West paddock are familiar to him. But the North West 200 course offers a completely new challenge for the American visitor.

“There are no smooth lines around here,” Cory smiles.

“It has given him a newfound respect for me because I didn’t realise how crazy road racing is,” Patricia agrees.

Mrs. Fernandez-West has been on something of a one-woman mission to promote road racing to an American audience, competing in Armoy road races and at the Ulster Grand Prix alongside her appearances at the North West.

“I truly love the sport and although safety is always my priority, I want to try to better my personal best times each year,” she explained.

Her newcomer husband’s horizons are a little less ambitious as he finds his feet around the 8.9-mile course amidst a field of road racing legends.

“I wasn’t that nervous ahead of the first practice before I realised I was sitting beside Michael Rutter on the grid!” he smiles. “I’ve heard all the stories and know what these guys have done so if I can learn from them in the first race and maybe do better in the second race I will be happy. I am here to have good fun but like any racer, I am competitive.”

During their visit to this year’s North West 200, the couple called into the Atlantic Hotel in Portrush, a business that has sponsored the north coast races for almost a decade.

“We have had a close relationship with Patricia since she started racing at the NW200 and have followed her career closely,” General Manager, Natasha Garrott, explained. “It is good to see her again and meet her new husband, Corey. We wish the both of them immense good luck for race week.”

Moto2: Sam Lowes Breaks Lap Record, Takes Pole At Le Mans

Sam Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.
Sam Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Marc VDS Racing Team.

Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Sam Lowes broke the lap record on his way to taking pole position during Moto2 qualifying Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Dunlop-shod Kalex, Lowes lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) circuit in 1:35.791, which eclipsed Pedro Acosta’s 2022 All-Time Lap Record of 1:35.803.

Americans Joe Roberts and Sean Dylan Kelly qualified 17th and 19th, respectively.

 

Moto2 Comb Qual

Moto3: Sasaki Takes Pole Position At Le Mans

Ayumu Sasaki (71). Photo courtesy Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna.
Ayumu Sasaki (71). Photo courtesy Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna.

Ayumu Sasaki, riding his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna, took pole position during Moto3 qualifying Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. The Japanese rider lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) road course in 1:41.640 to top the 27-rider field.

 

Moto3 Comb Qual

MotoE: World Championship Race One Results From Le Mans

The Buagtti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy CIP Green Power KTM.
The Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy CIP Green Power KTM.

Open Bank Aspar Team’s Jordi Torres won FIM MotoE World Championship Race One Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding a Ducati electric motorcycle, Torres won the eight-lap sprint by 0.092 second over Hector Garzo. Garzo’s Dynovolt Intact GP teammate Randy Krummenacher finished third.

 

MotoE R1
MotoE points after R1

MotoGP: Bagnaia Claims Pole Position At Le Mans

Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Francesco Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
MotoGP Comb Qual

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia vs Marquez: pole decided by just 0.058 at Le Mans

The reigning Champion leads the returning Marquez by half a tenth, with Marini and Miller on the chase as Quartararo misses out on Q2

Saturday, 13 May 2023

What’s 0.058 between World Champions? At the Shark Grand Prix de France it’s the difference between pole and the middle of the front row, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) denying Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the very final seconds of a blockbuster Q2. It looked like the number 93 was on to make it two from two before the late attack, but Bagnaia had other ideas and brought Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) to the front row party. The number 10 starts third, with the best seat in the house for the Bagnaia-Marquez duel alongside.

Quartararo takes on home turf Q1

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) seized early control of Q1 as he shot to the top with a 1:31.366, with Alex Rins (LCR Honda Castrol) second before he was pipped by Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and the field started to turn the screw. They couldn’t get close to Quartararo though, with the Frenchman enjoying a gap of four tenths.

On the second runs, that changed. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) put in a sublime effort to take over on top, piping Quartararo by hundredths, and then the red sectors started lighting up for Marini. The Italian kept it together and broke home hearts, crossing the line to depose Fernandez and, consequently, push Quartararo down to third in the session – and out of Q2. The 2021 Champion starts 13th.

A Q2 of two halves

The first runs were a drama free show of speed for Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) as the number 12 took provisional pole, but then the field filed back out for another shot at it… or they did except Viñales. Top Gun had an issue at pit exit and headed back to the box, able to get on track but rhythm then out of whack. It then went from bad to worse for Aprilia as Aleix Espargaro slid out in a fast crash, rider ok, and attention turned to the rest as the red sectors started to pile up.

Bagnaia was the first mover, deposing Marquez from second, but Viñales remained top until a duel attack from Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) and… Marquez. The number 93 had done a quick lap alone for provisional second behind Viñales, but now he was tucked in behind the number 89. Martin took to the top before the Honda right behind him stole it immediately, making it a fairly spicy 1-2.

It looked like it could be job done there, but there were three riders left on threatening laps. Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was the first but ‘Thriller’ could only split Marquez and Martin, before another duo shot across the the line. Marini just pushed the Aussie off the front row, and Bagnaia? The reigning Champion just had enough in the tank to deny Marquez by an infinitesimal 0.058, forcing the number 93 to settle for second and forfeit a 100% pole record in the events in which he’s competed in 2023. But what a lead duo to fight it out for the holeshot…

How the top 12 are set for the Tissot Sprint and GP race

Bagnaia heads Marquez and Marini, with Miller still in with a shout of a holeshot in fourth. Remember Jerez? Martin is forced to settle for fifth, with Viñales ultimately starting sixth after that late Q2 drama.

Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) launches from seventh after a fast Friday too, ahead of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and home hero Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing).

Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had a tougher Q2 but slots into tenth, and has won a Tissot Sprint from 15th lest we remind, with Aleix Espargaro and Augusto Fernandez completing the fourth row ahead of Quartararo.

MotoGP: Vinales Tops FP3 At Le Mans

Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Maverick Vinales (12). Photo courtesy Aprilia.

Maverick Vinales, riding his factory Aprilia RS-GP, was fastest during MotoGP Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. The Spaniard lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) track in 1:31.898 to lead the 21-rider field.

 

MotoGP FP3

Moto2: Chantra P1, SDK P3, Roberts P7 In Drying FP3 At Le Mans

Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.
Joe Roberts (16). Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.

Thai racer Somkiat Chantra, riding his Idemitsu Team Asia Kalex, was fastest during Moto2 Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. In wet-but-drying conditions, Chantra lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) course in 1:39.171.

Americans Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK), riding his American Racing Team Kalex, and Joe Roberts, riding his Italtrans Racing Kalex, were third and seventh, respectively in the session.

 

Moto2 FP3

Moto3: Migno Quickest In Wet FP3 At Le Mans

Andrea Migno (16). Photo courtesy CIP Green Power KTM.
Andrea Migno (16). Photo courtesy CIP Green Power KTM.

Andrea Migno, riding his CIP Green Power KTM, was quickest during wet Moto3 Free Practice Three (FP3) Saturday morning on the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Migno lapped the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) circuit in 1:53.767 to lead the 27-rider field.

 

Moto3 FP3

MotoE: Ferrari Earns Pole Position At Le Mans

Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Matteo Ferrari (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.

MotoE™: just 0.025 covers the front row as Ferrari nabs pole from Garzo & Torres
With rain in the air but slicks on the bikes, it was a tricky first qualifying of the new era – but Ferrari came out on top as we bid farewell to the lap record on Friday

Friday, 12 May 2023

Day 1 of the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship kicked off with an immediate arrivederci to the old lap record, with P1 seeing it fall by over 1.2 seconds as Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) started the weekend in style. In P2 the field went even quicker with Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) topping the timesheets, and the Italian nearly, nearly bettered it again in qualifying despite some drops of rain. He takes the first pole of the new era and the first with Ducati, joined on the front row by Garzo and two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) – and the three were covered by just 0.025!

After a dry Q1 gave way to ominous skies, the Q2 runners piled out of pitlane in a rush to set a lap and the red sectors lit up the timing screens. But Ferrari kept his advantage from practice to just hold on to pole by 0.022, despite a more adventurous end to the session with a tip off at Turn 3. No harm done, no one could quite better it regardless.

Garzo did leapfrog Torres, however, with Randy Krummenacher (Dynavolt Intact MotoE™) slotting into fourth to head the second row on his MotoE™ debut. Kevin Manfredi (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) and rookie Nicolas Spinelli (HP Pons Los40) complete that Row 2, demoting former Le Mans winner Mattia Casadei (HP Pons Los40) to seventh.

Tune in for the first super Saturday of the new MotoE™ era tomorrow, with both races book-ending the new Tissot Sprint. They’re sure to be showstoppers, so join us at 12:10 (GMT +2) for Race 1 before the second showdown fires up at 16:10!

 

MotoE Q2
MotoE Q1