The Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, Part 6, was brought to you by Cardo Systems.
The winner of this survey, David Prather, of Jacksonville, Texas, wins a Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Bluetooth communicator.
Cardo’s PACKTALK lineup utilizes Dynamic Mesh Communication for a seamless, always-on network that allows riders to “set it and forget it” with its auto-connect feature. Each PACKTALK product is waterproof and features premium sound by JBL. The Cardo PACKTALK BOLD has a suggested retail price of $339.95 and is available from dealers or directly from Cardo Systems, Dept. RW, 101 East Park Boulevard, Plano, TX 75074, (412) 788-4533, www.cardosystems.com.
Survey results are used to improve content for readers and marketing for our advertisers. Name and address required for prize drawing. Entrants will automatically receive a free three-issue trial subscription to Roadracing World magazine with no obligation. No mailing list or confidential individual information is shared with third parties. Roadracing World’s privacy policy can be viewed here. To sign up to receive upcoming, short installments of future Roadracing World reader surveys and other promotional e-mails from Roadracing World, CLICK HERE.
For more information on how your product can be the presenting sponsor of an upcoming portion of the Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, email Anne Roberts, [email protected].
About Roadracing World
Established in 1990, Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Biense Bierma (MSMA), assisted by Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting) and Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), in an electronic held on 18 March 2022, made the following decision:
Technical Regulations
EFFECTIVE SEASON 2023
MotoGP Class
RIDE HEIGHT DEVICES
During the meeting of the Commission held in Lusail on 4 March 2022 the Grand Prix Commission delegates were asked to consider two alternative proposals on this matter. Both had the objective of preventing further performance improvements and development cost increases. After consideration of the proposals the following regulation was approved unanimously.
The use of any device that modifies or adjusts the motorcycle’s front ride height while it is
moving is forbidden.
The decision of the Technical Director will be final when determining what constitutes a front ride height device; devices that only operate one-shot at the race start (i.e. “holeshot” devices) are allowed.
Roll the dice: conditions hinder potential for Cam and Sean in Indonesia
A mixed weekend for the American Racing Team as Cameron Beaubier takes 12th while Sean Dylan Kelly is forced to retire from the shortened Indonesia Grand Prix.
Cam’s weekend got off to a steady start as the Californian familiarized himself with the brand new Mandalika International Street Circuit, ending all three practice sessions inside the top 15 and securing himself a direct place in Q2. A crash in qualifying prevented him from improving on 11th but, despite a tweak to his knee, he was able to walk away relatively unscathed.
On Sunday, faced with the unknown of the Indonesian circuit asphalt, the team took a gamble on the tires to maximize their longevity but, due to the reduced laps, were caught out. Cam fought to break into the top 10 for much of the race but, on the final lap, was caught and crossed the finish line in 12th.
It was a mixed start to the weekend for Sean as the rookie managed to show his potential in the mixed conditions to finish inside the top 10 on two of the three practice session but missed out on a direct place in Q2. An unfortunate crash on his first flying lap in qualifying sent Sean out of the session early and to the back of the grid.
Making an incredible start, Sean made up five positions with a great start before a broken shifter ended his race early as he was forced to retire.
Cameron Beaubier (6) chases Marcos Ramirez (42) and leads Jake Dixon (96) during the Moto2 race at Mandalika International Street Circuit, in Indonesia. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Cameron Beaubier – #6
“Kind of like Qatar, I was expecting more to be honest. But I’m really happy we finished, especially with the tough conditions and my little crash yesterday in qualifying just on that second lap. I still don’t know what I touched in turn two, whether it was a wet patch or something to do with the asphalt.
We were anticipating a full distance race going with the lightly used soft rear tire, it’s a strategy I’ve done back home in the US before, just to harden the tire up a little bit. But the race was shortened last minute, and I just didn’t have the grip at the beginning of the race. So, I felt like I was just getting passed, left and right. If we had the race again, we’d have chosen a different strategy.
At the end I was trying to go for that top 10 and salvage a pretty tough Grand Prix, made a move into the final sector on Arenas and sent us wide and lost a couple places. I’m happy I stayed on two wheels though and all in all, I’m happy to get out of here with some good points and move on to Argentina!”
Sean Dylan Kelly (4), before a broken shifter knocked him out of the Moto2 race at Mandalika International Street Circuit, in Indonesia. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Sean Dylan Kelly – #4
“Overall, it was an up and down weekend. We had a lot of positives and some tough moments as well, some challenges we can really learn from. It was nice being able to get into the top 10 in some of the sessions with some ‘complicated’ weather. Honestly, it was just nice to get a good feeling with the bike, enough to put it somewhat more competitive. It was just a shame because every time we had some dry time in FP2, I felt like we were on the right path to do something good. But then I put in the soft tire with 10 mins to go I crashed on my first flying lap so couldn’t put in the soft tire lap time. I didn’t go out again on the tire in the dry until qualifying yesterday and that lasted less than a lap as well.
I feel like we lost a lot of dry time and that put me a step behind going into the race. That was definitely tough, but I tried my best to build that back and have an understanding during the race. But unfortunately, that ended early for us due to a mechanical issue. It’s part of racing but like I said, it was a weekend overall with lots of positives and challenges we’ll be able to learn and grow from!”
John Hopkins – American Racing Sporting Director
“It’s been a difficult weekend and bittersweet in a lot of ways. Most of the teams will have had a lot of negatives, I think we have a lot of positives.
For Sean, it’s been extremely difficult. We thought coming to a new track it would be somewhat of an even playing field, everyone learning the new track but with the conditions involved in that going from wet to dry to wet, barely having any dry track time, he’s been thrown into the deep end. But nonetheless he was consistently one of the top rookies throughout the weekend in a couple sessions. The race was wild, but he persevered, got a great start and a decent learning experience with the group he was riding with. Unfortunately, his shifter broke which put him out of the running but all this experience in varied conditions will make him a better rider in future.
As for Cam, it was a disappointing result given that his potential has been so high. He’s had solid race pace throughout the weekend, been strong wet or dry. Qualifying set us back by only having the one lap. I think if he had started higher up, he’d have finished higher too. But he got points, stayed up and that’s the most important thing.
The tire strategy was a gamble for everyone but as a team, I have to accept some responsibility as I was in favor of the tire choice we made but I think it was the wrong one ultimately for him. But these things can happen. It’s a long season, he’s got good points in the first two races. Let’s move to Argentina and the USA to search for that podium!”
Joe Roberts close to the top ten at Indonesian GP.
Improving performance for Lorenzo Dalla Porta.
Second round of the MotoGP World Championship at the amazing Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia.
A brand-new challenge for Moto2 with a race cut from 25 to 16 laps before the start, as a result of track conditions.
Starting 19th on the grid, Joe Roberts made a great comeback, finishing 11th close to the top ten. His performance is a proof of the excellent race pace and high potential of the American rider, who still earns points in the standings.
Improving day for Lorenzo Dalla Porta too, who continues the work on the shoulder. Starting 27th has immediately took feeling with the track and conditions, despite the first drops of rain, recovering positions and finishing 20th. His lap times were close to those of his teammate, with some differences in the changes of direction due to the difficulty in moving the bike: clear sign that the Tuscan rider can be competitive.
Next round for the Italtrans Racing Team is the Argentina Grand Prix, scheduled on 3rd April at Rio Hondo Circuit.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta 20th
“I managed to finish the race and this is positive. My shoulder is improving and I’m working to be in the best shape in a short time. The goal is to take a further step forward in Argentina, where I will definitely be better”.
Joe Roberts 11th
“I’m quite satisfied, even if the result doesn’t represent us, because the potential is greater and we can definitely do better. Anyway, we got some more points. Now we look forward to the GP in Argentina”.
Franco Brugnara – Lorenzo Dalla Porta’s Crew Chief
“In the warm up we tried a different set-up for Lorenzo and the results were good. The final position is not what we are aiming for this year, but he took a step forward compared to Qatar. In the race he struggled but he hung in there and did well. We look forward to the next races”.
Giovanni Sandi – Joe Roberts’ Crew Chief
“We have the potential and we showed it today. Good race for Joe with a great recovery behind the second group. In the last laps he set the same lap times as the top three. We have to do better in qualifying in order to play for the podium”.
RED BULL KTM TEAMMATES SHARE PODIUM HONORS AT TEXAS HALF-MILE
KODY KOPP EDGES OUT TEAMMATE MAX WHALE TO CLAIM SECOND IN AFT SINGLES CLASS
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – Round 2 AFT
FORT WORTH, Texas – Following 1-2 finishes at the opening round, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Kody Kopp and Max Whale once again shared podium honors at Round 2 of the American Flat Track Championship, delivering strong 2-3 results at the Texas Half-Mile.
Australian native Max Whale came out swinging from the start as he powered his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to the front in Semi 2. Sweeping all eight laps in dominant fashion, Whale secured pole position for the AFT Singles Main Event. Kopp also had a strong performance in Semi 1, where he raced in third from start to finish to secure a second-row start for the main.
In the Main Event, Whale once again asserted himself at the front of the pack with a second-place start, while Kopp worked his way into fifth and battled just outside podium contention early on. A red flag came out to re-set the field after a downed rider and this time it was Kopp who established a good jump off the re-start. Overtaking Whale for second, the 17-year-old chased down the race leader and the Red Bull KTM duo held on the pressure late into the race. Despite being within striking distance of the win, Kopp made the decision to play it safe and bring home a second-place finish, crossing the line only 0.123 seconds behind the leader.
Kody Kopp (12). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp: “Texas was a very big weekend for me, I learned a lot and felt like I made a lot of progress throughout the day. I qualified 11th and then to come out with second was a win in itself. We changed a decent amount of stuff and it all came together in the Main Event. We narrowly missed a collision on the back straightaway and that allowed me to keep fighting through the pack. I got a killer re-start after the red flag and was up to second but just couldn’t make the move for the lead. I knew I had the speed and the bike to do it but it was such a sketchy track that if I went for it, I didn’t think I was going to finish on two wheels. We stuck it out and got some good points with second for a 1-2 to start the season.”
Whale, charging hard, finished another 0.210 seconds back for third.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Max Whale: “Texas was good, it went well for me personally and another double-podium for the team, which is great! I felt awesome all day but the track was hard to pass on and I struggled with that. All-in-all, it was a good weekend and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Next Race: I-70 Half-Mile – Odessa, Missouri – April 23, 2021
Round 2 Results – Texas Half-Mile AFT Singles Main Event
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING WINS TEXAS HALF-MILE WITH DOMINANT PERFORMANCE BY JARED MEES
Reigning SuperTwins Champion Secures First Win of 2022 Season, Jumps to Second on Leaderboard
Jared Mees (1). Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Minneapolis, MN. (March 21, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, secured its second consecutive win of the 2022 American Flat Track season following a dominant performance by reigning SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees. Mees’ first win of the season places him in second on the championship leaderboard, just one point behind fellow Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman.
Following a fifth-place finish at the Volusia Half-Mile season opener, Mees, the defending champion, was seeking redemption at the Texas Half-Mile. After winning his semi and the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Mees demonstrated his racing prowess during the Main event. While JD Beach jumped out to an early lead in the Main, it was Mees who took control after just two laps. He quickly pulled away from the rest of the field, riding unchallenged the remainder of the 32-lap racing, to ultimately capture his first win of the 2022 season.
“This was a classic Jared Mees, bounce-back performance. After missing the podium last round, Mees answered with an impressive round that reminded everyone why he’s the No. 1 rider,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “Though it’s early in the season, this was an important win for Jared as he looks to stay out front and at the top of the leaderboard throughout the entire season.”
In 2021, Mees demonstrated one of his finest performances of his career. After a mid-season knee surgery cost him critical points, Mees went on a historic run to earn his seventh career championship – securing nine consecutive podiums and winning five of the last seven races of the season. The strong finish edged him over fellow Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman and got Mees one championship closer to his career goal to meet Scottie Parker’s record of nine championships.
The 2022 American Flat Track season continues April 23 for the I-70 Half-Mile at I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, MO.
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s American Flat Track efforts include Progressive Insurance, S&S®, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
MotoGP™ Legend inductions set to take place in 2022
Jorge Lorenzo, Max Biaggi and Hugh Anderson are confirmed to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this season
Monday, 21 March 2022
Five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, four-time World Champion Max Biaggi and four-time World Champion Hugh Anderson were set to be inducted into the MotoGP™ Legends Hall of Fame prior to the Covid-19 pandemic; the Spaniard at Jerez, the Italian at Mugello and the New Zealander later in the season.
Due to limitations caused by the pandemic, it was decided to delay their inductions until such time as it was possible to hold a more traditional MotoGP™ Legend ceremony – allowing the three the opportunity to celebrate the milestone in the company of family members, friends, and paddock personnel, as well as to allow journalists and media the chance to attend.
As restrictions ease in many places, a new date has now been set for each ceremony. As originally planned, Jorge Lorenzo will be inducted on Saturday at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, with two-time WorldSBK Champion Max Biaggi up next on Friday at the Autodromo del Mugello. Hugh Anderson will be inducted later in 2022, with the initial plan set to see the ceremony for the New Zealander take place at Phillip Island.
Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races at Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway.
Bryan Staring (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4-R) got the early jump on Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) to take the lead in Race 1, with Glenn Allerton (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR) also making a big first lap move up to fourth. Jones would briefly retake the lead on lap two, but left the door open enough for Staring to nudge through.
A mid-corner error from Staring saw the Championship leader drop out of contention and hand second place to Wayne Maxwell (V4-R). Jones would cruise to a 5.6-second lead to take victory ahead of Maxwell and Josh Waters (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR).
Maxwell would time his launch perfectly to take an early lead in Race Two ahead of Jones and Staring. It would be short-lived however as Jones ran past the Ducati through the outside of turn two. Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing YZF-R1) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) would argue over fourth and fifth respectively. This duel would be settled before the chequered flag when Halliday stopped on the penultimate lap with mechanical issues.
Staring would shadow Jones more closely in the afternoon race, albeit two-seconds adrift. Eventually, Jones took his second win by 4.6 seconds ahead of Bryan Staring and Wayne Maxwell.
“All the guys at Yamaha have put in a big effort to help me adapt to this bike. The last win for me was in 2019 so to come and get a couple of wins is just fantastic,” said Jones.
Jones now leads the championship on 86 points over Bryan Staring on 70 points with Josh Waters on 67 points. Jones, by his own admission, was surprised to be so competitive so early.
“I was hoping as the season went on to get to grips with the Yamaha and be able to challenge, so to lead the championship is a little bit above my expectations,” added Jones.
Second-placed Staring was circumspect after a crash in Race One effectively lost him the championship lead to Jones, but philosophical nonetheless about his return to form.
“It’s funny how the desire to be competitive is soon outrun by the fact that you want to win,” said Staring.
Third-placed Maxwell was happy to score two podiums on which he deems to be his ‘bogey’ circuit.
“Massive congrats to Mike and Bryan. They rode awesome,” said Maxwell.
“We’ll go back, have a look at the drawing board and come back at some tracks that are a little more suited to us and the bike.”
Mike Jones (center), Wayne Maxwell (left) and Josh Waters (right) on the podium at Queensland Raceway. Photo by Karl Phillipson/@optikalphoto, courtesy ASBK.
John Lytras (Yamaha YZF-R6) ran out to an early two-tenths of a second lead in Race One for Michelin Supersport, but couldn’t hold on – eventually being usurped by Tom Edwards (Yamaha YZF-R6) to the honours in ahead of Scott Nicholson (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Lytras. Nominal Championship leader (With actual leader Senna Agius now overseas) Tom Bramich crashed out of the race, giving him a challenge to work back into contention over the next six rounds.
Lytras would get the jump in Race Two, only to get pushed down to third in the first few corners by Olly Simpson and Tom Edwards. Tom Drane would make an impressive start to vault to fifth position. Edwards would eventually take two from two to lead the championship ahead of Lytras and Simpson.
After two riders went down at turn two (including Saturday front-runner Taiyo Asksu), the Dunlop Supersport 300 Race Two was restarted with five laps remaining. At the restart, Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) immediately grabbed an early break on the opposition. They were never challenged, with Nelson capitalising on a last-corner error from Dunker to take victory with Jonatha Nahlous (Kawasaki Ninja) in third.
In Race Three, Nelson and Dunker would get an early break on the field, with Nahlous fending off the rest of the pack. Dunker would pull a late race challenge, but Nelson would close the gate to take victory with Henry Snell eventually sneaking through to pinch third place.
With a number of riders missing the grid for Race Two of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, a large contingent would e forced to start from pit-lane. Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) got the early jump but would be challenged by both Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Henry Snell (Yamaha YZF-R3).
Nelson would survive a tight-fought battle to take victory in a thriller from Dunker and first-time podium placer Sam Pezzetta (Yamaha YZF-R3). Dunker would make amends to take the victory for Race Three ahead of Henry Snell and Glenn Nelson.
In Race Two of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, it was another tense battle between Cameron Rende, Ryan Larkin, Teerin Fleming and Hudson Thompson (all Yamaha YZF-R15), with the lead changing multiple times each lap.
After dropping as low as sixth, Rende would time his run perfectly to take the chequered ahead of Larkin and Harrison Watts by five-hundredths of a second. However, applied penalties saw an amended result of Cameron Rende, Sam Drane and Hudson Thompson on the final podium.
In Race Three, Hunter Corney would lead into turn one ahead of Thompson and Watts. With only 1.2 seconds covering the top eight riders, getting the timing right would be crucial on the run to the flag.
Rende would have no such luck after dropping out from third place, leaving Watts to take a narrow victory over a fast-closing Ryan Larkin and Hudson Thompson in third.
Completing an almost perfect weekend, Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe win Race Three of the Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship with the Turner family fighting out the final spots – Neil and Danyon Turner taking second place ahead of Jamie and Shelbey Turner in third.
Round Three of the 2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) continues at Wakefield Park on 22 – 24 April.
2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK)
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW 22 – 24 April
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, Sidecars
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT 17 – 19 June
* With Supercars – SBK Only
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD 5 – 7 August
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC
Round 6 Symmons Plains Raceway – Launceston TAS 20 – 23 October
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup
Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC TBA – November
TBC
Round 8 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend SA 2 – 4 December
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC
ASBK Night of Champions Dinner – The Bend 4 December
More, from another press release issued by ASBK:
22nd March 2022
ASBK Race Direction Post-Race Notification
Dear Supersport Competitors,
The ASBK Race Direction advise of the Post-Race Disqualification of – #26 Tom Edwards
Following Post-Race Technical Inspection, a report from the ASBK Chief Technical Officer to the ASBK Race Director confirms a breach of ASBK Technical Regulations 4.25.6 – Technical Regulations (SSP) Modification of OEM Parts for rider #26 Tom Edwards.
This breach is effective for Supersport Race 1 & 2, in addition to the pole position result during ASBK Round 2 – Queensland Raceway.
The final results of both Supersport races at ASBK Round 2, the ASBK Championship Points for Supersport will now be amended by the ASBK Chief Timekeeper.
The point for Pole Position for Supersport class at ASBK Round 2 will now be awarded to the 2nd place qualifier.
The updated results will be available on Computime & ASBK websites and any new podium placegetters will be contacted by ASBK Management with respect to the trophy presentation.
The rider retains the right to protest as per the ASBK Sporting Regulations and MA GCR’s.
Featured In the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
“Confirmation bias describes the human tendency to accept evidence of previously held beliefs while discarding philosophically troubling and potentially contradictory data. If there is one thing we learned from Cassandra, it’s that awareness of a developing phenomenon is not always useful.
“AOD had won the opening round at Carolina Motorsports Park in a pretty decisive fashion but Twisted Speed, our principal competition, had still finished second due to an ill-fated DNF from N2/Bobblehead. My instinct was to accept the win as proof of our competitive superiority but I knew that we had been fortunate for a variety of reasons and, therefore, we still had work to do but, with only the wet race experience, it was a little tough to decide which direction we needed to go…”
—Army Of Darkness, N2/WERA Endurance, Part 2, by Sam Q. Fleming
Backs against the wall, the Army of Darkness resorts to testing in order to chase down Twisted Speed Racing in perhaps the highest-profile racing series in the U.S. to feature an honest-to-god tire battle. Read how AOD tried to dig itself out of its early-season hole in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Oliveira stages a wet weather masterclass to put KTM on top at Mandalika
A truly stunning performance from the Portuguese rider puts him back on the top step and gives KTM the lead in the Teams’ and Constructors’ standings
Miguel Oliveira (88) takes the checkered flag in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 20 March 2022
It was worth the wait, wasn’t it? On a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put in an absolute masterclass in wet conditions to claim victory and bounce back in style from a tough opening round. Reigning World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) sliced back through to second for his first podium of the season, ahead of compatriot Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) in third. The win for Oliveira sees KTM head the Constructors’ standings for the first time, as well as putting Red Bull KTM Factory Racing top in the teams’ title fight thanks to their Qatar podium and, now, first victory of the season.
The drama began early on Sunday, however, as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) suffered a huge crash in Warm Up and was forced to miss the race due to concussion. Then, after Moto2™, the rain came down as thunderstorms hit Lombok, but after more than an hour’s delay, at 16:15 local time, it was lights out in Indonesia for the first time in 25 years. Quartararo got an outstanding launch from pole position, comfortably collecting the holeshot, as Oliveira made a lightning start from P7 to grab second and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) shot swiftly up to P3 from sixth on the grid.
At the start of Lap 2, both Oliveira and Miller passed Quartararo as the early pacesetters started to stretch their legs, with the Australian then picking off Oliveira for the race lead too. Now down in third, Quartararo had Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), compatriot Zarco and a rapid starting Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) for company too – the 2020 Champion up from way down the grid after a nightmare Q1.
Rins and Zarco then got the better of Quartararo early on, but they faced an already substantial 2.4s gap to Miller and Oliveira… and that order was about to switch. The Portuguese rider carved his way past the Ducati of Miller at Turn 12 on Lap 6 to retake the lead, and then he got the hammer down.
Meanwhile, there was a big moment for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), the Italian somehow staying on after a snap into Turn 1. Still, he slipped down to P12 behind Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with Championship leader Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) struggling even more, dow in P20 from fifth on the grid.
Back in the top ten though, Turn 1 was about to bite again. Having just got the better of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) for P7, Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) then became the first and only crasher of the race in the braking zone into the first corner, the 2021 Rookie of the Year down, out, but ok.
At the front, there were no such dramas. Oliveira had stretched his lead to 1.6s, Miller was second, Rins third, Zarco fourth, and Quartararo fifth with 12 laps to go. At half race distance though, Zarco was the quickest rider on track and a quality move came on Rins at Turn 12 for P3. Miller wasn’t far up the road from the Frenchman either, and he looked desperate to pass the Australian as Quartararo really started to find his groove behind them. Sure enough, El Diablo was back into P3 with five laps to go, with he and Zarco fighting it out in spectacular style.
Oliveira was 3.5s clear as the battle raged behind, but with Quartararo now the fastest rider on track and back up to second on Lap 16 of 20. Zarco also managed to follow the Yamaha man through on Miller, and with three laps to go, it suddenly started to look like Oliveira might be in the crosshairs after all. The gap was slashed by a second and the lead was down to 3.4s – was it game on?
Quartararo took a tenth more here and there as the laps ticked down, but Oliveira responded. At the start of the last lap, it remained a healthy 2.8s and the Portuguese rider just needed to bring it home, with Quartararo enjoying a 0.9s buffer to Zarco, who in turn had 2.3s in hand over Miller. The podium seemed decided, and it was.
Crossing the line for his first win of the year, Oliveira’s masterclass sees the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider take 25 points, puts KTM on top in the title and factory fights, and moves him up 16 places in the riders’ Championship to boot. After a tough start in Qatar and for much of the latter half of 2021, it was quite a statement ride by the multiple MotoGP™ winner.
Nevertheless, Quartararo celebrated P2 like a win as the Frenchman showed his wet weather prowess for the first time in the premier class, taking some valuable points too. Zarco completed the podium, the third place marking a return to the rostrum for the number 5 for the first time since Barcelona 2021.
Miller, always strong in the wet, takes home a hard-earned P4, with Rins putting in a solid ride to claim P5. P6 for Mir, having started from the lower echelons of the top 20, is also a job well done for the 2020 World Champion too, and he got onto the back of his teammate by the flag. Morbidelli ended up a somewhat lonely P7 despite his three-place grid penalty as we witnessed an almighty battle for P8 behind the Italian.
It was won in the end by Brad Binder, who was just ahead of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) over the line. But the South African had to get his elbows to take that eighth place by force, and it was none other than his brother, WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team’s Darryn Binder, standing in the way.
The rookie put in a tour de force and one of the rides of the day, leading the battle for eighth onto the final lap before Brad Binder struck, then only losing out to the number 33 and Espargaro’s Aprilia. The number 40 claimed his first points and top ten after an absolute barnstormer, top rookie by some margin.
World Championship leader Bastianini, who retains that moniker by two single points ahead of Brad Binder and recovering well in the latter stages, took P11 ahead of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Bagnaia slipped down the order after his earlier moment to a tough P15, making it one point from the opening two races for one of the pre-season title favourites.
Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was the only other non-finisher alongside Martin after the Italian encountered an issue with his YZR-M1 and was forced to retire.
That’s take one on Lombok in the history books, and it’s safe to say the Indonesian GP was full of action. Oliveira goes home with the race-winning trophy, Bastianini remains the title leader, and there’s only 10 points between the top nine heading to Argentina for Round 3… as well as a new manufacturer on top in the standings. Join us for more as MotoGP™ returns at Termas de Rio Hondo!
Miguel Oliveira: “Emotionally it was a rollercoaster because the start was perfect but in the wet it’s so hard to judge where the limit is. So I followed Jack for a couple of laps and then I understood I could go a bit faster, so when I overtook him I just tried to focus for the next five laps to do the maximum I could. Then I built a gap and just managed throughout the whole race, but for sure it wasn’t easy. The last couple of months haven’t been easy for me so to be back like this with this incredible win, it’s really emotional. I promised my daughter I would get her a trophy from Indonesia, so this one is for you baby. I want to dedicate this podium to a guy called Rizman, he’s part of the staff in the hotel I’ve stayed in, he has been supporting me the whole week and he’s a really nice guy, so I promised that if I was on the podium I’d dedicate it to him. Let’s go to Argentina, see what we can do, keep up the level but for now I’m just super happy to be here on the podium!”
Chantra uncatchable to become Thailand’s first Grand Prix winner
The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider dominated from start to finish to make a little history at Mandalika
Somkiat Chantra (35). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Somkiat Chantra is the first Thai rider to win a Grand Prix race! The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider led from the first corner to the chequered flag in a Moto2™ masterclass, coming home three seconds clear of Championship leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team, with Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) collecting his second podium of the season in third – and remaining the rider on Vietti’s tail in the standings.
Ahead of the race, it was announced that the new race length would be 16 laps due to track conditions, although the intermediate class had a dry race barring some drops of very light rain on the warm up lap. The race got underway on slicks though though and it was Chantra who pinched the holeshot from the second row, with polesitter Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) P2 before Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) snuck past at Turn 2.
The rain was still lingering but Chantra held onto the lead from Lowes and Dixon, with Vietti eventually getting the better of Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) as the Italians battled it out at the end of the opening lap. Canet was a beneficiary of the Vietti/Corsi fight too, the Spaniard into P4 and in touch with Lowes and Dixon.
On Lap 6, just after passing compatriot Lowes for second, Dixon then tucked the front at Turn 10. Just ahead, Chantra had opened the gap up to over a second, and after Dixon’s crash, Canet was left in second ahead of Lowes. Vietti then passed the Brit and with nine laps to go, two seconds split the top three. Vietti made a classy move on Canet stick at Turn 12 not long after, and the gap to bridge was 2.1s with eight laps remaining…
The response from Chantra? The fastest lap of the race. His lead over Vietti went up a tenth, and on the next lap, it was up to 2.3s. By five to go it was 2.6s, and it looked like Vietti and co. had no answer for the Thai star. With two laps to go, the gap was over three seconds and it seemed decided: all Chantra had to do was bring it home.
That’s exactly what he did. The Thai rider crossed the line to claim an outstanding victory by over three seconds, becoming the first rider from his nation to win a Grand Prix race. Vietti was able to take a valuable second and 20 points though, the Qatar winner extending his lead over Canet as the Spaniard completed the podium. For both, it’s back-to-back podiums to start the season.
Lowes was a lonely finisher in P4 as Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) held off a charge up from a tough grid position for Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) in P5 and P6, respectively. Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) took an impressive P7, with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in eighth. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claimed ninth after his Long Lap Penalty given for crashing under a yellow flag in practice, the Spaniard embroiled in a great battle with Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), who ultimately lost out.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) took P11, just ahead of compatriot Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) less than a tenth behind him. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40), rookie Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) and near-home hero Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) completed the top 15.
And so a little history is made at Mandalika, with a new rider and nation on the list of winners. Vietti extends his title lead to nine points over Canet heading to Argentina, but it will surely be a another classic. Come back for more in just under a fortnight as Termas de Rio Hondo plays host!
2 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – +3.230
3 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – +4.366
Somkiat Chantra: “I feel so happy! I also don’t believe it! On the last lap, I saw I was P1 and I saw the chequered flag and I was like ‘oh I’m in first position!’ It’s also my first time here in Moto2…I’m really happy. I also would like to say thanks to my family. I want to thank my sponsors, Thai Honda. Also thank you to Idemitsu Honda Team Asia and next leg I will be more strong! See you then, bye!”
Foggia takes flawless first win of 2022
The runner up last season blasted out the blocks and straight to the top step in Lombok, with Guevara second and Tatay taking a first podium in third
Dennis Foggia (7) won the Moto3 race in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
That’s about as good as it gets if your name is Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). The Italian dominated the Moto3™ race at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia to claim his first victory of the season – and the World Championship lead with it. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) picked up a hard-fought P2, with polesitter Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) brilliantly recovering from a Long Lap Penalty to earn a maiden Grand Prix podium in third.
There was drama before the race started for second on the grid Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), with the Brazilian rookie suffering an issue with his machine and forced to start from the back of the grid. Back at the front, Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) grabbed an impressive holeshot from seventh on the grid, with Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) and Foggia making their own great starts from the second row.
Foggia made it to the front and was joined by Migno, Garcia and Guevara, with the quartet able to pull a gap in the opening five laps. Foggia then decided to put the hammer down and the Italian was 1.5s clear on Lap 7 of 23, as Championship leader Migno had a front-end scare at the final corner. By Lap 9, Foggia’s lead was up to 3.2s, with Guevera opening up a 0.5s gap in second place.
Garcia had slipped back into the clutches of Migno, Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max), but the Spaniard suddenly turned up the wick to reel in Guevara with 10 laps to go. By this stage at the front though, Foggia had checked out – his lead up to 5.1s.
With Foggia producing a flawless race, it was all eyes on the battle for second. Guevara, Migno, Öncü, Garcia, Masia, Holgado and Sasaki were now joined by Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), Elia Bartolini (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team), Tatay and Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing).
Heading onto the final lap, Guevera was 0.9s ahead of the charging Tatay and Garcia. Foggia was four seconds up the road and cruising to victory, and Tatay was then wide at Turn 10 to allow Garcia into the final podium position. But at the penultimate corner the number 99 struck back, keeping it over the line and coming home behind Guevara.
At the front though, no one had an answer for Foggia as he popped a wheelie over the line to confirm his dominant victory, still more than two seconds clear at the flag. Guevara’s second is his first podium of the season, and for Tatay the incredible charge to the podium marks his first visit to the rostrum, as well as the first for CFMoto.
Garcia took fourth but some solid points, just two behind Foggia and in second, with Öncü completing the top five. Artigas took P6 ahead of Masia after the number 5 escaped a tangle with Öncü late on, with Bartolini, Holgado and Suzuki completing the top ten.
Sasaki and Migno crashed on the final lap – the Japanese rider tagging the back of Migno at Turn 10. The number 71 has been given a Long Lap penalty for the Moto3™ race in Argentina.
Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) beat Kaito Toba (CIP – Green Power) to 11th, with a trio of rookies completing the points. The first was Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) as the Brit finished close to the Japanese veterans just ahead, impressing with his first Grand Prix points.
Then came the home hero: Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia). The Indonesian took an incredible front row on Saturday and backed it up with his first points on Sunday despite a Long Lap, taking a big step forward on home turf. Matteo Bertelle (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) took the final point in P15, the Italian rookie crossing the line a couple of tenths behind Aji but after having taking two Long Lap penalties – the first for a shortcut, and the second for failing to take the first.
That’s a wrap on another classic weekend of Moto3™ action, with Argentina up next. Foggia is in the driving seat now but Garcia only trails by a single point… so what will Termas de Rio Hondo bring? Find out in just under two weeks!
Moto3™ PODIUM
1 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 38’51.668
3 Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) – CFMoto – +3.639
Dennis Foggia: “I don’t have words. It was so hot. It was incredible, the race. Yesterday, I was unlucky in the qualifying because I crashed when I was being fast, but finally I finished in 6th position. Now, I know that we had a good pace for the race. In the last lap, it was impossible to breathe, it was so hard. This my best hard race in my life. Incredible. I’m very happy for me and for my team. I would like to thanks to all my team, my family, all my friends and my girlfriend. See you in Argentina!”
The Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, Part 6, was brought to you by Cardo Systems.
The winner of this survey, David Prather, of Jacksonville, Texas, wins a Cardo PACKTALK BOLD Bluetooth communicator.
Cardo’s PACKTALK lineup utilizes Dynamic Mesh Communication for a seamless, always-on network that allows riders to “set it and forget it” with its auto-connect feature. Each PACKTALK product is waterproof and features premium sound by JBL. The Cardo PACKTALK BOLD has a suggested retail price of $339.95 and is available from dealers or directly from Cardo Systems, Dept. RW, 101 East Park Boulevard, Plano, TX 75074, (412) 788-4533, www.cardosystems.com.
Survey results are used to improve content for readers and marketing for our advertisers. Name and address required for prize drawing. Entrants will automatically receive a free three-issue trial subscription to Roadracing World magazine with no obligation. No mailing list or confidential individual information is shared with third parties. Roadracing World’s privacy policy can be viewed here. To sign up to receive upcoming, short installments of future Roadracing World reader surveys and other promotional e-mails from Roadracing World, CLICK HERE.
For more information on how your product can be the presenting sponsor of an upcoming portion of the Roadracing World 2022 Reader Survey, email Anne Roberts, [email protected].
About Roadracing World
Established in 1990, Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW. Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
Jack Miller (43) braking for a corner at Mandalika International Street Circuit. Photo courtesy Ducati.
FIM Grand Prix World Championship
Decisions of the Grand Prix Commission
The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Biense Bierma (MSMA), assisted by Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting) and Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), in an electronic held on 18 March 2022, made the following decision:
Technical Regulations
EFFECTIVE SEASON 2023
MotoGP Class
RIDE HEIGHT DEVICES
During the meeting of the Commission held in Lusail on 4 March 2022 the Grand Prix Commission delegates were asked to consider two alternative proposals on this matter. Both had the objective of preventing further performance improvements and development cost increases. After consideration of the proposals the following regulation was approved unanimously.
The use of any device that modifies or adjusts the motorcycle’s front ride height while it is
moving is forbidden.
The decision of the Technical Director will be final when determining what constitutes a front ride height device; devices that only operate one-shot at the race start (i.e. “holeshot” devices) are allowed.
The start of the Moto2 race at Mandalika International Street Circuit, in Indonesia. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Roll the dice: conditions hinder potential for Cam and Sean in Indonesia
A mixed weekend for the American Racing Team as Cameron Beaubier takes 12th while Sean Dylan Kelly is forced to retire from the shortened Indonesia Grand Prix.
Cam’s weekend got off to a steady start as the Californian familiarized himself with the brand new Mandalika International Street Circuit, ending all three practice sessions inside the top 15 and securing himself a direct place in Q2. A crash in qualifying prevented him from improving on 11th but, despite a tweak to his knee, he was able to walk away relatively unscathed.
On Sunday, faced with the unknown of the Indonesian circuit asphalt, the team took a gamble on the tires to maximize their longevity but, due to the reduced laps, were caught out. Cam fought to break into the top 10 for much of the race but, on the final lap, was caught and crossed the finish line in 12th.
It was a mixed start to the weekend for Sean as the rookie managed to show his potential in the mixed conditions to finish inside the top 10 on two of the three practice session but missed out on a direct place in Q2. An unfortunate crash on his first flying lap in qualifying sent Sean out of the session early and to the back of the grid.
Making an incredible start, Sean made up five positions with a great start before a broken shifter ended his race early as he was forced to retire.
Cameron Beaubier (6) chases Marcos Ramirez (42) and leads Jake Dixon (96) during the Moto2 race at Mandalika International Street Circuit, in Indonesia. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Cameron Beaubier – #6
“Kind of like Qatar, I was expecting more to be honest. But I’m really happy we finished, especially with the tough conditions and my little crash yesterday in qualifying just on that second lap. I still don’t know what I touched in turn two, whether it was a wet patch or something to do with the asphalt.
We were anticipating a full distance race going with the lightly used soft rear tire, it’s a strategy I’ve done back home in the US before, just to harden the tire up a little bit. But the race was shortened last minute, and I just didn’t have the grip at the beginning of the race. So, I felt like I was just getting passed, left and right. If we had the race again, we’d have chosen a different strategy.
At the end I was trying to go for that top 10 and salvage a pretty tough Grand Prix, made a move into the final sector on Arenas and sent us wide and lost a couple places. I’m happy I stayed on two wheels though and all in all, I’m happy to get out of here with some good points and move on to Argentina!”
Sean Dylan Kelly (4), before a broken shifter knocked him out of the Moto2 race at Mandalika International Street Circuit, in Indonesia. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
Sean Dylan Kelly – #4
“Overall, it was an up and down weekend. We had a lot of positives and some tough moments as well, some challenges we can really learn from. It was nice being able to get into the top 10 in some of the sessions with some ‘complicated’ weather. Honestly, it was just nice to get a good feeling with the bike, enough to put it somewhat more competitive. It was just a shame because every time we had some dry time in FP2, I felt like we were on the right path to do something good. But then I put in the soft tire with 10 mins to go I crashed on my first flying lap so couldn’t put in the soft tire lap time. I didn’t go out again on the tire in the dry until qualifying yesterday and that lasted less than a lap as well.
I feel like we lost a lot of dry time and that put me a step behind going into the race. That was definitely tough, but I tried my best to build that back and have an understanding during the race. But unfortunately, that ended early for us due to a mechanical issue. It’s part of racing but like I said, it was a weekend overall with lots of positives and challenges we’ll be able to learn and grow from!”
John Hopkins – American Racing Sporting Director
“It’s been a difficult weekend and bittersweet in a lot of ways. Most of the teams will have had a lot of negatives, I think we have a lot of positives.
For Sean, it’s been extremely difficult. We thought coming to a new track it would be somewhat of an even playing field, everyone learning the new track but with the conditions involved in that going from wet to dry to wet, barely having any dry track time, he’s been thrown into the deep end. But nonetheless he was consistently one of the top rookies throughout the weekend in a couple sessions. The race was wild, but he persevered, got a great start and a decent learning experience with the group he was riding with. Unfortunately, his shifter broke which put him out of the running but all this experience in varied conditions will make him a better rider in future.
As for Cam, it was a disappointing result given that his potential has been so high. He’s had solid race pace throughout the weekend, been strong wet or dry. Qualifying set us back by only having the one lap. I think if he had started higher up, he’d have finished higher too. But he got points, stayed up and that’s the most important thing.
The tire strategy was a gamble for everyone but as a team, I have to accept some responsibility as I was in favor of the tire choice we made but I think it was the wrong one ultimately for him. But these things can happen. It’s a long season, he’s got good points in the first two races. Let’s move to Argentina and the USA to search for that podium!”
Joe Roberts (16) leads Bo Bendsneyder (64) and Jorge Navarro (9) during the Moto2 race in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Italtrans Racing.
Joe Roberts close to the top ten at Indonesian GP.
Improving performance for Lorenzo Dalla Porta.
Second round of the MotoGP World Championship at the amazing Mandalika International Circuit, Indonesia.
A brand-new challenge for Moto2 with a race cut from 25 to 16 laps before the start, as a result of track conditions.
Starting 19th on the grid, Joe Roberts made a great comeback, finishing 11th close to the top ten. His performance is a proof of the excellent race pace and high potential of the American rider, who still earns points in the standings.
Improving day for Lorenzo Dalla Porta too, who continues the work on the shoulder. Starting 27th has immediately took feeling with the track and conditions, despite the first drops of rain, recovering positions and finishing 20th. His lap times were close to those of his teammate, with some differences in the changes of direction due to the difficulty in moving the bike: clear sign that the Tuscan rider can be competitive.
Next round for the Italtrans Racing Team is the Argentina Grand Prix, scheduled on 3rd April at Rio Hondo Circuit.
Lorenzo Dalla Porta 20th
“I managed to finish the race and this is positive. My shoulder is improving and I’m working to be in the best shape in a short time. The goal is to take a further step forward in Argentina, where I will definitely be better”.
Joe Roberts 11th
“I’m quite satisfied, even if the result doesn’t represent us, because the potential is greater and we can definitely do better. Anyway, we got some more points. Now we look forward to the GP in Argentina”.
Franco Brugnara – Lorenzo Dalla Porta’s Crew Chief
“In the warm up we tried a different set-up for Lorenzo and the results were good. The final position is not what we are aiming for this year, but he took a step forward compared to Qatar. In the race he struggled but he hung in there and did well. We look forward to the next races”.
Giovanni Sandi – Joe Roberts’ Crew Chief
“We have the potential and we showed it today. Good race for Joe with a great recovery behind the second group. In the last laps he set the same lap times as the top three. We have to do better in qualifying in order to play for the podium”.
Texas Motor Speedway, as seen in 2022. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
RED BULL KTM TEAMMATES SHARE PODIUM HONORS AT TEXAS HALF-MILE
KODY KOPP EDGES OUT TEAMMATE MAX WHALE TO CLAIM SECOND IN AFT SINGLES CLASS
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – Round 2 AFT
FORT WORTH, Texas – Following 1-2 finishes at the opening round, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Kody Kopp and Max Whale once again shared podium honors at Round 2 of the American Flat Track Championship, delivering strong 2-3 results at the Texas Half-Mile.
Australian native Max Whale came out swinging from the start as he powered his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to the front in Semi 2. Sweeping all eight laps in dominant fashion, Whale secured pole position for the AFT Singles Main Event. Kopp also had a strong performance in Semi 1, where he raced in third from start to finish to secure a second-row start for the main.
In the Main Event, Whale once again asserted himself at the front of the pack with a second-place start, while Kopp worked his way into fifth and battled just outside podium contention early on. A red flag came out to re-set the field after a downed rider and this time it was Kopp who established a good jump off the re-start. Overtaking Whale for second, the 17-year-old chased down the race leader and the Red Bull KTM duo held on the pressure late into the race. Despite being within striking distance of the win, Kopp made the decision to play it safe and bring home a second-place finish, crossing the line only 0.123 seconds behind the leader.
Kody Kopp (12). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp: “Texas was a very big weekend for me, I learned a lot and felt like I made a lot of progress throughout the day. I qualified 11th and then to come out with second was a win in itself. We changed a decent amount of stuff and it all came together in the Main Event. We narrowly missed a collision on the back straightaway and that allowed me to keep fighting through the pack. I got a killer re-start after the red flag and was up to second but just couldn’t make the move for the lead. I knew I had the speed and the bike to do it but it was such a sketchy track that if I went for it, I didn’t think I was going to finish on two wheels. We stuck it out and got some good points with second for a 1-2 to start the season.”
Whale, charging hard, finished another 0.210 seconds back for third.
Max Whale (18). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Max Whale: “Texas was good, it went well for me personally and another double-podium for the team, which is great! I felt awesome all day but the track was hard to pass on and I struggled with that. All-in-all, it was a good weekend and I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Next Race: I-70 Half-Mile – Odessa, Missouri – April 23, 2021
Round 2 Results – Texas Half-Mile AFT Singles Main Event
More, from a press release issued by Indian Motorcycle:
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING WINS TEXAS HALF-MILE WITH DOMINANT PERFORMANCE BY JARED MEES
Reigning SuperTwins Champion Secures First Win of 2022 Season, Jumps to Second on Leaderboard
Jared Mees (1). Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
Minneapolis, MN. (March 21, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, secured its second consecutive win of the 2022 American Flat Track season following a dominant performance by reigning SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees. Mees’ first win of the season places him in second on the championship leaderboard, just one point behind fellow Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman.
Following a fifth-place finish at the Volusia Half-Mile season opener, Mees, the defending champion, was seeking redemption at the Texas Half-Mile. After winning his semi and the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Mees demonstrated his racing prowess during the Main event. While JD Beach jumped out to an early lead in the Main, it was Mees who took control after just two laps. He quickly pulled away from the rest of the field, riding unchallenged the remainder of the 32-lap racing, to ultimately capture his first win of the 2022 season.
“This was a classic Jared Mees, bounce-back performance. After missing the podium last round, Mees answered with an impressive round that reminded everyone why he’s the No. 1 rider,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “Though it’s early in the season, this was an important win for Jared as he looks to stay out front and at the top of the leaderboard throughout the entire season.”
In 2021, Mees demonstrated one of his finest performances of his career. After a mid-season knee surgery cost him critical points, Mees went on a historic run to earn his seventh career championship – securing nine consecutive podiums and winning five of the last seven races of the season. The strong finish edged him over fellow Wrecking Crew rider Briar Bauman and got Mees one championship closer to his career goal to meet Scottie Parker’s record of nine championships.
The 2022 American Flat Track season continues April 23 for the I-70 Half-Mile at I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, MO.
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s American Flat Track efforts include Progressive Insurance, S&S®, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Jorge Lorenzo (99) riding a Repsol Honda at Phillip Island in 2019. Photo courtesy of Repsol Honda.
MotoGP™ Legend inductions set to take place in 2022
Jorge Lorenzo, Max Biaggi and Hugh Anderson are confirmed to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this season
Monday, 21 March 2022
Five-time World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, four-time World Champion Max Biaggi and four-time World Champion Hugh Anderson were set to be inducted into the MotoGP™ Legends Hall of Fame prior to the Covid-19 pandemic; the Spaniard at Jerez, the Italian at Mugello and the New Zealander later in the season.
Due to limitations caused by the pandemic, it was decided to delay their inductions until such time as it was possible to hold a more traditional MotoGP™ Legend ceremony – allowing the three the opportunity to celebrate the milestone in the company of family members, friends, and paddock personnel, as well as to allow journalists and media the chance to attend.
As restrictions ease in many places, a new date has now been set for each ceremony. As originally planned, Jorge Lorenzo will be inducted on Saturday at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, with two-time WorldSBK Champion Max Biaggi up next on Friday at the Autodromo del Mugello. Hugh Anderson will be inducted later in 2022, with the initial plan set to see the ceremony for the New Zealander take place at Phillip Island.
Wayne Maxwell (1) leads Mike Jones (behind Maxwell) and the rest of the field at the start of Australian Superbike Race 2 at ASBK Round One at Queensland Raceway. Photo by Karl Phillipson/@optikalphoto, courtesy ASBK.
Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races at Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway.
Bryan Staring (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4-R) got the early jump on Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) to take the lead in Race 1, with Glenn Allerton (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR) also making a big first lap move up to fourth. Jones would briefly retake the lead on lap two, but left the door open enough for Staring to nudge through.
A mid-corner error from Staring saw the Championship leader drop out of contention and hand second place to Wayne Maxwell (V4-R). Jones would cruise to a 5.6-second lead to take victory ahead of Maxwell and Josh Waters (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR).
Maxwell would time his launch perfectly to take an early lead in Race Two ahead of Jones and Staring. It would be short-lived however as Jones ran past the Ducati through the outside of turn two. Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing YZF-R1) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) would argue over fourth and fifth respectively. This duel would be settled before the chequered flag when Halliday stopped on the penultimate lap with mechanical issues.
Staring would shadow Jones more closely in the afternoon race, albeit two-seconds adrift. Eventually, Jones took his second win by 4.6 seconds ahead of Bryan Staring and Wayne Maxwell.
“All the guys at Yamaha have put in a big effort to help me adapt to this bike. The last win for me was in 2019 so to come and get a couple of wins is just fantastic,” said Jones.
Jones now leads the championship on 86 points over Bryan Staring on 70 points with Josh Waters on 67 points. Jones, by his own admission, was surprised to be so competitive so early.
“I was hoping as the season went on to get to grips with the Yamaha and be able to challenge, so to lead the championship is a little bit above my expectations,” added Jones.
Second-placed Staring was circumspect after a crash in Race One effectively lost him the championship lead to Jones, but philosophical nonetheless about his return to form.
“It’s funny how the desire to be competitive is soon outrun by the fact that you want to win,” said Staring.
Third-placed Maxwell was happy to score two podiums on which he deems to be his ‘bogey’ circuit.
“Massive congrats to Mike and Bryan. They rode awesome,” said Maxwell.
“We’ll go back, have a look at the drawing board and come back at some tracks that are a little more suited to us and the bike.”
Mike Jones (center), Wayne Maxwell (left) and Josh Waters (right) on the podium at Queensland Raceway. Photo by Karl Phillipson/@optikalphoto, courtesy ASBK.
John Lytras (Yamaha YZF-R6) ran out to an early two-tenths of a second lead in Race One for Michelin Supersport, but couldn’t hold on – eventually being usurped by Tom Edwards (Yamaha YZF-R6) to the honours in ahead of Scott Nicholson (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Lytras. Nominal Championship leader (With actual leader Senna Agius now overseas) Tom Bramich crashed out of the race, giving him a challenge to work back into contention over the next six rounds.
Lytras would get the jump in Race Two, only to get pushed down to third in the first few corners by Olly Simpson and Tom Edwards. Tom Drane would make an impressive start to vault to fifth position. Edwards would eventually take two from two to lead the championship ahead of Lytras and Simpson.
After two riders went down at turn two (including Saturday front-runner Taiyo Asksu), the Dunlop Supersport 300 Race Two was restarted with five laps remaining. At the restart, Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) immediately grabbed an early break on the opposition. They were never challenged, with Nelson capitalising on a last-corner error from Dunker to take victory with Jonatha Nahlous (Kawasaki Ninja) in third.
In Race Three, Nelson and Dunker would get an early break on the field, with Nahlous fending off the rest of the pack. Dunker would pull a late race challenge, but Nelson would close the gate to take victory with Henry Snell eventually sneaking through to pinch third place.
With a number of riders missing the grid for Race Two of the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, a large contingent would e forced to start from pit-lane. Cameron Dunker (Yamaha YZF-R3) got the early jump but would be challenged by both Glenn Nelson (Yamaha YZF-R3) and Henry Snell (Yamaha YZF-R3).
Nelson would survive a tight-fought battle to take victory in a thriller from Dunker and first-time podium placer Sam Pezzetta (Yamaha YZF-R3). Dunker would make amends to take the victory for Race Three ahead of Henry Snell and Glenn Nelson.
In Race Two of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, it was another tense battle between Cameron Rende, Ryan Larkin, Teerin Fleming and Hudson Thompson (all Yamaha YZF-R15), with the lead changing multiple times each lap.
After dropping as low as sixth, Rende would time his run perfectly to take the chequered ahead of Larkin and Harrison Watts by five-hundredths of a second. However, applied penalties saw an amended result of Cameron Rende, Sam Drane and Hudson Thompson on the final podium.
In Race Three, Hunter Corney would lead into turn one ahead of Thompson and Watts. With only 1.2 seconds covering the top eight riders, getting the timing right would be crucial on the run to the flag.
Rende would have no such luck after dropping out from third place, leaving Watts to take a narrow victory over a fast-closing Ryan Larkin and Hudson Thompson in third.
Completing an almost perfect weekend, Phillip Underwood and Tristan Vercoe win Race Three of the Horsell Australian Sidecar Championship with the Turner family fighting out the final spots – Neil and Danyon Turner taking second place ahead of Jamie and Shelbey Turner in third.
Round Three of the 2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) continues at Wakefield Park on 22 – 24 April.
2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK)
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
Round 3 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW 22 – 24 April
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, Sidecars
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT 17 – 19 June
* With Supercars – SBK Only
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD 5 – 7 August
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC
Round 6 Symmons Plains Raceway – Launceston TAS 20 – 23 October
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup
Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC TBA – November
TBC
Round 8 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend SA 2 – 4 December
SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC
ASBK Night of Champions Dinner – The Bend 4 December
More, from another press release issued by ASBK:
22nd March 2022
ASBK Race Direction Post-Race Notification
Dear Supersport Competitors,
The ASBK Race Direction advise of the Post-Race Disqualification of – #26 Tom Edwards
Following Post-Race Technical Inspection, a report from the ASBK Chief Technical Officer to the ASBK Race Director confirms a breach of ASBK Technical Regulations 4.25.6 – Technical Regulations (SSP) Modification of OEM Parts for rider #26 Tom Edwards.
This breach is effective for Supersport Race 1 & 2, in addition to the pole position result during ASBK Round 2 – Queensland Raceway.
The final results of both Supersport races at ASBK Round 2, the ASBK Championship Points for Supersport will now be amended by the ASBK Chief Timekeeper.
The point for Pole Position for Supersport class at ASBK Round 2 will now be awarded to the 2nd place qualifier.
The updated results will be available on Computime & ASBK websites and any new podium placegetters will be contacted by ASBK Management with respect to the trophy presentation.
The rider retains the right to protest as per the ASBK Sporting Regulations and MA GCR’s.
Chris Peris the painter: Pirelli his paint and Roebling Road, his canvas. Photo by Lee Fields.
Featured In the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World:
“Confirmation bias describes the human tendency to accept evidence of previously held beliefs while discarding philosophically troubling and potentially contradictory data. If there is one thing we learned from Cassandra, it’s that awareness of a developing phenomenon is not always useful.
“AOD had won the opening round at Carolina Motorsports Park in a pretty decisive fashion but Twisted Speed, our principal competition, had still finished second due to an ill-fated DNF from N2/Bobblehead. My instinct was to accept the win as proof of our competitive superiority but I knew that we had been fortunate for a variety of reasons and, therefore, we still had work to do but, with only the wet race experience, it was a little tough to decide which direction we needed to go…”
—Army Of Darkness, N2/WERA Endurance, Part 2, by Sam Q. Fleming
Backs against the wall, the Army of Darkness resorts to testing in order to chase down Twisted Speed Racing in perhaps the highest-profile racing series in the U.S. to feature an honest-to-god tire battle. Read how AOD tried to dig itself out of its early-season hole in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology is THE definitive source for motorcycle racing, riding, and tech information.
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats. SUBSCRIBE NOW . Or call (909) 654-4779, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Read the March 2022 issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technologywith your online subscription. Log in HERE
Available at Cycle Gear and other motorcycle retailers.
Visit www.roadracingworld.com daily for breaking news and events.
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/roadracingworld
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com @roadracingworld
Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com @roadracing_world
Oliveira stages a wet weather masterclass to put KTM on top at Mandalika
A truly stunning performance from the Portuguese rider puts him back on the top step and gives KTM the lead in the Teams’ and Constructors’ standings
Miguel Oliveira (88) takes the checkered flag in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 20 March 2022
It was worth the wait, wasn’t it? On a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) put in an absolute masterclass in wet conditions to claim victory and bounce back in style from a tough opening round. Reigning World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) sliced back through to second for his first podium of the season, ahead of compatriot Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) in third. The win for Oliveira sees KTM head the Constructors’ standings for the first time, as well as putting Red Bull KTM Factory Racing top in the teams’ title fight thanks to their Qatar podium and, now, first victory of the season.
The drama began early on Sunday, however, as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) suffered a huge crash in Warm Up and was forced to miss the race due to concussion. Then, after Moto2™, the rain came down as thunderstorms hit Lombok, but after more than an hour’s delay, at 16:15 local time, it was lights out in Indonesia for the first time in 25 years. Quartararo got an outstanding launch from pole position, comfortably collecting the holeshot, as Oliveira made a lightning start from P7 to grab second and Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) shot swiftly up to P3 from sixth on the grid.
At the start of Lap 2, both Oliveira and Miller passed Quartararo as the early pacesetters started to stretch their legs, with the Australian then picking off Oliveira for the race lead too. Now down in third, Quartararo had Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), compatriot Zarco and a rapid starting Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) for company too – the 2020 Champion up from way down the grid after a nightmare Q1.
Rins and Zarco then got the better of Quartararo early on, but they faced an already substantial 2.4s gap to Miller and Oliveira… and that order was about to switch. The Portuguese rider carved his way past the Ducati of Miller at Turn 12 on Lap 6 to retake the lead, and then he got the hammer down.
Meanwhile, there was a big moment for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), the Italian somehow staying on after a snap into Turn 1. Still, he slipped down to P12 behind Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), with Championship leader Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) struggling even more, dow in P20 from fifth on the grid.
Back in the top ten though, Turn 1 was about to bite again. Having just got the better of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) for P7, Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) then became the first and only crasher of the race in the braking zone into the first corner, the 2021 Rookie of the Year down, out, but ok.
At the front, there were no such dramas. Oliveira had stretched his lead to 1.6s, Miller was second, Rins third, Zarco fourth, and Quartararo fifth with 12 laps to go. At half race distance though, Zarco was the quickest rider on track and a quality move came on Rins at Turn 12 for P3. Miller wasn’t far up the road from the Frenchman either, and he looked desperate to pass the Australian as Quartararo really started to find his groove behind them. Sure enough, El Diablo was back into P3 with five laps to go, with he and Zarco fighting it out in spectacular style.
Oliveira was 3.5s clear as the battle raged behind, but with Quartararo now the fastest rider on track and back up to second on Lap 16 of 20. Zarco also managed to follow the Yamaha man through on Miller, and with three laps to go, it suddenly started to look like Oliveira might be in the crosshairs after all. The gap was slashed by a second and the lead was down to 3.4s – was it game on?
Quartararo took a tenth more here and there as the laps ticked down, but Oliveira responded. At the start of the last lap, it remained a healthy 2.8s and the Portuguese rider just needed to bring it home, with Quartararo enjoying a 0.9s buffer to Zarco, who in turn had 2.3s in hand over Miller. The podium seemed decided, and it was.
Crossing the line for his first win of the year, Oliveira’s masterclass sees the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider take 25 points, puts KTM on top in the title and factory fights, and moves him up 16 places in the riders’ Championship to boot. After a tough start in Qatar and for much of the latter half of 2021, it was quite a statement ride by the multiple MotoGP™ winner.
Nevertheless, Quartararo celebrated P2 like a win as the Frenchman showed his wet weather prowess for the first time in the premier class, taking some valuable points too. Zarco completed the podium, the third place marking a return to the rostrum for the number 5 for the first time since Barcelona 2021.
Miller, always strong in the wet, takes home a hard-earned P4, with Rins putting in a solid ride to claim P5. P6 for Mir, having started from the lower echelons of the top 20, is also a job well done for the 2020 World Champion too, and he got onto the back of his teammate by the flag. Morbidelli ended up a somewhat lonely P7 despite his three-place grid penalty as we witnessed an almighty battle for P8 behind the Italian.
It was won in the end by Brad Binder, who was just ahead of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) over the line. But the South African had to get his elbows to take that eighth place by force, and it was none other than his brother, WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team’s Darryn Binder, standing in the way.
The rookie put in a tour de force and one of the rides of the day, leading the battle for eighth onto the final lap before Brad Binder struck, then only losing out to the number 33 and Espargaro’s Aprilia. The number 40 claimed his first points and top ten after an absolute barnstormer, top rookie by some margin.
World Championship leader Bastianini, who retains that moniker by two single points ahead of Brad Binder and recovering well in the latter stages, took P11 ahead of Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol) and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Bagnaia slipped down the order after his earlier moment to a tough P15, making it one point from the opening two races for one of the pre-season title favourites.
Andrea Dovizioso (WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team) was the only other non-finisher alongside Martin after the Italian encountered an issue with his YZR-M1 and was forced to retire.
That’s take one on Lombok in the history books, and it’s safe to say the Indonesian GP was full of action. Oliveira goes home with the race-winning trophy, Bastianini remains the title leader, and there’s only 10 points between the top nine heading to Argentina for Round 3… as well as a new manufacturer on top in the standings. Join us for more as MotoGP™ returns at Termas de Rio Hondo!
Miguel Oliveira: “Emotionally it was a rollercoaster because the start was perfect but in the wet it’s so hard to judge where the limit is. So I followed Jack for a couple of laps and then I understood I could go a bit faster, so when I overtook him I just tried to focus for the next five laps to do the maximum I could. Then I built a gap and just managed throughout the whole race, but for sure it wasn’t easy. The last couple of months haven’t been easy for me so to be back like this with this incredible win, it’s really emotional. I promised my daughter I would get her a trophy from Indonesia, so this one is for you baby. I want to dedicate this podium to a guy called Rizman, he’s part of the staff in the hotel I’ve stayed in, he has been supporting me the whole week and he’s a really nice guy, so I promised that if I was on the podium I’d dedicate it to him. Let’s go to Argentina, see what we can do, keep up the level but for now I’m just super happy to be here on the podium!”
Chantra uncatchable to become Thailand’s first Grand Prix winner
The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider dominated from start to finish to make a little history at Mandalika
Somkiat Chantra (35). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Somkiat Chantra is the first Thai rider to win a Grand Prix race! The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider led from the first corner to the chequered flag in a Moto2™ masterclass, coming home three seconds clear of Championship leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team, with Aron Canet (Flexbox HP40) collecting his second podium of the season in third – and remaining the rider on Vietti’s tail in the standings.
Ahead of the race, it was announced that the new race length would be 16 laps due to track conditions, although the intermediate class had a dry race barring some drops of very light rain on the warm up lap. The race got underway on slicks though though and it was Chantra who pinched the holeshot from the second row, with polesitter Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) P2 before Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) snuck past at Turn 2.
The rain was still lingering but Chantra held onto the lead from Lowes and Dixon, with Vietti eventually getting the better of Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) as the Italians battled it out at the end of the opening lap. Canet was a beneficiary of the Vietti/Corsi fight too, the Spaniard into P4 and in touch with Lowes and Dixon.
On Lap 6, just after passing compatriot Lowes for second, Dixon then tucked the front at Turn 10. Just ahead, Chantra had opened the gap up to over a second, and after Dixon’s crash, Canet was left in second ahead of Lowes. Vietti then passed the Brit and with nine laps to go, two seconds split the top three. Vietti made a classy move on Canet stick at Turn 12 not long after, and the gap to bridge was 2.1s with eight laps remaining…
The response from Chantra? The fastest lap of the race. His lead over Vietti went up a tenth, and on the next lap, it was up to 2.3s. By five to go it was 2.6s, and it looked like Vietti and co. had no answer for the Thai star. With two laps to go, the gap was over three seconds and it seemed decided: all Chantra had to do was bring it home.
That’s exactly what he did. The Thai rider crossed the line to claim an outstanding victory by over three seconds, becoming the first rider from his nation to win a Grand Prix race. Vietti was able to take a valuable second and 20 points though, the Qatar winner extending his lead over Canet as the Spaniard completed the podium. For both, it’s back-to-back podiums to start the season.
Lowes was a lonely finisher in P4 as Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) held off a charge up from a tough grid position for Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) in P5 and P6, respectively. Fermin Aldeguer (MB Conveyors Speed Up) took an impressive P7, with Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in eighth. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) claimed ninth after his Long Lap Penalty given for crashing under a yellow flag in practice, the Spaniard embroiled in a great battle with Albert Arenas (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team), who ultimately lost out.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) took P11, just ahead of compatriot Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) less than a tenth behind him. Jorge Navarro (Flexbox HP40), rookie Jeremy Alcoba (Liqui Moly Intact GP) and near-home hero Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) completed the top 15.
And so a little history is made at Mandalika, with a new rider and nation on the list of winners. Vietti extends his title lead to nine points over Canet heading to Argentina, but it will surely be a another classic. Come back for more in just under a fortnight as Termas de Rio Hondo plays host!
2 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – +3.230
3 Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) – Kalex – +4.366
Somkiat Chantra: “I feel so happy! I also don’t believe it! On the last lap, I saw I was P1 and I saw the chequered flag and I was like ‘oh I’m in first position!’ It’s also my first time here in Moto2…I’m really happy. I also would like to say thanks to my family. I want to thank my sponsors, Thai Honda. Also thank you to Idemitsu Honda Team Asia and next leg I will be more strong! See you then, bye!”
Foggia takes flawless first win of 2022
The runner up last season blasted out the blocks and straight to the top step in Lombok, with Guevara second and Tatay taking a first podium in third
Dennis Foggia (7) won the Moto3 race in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Dorna.
That’s about as good as it gets if your name is Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing). The Italian dominated the Moto3™ race at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia to claim his first victory of the season – and the World Championship lead with it. Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) picked up a hard-fought P2, with polesitter Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) brilliantly recovering from a Long Lap Penalty to earn a maiden Grand Prix podium in third.
There was drama before the race started for second on the grid Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI), with the Brazilian rookie suffering an issue with his machine and forced to start from the back of the grid. Back at the front, Sergio Garcia (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) grabbed an impressive holeshot from seventh on the grid, with Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) and Foggia making their own great starts from the second row.
Foggia made it to the front and was joined by Migno, Garcia and Guevara, with the quartet able to pull a gap in the opening five laps. Foggia then decided to put the hammer down and the Italian was 1.5s clear on Lap 7 of 23, as Championship leader Migno had a front-end scare at the final corner. By Lap 9, Foggia’s lead was up to 3.2s, with Guevera opening up a 0.5s gap in second place.
Garcia had slipped back into the clutches of Migno, Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max), but the Spaniard suddenly turned up the wick to reel in Guevara with 10 laps to go. By this stage at the front though, Foggia had checked out – his lead up to 5.1s.
With Foggia producing a flawless race, it was all eyes on the battle for second. Guevara, Migno, Öncü, Garcia, Masia, Holgado and Sasaki were now joined by Xavier Artigas (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), Elia Bartolini (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team), Tatay and Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing).
Heading onto the final lap, Guevera was 0.9s ahead of the charging Tatay and Garcia. Foggia was four seconds up the road and cruising to victory, and Tatay was then wide at Turn 10 to allow Garcia into the final podium position. But at the penultimate corner the number 99 struck back, keeping it over the line and coming home behind Guevara.
At the front though, no one had an answer for Foggia as he popped a wheelie over the line to confirm his dominant victory, still more than two seconds clear at the flag. Guevara’s second is his first podium of the season, and for Tatay the incredible charge to the podium marks his first visit to the rostrum, as well as the first for CFMoto.
Garcia took fourth but some solid points, just two behind Foggia and in second, with Öncü completing the top five. Artigas took P6 ahead of Masia after the number 5 escaped a tangle with Öncü late on, with Bartolini, Holgado and Suzuki completing the top ten.
Sasaki and Migno crashed on the final lap – the Japanese rider tagging the back of Migno at Turn 10. The number 71 has been given a Long Lap penalty for the Moto3™ race in Argentina.
Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) beat Kaito Toba (CIP – Green Power) to 11th, with a trio of rookies completing the points. The first was Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing Team) as the Brit finished close to the Japanese veterans just ahead, impressing with his first Grand Prix points.
Then came the home hero: Mario Aji (Honda Team Asia). The Indonesian took an incredible front row on Saturday and backed it up with his first points on Sunday despite a Long Lap, taking a big step forward on home turf. Matteo Bertelle (QJMotor Avintia Racing Team) took the final point in P15, the Italian rookie crossing the line a couple of tenths behind Aji but after having taking two Long Lap penalties – the first for a shortcut, and the second for failing to take the first.
That’s a wrap on another classic weekend of Moto3™ action, with Argentina up next. Foggia is in the driving seat now but Garcia only trails by a single point… so what will Termas de Rio Hondo bring? Find out in just under two weeks!
Moto3™ PODIUM
1 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 38’51.668
3 Carlos Tatay (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP) – CFMoto – +3.639
Dennis Foggia: “I don’t have words. It was so hot. It was incredible, the race. Yesterday, I was unlucky in the qualifying because I crashed when I was being fast, but finally I finished in 6th position. Now, I know that we had a good pace for the race. In the last lap, it was impossible to breathe, it was so hard. This my best hard race in my life. Incredible. I’m very happy for me and for my team. I would like to thanks to all my team, my family, all my friends and my girlfriend. See you in Argentina!”
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
April 7, 2026
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
