The Honda NT1100 is a sight bit lighter than we were thinking, but no less the package deal that Honda promised. Posted by both MCN and Honda’s EU Press Release as having a Kerb weight of 238kg (248kg with DCT), the NT1100 is powered by the 1084cc SOHC 8-valve parallel twin-cylinder engine from Honda’s Africa Twin, with the clever addition of intakes and exhaust additions to beef up the mid-range torque and calm down the peak torque.
The end result? A beastie that boasts 100.5bhp @ 7250rpm and 75 ft-lbs of torque @ 6250rpm – compared to the 2021 African Twin (which by contrast weighs 227kg and carries 101.0hp @ 7500rpm and 77.0 ft-lbs of torque @ 6250rpm), this machine is slightly heavier with slightly more yoink in the throttle at middling speeds.
To complement the power aesthetic, Honda has dressed the NT1100 in a set of panniers – narrow by comparison to the Africa Twin – alongside the potential for different bag setups via Honda’s proffered Urban Pack Voyage Pack and Touring Pack.
Other features of the NT1100 include the 20.4L fuel tank capacity, a slightly shorter suspension with 17” wheels lowering the whole bike by over an inch, the potential for a quick shifter/autoblipper, and Honda’s catering to the adventure touring sector via “wind deflecting bodywork with a five-position screen designed to divert air over and around the rider.”
If you’re still comparing this model to the Africa Twin, expect the same deal in the electronics department, with “ lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS and wheel control. There are also three riding modes as standard plus two that offer user-customization…and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for navigation, music, and calls.”
“At Honda, we have a long tradition of catering for owners who desire a ‘traditional’ touring bike,” says Koji Kiyono, Large Project Leader of the NT1100.
“Our previous Pan European and Deauville models have enjoyed a very loyal following for many years. So, when it came time to design a new touring model, we wanted to produce something that would resonate – and appeal broadly – to these traditional touring bike customers. But we also wanted to stoke desire in riders of all ages and tastes who are looking for a genuinely new and versatile fun bike.”
“That’s why we’ve created our new NT1100, offering thoroughly modern engine performance, a fun-to-handle chassis, a suite of modern technology, and completely fresh, distinctive styling. We sincerely hope that many new owners will try exploring to the maximum all of its many capabilities.”
The NT1100 will be in EU dealerships by January 2022, with the base model hitting the bank at £11,999, and the DCT version chopping a bit higher at £12,999.
Make sure to come back for updates, and check out other adventure bikes by Honda (or just take a gander at the photo gallery we’ve tossed in for you below).
Following two years of riding in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, the South African started his full-time Moto3™ class career in 2015. That year Binder became a well-known name thanks to his brother, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who went on to become the 2016 Moto3™ Champion. However, Darryn Binder has since long proven that he is an exceptional racing talent in his own right. Known for his hard racing and making use of any and every available gap during a race, the 23-year-old has ridden to six Moto3™ podiums so far, including a win at the 2020 Catalan GP.
Ducati to supply electric bikes for MotoE grid from 2023
Ducati’s Claudio Domenicali and Dorna’s Carmelo Ezpeleta have made a joint announcement that Ducati would be the new supplier of MotoE bikes for the category from 2023 until at least 2026.
Ducati stated their aim to produce a lighter MotoE machine and want to use the project to develop expertise within Ducati as they look towards the future and ongoing development of electric motorcycles.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, with Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali
Domenicali spoke about the added challenge that a motorcycle poses compared to a car when it comes to the packaging and weight management. He stated that as of now, there is no way to make a light and sporting motorcycle with battery technology, but that there will be in the future and that he intends Ducati to be at the forefront when that transition happens.
The Ducati CEO also stated that they can lean on the excellence within their parent group from the likes of Porsche and Lamborghini to help them produce a true sporting motorcycle that is powered by EV technology.
Claudio Domenicali – Ducati CEO
“The main problem with Lithium is the energy density, it is 15-20 times less than fuel, thus the amount of fuel (lithium) you need to load is super heavy, so this is the big challenge. So we will work hard on the efficiency of the inverter and other components, and also further investigate battery technologies to try and help us meet that criteria.
“To have super quick charging times, you need high voltages, which is another challenge, but we are just at the beginning of this journey.
“Our plan is also eventually to make a production bike along these lines, but that is a long way away for the technology to become viable enough to make that a realistic option for the road. This won’t be before 2025, but we will have to wait and see the rate of progress to see when we can make that happen.”
After the press conference Ducati also issued these official quotes from Domenicali.
“We are proud of this agreement because, like all the first times, it represents a historic moment for our company. Ducati is always projected towards the future and every time it enters a new world, it does so to create the best performing product possible. This agreement comes at the right time for Ducati, which has been studying the situation of electric powertrains for years, because it will allow us to experiment in a well-known and controlled field like that of racing competition. We will work to make available to all participants of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup electric bikes that are high-performance and characterized by lightness. It is precisely on weight, a fundamental element of sports bikes, that the greatest challenge will be played out. Lightness has always been in Ducati’s DNA and thanks to the technology and chemistry of the batteries that are evolving rapidly we are convinced that we can obtain an excellent result. We test our innovations and our futuristic technological solutions on circuits all over the world and then make exciting and desirable products available to Ducatisti. I am convinced that once again we will build on the experiences we have had in the world of racing competition to transfer them and apply them also on production bikes.”
Both the Ducati and Dorna CEOs also expanded further during the press conference regarding the progress towards carbon neutrality in racing, where some of the first steps will be the adoption of biofuels and/or synthetic fuels in the near future.
Carmelo Ezpeleta – CEO Dorna Sports
“We are very proud to announce Ducati as the new, single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. With their incredible racing history, it is an honour to welcome this commitment from one of the best-known manufacturers in the paddock and to take on this new challenge together. We are eager to see what the future has in store and continue to watch this technology develop and grow, with the MotoGP paddock and MotoE continuing to drive innovation and evolution in the motorcycling industry – at the same time as creating an incredible on-track spectacle.
“In addition, we would like to thank Energica for the important role they have played in the inception and growth of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. They have made an invaluable contribution to making the series what it is now as we look forward to another season racing together in 2022, ahead of this new era.”
Sepang Racing Team is rebranded RNF MotoGP Team, with former CEO of Sepang International Circuit and Team Principal Razlan Razali remaining at the helm.
The team has signed a five-year deal with IRTA that sees the remodelled set-up continue participating as an Independent Team in the premier class of the FIM MotoGP World Championship until 2026.
The signed agreement between Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and RNF Racing Ltd. foresees the satellite team leasing Yamaha YZR-M1 motorcycles for 2022, with the option to extend the partnership for the 2023 and 2024 FIM MotoGP World Championship seasons.
Darryn Binder will be joining Andrea Dovizioso in the rebranded RNF MotoGP Team. The South African will race for Yamaha‘s satellite team in 2022 with an option to stay on for the 2023 MotoGP season.
Following two years of riding in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, the South African started his full-time Moto3 class career in 2015. That year Binder became a well-known name thanks to his brother (Brad Binder) who went on to become the 2016 Moto3 Champion. However, Darryn has since long proven that he is an exceptional racing talent in his own right. Known for his hard racing and making use of any and every available gap during a race, the 23-year-old has ridden to six Moto3 podiums so far, including a win at the 2020 Catalan GP.
Furthermore, Darryn Binder‘s eagerness, feistiness, and seven Moto3 seasons of experience make him a perfect teammate for the vastly experienced Andrea Dovizioso, as the rebranded RNF MotoGP Team start their new and exciting chapter.
Lin Jarvis – Managing Director Yamaha Motor Racing
“I want to give a warm welcome to Darryn. We are delighted that he is joining the Yamaha line-up next year. We‘ve had many conversations about who would be a good match for the new RNF MotoGP Team set-up. It‘s a fresh start for the Yamaha satellite team and that makes it all the more fitting to have a young and eager rider like Darryn join them, as Fabio and Franky did before him.
“For Yamaha the primary mission of the satellite team is developing future MotoGP talents. Darryn has already shown on numerous occasions what he‘s made of in the Moto3 class. We know he is a fast and determined rider who has got what it takes to battle at the front of the pack. Obviously, the step up to MotoGP is significant and will take some adjusting, but we feel that he‘s ready, and Yamaha and the RNF MotoGP Team will fully support him for this new and exciting challenge.”
Darryn Binder
“I‘m extremely grateful for this opportunity, as it has been a lifelong dream to race in the MotoGP category. I definitely didn‘t expect to make the jump straight from Moto3 to the highest class, but I do believe I‘m up for the challenge, and I‘m ready to put in all the hard work for 2022. My target at the beginning will be just to find my feet in the big class and learn as much as possible to get stronger and stronger throughout my rookie season. I would like to say a really big ’Thank you‘ to Yamaha and the RNF MotoGP Team for everything they have done to make this possible as well as everyone who has been involved in getting me to this point. I‘m now just looking forward to riding the Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time at the end of this season.”
Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing Moto3 2021)
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the now rebranded RNF MotoGP Team. When Razlan Razali and the Sepang Racing Team embarked on their MotoGP adventure at the end of 2018 and the start of 2019, nobody could have expected how they would take the premier class by storm. The impressive 2019 season and exceptional 2020 season results underline the professionalism and quality of this team that will soon be renamed RNF MotoGP Team.
Agostini will be back in racing leathers for a historic parade lap, riding the Superveloce named after him. He will be joined by Simone Corsi, MV Agusta Forward Racing Moto2™ rider, on his F2 which will sporting the same livery as Ago’s. In fact, both the MV Agustas taking part in the Moto2™ race will feature the same colour scheme as a tribute to Giacomo’s racing legacy and the new Superveloce.
Acosta has a 30-point lead over second place Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) with three races to go. With the duo on five and four wins respectively, Acosta needs to score 21 points or more than Foggia if the Spaniard is to win the title at the Italian’s home race – a circuit he won at a month ago. Put simply, Acosta needs to win and hope Foggia doesn’t finisher higher than 12th.
We knew an Africa Twin powered sports-touring machine was coming from Honda and tonight we can reveal the full details, meet the new NT1100.
We really like the 1084 cc parallel-twin here at MCNews.com.au, it might only make just a tick over 100 horsepower but, for a parallel twin, it has a heap of character and grunts along really well thanks to 104 Nm at 6250 rpm.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
The dual-clutch transmission also works fantastic in its latest guises and I have no doubt the six-speed semi-auto box will work brilliantly in the new NT1100.You pay a 10 kg penalty for choosing DCT over the conventional manual, but in our experience the extra reciprocating weight of the DCT clutches, and other paraphernalia that makes the magic happen, actually adds a little more engine character into the equation, making the bike feel as though it is running a heavier crank.Kerb weight ready to ride with a full 20.4-litre fuel tank is a claimed 238 kg for the manual, 248 kg for the auto. An optional quick-shifter is available for the manual version.
2022 Honda NT1100
The 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen complete with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also makes the transition from the Africa Twin.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
The backbone of the machine is the proven steel semi-double cradle frame and bolt-on sub-frame that has been well proven on the adventure machine. For dedicated road use in the NT chassis geometry is changed from the Africa Twin with rake/trail set at 26.5-degrees/108 mm but a decent 175 mm of ground clearance is retained.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
We are somewhat surprised at just how large the five-stage adjustable screen and how expansive the overall weather and wind protection is on the NT1100.
2022 Honda NT1100 fitted with optional panniers, top-box and backrest
It certainly looks as though it might be one of the most comfortable sports-touring machines on the market, with the emphasis on touring of course, it won’t rip your arms off like a Superduke GT or some of the other 150+ horsepower beasts that now dominate the category.
Honda NT1100
Cruise control and heated grips are standard while the expansive looking stepped seat has a quoted height of 820 mm which should make it easily manageable for most.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
Expansive integrated hard panniers are standard in some markets but will be optional accessories in Australia. They are tucked in well at the rear which makes the widest part of the rear of the bike only 901 mm.Volume is 33 litres on the left and 32 litres on the right. An optional 50-litre top-box expands storage further.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
A USB socket, centre-stand and auxiliary power socket are all standard fitment. As is LED lighting throughout.
2022 Honda NT1100
Showa provide the suspension. Inverted 43 mm forks adjustable for pre-load and rebound damping while the rear shock has hydraulically assisted pre-load adjustment. Travel is 150 mm at both ends. No mention so far of the Showa semi-active electronic suspension that can be optioned on the Africa Twin.
Honda NT1100
Rim and rubber sizes are strictly road focussed with a 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear.
2022 Honda NT1100
310 mm discs and Nissin four-piston radial calipers take care of the stopping duties up front assisted by a 256 mm rear with both ends backed up by ABS.
Honda NT1100
Traction and wheelie control are also standard and switchable through three levels of intervention. ‘Urban’, ‘Rain’ and ‘Tour’ are the standard modes while two more user selectable modes enable the rider to set their own mix of preferences and save them as favourites.
The NT1100 is due in Australia some time in the second quarter of 2022 but pricing details are not going to be released until closer to its arrival. If it lands at somewhere around 20k ride away we reckon it will win plenty of fans. I am certainly looking forward to throwing a leg over it.
Honda NT1100
2022 Honda NT1100 Specifications
2022 Honda NT1100 Specifications
Engine
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and uni-cam
Unknown Italian manufacturer number 736 – Atala. As with many motorcycle companies Atala (founded by Emerico Steiner) started by producing bicycles, from 1909 in their case. In 1924 they debuted a motorcycle powered by their own 2-stroke horizontal 125 cc motor.
1963 Atala Freccia D’oro (Golden Arrow)
This proved to be a success and lead them to begin making motorcycles powered by 350 cc Blackburn and 175 cc JAP engines. A 500 cc JAP model appeared in 1932. However the company dropped motorcycle production in 1934, returning to bicycles.
The company was sold to Caesar Rizzato & Co in 1938 which continued producing bicycles and reintroduced motorcycle production, still under the Atala name. A range of small 2-stroke models in 49, 98 and 124 cc capacities, usually powered by Minarelli motors, were manufactured.
1963 Atala Freccia D’oro (Golden Arrow)
After 2002 Rizzato holdings passed through several different hands resulting in a new company Atala S.p.A. being formed and based in Monza. In 2011 it became part of the Dutch Accell Group which owns nearly twenty bicycle brands. Atala continues to make bicycles and e-bikes
The bike photographed here below is a circa 1963 Freccia D’oro (Golden Arrow) which uses a 49 cc type P-3 Minarelli 2-stroke motor producing just over 1 hp. This was enough to propel the 56 kg machine to a top speed of 60 km/h. An unusual feature is the use of a twist-grip mounted, cable operated gear change mechanism.
2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship Round 16 – Misano, Italy
Following the trip across the Atlantic for the previous round in Austin, Texas, the MotoGP Paddock are now back in Europe and set to return to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy for the second time, to contest round 16 of the MotoGP World Championship, at the Gran Premio Nolan del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna.
Known as the ‘San Marino Grand Prix’, the circuit’s location near to the coast and the city of Rimini, the circuit has been a permanent and popular fixture on the MotoGP calendar since its return in 2007. Following Covid health restrictions and a limited capacity of 10,000 last year and an increased number at the race in September this year, this second 2021 race will see up to 35,000 allowed through the doors each day to cheer on their racing heroes.
It’s a big weekend and for two big reasons: first, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) could lift the crown and become the first French premier class World Champion, and second, it’s the final dance on home turf for Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) as the icon prepares to hang up his racing leathers at the end of the season.
2021 Misano I MotoGP Podium 1 Francesco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo Team – Ducati – 41:48.305 2 Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP – Yamaha – +0.364 3 Enea Bastianini – Avintia Esponsorama – Ducati – +4.789
First, the title fight. Quartararo is now 52 points clear after pipping Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) to second in Austin and the Frenchman also, in doing so, halted what had been some serious momentum for Pecco after back to back wins for the Italian. But now it’s the turf that saw the two so closely matched on our last visit, it could be a hard-fought duel for the race and, potentially, the crown. Fireworks? There may well be plenty, and the magic number is 50: if Quartararo is that far ahead – or more – by the flag, he is the 2021 MotoGP World Champion.
If he wins, he’s Champion. If he’s second and Bagnaia behind him, he’s champion. From there the gaps in the points awarded get smaller and the possibilities more varied, although it would seem unlikely they’d both finish and finish far from the podium. On the other side of the coin, if Bagnaia is far enough ahead and gets the gap to below 50 again, he stays in the game and the battle rages on to the Algarve GP. Does that guarantee a gloves off tussle for glory? It could be quite the showdown.
Fabio Quartararo
“Austin was really tough but rewarding. That second place was great for the championship, especially because we only have three GPs left. For this final part of the competition my mindset has changed a little. The last time we were in Misano, I was racing for the win and not thinking about the championship at all. Of course I will still do my best as always to get the best result possible this weekend, because that‘s what I enjoy most, but I will try to be smart about it.”
Realistically it will be one of these two men that will win the championship, but the Frenchman enjoys a significant advantage
Francesco Bagnaia
“To be back racing at Misano after the stunning victory that I took here in front of my home crowd a month ago is definitely very exciting! That weekend everything was perfect, and the two days of post-race testing were very positive for us. Nevertheless, we have to stay focused: our rivals will come to this Grand Prix much better prepared, and the track conditions will be different, with lower track temperatures than a month ago. It will be essential to work well from the first sessions. The objective will be to fight for the win and keep the Championship open until the end“.
The other players who could play a big role in the race will likely come out guns blazing too, with the countdown on for a number of key battles this season. That includes Rookie of the Year, and given it’s Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) ahead and Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) on his tail, the latter of whom had race-winning pace on our last visit and took his first premier class podium, it could be a pivotal weekend there too as they’re split by just 11 points.
It also seems likely, comparing the first GP we had at Misano and then Texas, that Marquez will feature in the fight for the top five once again as a minimum, even as he continues to get back to his full form.
Marc Marquez
“We come back to Misano in a better situation, each weekend we have been able to improve a little bit more. Now we start the last three races of the year so hopefully we can continue the trend of recent rounds and end the season well. Last race here I had a very funny battle with Miller and Mir so hopefully we can be fighting once again. Let’s see what will happen, conditions could be quite different even if it’s just a few weeks later.”
Marc Marquez – Image 2snap
Like his Repsol Honda Team teammate, Pol Espargaro is eager to return to the circuit after two weeks away and put what he learned during the post-race test to use. Espargaro earned a solid seventh place finish on his previous visit to Misano and is aiming for more after a productive two days testing at the Italian circuit. With tenth place in Austin, Espargaro has so far taken eight top-ten finishes in his debut season for the Repsol Honda Team.
Pol Espargaro
“It’s time to focus and end the season with a strong last three races. There’s some good potential going into Misano, especially after the test where we were able to try more things. Everyone else has also had a lot of time in Misano so it’s going to be a fast weekend from the start but I think going there a few weeks later could change the situation with the temperature and the weather. Like always, we need to work from Friday and have a good Saturday to be in a position to fight on Sunday.”
Reigning Champion – at the last Grand Prix this year where that phrase may be true – Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) has shown he’s pretty handy at the track too.
Joan Mir
“It’s strange to come back to a circuit again so soon after riding it, but it’s also really nice that we’re returning to Misano World Circuit because it’s a place I like. During my campaign last year I got two podiums at this track and I’d really like to get back on the box this weekend because I think the atmosphere will be incredible. I feel like we can do well, so I’m ready to start.”
And what of Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team)? Last time out he looked to have searing pace before a tougher Sunday, and he’ll likely be playing the teammate game to perfection once again as Bagnaia faces what may be his final stand. One to watch, especially if he’s racing for red and not solely his own race result…
Jack Miller
“I’m happy to be back racing at Misano again this year! It’s Ducati’s home track, and there are always many fans there to support us, so this weekend will definitely be special too. We were pretty competitive at the last Grand Prix, even though we didn’t get the results we wanted in the race, but now we have a more solid base to work from over the weekend. We also had two days of testing in September, and the feedback was excellent. Certainly, the conditions will be different from a month ago, and our rivals will be more competitive, but I’m optimistic and determined to fight for a good result. We’re close to third place in the Championship, so it will be crucial to try and score as many points as possible“.
Jack Miller – Image 2snap
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is also on a solid, somewhat stealthy run of points. The South African is now sixth overall and has only one 0 on his scorecard in 2021, which is from way back at Jerez. Binder is only 10 points behind Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), who is currently the rider placed fifth in the championship.
Andrea Dovizioso (Petronas Yamaha SRT) has been making marked steps forward on his return to Yamaha and, as he now does actually have recent experience at Misano on the Yamaha, there may well be even more coming.
Andrea Dovizioso
“I think it will be very hard to be competitive enough to make it into the top-ten, but the improvements we have made since the first Misano race are huge. I’m really happy about that. After a good experience at that race and also in America, I’m looking forward to going back to Misano. This weekend will be a good opportunity to compare the bike and where we are now to where we were one month ago at the same circuit, although the conditions might be different. I think this will help me to be faster and I’m aiming to stay within the group. I’m really looking forward to being more competitive and fighting with the other riders.”
Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), despite still pushing to get back to full fitness, could feel the benefit of racing for the second time at the same track as he settles in on the 2021 M1.
Franco Morbidelli
“The race in Austin was really tough, mostly because the circuit was very demanding on my injured knee. The two weeks of no racing allowed me to give the leg a bit of rest, so we now start the next Grand Prix in a better shape than we finished the previous one. We made some good progress during the Misano Test in September. We made a big step and improved my feeling with the bike considerably at this track, so I am looking forward to continue working in that direction this weekend.”
This could be the last race for Danilo Petrucci on home turf and the Italian will be hoping to put on a good showing for his fans.
Danilo Petrucci
“Finally, we come back to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Maybe this will be my last race in Italy and I want to be faster than last time there, where we faced a lot of difficulties. For sure, the temperatures and with it the overall conditions will be very different, as it’s quite cold now in Italy. So, we face a completely new challenge. I definitely want to perform the best I can for my home race. There will be even more fans around the circuit, so I can’t wait to ride my KTM again at my home track.”
There will be an extra Ducati on track this weekend also as Michele Pirro returns with the Ducati Test Team. The test rider of the Bologna-based manufacturer will take part in the Grand Prix as a wildcard, bringing to 60 his starts in MotoGP so far.
Michele Pirro
“I’m excited to be racing here at Misano again! At the last Grand Prix here in September, I came close to a top ten finish, finishing eleventh in a great race that I really enjoyed! I hope I can do even better this weekend. Still, the main objective will be to help Pecco and Jack get the best possible result in the race and collect other important data to continue developing our Desmosedici GP. Racing on our home track is always very exciting: we’ll give our best to try to entertain as much as possible all the Ducatisti who will come to cheer for us here in Misano!
Aprilia Racing Team Gresini will field three RS-GP bikes this weekend in the able hands of Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales, and Lorenzo Savadori. For this round, Aleix and Maverick will have a substantial amount of data available, collected during the various tests on this circuit – a situation that both riders intend to exploit in preparing for the weekend. Lorenzo, who is recovering well after the injury he suffered in the Austrian GP which proved to be more troublesome than expected, will resume his development work with the Test Team, with an eye on performance in what will be his home race.
Aleix Espargaro
“I am arriving in Misano with decidedly positive sensations. During the first race here and especially in the tests following it, we made some significant steps forward, improving on all the RS-GP’s features. We’ve had time to recuperate our strength after the GP in Texas and I’m ready to tackle this season finale in the best possible way.”
Maverick Viñales
“Coming back to race in Misano again is special for me. This is where I tested the RS-GP for the first time and began my relationship with Aprilia. The temperatures will be lower than they were in the first round on this track – a factor that I want to take advantage of because it lets me use a softer compound at the front. I can’t wait to get back in the saddle to continue our growth. We have great potential and a lot of things to try in order to build our performance lap after lap.”
Lorenzo Savadori
“I really want to get back on the bike and race. I still can’t say that I’m at 100% physical fitness, but the situation has improved greatly. I’m sure the home fans will give me even more motivation. We have a lot of work to do on a track that we know well and that we’ll be tackling in conditions that are different than the ones we are usually accustomed to.”
And then, of course, there’s Valentino Rossi on the Petronas Yamaha. There may be three races left for the number 46 to shine the sun and moon in the premier class of Grand Prix racing, but the third to last event of the Doctor’s tenure will be extra special in its own way.
Valentino Rossi
Home turf, at a venue likely no one on Earth knows better or has raced more, and in front of his final home crowd in gloriously uproarious yellow, it’s its own occasion. The end of an era for an area that has become defined first by what was the new kid on the block searing through the ranks with such charisma and style, and then the icon who has created one of the most successful academies in motorcycle racing, based just up the road.
Plenty of yellow for Vale in Austria amongst an otherwise sea of orange but at Misano it will be a sea of Rossi yellow
His ranch adds some significant acreage to Rossi’s home village of Tavullia, just as his presence and legacy have added so much to the region and the sport. Emotional doesn’t quite explain it; it’s a point of no return for all those who’ve raced, watched and loved one of global sport’s biggest icons. On track, at least.
Valentino Rossi was hugely popular at Silverstone
Valentino Rossi
“It’s been good to have these two weeks without races, as we had some busy times – including travelling to the USA, which was a really demanding race. During this time I’ve been training hard at home to make sure we can face the final three races of this season in the best physical condition. This second race in Misano will be tougher than the first one because it is likely to be cooler than one month ago. We need to work to give our best, try to be a bit faster than in the last races and fine-tune the settings to be more competitive. The previous race in Misano was already a really emotional moment for me and, of course, this one will be a special race at home and I really hope the Italian fans can enjoy it.”
Valentino Rossi
This weekend will mark a moment in time for Rossi and, potentially, for a new World Champion too…
