Doesn’t quite have the top-end power of class leaders
Quickshifter not as good as other OEM setups
ABS only available on KRT Edition
Verdict
Even though the MSRP has gone up $200, the Kawasaki ZX-6R remains the bargain performance deal in the middleweight sportbike category. The middleweight Ninja is equally at home on the street or the racetrack, with a very flexible engine and good chassis/suspension.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. (Kawasaki/)
Overview
Debuting in 1995, the Kawasaki ZX-6R has seen numerous iterations since then, with the biggest change coming in 2013 when Kawasaki enlarged the ZX-6R’s engine size from 599cc to 636cc in addition to suspension, chassis, and other upgrades. The end result was a much more versatile and civilized middleweight sportbike that could still hold its own when the pace was ramped up. The 2019 model saw the addition of Kawasaki’s KTRC traction control, electronic quickshifter, LED headlights, and other detail changes that further solidified the ZX-6R’s position as the best performance-per-dollar deal in the middleweight sportbike class.
Updates for 2021
There are no updates to the Ninja ZX-6R for 2021, except that the ABS model has been dropped from stock trim. If ABS is desired, paying the premium for the racing-inspired KRT Edition is required.
Other colorways include: Pearl Nightshade Teal/Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Crystal White/Pearl Storm Gray/Ebony.
Pricing and Variants
The 2021 Kawasaki ZX-6R retails for $10,199, but the up-spec ABS KRT Edition sits at $11,499.
Unlike the 2003-06 Kawasaki ZX636 engine that was basically just a 2mm overbore of the previous 599cc inline-four powerplant, the latest version is an all-new construction with numerous changes throughout its design. When we dynoed the 2020 ZX-6R prior to Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert’s MC Commute, we saw 109.7 hp at 13,400 rpm with a peak torque of 45.4 pound-feet at 11,000 rpm. There’s much more power available from 8,000 rpm on up compared to the previous 600, and it builds in a strong, linear fashion, rather than its predecessor that required revs be kept above 10,000 rpm for decent acceleration. The Kawasaki KQS quickshifter was added in 2020, though its action isn’t as smooth as other OEM setups we’ve tried.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. (Kawasaki/)
Handling
Chassis tweaks in the 2013 included steeper steering geometry, a Showa SFF-BP fork (Big Piston Fork with Separate Function technology, spring preload adjustment is on the left tube, damping adjustments on the right), and revised rear suspension settings. All this results in a middleweight sportbike that is much friendlier on the street while also being even more capable on the racetrack, according to Motorcyclist’s Adam Waheed in his First Ride Review of the 2019 model.
Brakes
Nissin four-piston Monoblock calipers and 310mm discs provide outstanding braking performance, with an initial bite that thankfully isn’t overwhelming coupled with impressive feel throughout the lever travel. No ABS, so wet pavement safety is all up to the rider in sketchy conditions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Kawasaki claims an average of 55 mpg for the ZX-6R.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Like any supersport class motorcycle biased toward performance, the Kawasaki ZX-6R’s rider triangle is fairly aggressive, with high rearset footpegs and low clip-on bars along with a thinly padded saddle. While this is optimal for high-performance riding, any less aggressive riding will become uncomfortable after 30 minutes.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. (Kawasaki/)
Electronics
The 2013 upgrade included the addition of Kawasaki’s KTRC traction control, with the ZX-6R getting three levels (plus off). There are also three power modes, with Full giving maximum power and throttle response, and 1 or 2 providing less power and milder throttle response.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2021 ZX-6R comes with Kawasaki’s usual 12-month limited warranty. Extended warranty options are available for 12, 24, 36, and 48 months.
Quality
The latest ZX-6R has a ton of high-quality components (suspension, LED lights, electronics) that would usually result in a much higher price tag. For $10,199, you’d be hard-pressed to come up with a better bang-for-the-buck performance motorcycle deal than this.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. (Kawasaki/)
2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Claimed Specifications
MSRP:
$10,199/ $11,499 (KRT Edition)
Engine:
636cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves
Bore x Stroke:
67.0 x 45.1mm
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle bodies
Clutch:
Wet, multiple disc; cable operation
Engine Management/Ignition:
TCBI w/ digital advance
Frame:
Twin-spar aluminum chassis
Front Suspension:
41mm Showa SFF-BP fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
MotoGP riders were greeted to a wet track in the morning but track temperatures were still reasonable at 26-degrees while it warmed up in the afternoon session to a dry track with a temperature of 43-degrees.
Differing weather conditions, plenty of bumps, and a lack of consistent grip levels over the course of a lap makes for tricky going in Texas
Despite being resurfaced at T1, T10, T12 and in sector 4, the track remains quite bumpy and the grip levels change from section to section. At this stage it would seem most likely that in dry conditions riders will be leaning towards the Hard front while at the rear the default choice might be the Medium although some riders might take a punt on the Soft rear come race day.
Marc Marquez was eager to stake his claim at COTA, topping Free Practice 1 in the wet with a 2m15.872 before going on to dominate the afternoon session. A 2m04.164 saw Marquez edge out the likes of Miller and Quartararo who put in late flying laps but neither was able to show the overall pace Marquez had during the session. Despite his speed on the opening day, Marquez is still looking for further improvements ahead of Sunday’s race.
Marc Marquez – P1
“It was a tricky day today, the track conditions weren’t easy today. With all of the bumps it’s very hard to be consistent with your laps and to understand where you can push and where the limit is. I feel good in the wet and dry today and in the afternoon we were able to try some different options as well. We still have some areas to work on, to extract the maximum from the bike and myself here in Austin. It’s our best Friday so far this year and the goal is to of course keep this up for the rest of the weekend.”
On the other side of the Repsol Honda Team garage, Pol Espargaro was raring to go as pitlane opened for Free Practice 1. With a fruitful Misano Test in his pocket, Espargaro was excited to see how he and the Honda RC213V would perform in Texas. Both Friday practices for the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas showed the potential is there for Espargaro to put together a strong weekend as he took fifth in FP1 and fourth in FP2. Like his Repsol Honda Team team-mate, Espargaro continues to look for improvements between the bumps of COTA.
Pol Espargaro – P4
“I have always been comfortable in extreme situations; super cold, super windy or super bumpy and today I was able to use this to make a good lap time. But I have a lot of pain in my neck from the bumps around the track, it’s really physical with the circuit this weekend. The race will be difficult, both physically and trying to be consistent over the full distance. The bike is working well here and we have been strong in the wet and the dry so let’s see what the rest of the weekend brings.”
Pol Espargaro
Takaaki Nakagami made it three Hondas inside the top five to end Friday practice as he put his LCR Honda machine in fifth.
Takaaki Nakagami – P5
“Today was a good day for us, in FP1 we had wet conditions, but in the afternoon in FP2 we had dry conditions, so we had two different sessions. We ended up P5 which is a good start, there are so many bumps on this track, but apart from that the feeling on the bike is quite good. Of course, we have room to improve, but we are quite happy with the first day here and we’ll look to keep improving.”
Takaaki Nakagami
During the rainy morning session, Quartararo was keen to switch up his wet weather set-up, which is an area where he feels he can make further improvements. He shot up to sixth place within the first ten minutes. Improving his best time frequently, he remained in the top 10 for most of the session until the final ten minutes when dry lines started to form on track. The mixed conditions made negotiating the partially resurfaced and very bumpy COTA track even trickier. El Diablo ended the wet session with a 2m18.165s best time, set on lap 16/16, for 15th place, 2.293s from the front.
Fabio Quartararo
The Frenchman was quick to show strong pace in the dry FP2. More in his element in the sun, he got to work. The pressure was on to secure a spot in the top-10 as conditions remain uncertain for tomorrow’s FP3. Quartararo put in a soft rear tyre in the final stages for his time attack. Avoiding the yellow flags, he clocked a 2m04.366s on lap 15/17 that briefly put him in first place and ultimately earned him third in the FP2 and combined results, 0.202s from the benchmark set by Marquez.
Fabio Quartararo – P3
“I’m really happy. I think it was a good day. I’m happier about FP1, because we made a step in the wet. We tried something totally different, and we found more rear grip. The position was not great, but my feeling was much better, so I’m happy. FP2 showed that the track is not suitable to race on. It’s like a motocross track with asphalt. Of course, this is the same for everyone, but I think in terms of safety it’s really bad. Adapting to the track conditions was not easy. But I will do my best in the wet, the dry, or whatever the conditions are like. I can’t control the weather, but what’s always true is that I will give my 100% in any type of condition.”
Fabio Quartararo
Jack Miller recorded the second-fastest time in both the wet FP1 and dry FP2 sessions behind pacesetter Marquez, Miller was just 15-thousandths off Marc at the end of the day.
Jack Miller – P2
“I’m happy with this first day of free practices at the Circuit of The Americas.It was crucial to finish in the top ten this afternoon since the weather forecast calls for rain tomorrow morning. In the wet in FP1 and the dry this afternoon, I felt comfortable straight away on the bike. The track has a lot of tricky spots: there are a lot of bumps, and this afternoon there were still some wet patches after the rain that fell this morning, but overall I’m satisfied and happy with the feeling I have with my Desmosedici GP here in Austin”.
Jack Miller
Pecco Bagnaia ended his first day at the Texan circuit with the sixth-fastest time overall. Eighth this morning in the rain, the Italian improved steadily during the dry afternoon session, finally setting the sixth fastest time overall with his Ducati Desmosedici GP during his final “time attack” attempt in FP2.
Francesco Bagnaia – P6
“It hasn’t been an easy first day: unfortunately, the track conditions are not optimal. There are a lot of bumps, the bike moves a lot, so you have to stay focused on it to avoid making mistakes. Anyway, the situation is the same for everybody, so we have to try our best to be faster and make the bike a little easier to handle in these conditions. In today’s time attack, I wasn’t able to do a perfect lap, but the time was still good, and I’m sure that tomorrow we’ll be able to make further progress”.
Francesco Bagnaia
Pramac Ducati riders Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco were P7 and P8 while Enea Bastianini (P10) made it five Ducatis in the top ten.
Jorge Martín – P7
“Today was a positive day, I am satisfied with the work we have done. This morning in the wet condition I struggled a lot but in the afternoon session we improved a lot and I have good feelings.”
Johann Zarco – P8
“Really satisfied with this first day. This morning in the wet I went very well and my arm didn’t hurt. I struggled a little bit more in the afternoon but we finished in the top ten and I am very satisfied.”
Enea Bastianini – P10
“It was an interesting first day. The asphalt is very bumpy and it wasn’t easy. The morning was wet and I tried to start to get some confidence. FP2 was completely dry, but I had some pain in my back caused by the crash I had in the Misano test, and I didn’t feel 100%. Anyway, we had a good lap. In the fast corners I feel good, but in the slow ones I still suffer a little bit. We have all day tomorrow to work and we will try to make a step forward.”
Suzuki’s Alex Rins was P9 while the leading KTM was Brad Binder in P11 while defending World Champion Joan Mir was P13.
Alex Rins – P9
“I really like this circuit but I found it a lot more demanding than in the past, it’s super bumpy and we’re all fighting with our bikes to stay on the right line and not get too out of shape. But overall it’s been a good day, trying both wet and dry conditions. It’s hard to know what the weather will be like tomorrow, but it looks like it will be wet in the morning so I should go directly to Q2. That’s good news, obviously, but we still need to work on a few things.”
Alex Rins
Joan Mir – P13
“It’s a shame that I missed out on the Top 10 today, because tomorrow morning could be wet, but today was more difficult than I expected. My first priority is to get the bike how we want it. I’m searching for more stability, especially in the first sectors of the lap; the track is really tricky. It doesn’t really make a difference to me if tomorrow is wet or dry, the main thing is to improve my feeling because it’s very difficult with these bad bumps on the track, it unsettles the bike.”
Joan Mir
Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia have a lot of work to do on Saturday and the Spaniard is working alone this weekend after team-mate Maverick Vinales decided not to race this weekend as he mourns the death of his young cousin at Jerez last weekend.
Aleix Espargaro – P19
“We started with a setting that was very close to the one we used in Misano, but it is clear that we’ll have to radically change the RS-GP. The asphalt is in poor condition, much worse than I remembered, and the times show it. After speaking with the techs, we decided to try and find stability on the bumps, without considering any of the disadvantages that might be generated by this setting. Considering the danger and how easy it is to make mistakes, it’s the only way to go.”
MotoGP Combined Practice Times Friday
Pos
Rider
MOTORCYCLE
Time/Gap
1
M.Marquez
HONDA
2m04.164
2
J.Miller
DUCATI
+0.015
3
F.Quartararo
YAMAHA
+0.202
4
P.Espargaro
HONDA
+0.388
5
T.Nakagami
HONDA
+0.448
6
F.Bagnaia
DUCATI
+0.499
7
J.Martin
DUCATI
+0.513
8
J.Zarco
DUCATI
+0.559
9
A.Rins
SUZUKI
+0.638
10
E.Bastianini
DUCATI
+0.672
11
B.Binder
KTM
+0.688
12
L.Marini
DUCATI
+0.769
13
J.Mir
SUZUKI
+0.930
14
A.Dovizioso
YAMAHA
+0.973
15
F.Morbidelli
YAMAHA
+1.132
16
A.Marquez
HONDA
+1.450
17
V.Rossi
YAMAHA
+1.467
18
M.Oliveira
KTM
+1.518
19
A.Espargaro
APRILIA
+2.045
20
D.Petrucci
KTM
+2.071
21
I.Lecuona
KTM
+2.093
Moto2 Practice Times Friday
Pos
Rider
Bike
Time/Gap
1
R.Fernandez
KALEX
2m09.880
2
R.Gardner
KALEX
+0.199
3
S.Lowes
KALEX
+0.654
4
T.Arbolino
KALEX
+0.793
5
A.Canet
BOSCOSCURO
+0.829
6
A.Fernandez
KALEX
+0.893
7
S.Corsi
MV AGUSTA
+0.958
8
J.Dixon
KALEX
+1.095
9
M.Bezzecchi
KALEX
+1.146
10
M.Schrotter Ger
KALEX
+1.152
11
M.Ramirez
KALEX
+1.260
12
X.Vierge
KALEX
+1.296
13
A.Ogura
KALEX
+1.330
14
C.Beaubier
KALEX
+1.375
15
F.Di Giannanto
KALEX
+1.384
16
B.Bendsneyde
KALEX
+1.422
17
S.Chantra
KALEX
1.511
18
A.Arenas
BOSCOSCURO
+1.559
19
H.Syahrin
NTS
+1.587
20
T.Luthi
KALEX
+1.625
21
J.Roberts
KALEX
+1.735
22
B.Baltus
NTS
+1.894
23
N.Bulega
KALEX
+1.956
24
F.Aldeguer
BOSCOSCURO
+2.103
25
J.Navarro
BOSCOSCURO
+2.205
26
L.Baldassarri
MV AGUSTA
+2.255
27
C.Vietti
KALEX
+2.744
28
T.Nagashima
KALEX
+2.964
29
H.Garzo
KALEX
+3.127
Moto3 Practice Times Friday
Pos
Rider
Bike
Time/Gap
1
F.Salac
KTM
2m17.280
2
N.Antonelli
KTM
+0.086
3
D.Foggia
HONDA
+0.126
4
J.Masia
KTM
+0.213
5
X.Artigas
HONDA
+0.282
6
P.Acosta
KTM
+0.535
7
R.Fenati
HUSQVARNA
+0.853
8
D.Öncü
KTM
+0.869
9
A.Migno
HONDA
+0.979
10
J.Mcphee
HONDA
+1.099
11
S.Nepa
KTM
+1.222
12
J.Alcoba
HONDA
+1.255
13
A.Sasaki
KTM
+1.264
14
S.Garcia
GASGAS
+1.429
15
I.Guevara
GASGAS
+1.501
16
D.Binder
HONDA
+1.624
17
L.Fellon
HONDA
+1.722
18
M.Kofler
KTM
+1.818
19
Y.Kunii
HONDA
+1.874
20
T.Suzuki
HONDA
+2.142
21
R.Rossi
KTM
+2.207
22
A.Izdihar
HONDA
+2.345
23
A.Surra
HONDA
+2.570
24
A.Fernandez
HUSQVARNA
+2.989
25
C.Tatay
KTM
+2.998
26
K.Toba
KTM
+3.288
27
R.Yamanaka
KTM
+4.599
MotoGP World Championship Standings
Pos
Rider
Bike
Nation
Points
1
Fabio QUARTARARO
Yamaha
FRA
234
2
Francesco BAGNAIA
Ducati
ITA
186
3
Joan MIR
Suzuki
SPA
167
4
Johann ZARCO
Ducati
FRA
141
5
Jack MILLER
Ducati
AUS
140
6
Brad BINDER
KTM
RSA
124
7
Aleix ESPARGARO
Aprilia
SPA
104
8
Maverick VIÑALES
Aprilia
SPA
98
9
Marc MARQUEZ
Honda
SPA
92
10
Miguel OLIVEIRA
KTM
POR
87
11
Jorge MARTIN
Ducati
SPA
71
12
Takaaki NAKAGAMI
Honda
JPN
70
13
Alex RINS
Suzuki
SPA
68
14
Pol ESPARGARO
Honda
SPA
64
15
Enea BASTIANINI
Ducati
ITA
61
16
Alex MARQUEZ
Honda
SPA
50
17
Franco MORBIDELLI
Yamaha
ITA
40
18
Iker LECUONA
KTM
SPA
38
19
Danilo PETRUCCI
KTM
ITA
37
20
Luca MARINI
Ducati
ITA
28
21
Valentino ROSSI
Yamaha
ITA
28
22
Stefan BRADL
Honda
GER
13
23
Michele PIRRO
Ducati
ITA
8
24
Dani PEDROSA
KTM
SPA
6
25
Lorenzo SAVADORI
Aprilia
ITA
4
26
Tito RABAT
Ducati
SPA
1
Constructor Standings
Pos
Constructor
Points
1
DUCATI
275
2
YAMAHA
262
3
SUZUKI
184
4
KTM
178
5
HONDA
148
6
APRILIA
105
Team
Points
Team Standings
Pos
Team
Points
1
MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA MOTOGP
329
2
DUCATI LENOVO TEAM
326
3
TEAM SUZUKI ECSTAR
235
4
PRAMAC RACING
216
5
RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
211
6
REPSOL HONDA TEAM
163
7
LCR HONDA
120
8
APRILIA RACING TEAM GRESINI
111
9
ESPONSORAMA RACING
89
Moto2
Raul Fernandez and Championship-leading teammate Remy Gardner made it another Red Bull KTM Ajo 1-2 on Friday at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, the rookie sensation two tenths clear of the Aussie veteran… and the duo with a nice buffer in hand over Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) in third. Business as usual? It may be and in the best way, with the two seeming set for another awesome showdown at COTA.
Moto2 Friday top five
Raul Fernandez – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – 2’09.880
Remy Gardner – Red Bull KTM Ajo – Kalex – +0.199
Sam Lowes – Elf Marc VDS Racing Team – Kalex – +0.654
Tony Arbolino – Liqui Moly Intact GP – Kalex – +0.793
Aron Canet – Inde Aspar Team – Boscocuro – +0.829
Moto3
Filip Salač (CarXpert PrüstelGP) was the rider to beat on Day 1 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, fast in a wet FP1 and a dry FP2 to end Friday top overall. Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) was second, within a tenth of the top and another fast in both conditions, with Aragon and Misano winner Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) third by the end of play, only half a tenth in further arrears.
Moto3 Friday top five
Filip Salač – CarXpert PrüstelGP – KTM – 2’17.280
Niccolo Antonelli – Avintia VR46 Academy – KTM – +0.086
The Spaniard crashed at the end of FP1 at Turn 10 but was declared fit for FP2 after a check-up in the medical centre. After not feeling 100% after FP2, Garcia visited the medical centre again where an x-ray revealed no injuries. However, to rule out any type of injury, Garcia was transferred to Dell Seton Medical Center hospital in Austin for further examination.
2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship Round 11 – Portimao
Kawasaki Racing Team riders Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes finished first and second fastest respectively after the first day of practice at the WorldSBK Championship round in Portimao.
In bright morning sunshine Rea and Lowes finished FP1 in first and third positions, riding on a new track surface from that used in the 2020 race weekend. The KRT duo recently tested at Portimao and used that prior knowledge to good effect in their early preparations for the three WorldSBK races that will take place this weekend.
Jonathan Rea
In FP2 Alex moved up one place to second in the combined timesheets to complete a KRT 1-2, with Jonathan finally 0.191 seconds ahead of Lowes.
Alex Lowes
The conditions at Portimao have been universally warm and dry since the WorldSBK paddock arrived after the recent Jerez round, with the track temperatures almost reaching 50-degrees in FP2.
Rea and his crew made several set-up changes from FP1 to FP2 and as a consequence Rea was not only the fastest rider over a single lap but made real advances in his race pace on used tyres.
Rea, the most successful rider at Portimao in recent years, was 0.217 seconds ahead of the next best non-Kawasaki rider, with his main championship rival Toprak Razgatlioglu fifth overall today.
American Garrett Gerloff was this quickest ahead of Leon Haslam.
Jonathan Rea – P1
“I’m very happy with the bike and the work we did today. We made some quite significant changes to our set-up between session and I felt more comfortable on the bike; probably the most comfortable I have felt all season. I feel relieved in some ways and excited for tomorrow to see what it brings. I was able to keep quite a high-paced rhythm over a long run and just kept getting faster and faster. Normally when you keep the rhythm high in the beginning the tyre drop is quite significant, but I was able to keep the tyre and manage it. Especially at a track like this, where you put a lot of energy into the tyre around the long last corner, I have been quite strong. Great work from all the team and I am looking forward to seeing what happens tomorrow. I feel ready.”
Alex Lowes – P2
“It was not bad for the first day and I felt pretty good on the bike. We had a good test here, maybe a month-and-a-half ago. At this track on our bike it seems to be pretty good. The bike is stable and it is fun to ride it here. I still need to check of I can ride in the races here. We have made a good start to this weekend but now I am going to the Clinica for checks and then I will see how the hand feels in the morning. Today was good and my hand feels better than it did a week ago, but it has been very boring sitting for a few days with a cast on!”
Garrett Gerloff – P3
“It was a good day. I am really enjoying the track and the new surface they put down, as there is a lot more grip especially with high temperatures. Last year it was very hot during all the races, which made it very difficult to find grip. But this time, the Yamaha R1 feels good. I thought that, thanks to the new surface, there would be less bumps, but the track feels as bumpy as before to be honest. At least, there is more grip when you hit the bumps, and the bike is not as affected by them as before, which is positive. I feel good, and the goal is to have a solid qualifying session and a good start in both races in order to stay close to the top guys. I ran laps both on the Pirelli SC0 tyre and on the 415 tyre: they feel very similar and I believe that the difference between them will only show in the last laps.”
Garrett Gerloff
Leon Haslam – P4
“We went into this weekend with quite a different approach in terms of the chassis. So losing time this morning wasn’t ideal, but it was my fault, I was going that little bit too fast and hit the white line. The boys did a fantastic job to basically build a new bike for FP2. We stuck with the hard tyre throughout that session, and so I was really surprised we finished P3. To be honest, the times feel quite comfortable and although we have work to do in certain areas, I admit I was surprised to end up in that position today. As for tyres, I think I can make the harder solutions work better and I don’t seem to get the advantage that some riders find with the “X” solution. It’s a lot about the riding here too though, considering the kind of track it is, so a combination of things come into play. Hopefully with our new approach we can be a little bit more consistent both in practice and the races too.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P5
“It was difficult, because I have a little bit of a “cold” again, but we try a good set-up for the race. Not easy for me to try the long run, but result was not bad! We improved the bike again this afternoon, a big step compared to last year and new asphalt has more grip, but we will see what is possible in the race. Today we worked just for the race consistency, and not try to focus on the lap time this afternoon – we are not looking at the position today. I say again, not bad but we will see tomorrow.”
WSBK Portimao Friday Combined Times
Pos
Rider
Bike
Time/Gap
1
J. Rea
Kawasaki ZX-10RR
1m41.466
2
A. Lowes
Kawasaki ZX-10RR
+0.191
3
G. Gerloff
Yamaha YZF R1
+0.217
4
L. Haslam
Honda CBR1000 RR-R
+0.250
5
T. Razgatlioglu
Yamaha YZF R1
+0.283
6
L. Baz
Ducati Panigale V4 R
+0.294
7
S. Redding
Ducati Panigale V4 R
+0.520
8
M. Rinaldi
Ducati Panigale V4 R
+0.633
9
A. Bautista
Honda CBR1000 RR-R
+0.649
10
A. Locatelli
Yamaha YZF R1
+0.706
11
M. Van Der Mark
BMW M 1000 RR
+0.858
12
A. Bassani
Ducati Panigale V4 R
+1.179
13
I. Vinales
Kawasaki ZX-10RR
+1.310
14
L. Mercado
Honda CBR1000 RR-R
+1.387
15
E. Laverty
BMW M 1000 RR
+1.691
16
J. Folger
BMW M 1000 RR
+1.855
17
C. Ponsson
Yamaha YZF R1
+2.400
18
K. Nozane
Yamaha YZF R1
+2.471
19
S. Cavalieri
Ducati Panigale V4 R
+2.847
20
T. Rabat
Kawasaki ZX-10RR
+2.886
21
G. Ruiu
BMW M 1000 RR
+3.002
22
L. Cresson
Kawasaki ZX-10RR
+3.309
23
L. Epis
Kawasaki ZX-10RR
+4.032
WSSP
The last of the triple headers for the FIM Supersport World Championship got underway at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for the Motul Portuguese Round, with Spanish rider Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha ParkinGo Team) breaking the all-time lap record for the Portuguese venue in the morning Free Practice 1 session, and that was good enough to set the fastest time of the day.
Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) was second quickest after a strong day for the Frenchman; Cluzel topping Free Practice 2 in the afternoon while finishing second in FP1. Cluzel’s former team-mate, Federico Caricasulo (Biblion Iberica Yamaha Motoxracing) was third on Friday, his best time coming in the morning session.
Championship leader Dominique Aegerter (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) was fourth after initially finishing eighth in the opening session, before responding in FP2 with the second fastest time in the afternoon. His nearest rival in the Championship, Steven Odendaal (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team), was directly behind him in fifth place with Niki Tuuli (MV Agusta Corse Clienti) rounding out the top six after bouncing back from technical issues in FP1.
Australian youngster Billy van Eerde was 30th on Friday, four-seconds off that new lap record set by Gonzalez.
WSSP Portimao Friday Combined Times
Pos
No. Rider
Bike
Time/Gap
1
M. Gonzalez
Yamaha YZF R6
1m44.188
2
J. Cluzel
Yamaha YZF R6
+0.170
3
F. Caricasulo
Yamaha YZF R6
+0.341
4
D. Aegerter
Yamaha YZF R6
+0.405
5
S. Odendaal
Yamaha YZF R6
+0.430
6
N. Tuuli
MV Agusta F3 675
+0.633
7
C. Oncu
Kawasaki ZX-6R
+0.766
8
P. Oettl
Kawasaki ZX-6R
+0.768
9
R. De Rosa
Kawasaki ZX-6R
+0.792
10
R. Krummenacher
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.050
11
Y. Montella
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.052
12
P. Hobelsberger
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.193
13
M. Brenner
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.378
14
P. Sebestyen
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.398
15
G. Van Straalen
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.661
16
C. Bergman
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.665
17
D. Sanchis Martinez
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.681
18
K. Manfredi
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.908
19
H. Soomer
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.912
20
F. Fuligni
Yamaha YZF R6
+1.998
21
U. Orradre
Yamaha YZF R6
+2.138
22
L. Taccini
Kawasaki ZX-6R
+2.153
23
O. Vostatek
Yamaha YZF R6
+2.271
24
V. Takala
Yamaha YZF R6
+2.618
25
M. Herrera
Yamaha YZF R6
+2.724
26
G. Hendra Pratama
Yamaha YZF R6
+2.786
27
A. Viu
Yamaha YZF R6
+2.838
28
S. Frossard
Yamaha YZF R6
+3.025
29
L. Montella
Yamaha YZF R6
+3.594
30
B. Van Eerde
Yamaha YZF R6
+4.004
31
P. Romero Barbosa
Kawasaki ZX-6R
+4.561
32
E. Montero Huerta
Yamaha YZF R6
+4.685
33
S. Kawasaki
Kawasaki ZX-6R
+5.054
WSSP300
Tom Booth-Amos topped both timesheets for the 30-minute Friday practice sessions with a 1’56.273s, posted in the morning Free Practice 1 session, the fastest time of the day by just 0.009s ahead of Championship leader Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki). Iñigo Iglesias (SMW Racing) was in third place, 0.010s off top spot, in a very tight top three after both sessions.
The top six times in the combined classification came from FP1 with Uruguayan rider Facundo Llambias (Machado CAME SBK) in fourth after another strong showing from the first rider from Uruguay to compete in WorldSSP300. Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki) was the second MTM Kawasaki rider in the top six, with reigning Champion Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki) completing the top six.
Harry Khouri was 23rd on Friday and had a small crash in FP2.
Although it shows its age with its old-school underseat exhaust and cable-operated throttle, Honda’s CBR600RR is still a very good middleweight supersport machine. In typical Honda style, it doesn’t excel in any particular area, but does everything well.
2021 Honda CBR600RR. (Honda/)
Overview
When it made its debut in 2003, Honda’s CBR600RR was a bit underwhelming in the then-cutthroat competition of the middleweight supersport class. Major upgrades to the engine and chassis in 2007 gave it a major boost in performance to bring it on par with its rivals, although there’s only been minor changes since then; regardless, as Motorcyclist’s Adam Waheed mentioned in his MC Commute review in 2020, the CBR600RR still is a very good sportbike. Honda made some significant changes for 2021 to a limited production version of the CBR, but unfortunately that version will not be sold in the US.
Updates for 2021
The only change for 2021 is a new Grand Prix Red Tricolor graphics motif, and that’s the only graphics package available.
Pricing and Variants
The CBR600RR will be available in non-ABS version for $11,899 and an ABS version using Honda’s C-ABS (Combined-ABS) that applies both front and rear brakes electronically for $12,899. The only available color scheme for 2021 is the Grand Prix Red Tricolor.
The CBR’s well-developed liquid-cooled 599cc DOHC inline-four engine is equally at home zipping about in urban confines or screaming at 14,000 rpm on the racetrack. The last update to the engine was in 2013 with a centrally located ram-air intake, improved ECU, and revised PGM-DSFI programming for more midrange power and improved throttle response at high rpm. It’s definitely not the most powerful 600 engine out there, as Adam Waheed noted in his MC Commute review of the 2020 CBR600RR.
2021 Honda CBR600RR. (Honda/)
Handling
When Honda upgraded the CBR600RR’s suspension to a 41mm Showa BPF inverted fork and revised settings to the rear shock in 2013, it helped polish the bike’s already excellent handling characteristics. Quick and light-effort steering into corners is complemented by sure-footed stability even over rough pavement, providing good feel and communication about what’s happening at the tire contact patches.
Brakes
Four-piston radial-mount Tokico calipers and 310mm discs provide crisp, responsive stopping power with excellent feel. The ABS model is equipped with Honda’s C-ABS that automatically actuates both front and rear brakes (depending on the situation) to provide improved control in panic braking situations. When the rider pulls on the front brake lever, the rear brake is also lightly actuated; if the rider presses on the rear brake pedal beyond a certain point, the front brakes are also lightly applied.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Honda claims an average of 44 mpg with the 2021 CBR600RR.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The CBR600RR is a supersport machine, so it has clip-on bars, but they are set a little higher than others in the class, and there is more legroom than the competition. As a result, the ergonomics aren’t as harsh as you’d expect for a bike of this type. In typical supersport fashion, while the rider’s saddle is wide and fairly supportive, the passenger seat is mostly an afterthought (though it is better than average).
2021 Honda CBR600RR. (Honda/)
Electronics
The only electronic rider aid on the CBR600RR is C-ABS on the ABS model. Otherwise, the CBR is very old school, with a standard cable controlling the throttle plates, no traction control, and no switchable engine modes.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2021 Honda CBR600RR comes standard with a one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Extended warranty coverage of up to five years (including roadside assistance) via HondaCare is also available.
Quality
Hondas have always set the standard for quality and fit and finish in the motorcycle industry, and the CBR600RR is no exception. Although the lack of updates since 2013 are obvious, such as the black-on-gray LCD dash panel in an age of full-color TFT displays.
2021 Honda CBR600RR. (Honda/)
2021 Honda CBR600RR Claimed Specifications
MSRP:
$11,899/$12,899 (ABS)
Engine:
599cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves
Bore x Stroke:
67.0 x 42.5mm
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection w/ 40mm throttle bodies
Clutch:
Wet, multiple disc; cable operation
Engine Management/Ignition:
DSFI/digital 3D mapping
Frame:
Twin-spar aluminum chassis
Front Suspension:
41mm Showa BPF inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.3 in. travel
2021 Bennetts British Superbikes Round Ten – Donington Park
Tarran Mackenzie set the benchmark for his Bennetts British Superbike Championship title rivals after the opening SUPERPICKS Free Practice sessions at Donington Park, as the top three riders dipped under the existing lap record.
McAMS Yamaha’s Mackenzie secured the top position as the final ten minutes of the session counted down, surging ahead of Bradley Ray, who was setting the pace before the final flurry of fast laps at the end of the session.
Tarran Mackenzie – McAMS Yamaha – P1
“I am usually a slow burner on a Friday and so I didn’t expect to top the sessions! I think it’s the first time I’ve probably ever topped a free practice on a Friday this year, so to be in the position we are coming into the weekend, and with how it has gone today is really good. The conditions can still change this weekend, but it is important to know that we can be fast in the dry as that could still be what happens, but I feel that we are ready for that and the McAMS Yamaha is feeling good. Free Practice doesn’t mean anything for the championship, but it certainly feels good to have ended the day fastest and we are feeling positive ahead of the race tomorrow.”
Mackenzie heads into tomorrow’s action bidding to extend his two-point advantage at the top of the standings in the opening BikeSocial Race at his home round.
Christian Iddon held on to second position after the opening day on track; the VisionTrack Ducati rider moving just 0.121s adrift of Mackenzie on his penultimate lap of the day, after the session was briefly red flagged after separate crashes from Andrew Irwin and Gino Rea at Craner Curves.
Christian Iddon
Danny Buchan was third fastest after topping the earlier session for the SYNETIQ BMW team, just ahead of Jason O’Halloran, who is ready to fight back to overhaul his McAMS Yamaha teammate at the top of the standings.
Danny Buchan
Ray dropped to fifth place at the chequered flag, with the Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW rider and Lee Jackson splitting the Title Fighters on the times.
Peter Hickman overcame his small crash this morning to finish in seventh position for the FHO Racing BMW team, just ahead of reigning champion Josh Brookes on the second of the VisionTrack Ducatis.
Rory Skinner and Title Fighter Glenn Irwin completed the top ten, marginally ahead of Andrew Irwin and Tommy Bridewell, who complete the riders who will progress directly into tomorrow’s Q2 grid decider.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship Donington Park, SUPERPICKS 12 Free Practice
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 1m:28.708s
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) +0.121s
Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.180s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +0.299s
Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing BMW) +0.304s
Lee Jackson (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.380s
Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +0.403s
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +0.461s
Rory Skinner (FS-3 Racing Kawasaki) +0.475s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +0.596s
Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +0.770s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +0.967s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Tarran MACKENZIE (Yamaha)
1093
2
Jason O’HALLORAN (Yamaha)
1091
3
Tommy BRIDEWELL (Ducati)
1084
4
Christian IDDON (Ducati)
1060
5
Peter HICKMAN (BMW)
1050
6
Josh BROOKES (Ducati)
1042
7
Danny BUCHAN (BMW)
1041
8
Glenn IRWIN (Honda)
1029
9
Bradley RAY (BMW)
214
10
Lee JACKSON (Kawasaki)
190
11
Rory SKINNER (Kawasaki)
159
12
Ryan VICKERS (Kawasaki)
157
13
Andrew IRWIN (BMW)
129
14
Gino REA (Suzuki)
121
15
Kyle RYDE (BMW)
73
16
Dan LINFOOT (Honda)
69
17
Xavi FORÉS (BMW)
52
18
Danny KENT (Suzuki)
49
19
Storm STACEY (Kawasaki)
39
20
Dean HARRISON (Kawasaki)
26
21
Joe FRANCIS (BMW)
12
22
Luke STAPLEFORD (Suzuki)
10
23
Ryo MIZUNO (Honda)
9
24
Tim NEAVE (Suzuki)
7
25
Bjorn ESTMENT (Suzuki)
4
26
Takumi TAKAHASHI (Honda)
3
27
Michael DUNLOP (Suzuki)
2
28
Luke HOPKINS (Honda)
2
29
Josh OWENS (Kawasaki)
1
30
Joe SHELDON-SHAW (Kawasaki)
1
Quattro Group British Supersport Championship Standings
Points
Rider
Points
1
Jack KENNEDY (Kawasaki)
286
2
Ben CURRIE (Kawasaki)
273
3
Lee JOHNSTON (Yamaha)
248
4
Bradley PERIE (Yamaha)
246
5
Harry TRUELOVE (Yamaha)
193
6
Kyle SMITH (Triumph)
181
7
Eunan McGLINCHEY (Kawasaki)
160
8
Brandon PAASCH (Triumph)
121
9
Jamie van SIKKELERUS (Yamaha)
109
10
Rhys IRWIN (Yamaha)
104
11
James HIND (Yamaha)
86
12
Sam MUNRO (Yamaha)
85
13
Scott SWANN (Yamaha)
80
14
Phil WAKEFIELD (Yamaha)
71
15
Korie McGREEVY (Yamaha)
60
16
Joe DUGGAN (Kawasaki)
35
17
Ben TOLLIDAY (Yamaha)
21
18
Cederic BLOCH (Kawasaki)
20
19
Danny WEBB (Triumph)
13
20
Pete WRIGHT (Kawasaki)
11
21
Dan COOPER (Honda)
10
22
Joseph LOUGHLIN (Yamaha)
9
23
Stephen THOMAS (Triumph)
6
24
Barry DIMELOW (Kawasaki)
6
25
Michael DUNLOP (Triumph)
5
26
Dominic HERBERTSON (Kawasaki)
4
27
David KRAWIECKI (Yamaha)
4
28
Jody LEES (Kawasaki)
4
29
Charles HARDISTY (Yamaha)
4
30
Max WADSWORTH (Yamaha)
1
Quattro Group British GP2 Championship Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Charlie NESBITT (Kalex)
410
2
Mason LAW (Spirit)
300
3
Cameron HORSMAN (Chassis Factory)
227
4
Dan JONES (Spirit)
184
5
Cameron FRASER (Chassis Factory)
169
6
Jack SCOTT (Harris)
164
7
Jake ARCHER (Kalex)
138
8
Jamie PERRIN (Spirit)
135
9
Harry ROWLINGS (ABM Evo)
128
10
Conor WHEELER (Harris)
103
11
Harvey CLARIDGE (Chassis Factory)
97
12
Aaron RIDEWOOD (TCR Yamaha)
37
13
Jodie FIELDHOUSE (Ariane)
7
Pirelli National Superstock 1000
Pirelli National Superstock Championship Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Tom NEAVE (Honda)
217
2
Alex OLSEN (BMW)
197
3
Billy McCONNELL (BMW)
196
4
Fraser ROGERS (Aprilia)
184
5
Luke MOSSEY (Kawasaki)
181
6
Taylor MACKENZIE (BMW)
163
7
Chrissy ROUSE (Kawasaki)
162
8
Lewis ROLLO (Kawasaki)
117
9
Tim NEAVE (Suzuki)
90
10
Ian HUTCHINSON (Yamaha)
79
11
Tom OLIVER (Suzuki)
63
12
Levi DAY (Suzuki)
54
13
Tom WARD (Suzuki)
53
14
Keith FARMER (Kawasaki)
47
15
Luke STAPLEFORD (Suzuki)
46
16
Luke HEDGER (Suzuki)
40
17
Brayden ELLIOTT (Suzuki)
39
18
Richard KERR (Honda)
35
19
Jordan WEAVING (Kawasaki)
31
20
Shane RICHARDSON (BMW)
24
21
David ALLINGHAM (BMW)
23
22
Damon REES (BMW)
20
23
Davey TODD (Honda)
10
24
Brent HARRAN (Suzuki)
8
25
James EAST (Aprilia)
6
26
Joe SHELDON-SHAW (Suzuki)
5
27
Ashley BEECH (Suzuki)
4
28
Lee WILLIAMS (Kawasaki)
2
29
TJ TOMS (Kawasaki)
2
30
Callum GRIGOR (Kawasaki)
1
31
Matt TRUELOVE (BMW)
1
Pirelli National Junior Superstock Championship Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Jack NIXON (Yamaha)
240
2
Joe TALBOT (Kawasaki)
230
3
Zak CORDEROY (Yamaha)
178
4
George STANLEY (Kawasaki)
159
5
Eugene McMANUS (Kawasaki)
130
6
Liam DELVES (Kawasaki)
105
7
Asher DURHAM (Kawasaki)
97
8
Louis VALLELEY (Yamaha)
73
9
Max COOK (Kawasaki)
63
10
Franco BOURNE (Kawasaki)
63
11
Owen JENNER (Kawasaki)
58
12
Charlie FARRER (Yamaha)
52
13
Sam LAFFINS (Kawasaki)
50
14
Adam HARTGROVE (Yamaha)
47
15
Aaron SILVESTER (Yamaha)
45
16
Daniel BROOKS (Kawasaki)
38
17
James ALDERSON (Triumph)
35
18
Kade VERWEY (Kawasaki)
35
19
Caolan IRWIN (Yamaha)
29
20
Simon REID (Yamaha)
25
21
Cameron HALL (Kawasaki)
18
22
Jack BEDNAREK (Yamaha)
17
23
Seth CRUMP (Kawasaki)
10
24
Matt BOWER (Kawasaki)
7
25
Harry FOWLE (Triumph)
5
26
Luke VERWEY (Kawasaki)
4
27
Kier ARMSTRONG (Kawasaki)
2
28
Adam McLEAN (Honda)
2
29
Ed BEST (Kawasaki)
2
30
Lewis JONES (Kawasaki)
1
HEL Performance British Junior Supersport Championship Standings
Pos
Rider
Points
1
Cameron DAWSON (Kawasaki)
265
2
Ash BARNES (Yamaha)
188
3
Kam DIXON (Kawasaki)
174
4
Adon DAVIE (Kawasaki)
148
5
Lucca ALLEN (Yamaha)
139
6
Joseph THOMAS (Kawasaki)
105
7
Tom BOOTH-AMOS (Kawasaki)
95
8
Zak SHELTON (Kawasaki)
88
9
James McMANUS (Kawasaki)
79
10
Joe FARRAGHER (Kawasaki)
72
11
Mikey HARDIE (Kawasaki)
63
12
Declan CONNELL (Kawasaki)
56
13
Osian JONES (Kawasaki)
44
14
Lewis JONES (Kawasaki)
34
15
Harry COOK (Yamaha)
29
16
Chloe JONES (Yamaha)
28
17
Finn SMART-WEEDEN (Kawasaki)
26
18
Charlie ATKINS (Kawasaki)
24
19
Connor SELLORS (Kawasaki)
21
20
Cameron BROWN (Kawasaki)
21
21
Kieran SMITH (Kawasaki)
17
22
Annabel THOMAS (Kawasaki)
16
23
Jack ROACH (Kawasaki)
13
24
Christopher JOHNSON (Kawasaki)
12
25
Elliot DUFTON (Kawasaki)
10
26
Jacob STEPHENSON (Yamaha)
9
27
Joe ELLIS (Kawasaki)
8
28
Jack FERRIS (Kawasaki)
7
29
Chris MOFFITT (Kawasaki)
7
30
Calum BEACH (Kawasaki)
5
31
Bradley WILSON (Kawasaki)
5
32
Kieran KENT (Kawasaki)
5
33
James ROSE (Kawasaki)
5
34
Alessandro VALENTE (KTM)
2
Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup Championship Standings
It’s another Red Bull KTM Ajo 1-2 with title leader Gardner second, but the rookie holds a healthy advantage
It’s a familiar 2021 story at the top of the Moto2™ standings with Red Bull KTM Ajo claiming a 1-2 on Friday at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas, but Raul Fernandez laid down the gauntlet in a dry FP2. The Spaniard set a 2:09.880 to beat teammate and title rival Remy Gardner by 0.199s, with Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Sam Lowes 0.654s back in third.
Raul Fernandez takes COTA by storm on Day 1
Right from the get-go in the dry conditions, rookie Raul Fernandez was the pacesetter. The Spaniard sat 0.7s clear of the chasing pack with just under 30 minutes of FP2 to go, and it wasn’t until Lowes went top in the final 10 minutes that Raul Fernandez squandered P1. However, almost immediately, Fernandez was back on top. On his next flying lap, the number 25 went 0.6s clear of Lowes – simply sensational from the Moto2™ COTA debutant.
Gardner shaved Fernandez’ advantage down to 0.199s, but that’s as close as anyone got to Fernandez on Day 1. Lowes is 0.4s down on Gardner in third, with Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) a fantastic fourth, 0.7s away from P1. Aron Canet’s (Inde Aspar Team) 2:10.709 put the Spaniard in P5 on his first visit to COTA on a Moto2™ machine, with Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) the only other two riders – in P6 and P7 – to get within a second of Fernandez.
Rain on the way?
Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) claimed P8 and sits ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (SKY Racing Team VR46) in P9, with Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) closing out the top 10. Home hero Cameron Beaubier (American Racing) finished P14, the final provisional automatic Q2 place, and that could be vital with rain forecast for Saturday’s action.
Can anyone reel in Raul Fernandez ahead of qualifying in Austin? Find out when the Moto2™ class head out for FP3 at 10:55 local time (GMT-5).
Top 10: 1. Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – 2:09.880 2. Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.199 3. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) + 0.654 4. Tony Arbolino (Liqui Moly Intact GP) + 0.793 5. Aron Canet (Inde Aspar Team) + 0.829 6. Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) + 0.893 7. Simone Corsi (MV Agusta Forward Racing) + 0.958 8. Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) + 1.095 9. Marco Bezzecchi (SKY Racing Team VR46) + 1.146 10. Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) + 1.152
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Top two in the wet, top two in the dry – Honda and Ducati dominate the top 10, with Quartararo well in the mix in Austin
Fastest in the wet, fastest in the dry – Day 1 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas firmly belonged to Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), but Ducati Lenovo Team’s Jack Miller is a very close second heading into qualifying day. Marquez’ 2:04.164 was only 0.015s faster than the Australian’s effort, with World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) claiming third.
Marc Marquez vs Miller, Honda and Ducati dominate Day 1
After a damp opening Free Practice session on Friday morning, dry conditions greeted the premier class riders in the afternoon sun as we got ourselves set for a crucial 45 minutes. Wet weather is forecast to disrupt qualifying day, so FP2 could well decide who is heading into Q2 automatically.
Immediately, Captain America set the pace. Six-time COTA winner Marc Marquez was half a second clear of Miller after 20 minutes of dry track time, with just seven riders within a second of the number 93 in the early stages. Miller then cut Marquez’ advantage to 0.123s with just under 15 minutes to go, as soft Michelin tyres were then fitted for a mini Friday afternoon qualifying stint.
Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas: MotoGP™ FP1 01/10/2021
The premier class are on track at the Circuit Of The Americas as they look to find some early form
Second in the title race Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) were the first riders to beat Marquez’ time, the Japanese rider the faster of the two, as Miller then went P2 ahead of teammate Pecco. An Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) crash at Turn 18 and a Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) tumble at Turn 12 then brought out the yellow flags for a brief period, meaning plenty of lap times were cancelled – both riders were ok.
Quartararo then shot to P1 by over two tenths before Marc Marquez – after slipping to the lower ends of the top 10 – returned to first place. Miller threatened to take top spot honours away from Marquez but the Aussie’s final lap was just shy – 0.015s separating the duo at the end of play.
A what could be crucial top 10
Behind the leading trio is Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team), the Spaniard looking good in both wet and dry conditions at COTA, and with Nakagami fifth, it’s a very promising opening day for Honda. Bagnaia is in the mix in P6, the Italian just under half a second away from Marquez’ time, with Pramac Racing pair Jorge Martin and Johann Zarco seventh and eighth respectively. 2019 Austin winner Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Misano podium finisher Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) complete a top 10 covered by 0.6s.
Eyes to the skies…
It looks like rain is on the way ahead of FP3 in Austin, so that top 10 could be the automatic Q2 qualifiers. Marc Marquez is fastest in both the wet and the dry, however, Miller is on the Sheriff’s case.
From Sheriff to Judge: Marquez talks title fight 30/09/2021
Just a spectator as this year’s Championship battle rages on, the Honda rider assesses Fabio Quartararo and Francesco Bagnaia’s chances
Tune into MotoGP™ FP3 at 09:55 local time (GMT-5) on Saturday morning!
Top 10: 1. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) – 2:04.164 2. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 0.015 3. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + 0.202 4. Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) + 0.388 5. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) + 0.448 6. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) + 0.499 7. Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) + 0.513 8. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) + 0.559 9. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) + 0.638 10. Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) + 0.672
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The Czech rider finishes top of the pile in the dry afternoon conditions, World Championship leader Acosta claims 6th
Filip Salac (CarXpert PrüstelGP) fronts the Moto3™ field on Day 1 at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas after ending a dry FP2 on top, thanks to a 2:17.280. Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) is second just 0.086s adrift of Salac’s pace, with title-chasing Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) completing the top three at the Circuit of the Americas.
A good day for the title contenders
After a fully wet FP1 session played out on Friday morning, the afternoon stint in the dry would decide the running order at the end of play. With just over five minutes to go, in-form Foggia was leading teammate Xavier Artigas by a tenth and a half, before Antonelli then climbed to P1 in a busy end to the day in the lightweight class. However, it was Salac who took Day 1 honours with his final flying lap.
Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) picked up P4 to sit a couple of tenths off top spot heading into Saturday, with Artigas rounding out the top five after producing a miracle save at Turn 11. World Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) enjoyed his first taste of the Circuit of the Americas, the Spaniard sits P6 after the first two Free Practice outings.
Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) crashed at Turn 12 but was able to head back out and set a lap time good enough for P6, before his fastest lap was then cancelled, demoting the Italian to P9.
Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) took P7 and P8, Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) crashed at Turn 12 but was able to head back out and set a lap time good enough for P6, before his fastest lap was then cancelled, demoting the Italian to P9. John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) closed out a top 10 covered by 1.099s, with these times potentially proving crucial in terms of an automatic Q2 place, with the weather forecasts suggesting rain is on the way on Saturday.
Make sure you tune into Moto3™ FP3 on Saturday morning to see who will be making it through to the final part of qualifying, the lightweight class kicks off proceedings at 09:00 local time (GMT-5).
Top 10 combined: 1. Filip Salac (Car Xpert Pruestel GP) – 2:17.280 2. Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) + 0.086 3. Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) + 0.126 4. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.213 5. Xavier Artigas (Leopard Racing) + 0.282 6. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.535 7. Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) + 0.853 8. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) + 0.869 9. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) + 0.979 10. John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) + 1.099
Every practice session, qualifying battle and race, exclusive interviews, historic races and so much more fantastic content: this is VideoPass!
FP- P1 I’m very happy with the bike and the work we did today. We made some quite significant changes to our set-up between session and I felt more comfortable on the bike; probably the most comfortable I have felt all season. I feel relieved in some ways and excited for tomorrow to see what it brings. I was able to keep quite a high-paced rhythm over a long run and just kept getting faster and faster. Normally when you keep the rhythm high in the beginning the tyre drop is quite significant, but I was able to keep the tyre and manage it. Especially at a track like this, where you put a lot of energy into the tyre around the long last corner, I have been quite strong. Great work from all the team and I am looking forward to seeing what happens tomorrow. I feel ready to fight
