The Bologna factory collected the Constructors’ crown back in Aragon, and barring a disaster, it was only a matter of time before they took the Teams’ title with Bagnaia and Miller both in red hot form. They arrived in Sepang 84 points ahead of Aprilia Racing and needed to end Sunday just 45 points clear of the Noale factory, with the gap now 113 points after picking up 35 points to Aprilia’s six.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
“So we have what we have for now. We test with what we have for now and then let’s see for next year. We need to be able to build a bike that we can ride with other riders and fight with other riders because again, like I said before, we can only ride alone. Whether that’s the engine, the chassis, the grip of the bike, and then it’s slow in the straight. It’s difficult to manage when you’re with other riders, really difficult.”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Last year, Triumph launched the exclusive Bonneville Gold Line collection: eight limited-edition models available for one year only and showcasing the hand-painted gold lining skills of Triumph’s paint shop. Following the success of the Gold Line editions, Triumph announced it is launching a Chrome Line collection, featuring 10 limited-edition models that will also be available for one year only. Triumph says the Chrome Line brings a “unique, bold, and beautiful new take” on the latest generation of Triumph’s modern classic Bonneville lineup and the Rocket 3.
Related Story: Triumph Announces New Colors, Names for Select 2023 Models
The Chrome Line collection is inspired by the classic custom look that has been a significant part of Triumph’s iconic history, from the original chromed tank of the 1937 Speed Twin to the 1960s Tritons and up to the birth of the custom classic generation.
Whereas the Gold Line collection was recognizing the skills of the paint shop, Triumph says the Chrome Collection celebrates the company’s state-of-the-art chrome-detailing facility and the “expert teams of specialist design and manufacturing engineers who have perfected the process over many years, across hundreds of accessories, beautiful badges, and detailing.”
Each of the ten new limited editions feature a unique Chrome Edition scheme, chosen specifically to reflect each model’s rich heritage and accompanied by new Chrome Edition accessory kits. Available to order now, these exclusive limited editions will be coming into dealerships worldwide in early 2023.
The new Rocket 3 R Chrome Edition features a full chrome fuel tank with a Jet Black accent complemented by Jet Black fenders, headlight bowls, fly screen, radiator cowls, side panels, and rear bodywork. The Matte Aluminum upper radiator cowl and fork guards contrast the black engine and bodywork.
A dedicated Rocket 3 R Chrome Edition Accessory Kit features a specially selected set of custom accessories including bar-end mirrors. Pricing starts at $24,300.
The Rocket 3 GT Chrome Edition shares the same full chrome tank with a distinctive Diablo Red as the stock Rocket 3 R.
Jet Black headlight bowls, fly screen, fenders, radiator cowls, side panels, and rear bodywork complement the lustrous red and chrome, while Matte Aluminum Silver fork guards and upper radiator cowls highlight the lines and tie-in with the matching exhausts and intakes. Pricing starts at $25,000.
The Bonneville T120 features a chromed fuel tank with the iconic Meriden Blue painted surround offset by the contrasting Jet Black fenders, headlight bowl, and side panels. A matching Meriden Blue fly screen is also available as an accessory to complete the look. Pricing starts at $13,195.
In contrast to its blacked-out style, the new Bonneville Bobber Chrome Edition features a chrome fuel tank finished with a Jet Black overlay and detailed Triumph triangle badges. This monochrome makeover is complemented by Jet Black fenders and side panels featuring the distinctive Bobber logo. A matching Jet Black short front fender is available as an accessory option. Pricing starts at $14,295.
The Scrambler 1200 XE Chrome Edition offers a full chrome fuel tank featuring a Brooklands Green painted stripe that incorporates the Triumph triangle tank badges. Brushed aluminum fenders and silencer heat shields complement the tank, and the headlight bowl and side panels are finished in deep Jet Black. A hand-picked set of accessories form the Scrambler 1200 XE Chrome Edition Accessory Kit, all of which are available to view on the Triumph configurator. Pricing starts at $16,645.
Triump called the new Bonneville Speedmaster Chrome Edition “beautifully bold.” The limited-edition chrome tank has a Diablo Red surround. Jet Black fenders, side panels and headlight bowl frame the bike and offer a rich contrast to the chrome. A short front mudguard, in matching Jet Black, is also available as an accessory for added custom style, as well as a dedicated Bonneville Speedmaster Chrome Edition Accessory Kit featuring a hand-selected set of chrome accessories. Pricing starts at $14,295.
The Thruxton RS Chrome Edition features a full chrome tank in the timeless signature shape, finished and highlighted with a Jet Black painted seam.
In addition to the Chrome Edition’s two-tone style, Jet Black fenders, side panels, seat cowl, and headlight bowl contrast the bright chrome while Matte Silver Ice fork protectors add shape and form to the bike’s front end. A matching Jet Black accessory cockpit fairing is available in the dedicated Thruxton RS Chrome Edition Accessory Kit. Pricing starts at $17,445.
The Bonneville T100 Chrome Edition features a contemporary Cobalt Blue fuel tank with unique Chrome Edition metal stripe detailing. The fenders, side panels, and headlamp bowl are all finished in Jet Black, and a matching Cobalt Blue fly screen is available as an accessory option. Pricing starts at $11,295.
For 2023, two Triumph models were rebranded – including the Street Twin – in a move that Triumph stated was to “better represent the family connections across Triumph’s iconic Bonneville lineup and their specific engine capacities.” Now known as the Speed Twin, the new 2023 Speed Twin 900 Chrome Edition is set apart by its Red Hopper scheme across the tank with Jet Black stripe and Chrome Edition metal knee pad infills, matching its new Triumph triangle tank badges with metal detailing.
The Speed Twin 900 Chrome Edition also features Jet Black side panels with new red and silver graphics and Jet Black fenders. A matching Red Hopper accessory fly screen is available to complete the custom classic look, which also features in the dedicated Speed Twin 900 Chrome Edition Accessory Kit. Pricing starts at $10,195.
Formerly the “Street Scrambler,” the Scrambler 900 is another Triumph motorcycle that got a new moniker for 2023. The Scrambler 900 Chrome Edition offers a Brooklands Green fuel tank with a classic Jet Black tank stripe and Chrome Edition metal knee pad infills. Triumph triangle badges with metal detailing provide the tank’s finishing touch, while the fenders, side panels, and frame cowl are finished in Jet Black. A Jet Black high fender and a Brooklands Green fly screen are both available as matching accessories, as well as a dedicated Scrambler 900 Chrome Edition Accessory Kit. Pricing starts at $11,795.
For more information, visit the Triumph Motorcycles website.
The post 2023 Triumph Chrome Line Editions | First Look Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com
So what do riders do while waiting for that final showdown. How long have some had to wait and a couple of true champions prepared for that final round even before it came along. In 1983 Freddie Spencer and Kenny Roberts had to wait a whole month after a fractious last lap encounter in the penultimate round at Anderstorp in Sweden. Freddie left the circuit, that doubled up as the local aerodrome with a five-point advantage after an overtaking manoeuvre, a couple of bends from the finish, that did not impress the three times World Champion. They both flew home to the States for the long wait before the final round in Imola. Freddie spent time with his family in Shreveport and Kenny at his Californian ranch playing golf. They returned to Italy and Freddie clinched his first 500 cc title after a canny ride to second place behind Kenny who tried every trick in the book to unsettle him.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Ups
Downs
Verdict
The CBR300R is a great option for those tipping their toes into the sportbike world. While competitors like the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and KTM RC 390 put greater emphasis on performance, and might be better options for track days or sporty canyon riding, the CBR300R is a great lightweight sportbike option for the casual commuter.
Overview
The CBR300R is Honda’s smallest sportbike. It’s equipped with a modestly designed single-cylinder engine that prioritizes low to midrange torque and sips fuel for efficient commuting. A low seat height, low cost of ownership, light clutch action, and safety features like optional ABS make it great for riders who are just starting out.
Updates for 2022
There are no changes to the 2022 CBR300R. There is, however, a $100 bump up in price.
Pricing and Variants
Two trims of the CBR300R are available, one with ABS ($5,099) and one without ($4,899).
Both models come in identical colorways as before: Grand Prix Red and Matte Gray Metallic.
Competition
The small-displacement sportbike category has a good spread of fully faired competitors including the Yamaha R3 ($5,499), Kawasaki Ninja 400 ($5,299), Suzuki GSX250R ($4,999), and KTM RC 390 ($5,799). If BMW’s G 310 RR comes to the US, that will be part of the competition as well.
There are naked variants of each manufacturer’s small-displacement model, Honda’s example being the slightly more stylish CB300R.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The CBR300R is powered by a 286cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a smooth and predictable power delivery that makes it great for new riders. An added benefit is the lightweight clutch pull, which removes some of the stress that comes with leaving stoplights in busy city traffic. A counter balancer limits engine vibration, though some buzz is felt at freeway speeds. In past testing we saw the Honda hit 7,500 rpm at 70 mph, with 3,000 rpm left until redline. Even still, you’ll notice that there isn’t a lot of power to help you accelerate away from traffic when cruising at freeway speeds.
When we last ran the CBR300R head to head with competitors from Kawasaki, KTM, and Yamaha it produced 27.7 horsepower at 8,390 rpm and 18.6 lb.ft. at 6,730 rpm while running a 15.15 second quarter-mile. That time was the slowest of the group and highlights the more modest engine performance compared to the competition. It makes sense that the RC 390, with its higher displacement, took the win there. What we did garner from that comparison though is the power delivery is “parental approved” and that the bike is arguably the most beginner friendly because of it.
Handling
Honda has been building beginner-friendly motorcycles for decades and understands the importance of a stable, well-balanced chassis that gives new riders the confidence to hit the road. That continues to be the goal with the CBR300R, which aims to offer predictable handling in a lightweight package that’s ideal for cutting through busy city streets and even the occasional trip along nearby canyon roads.
A 54.3-inch wheelbase and 364 pounds (with ABS) curb weight would suggest the CBR300R is lightweight and easy to tip into corners, its narrow tires (110/70-17 and 140/70-17) further contributing to its responsive handling.
Suspension consists of a 37mm fork and Pro-Link single shock. Frame is a tubular steel design. As a whole, the chassis provides a comfortable ride that is still firm enough to keep everything under control in all but the most reckless paces on the street.
Brakes
Predictable, new-rider-friendly performance is once again the name of the game when it comes to the CBR’s brakes. Stopping is done with a single brake disc at the front and rear, in 296mm and 220mm sizes respectively.
While the initial bite is mild (a benefit for those getting accustomed to stopping a motorcycle), stopping power progresses at a linear pace. There’s also a small CBR equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system) to help new riders with controlled stops in poor conditions.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The CBR300R is a conservative fuel sipper; our testing recorded 60 mpg.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The low 30.7 inch seat means most riders will confidently set their feet on the ground at stops. The riding position isn’t as committed as Honda’s track-bound CBR supersport bikes, either; the CBR300R’s natural, neutral riding position is plenty comfortable for the average commute.
Electronics
A combination of analog and digital instrumentation provide the vital stats. Although somewhat simplistic, the speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temp, tripmeter, odometer, and clock are digitally displayed; the tachometer is analog.
Dual headlights, electronic fuel injection, a computer-controlled digital transistorized ignition, and optional ABS are other electronic-related features.
Compare this to models like the KTM RC 390, which comes with a TFT display, cornering ABS, and lean-sensitive traction control, and you can see that the CBR300R has fallen slightly behind the competition in terms of features.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
A one-year transferable unlimited-mileage warranty and possible extension with the Honda Protection Plan is par for the course.
Quality
The overall silhouette of the CBR300R is tidy and sharp. Honda’s good ol’ reliability has its back as well.
2022 Honda CBR300R Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $4,899/$5,099 (ABS) |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 286cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl. |
| Bore x Stroke: | 76.0 x 63.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Cycle World Measured Horsepower: | 27.7 hp @ 8,390 rpm |
| Cycle World Measured Torque: | 18.6 lb.-ft. @ 6,730 rpm |
| Fuel Delivery: | PGM-FI fuel injection w/ 38mm throttle body |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Computer-controlled digital transistorized w/ electronic advance |
| Frame: | Tubular steel |
| Front Suspension: | 37mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Pro-Link shock, preload adjustable; 4.1 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Single hydraulic caliper, 296mm disc (w/ optional ABS) |
| Rear Brake: | Single hydraulic caliper, 220mm disc (w/ optional ABS) |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 17 in. / 17 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 110/70-17 / 140/70-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 25.3°/3.9 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 54.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | N/A in. |
| Seat Height: | 30.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3.4 gal. |
| Claimed Wet Weight: | 357 lb./364 lb. (ABS) |
| Contact: | powersports.honda.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
With two races left on the 2022 WorldSBK calendar, the 2023 arms race is already heating up. On the heels of the recently unveiled 2023 Yamaha YZF-R1 GYTR and BMW M 1000 RR, Ducati just released images, specs and tantalizing details from the upcoming 2023 Panigale V4 R superbike.
Unlike the M RR, the V4 R headline comes pre-written from Bolognese scribes: “Over 240 hp in Track Setup, Limiter at 16,500 rpm.” These figures are made possible with a deft mix of old and new engineering tricks. As is the case every year, this year’s track bike is the closest thing possible to a competition motorcycle in production form.
Before the Tecnici Ducati boosts the pony count to 240.5, the oil-and-liquid-cooled 998 cc V-4 Desmosedici Stradale R starts life with 207 hp at 13,500 rpm. How is that extra 33.5 hp unlocked? Here goes.
The classic benefit of dry clutches is that lubricants can be optimized to do one thing really well instead of two things adequately. Ducati claims a special oil with “racing-type additives” developed by Shell brings a 10% reduction in mechanical friction, resulting in a 3.5 hp increase in maximum power, translating to +4.5 hp at the limiter. It doesn’t hurt that clutch weight is also reduced by 1.8 pounds (800g).
Moving from gearbox to cylinders, the V4 R employs “gun drilled” titanium connecting rods, creating a .06 in. oil passage extending longitudinally from the head to the small end, improving lubrication in extreme conditions. This is said to be a first in production motorcycles.
Additionally, Desmosedici Stradale R pistons get a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) surface treatment borrowed from MotoGP and Formula 1 engineers to reduce friction between piston and cylinder wall. These pistons also feature new geometry that makes them .04 ounces. (5g) lighter.
A more aggressive intake cam profile brings an increased lift of 0.03 inches (1mm) and is matched to new variable-length horns, which are reduced by 0.2 inches (5mm). This improves breathing at high rpm and unlocks maximum power when matched with the racing exhaust.
That racing exhaust is the tried and true Akrapovič titanium system that shaves 11 pounds of weight and increases power to 237 hp. Since it isn’t street legal, its advantage is not what it does but what it doesn’t do, such as blunt the impact of four shrieking cylinders sending burnt race gas into the atmosphere at incomprehensible rates.
Gearing is borrowed directly from WorldSBK Panigale ratios, now taller in 1st, 2nd and 6th gear. This brings us to the refinements with the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS). Shifts are claimed to be smoother, thanks to refinements in software. At anything less than race pace, EFI gets cut and advance gets reduced for a more seamless riding experience. But at full throttle, DQS employs a “torque restitution phase that guarantees more stability.” An educated guess would be that it compensates for lost rpm by, well, increasing rpm.
The V4 R’s dash is largely unchanged, but now includes a new Power Mode “Track Evo” dashboard display showing engine maps with calibration dedicated to each single gear. As you’d expect, Power Mode has been updated with calibrations dedicated to the Desmosedici Stradale R engine, in Full, High, Medium and Low mode. Fun fact: Nanny Mode, AKA the Low Mode, gives you “only” 160 hp to play with.
All of this rides on revised chassis geometry. Front Öhlins forks are longer by 0.2 inches (5mm) while the rear shock increases from 12.3 inches to 12.4 inches (312 to 316mm). In the now-standard +1 position of the swingarm pivot, rear height increases by 0.8 inches for a higher center of gravity.
Lastly, the 2023 V4 R features new carbon wings and MotoGP-derived racing livery that includes the number 1. Having won the 2021 MotoGP contructor’s championship (but not the MotoGP or World SBK rider’s championship), it’s a fitting and aspirational design.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R will retail for $44,995 in the U.S. and $52,995 CAD in Canada with dealership arrivals expected in spring 2023. Fancy matching Ducati Corse apparel sold separately.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com
The Malaysian GP certainly brought no shortage of drama as Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) took victory ahead of Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), with Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) producing a sensational effort from P12 on the grid to claim a podium and keep his hopes of retaining the World Championship alive. There’s plenty to discuss from a scorcher in Sepang, and below you have some of the biggest talking points from Round 19 of the Championship!
After a stunning penultimate weekend of 2022, the title fight is going all the way. Bagnaia and Quartararo both produced world class rides to come from P9 and P12 to P1 and P3 respectively, and ensure that the season finale will act as the decider.
Bagnaia: “Now I can relax. The weekend was quite tough for the mistakes I did yesterday. For Valencia, we like to understand that we can be strong enough without forcing as I did yesterday. Today the race was the demonstration that our pace was good enough without doing crazy things.”
Easier said than done: Bagnaia won’t rest on his laurels
Quartararo: “I didn’t expect Pecco to win. In the end, the most important for me is that I enjoy this race. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed being on the bike, especially during the race. So, pretty happy. Let’s see. Valencia is a track that I like. Last year was not our best race, but the only thing I need to do is fight for the win. Then we will see, but at least I want to enjoy the last race.”
Ride like a devil: Quartararo takes title fight to Valencia
Bagnaia took the win, but it most certainly wasn’t handed to him as he had to fight tooth and nail to get past and then hold off his Gresini Racing counterpart and future teammate Enea Bastianini. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen some great battles between Pecco and ‘The Beast’, and it certainly makes for an interesting dynamic in 2023.
Bagnaia: “It will not be easy, but we have to try to do a good work. For sure, it’s different compared to now because he’s another person.
Bastianini details why it was “impossible to overtake Pecco”
“I want to say that it will be a different situation because he’s another person and I think at the start when you arrive to the factory team, you have to adapt a bit to the work with all the engineers. So, it will not be easy for him at the start in the test, but then in the championship, it will be the same. Like always, the first person you want to beat is your teammate. It will be like this for all the years.
On the topic of teammates, Ducati Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti has said that constructor orders are go in Valencia! The Bologna bullets chief is desperate to bring a first Riders’ Championship back to the Borgo Panigale factory since 2007, and they must do everything in their power to stop Quartararo from taking the win.
“There will be constructor orders, a Ducati must win in Valencia regardless of the rider. If a Ducati wins, then Fabio, even if he comes second, he cannot win the Championship,” he said post-race in Malaysia.
Constructor orders are go: “Ducati must win in Valencia!”
It’s been a tough run of form for Aleix Espargaro on the Asian leg of the tour, with the Aprilia rider seeing his credible title tilt come to an official end in Sepang. It’s been a heck of a year for the Noale factory and the number 41, but he was still heartbroken to see his 2022 World Championship dream end.
“I’m very disappointed today. I’m very sad. I’m very proud of everybody in Aprilia, of myself, of my teammate of everybody in Noale. What we did this year is amazing, historic, it will be forever. It will last forever.
A. Espargaro: I’m proud but it’s been a nightmare recently
“But at the same time, the way we ended the season. It’s a bit sad, because if we could maintain our level in the last four races, we would have arrived in Valencia with a chance. But we really lost it. It looks like the dream was too big for us yet. So hopefully we can learn about it and be more ready for the future.
“Believe me I tried everything I could, I really pushed like hell until the last lap, knowing that every single point is important for the third place of the championship. But it was not enough. I was very slow. All race and all the last four races were a nightmare.
By the end of the Malaysian GP, Espargaro had been awarded P10, despite crossing the line 11th. The reason being that Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was handed a three-second penalty for a clash with the Aprilia rider during the race, which drew some heated comments from the Spaniard.
“I don’t know what this guy is doing this year. I don’t understand if he’s here or on another planet in his head. They have given him some sanctions at almost every GP, but he keeps doing stupid things. I don’t know, he hit me two times in Thailand when we were in eleventh place! I didn’t understand. And today he hit me super hard, I don’t know why I don’t crash, for tenth place.
“They gave him 3 seconds, which I think is good because they give me back one important point. But I think you need to start last or from the pit lane. They keep giving him some sanctions, but he don’t improve. It’s crazy. I don’t know, I don’t understand. I was very lucky to not crash.”
Commenting on the end of his brother’s Championship bid, Pol Espargaro was full of praise for his elder sibling and Aprilia as he reminded everyone of how far they have come in the space of 12 months.
“What he has done with Aprilia, and what Aprilia have done this year is something that will stay in the books. For sure they don’t realise how big their achievement is because when you lose something it’s difficult to see the big picture.
“I’m sure in a couple weeks, after Valencia, they will see the year they have done that nobody expected, even them. They have. Been super all year. Aleix’s riding and Aprilia with the bike. I wish one day to do a Championship like Aleix did this year!”
Away from all the podium and title drama, we saw an impressive streak end as Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) recorded his very first DNF in the premier class. The Italian had completed all 36 of his previous races in MotoGP™ but he was forced to retire early in Malaysia.
“Mechanics took out the spring, the preload from the fork, they tried to do it, and it was working well, like usual. But on track, it stayed blocked. Some piece of dirt or another tyre or something it picked up from the ground during the straight, arriving at the first corner was blocking something, I don’t know. But it was impossible to make the fork come back.
“At the first corner I didn’t feel this because we were very slow, and everybody was really slow. But entering in Turn 3, yes. Because you enter very fast, and then you start to feel like this, because the fork is blocked. But I felt very soon that it was that problem, so I tried to avoid any contact or something like this and just arrive into pit lane. That’s it. It’s something that can happen. We have a lot of devices, we have a lot of stuff on the bike, and this is part of the game.”
Over at Honda, work continues as they aim to build for a more prosperous 2023 campaign, however, given that two of their four riders won’t be at the factory next season and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) is still out with injury, Marc Marquez has had to assume a testing role in recent weeks.
In the past few weeks, he has been seen riding with a Kalex swing arm and various aero packages as he looks to find a good balance on the RC213V, and it appears he will continue in that testing role at the season finale in Valencia.
“You can’t risk 20 laps”: A return to reality for M. Marquez
“I tried parts with radical changes just to understand the concept for the future. We know some things we tried were not working before going out but it was time to understand it. Somebody needs to do it, and Honda believe I’m the person to do it and I agree. It’s not the best way to take the best from the weekend but we did it in a good way.
On Friday (in Valencia) yes, but I’ll ask to keep calm on Saturday. The Friday plan is to work for 2023 and then if I feel ok, I will say ‘please, let me enjoy the weekend!’”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
“It’s a shame, because the team made a great job, and the bike was strong. I was able to be strong. And then during the race, I didn’t feel any drop on the rear tyre, that was OK. I had a drop, but not a super drop. So for one part, I’m happy, because we showed important potential at the beginning of the race and middle, but then, these things that you can’t control.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
All things Malaysia 🗯👇
That was a pretty good comeback here in Malaysia, and it needed to be.
Source: Jack Miller on Facebook
Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Race 1 in Sepang didn’t disappoint, with a three-rider battle to the line seeing Carter Thompson come out on top for his first ATC win. The Australian held off a last corner attack from Gun Mie as the Japanese rider was then relegated to third, with Rei Wakamatsu taking second.
Big drama earlier in the race hit for former points leader Hakim Danish as he crashed out from the race lead, rider ok after a check-up in the Medical Centre. Buriram winner Veda Ega Pratama then took a tumble as he was pushing to catch the fight for victory, leaving two key players taking home nil points from Saturday.
????️ A great weekend with 2 thrilling races comes to an end ????
Time to say goodbye to Malaysia ???????? and then look ahead to Indonesia ???????? ????
The #IATC returns on November 11th to celebrate the FINAL ROUND next to our friends of WorldSBK! ???? #RoadToMotoGP???? pic.twitter.com/C5znm8UPWW
— Asia Talent Cup (@AsiaTalentCup) October 23, 2022
Thompson got the perfect start from pole to take the early lead, but Danish hit quickly to take over. He pushed to make a gap and looked to be controlling the race before crashing out, leaving Thompson, Mie and Wakamatsu battling for the win and not just the rostrum. That went down to the final corner after Thompson had taken the lead at Turn 1 on the final lap, with Mie heading round the outside but then overcooking it. Thompson cut back and hit the gas to the line, taking his first victory. Wakamatsu kept his powder dry in second, with Mie able to gather it back up and take third.
Shinya Ezawa was able to take a valuable fourth place and with it the points lead as Danish crashed out, with some clear air for the Japanese rookie too. Behind there was a group battle won by Amon Odaki in fifth, ahead of Marianos Nikolis right from the back of the grid. Farish Hafiy and Hamad al-Sahouti took P7 and P8, close on the chase.
Behind them, Reykat Fadillah took P9, with Diandra Trihardika and Farres Putra for close company.
Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Race 2 went down to the wire on Sunday at Sepang, with home hero Hakim Danish coming out on top after a final corner attack. The Malaysian recovered from a moment of grasstracking just before he made the move and lost the lead, hitting back to defeat Veda Ega Pratama by just 0.047. Shinya Ezawa completed the podium in the damp conditions on Sunday morning, with Race 1 winner Carter Thompson crashing out on the final lap, rider ok.
Off the line it was a lottery for the holeshot but Gun Mie took it, the number 5 impressively late on the brakes and drama free to boot. Still, it became a lead group of six of Mie, Thompson, Pratama, Ezawa, Danish and Wakamatsu, and that it remained until late on.
Then, it became a duel for the win as Pratama and Danish started the final lap glued together. And despite his short excursion – clearly losing out and dropping the lead to Pratama on the run to the final corner – Danish was able to hit back and attack, opening the throttle for the drag to the line and just holding on for the win by 0.047.
As those behind faded slightly and Thompson crashed out, rider ok, Ezawa managed to hold onto third for some valuable points, but not quite enough to retain the overall lead. It’s Danish back on top with a margin of just three heading into the final round.
Fourth in Race 2 went to Wakamatsu as he stayed within a fair margin of Ezawa, with Mie fading late on to a few seconds off his compatriots. The number 5 is now therefore 35 off the top with 50 points remaining, now staring down a long shot at the crown.
Hamad al-Sahouti moved through to sixth with some clear air, of which the same is true of Thanakorn Lakharn in seventh. Reykat Fadillah, Emil Izdhar and Jakkreephat Phuettisan completed the top ten in a close trio at the flag.
An early crash saw Cameron Swain, Marianos Nikolis and Amon Odaki go down and out of contention for solid points, riders ok.
That’s a wrap on Sepang and now there’s only one round and 50 points left in play in the 2022 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. Come back for more at Mandalika from the 11th to the 13th of November – with Danish just three points ahead of Ezawa heading in!
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here