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Saturday wrap from Aragon WorldSBK | WorldSSP | WorldSSP300

2020 WorldSBK – Round Four – Aragon
Saturday Wrap

A titanic battle between the two Championship leaders ended with Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) taking victory as well as the points lead in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship after the sensational battle at the Prosecco DOC Aragon Round at MotorLand Aragon after holding off multiple challenges throughout.

Aragon WorldSBK

Redding started the race from third place and held position in the early stages while polesitter Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) fought his way back through the field after a poor start, Rea back in the lead after just a couple of laps.

Redding had to work his way forward after a bad start

Rea was passed by Redding on Lap 7 of 18 but was able to keep with Redding after the overtake although not able to make the move; the Ducati’s straight-line speed helping keep Redding ahead.

Rea, Redding, Davies

As Rea continued to pressure Redding, the pair went side by side with Rea looking to make his way back into the lead but a mistake on Lap 14, where Rea went wide, allowed Redding to stay in front.

Redding, Rea and a chasing Davies

Davies was able to get by Rea just a few laps later and started to close in on Redding, finishing the race just three tenths behind Redding as they battled for the lead; the pair claiming a Ducati 1-2 finish after Davies battled through from ninth, with Rea claiming a podium on his 150th start for KRT. The result means Redding moves back into the Championship lead but with plenty of points still available to claim.

Scott Redding – P1

I’m really happy because until this morning the feeling was certainly not the best one. Maybe something has changed in the Superpole, but the conditions were not ideal. I tried to stay focused, thinking only of not losing contact with the leading group to achieve a good result. During the race, the feeling with the bike grew, and I managed to take this great victory that I dedicate to the whole team that never gave up doing an extraordinary job“.

Chaz Davies – P2

It is clear that the starting position did not help me, but I got off a good start, and in the first laps, I managed to keep a good pace to recover positions. The feeling was positive, and I closed the gap between the leading group and me. I tried to manage the tires then when I saw that Scott and Rea were gaining advantage I pushed to the maximum. I think if I had one more lap, I could have overtaken Scott, but he was still very good at defending himself without allowing me to attack him“.

Marco Zambenedetti (Ducati Corse Superbike Technical Coordinator)

It was an excellent first race. We confirmed the good feelings we had already in the tests of two weeks ago with Chaz, while with Scott, we made a little more effort and still managed to find a solid base of set up. Also, the result obtained by Michael Rinaldi (P4) confirms the goodness of the work we are doing. This gives us great confidence ahead of the next five races that we will compete on this circuit, but it is clear that there is still room for improvement. We still have to work, and we will try from tomorrow to do it better than the others“.

Jonathan Rea – P3

We were just lacking a little something today in the race but I was really happy with the Superpole qualifying session. We worked on a bit of a ‘time attack’ in the beginning, then when I put the Q rear tyre in I had some traffic behind – but I needed to find the rhythm and we took pole position. In the race I felt really good with the bike but I just could not fight. I had a really bad start but I tried to put my head down in the beginning and got to the front. When I got track position and Scott came through he did a really good job keeping up a good rhythm. I was just about there, but not close enough to go through. It was good in the first three sectors, and it was only two or three tenths of a difference, but when guys like Chaz and Scott are on it you cannot afford to lose that kind of time in a critical area. It was frustrating because at the start of the race I felt comfortable to let Scott lead and the pit-board gap was increasing to third place. We will put our heads together tonight and come back stronger tomorrow.”

#AragonWorldSBK at MotorLand Aragon – Race 1.
1. Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati)
2. Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) +0.304
3. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +2.123

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GoEleven Ducati) once again secured a fourth-place finish in 2020 as his impressive form continued, with the Italian rider putting on a late-race move on Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha) finishing in fifth place. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha) was another rider who fought his way back through the field as he finished in sixth place, after starting outside the top 10, although finished ten seconds behind his team-mate.

Michael van der Mark – P5

We made some changes this morning on the bike after yesterday, and I was feeling strong. In FP3 I felt really good with the bike and then in Superpole I was happy with my lap, but it was just not enough to be on the first two rows because the field was so close. Eighth was not ideal but I did at least have a decent start in the race, gaining a couple of places in the first few laps. I had good pace but I struggled in some areas to stay with the guys in front of me. That meant I had to play catch up every lap and at a certain point I was just a little bit slower and struggling more. I’m happy with the overall pace and unfortunately Rinaldi passed me at the end, but I think if we can improve the bike on some small areas, for sure we can fight for a podium tomorrow.”

Michael van der Mark
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P6

In the race, we made a good start but in the end the rear grip didn’t feel too great, similar to Portimao. Normally we would try a different set-up for this and usually that would work well, but in the race after five or six laps I felt the grip drop and then in the last few laps there was another big drop. Sixth position is OK, but I’m not happy because normally if there is a good feeling with the grip I can go with the front group. We will try maybe a different set-up to help this, and I will also try to improve – we will see tomorrow.

Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) was classified in seventh place despite starting on the front row and taking the lead at the start as Baz looked for another podium in 2020. There was a battle between Baz and Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) towards the end of the race with the pair separated by just a second at the end of the race. Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha) finished in ninth place with Leon Haslam (THRC) completing the top ten.

Leon Haslam – P10

I made a good start but we had a small problem right from lap one which saw me drop three or four seconds through the central part of the race. In modifying my riding style, I was then able to set lap times that weren’t so bad, even catching one guy at the end. To be honest, I’m quite happy because I was able to understand a few things after thinking that I might have to come into the garage due to the problem. So in the final stages my times were not so bad and now we’ll fix the issue we had so that I’m set for tomorrow’s races.”

It was a strong race performance from Leandro Mercado (Motocorsa Racing) as the Argentinian rider claimed an 11th place finish, ahead of Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance) in 12th. Roman Ramos (OutDO Kawasaki) marked his 100th WorldSBK start with a points finish as the Spaniard completed his first race since his return to the Championship, ahead of another mid-season returnee in Marco Melandri (Barni Racing Team). Takumi Takahashi (MIE Racing Althea Honda) secured his first points finish of the season with 15th in Race 1 at MotorLand Aragon and also claimed the team’s first points of 2020.

Eugene Laverty (BMW) finished in 16th place after a dramatic rush to start the race; the Irish rider coming off his bike on the lap to the grid with the team fixing his machine on the grid. Laverty was given a ride-through penalty during the race but was able to finish ahead of Lorenzo Gabellini (MIE Racing Althea Honda).

Eugene Laverty – DNF

My first lap in Superpole was my fastest one and I wanted to build from there but unfortunately I had problems with the front when I wanted to go with the qualifying tyre at the end and I wasn’t able to get a lap in as I went off the track. So starting from way down the field is always going to be tough but unfortunately in the sighting lap, we had a brake issue so I had to jump off the bike. I managed to get the bike back to the grid and the guys worked fantastically to repair it just about on time to get me starting the race. But unfortunately we ended being given a ride-through penalty because we were still working on the bike after the three-minute mark. Then Christophe Ponsson had a massive crash in front of me and I had to go through the gravel to avoid him. So just everything that could go wrong did in a sense. I just have to forget today and work towards tomorrow.”

Christophe Ponsson (Nuova M2 Racing) had a crash during the race at the corkscrew section which put the Frenchman out of the race on his Aprilia while Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) had a spectacular high-side that left the KRT stricken in danger over the crest of the hill, it was amazing that all the other riders managed to avoid him as he scrabbled to safety.

Alex Lowes – DNF

I was working with a race setup at the start of Superpole in the cooler conditions, so when I used the Q tyre I knew I could do a good lap. It was a shame to just miss out on the front row but fourth place was good. I did a couple of race simulations in the recent Aragon test so I was confident of my pace. I wanted to get a good start, which I did, and then when Scott passed me on the back straight I thought, ‘OK, just sit here’. Then I crashed and I need to check the data because it was a strange one. It spun a lot, to the point where the traction control could not save me, and then it kicked back a lot. A strange crash in an unexpected area but the good thing is we have five more races here at Aragon and my pace is pretty strong.”

Tom Sykes (BMW) pitted in the early stages of the race with the British rider retiring while Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha) also suffered a crash in the first half of the race. Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) and Maximilian Scheib (ORELAC Racing VerdNatura) both retired from the race after separate incidents on the same lap.

Alvaro Bautista – DNF

It was a pity about the crash as we were running a strong race. The fact is that over the first laps I struggled to get into a rhythm because, at the moment, I must ride the bike in a certain way to be fast and have to force it a lot to make it turn for example. This doesn’t help when you are fighting with other riders. That was the case again today at first while I was part of the group. Once I had some space, I could ride much faster and was catching the fourth placed rider when I just lost the front. When you are pushing so hard it can happen. One good thing is that we were able to improve on our speed in the Superpole compared to the other rounds. As for tomorrow, we have some ideas to try and help us improve in the early stages, so let’s see how it goes tomorrow.

Tom Sykes – DNF

It was a pity as the BMW S 1000 RR is just so easy to manage and so enjoyable and it feels like what I expect from a race bike. Regarding my crash in Superpole, I think I was just a little bit caught out. I did not to anything stupid but obviously I ran over the edge of the tyre on the front. It was a little bit my mistake and was disappointing because today with the set-up that we got, I have to say credit to all the guys, things were coming to the right place. In Superpole I was on a potential pole position lap so obviously disappointment that I made a mistake. I left myself with a lot of work in the race but we made a good start and I was in a position where I felt comfortable, knowing that the lead is only a couple of seconds down the track. We had a very good race pace all weekend and today we were got to see if it was where it needed to be. But then we had a technical issue which was only a small oil leak but we had to pull out. Looking at the lap times I think we would have been able to be very strong. We’ll keep working and tomorrow is another day.


Superbike Race One Results

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 S. Redding Ducati  0.000
2 C. Davies Ducati +0.304
3 J.  Rea Kawasaki +2.123
4 M. Rinaldi Ducati  +7.453
5 M. Van Der Mark Yamaha +8.365
6 T. Razgatlioglu Yamaha +18.851
7 L.  Baz Yamaha +20.226
8 X. Fores Kawasaki +26.971
9 F. Caricasulo Yamaha +27.054
10 L.  Haslam Honda +29.283
11 L.  Mercado Ducati +30.270
12 S. Barrier Ducati +40.070
13 R. Ramos Kawasaki +42.267
14 M. Melandri Ducati +54.075
15 T. Takahashi Honda +57.737
16 E. Laverty BMW +59.805
17 L.  Gabellini Honda +1m22.202
Not Classified
RET M. Scheib Kawasaki 5 Laps
RET A. Bautista Honda 6 Laps
RET G. Gerloff Yamaha 12 Laps
RET A. Lowes Kawasaki 14 Laps
RET T. Sykes BMW 14 Laps
RET C. Ponsson Aprilia 16 Laps

WSBK Championship Points

Pos Rider Points
 1  Scott Redding  157
 2  Jonathan Rea  152
 3  Toprak Razgatlioglu  113
 4  Chaz Davies  95
 5  Michael Van Der Mark  93
 6  Alex Lowes  91
 7  Michael Ruben Rinaldi  66
 8  Loris Baz  63
 9  Alvaro Bautista  55
 10  Tom Sykes  47
 11  Leon Haslam  42
 12  Xavi Fores  22
 13  Garrett Gerloff  22
 14  Marco Melandri  19
 15  Federico Caricasulo  19
 16  Eugene Laverty  16
 17  Sandro Cortese  14
 18  Leandro Mercado  12
 19  Maximilian Scheib  10
 20  Sylvain Barrier  5
 21  Christophe Ponsson  4
 22  Román Ramos  3
 23  Takumi Takahashi  1

Supersport Race One

A familiar face stood on top of the FIM Supersport World Championship podium at MotorLand Aragon as Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team), the only rider to win a WorldSSP race in 2020, continued his streak with victory at the Prosecco DOC Aragon Round as he made it six race wins in his first six races.

FIM Supersport World Championship podium at MotorLand Aragon

The battle for the lead between Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha), Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team), Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and teammate Lucas Mahias reached a peak on Lap 2 as Cluzel went from fourth to first, passing both Oettl and Mahias, with Locatelli following him through into second place.

Both Cluzel and Locatelli were able to break away from the leading group as the duo engaged in a titanic battle until the third lap; Locatelli making a move on the inside of Turn 16 on Cluzel. It was a move he had tried a lap before but on that occasion Cluzel was able to respond into Turn 1 but was unable to the second time around. Locatelli then extended his lead throughout the race to claim victory, with Cluzel in second place as he secured another podium in 2020, finishing ahead of Oettl in third.

FIM Supersport World Championship podium at MotorLand Aragon

Raffaele de Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) secured a top four finish as three manufacturers finished in the first four places as Mahias, who had been in the lead group and involved in the epic battle in the opening laps, finished in fifth place. Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) and Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing) had a titanic battle for sixth place which went down to the final lap; South African Odendaal regaining the place on the final lap to secure a top six finish with Viñales seventh.

Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) and Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Racing) were also involved in a battle just behind Odendaal and Viñales, with Gonzalez holding on to finishing eighth with Webb in ninth. Corentin Perolari (GMT94 Yamaha) looked to be fighting at the front but fell back throughout the race, eventually finishing the 15-lap race in tenth place.

Alejandro Carranza Ruiz (EMPERADOR Racing) was the highest place WorldSSP – Challenge rider with 11th place overall in the race, finishing just ahead of Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) and Turkish star Can Öncü (Turkish Racing Team). Maria Herrera (Altogoo Racing Team) secured her first points of the season with Patrick Hobelsberger (Dynavolt Honda) completing the points paying position.

Peter Sebestyen (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth) was unable to capitalise on his career-best result from Superpole as he retired from the race, along with Lachlan Epis (MPM Routz Racing Team), Stefano Valtulini (Blackflag Motorsport) and Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing).

P1 Andrea Locatelli (BARDHAL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team)

Six victories is incredible. The feeling is good every time. Today, we pushed but we stay calm because tomorrow is a harder day. We have another race but I’m confident and I’ll push again tomorrow.”

P2 Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha)

I’m happy. It’s a strong race, it’s a difficult weekend because the length of the circuit is making a bigger gap compared to the bigger circuits. It’s nearly impossible to fight with him, it’s not possible to be honest. I tried to save what I can. In the other race, I’m the best of the others. We cannot explain what happened but I am happy to score 20 points and I’m focussed on tomorrow to make some improvements because Oettl rode really well, he pushed me the whole race and I need to improve a little bit for tomorrow.

P3 Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing)

I’m really happy to be on the podium again. It was a hard race, especially in the beginning until I found a good rhythm. After Lucas Mahias and Isaac Viñales had a small discussion at Turn 1, I thought now is the time to push and make a gap. That was exactly the right thing to do in that moment so I’m really happy for the team and tomorrow we can have another good race.

#AragonWorldSBK WorldSSP at MotorLand Aragon – Race 1
1. Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team)
2. Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) +3.221
3. Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +5.206

Supersport Race One Results

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 A. Locatelli Yamaha 0
2 J.  Cluzel Yamaha +3.221
3 P Oettl Kawasaki +5.206
4 R. De Rosa MV Agusta +6.387
5 L.  Mahias Kawasaki +10.563
6 S. Odendaal Yamaha +14.968
7 I.  Viñales Yamaha +14.980
8 M. Gonzalez Kawasaki +15.507
9 D. Webb Yamaha +15.622
10 C. Perolari Yamah +24.848
11 A. Ruiz Carranza Yamaha +28.292
12 F. Fuligni MV Agusta +28.639
13 C. Öncü Kawasaki +29.338
14 M. Herrera Yamaha +41.500
15 P. Hobelsberger Honda +41.565
16 G. Hendra Pratama Yamaha +42.531
17 H. Okubo Honda +42.566
18 A. Bassani Yamaha +46.602
19 L.  Cresson Yamaha +54.928
20 A. Verdoïa Yamaha +59.339
21 L.  Montella Yamaha +1m01.699
Not Classifieds
RET H.Soomer Yamaha 4 Laps
RET 43 S. Valtulini Kawasaki 9 Laps
RET 83 L.  Epis Yamaha 11 Laps
RET 56 P. Sebestyen Yamaha 12 Laps

Supersport Championship Points

Pos Rider Points
 1  Andrea Locatelli  150
 2  Jules Cluzel  110
 3  Lucas Mahias  73
 4  Philipp Oettl  65
 5  Corentin Perolari  63
 6  Steven Odendaal  59
 7  Raffaele De Rosa  55
 8  Isaac Viñales  53
 9  Manuel Gonzalez  47
 10  Hannes Soomer  39
 11  Can Alexander Öncü  27
 12  Danny Webb  27
 13  Alejandro Ruiz Carranza  13
 14  Peter Sebestyen  13
 15  Miquel Pons  9
 16  Federico Fuligni  9
 17  Patrick Hobelsberger  6
 18  Loris Cresson  6
 19  Andy Verdoïa  4
 20  Kevin Manfredi  3
 21  Axel Bassani  3
 22  Maria Herrera  2
 23  Jaimie Van Sikkelerus  2
 24  Galang Hendra Pratama  1
 25  Luigi Montella  1

WorldSSP 300 Race One

In a race full of thrills and spills in FIM Supersport 300 World Championship, it was Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki) who claimed victory by almost seven seconds the second largest margin of victory in WorldSSP300 history and the largest at MotorLand Aragon. While Buis was able to dominate out in front, there was a titanic battle for the podium with four riders separated by just four tenths.

FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Aragon

Buis pulled away from the lead group after starting from pole position and completed the 10-lap race unchallenged as he claimed his first victory in dominant fashion; the second largest victory margin of all time. He finished ahead of Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec WorldSSP300) who moved into the Championship with another podium finish as well as Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki) not finished the race after a late-race clash with Hugo de Cancellis (Team TRASIMENO). Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) finished in third placed; the Spaniard claiming his first podium since Magny-Cours in 2018.

De Cancellis finished the race in fourth place despite the late-race collision with Deroue; the Frenchman able to continue and secure a strong result ahead of Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM Kawasaki) in fifth. It is the first time this season that Booth-Amos has not finished on the podium when he has finished the race, having scored three podiums and a retirement prior to the Prosecco DOC Aragon Round. Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing) completed the top six after he fought his back from the back of the grid having been forced to start at the back of the grid with a tyre pressure infringement.

FIM Supersport 300 World Championship Aragon

Bruno Ieraci (Kawasaki GP Project) finished in seventh place with Victor Rodriguez Nunez (2R Racing) in eighth place and Meikon Kawakami (Team Brasil AD 78) finished in the top nine but within 1.1 seconds of Carrasco in second place; showing how competitive the WorldSSP300 Championship is. Thomas Brianti (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) completed the top 10 as he held off the challenge from Alan Kroh (Yamaha MS Racing) by just 0.057s.

Inigo Iglesias Bravo (Scuderia Maranga Racing) finished in 12th place with Adrian Huertas (ProGP Racing), Alfonso Coppola (Kawasaki GP Project) and Oliver König (Freudenberg KTM Junior Team) completed the points by finishing in the top 15.

It was a race of attrition with various riders suffering from retirements including Bahattin Sofuoglu (Biblion Motoxracing YamahaWSSP300); the Turkish rider still in contention in the Championship but is now 17 points back in the title race. Tom Edwards (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team), Kim Aloisi (ProGP Racing), Ton Kawakami (Yamaha MS Racing), Tom Bercot (ProGP Racing), Kevin Sabatucci (Kawasaki GP Project), Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT), Felipe Macan (Team Brasil AD 78), Gabriele Mastroluca (GP Project) and Sylvain Markarian (Yamaha MS Racing) all failing to finish the race following various incidents throughout. Aloisi was taken to the medical centre for a check up but has been declared fit since.

P1 Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT)

The race was very difficult. At the beginning, I tried to make a gap but there was a lot of wind. They showed me the pit board and the gap was big enough, so it was okay for me.”

P2 Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec WorldSSP300)

The race was really difficult. In Tissot Superpole, I made some mistakes and we had to start towards the back, so it was difficult to fight at the front. With the wind it was really hard. I was trying to pull away from the group, but it was impossible. Jeffrey was very, very fast so he won but I’m very happy to be back on the podium. It was not easy, so it’s a good result for us. We have to focus on tomorrow’s race as it’ll be important to be back on the podium.”

P3 Mike Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300)

I’m really happy. After one and a half years without a podium, it’s nice to be back! It was a good fight with the whole group. I am so happy and want to thank my team, my sponsors and all the people who trusted me after last season as this is for them.”

#AragonWorldSBK WorldSSP300 at MotorLand Aragon – Race 1
1. Jeffrey Buis (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT)
2. Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec WorldSSP300) +6.870
3. Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) +6.895

WorldSSP 300 Race One Results

Pos Rider Bike Class Time/Gap
1 J.  Buis Kawasaki A 0
2 A. Carrasco Kawasaki B 6.870
3 M. Perez Kawasaki A 6.895
4 H. De Cancellis Yamaha B 7.000
5 T. Booth-Amos Kawasaki B 7.282
6 U. Orradre Yamaha A 7.488
7 B. Ieraci Kawasaki A 7.582
8 V. Rodriguez Nunez Kawasak A 7.704
9 M. Kawakami Yamaha B 7.949
10 T. Brianti Kawasaki B 8.125
11 A. Kroh Yamaha A 8.182
12 I.  Iglesias Bravo Kawasaki B 8.552
13 A. Huertas Yamaha B 16.476
14 A. Coppola Kawasaki B 16.644
15 O. König Kawasaki B 16.700
16 N. Kalinin Kawasaki A 16.730
17 A. Carrion Kawasaki A 19.995
18 M. Gennai Yamaha A 20.045
19 J.  Gimbert Kawasaki A 20.710
20 F. Rovelli Kawasaki A 22.073
21 E. De La Vega Yamaha B 22.132
22 G. Van Straalen Yamaha A 22.245
23 O. Nunez Roldan Kawasaki A 53.345
24 A. Diaz Yamaha A 1’26.699
Not Classified
RET S. Deroue Kawasaki B 1 Lap
RET B. Sofuoglu Yamaha B 3 Laps
RET T. Edwards Kawasaki B 4 Laps
RET K. Aloisi Yamaha A 7 Laps
RET T. Kawakami Yamaha B 9 Laps
RET T. Bercot Yamaha B 9 Laps
RET K. Sabatucci Kawasaki B 9 Laps
RET Y. Okaya Kawasaki B 9 Laps
RET F. Macan Yamaha A /
RET G. Mastroluca Kawasaki B /
RET S. Markarian Yamaha B /

WorldSSP 300 Championship Points

Rider Rider Points
 1  Ana Carrasco  74
 2  Scott Deroue  67
 3  Unai Orradre  65
 4  Tom Booth-Amos  63
 5  Jeffrey Buis  61
 6  Bahattin Sofuoglu  57
 7  Thomas Brianti  38
 8  Mika Perez  35
 9  Yuta Okaya  29
 10  Meikon Kawakami  26
 11  Samuel Di Sora  20
 12  Hugo De Cancellis  19
 13  Bruno Ieraci  18
 14  Nick Kalinin  18
 15  Koen Meuffels  15
 16  Ton Kawakami  14
 17  Kevin Sabatucci  13
 18  Tom Edwards  9
 19  Victor Rodriguez Nunez  8
 20  Alvaro Diaz  8
 21  Glenn Van Straalen  8
 22  Alan Kroh  5
 23  Inigo Iglesias Bravo  4
 24  Enzo De La Vega  4
 25  Oliver König  4
 26  Alfonso Coppola  4
 27  Alejandro Carrion  4
 28  Adrian Huertas  3
 29  Kim Aloisi  3
 30  Filippo Rovelli  2
 31  Tom Bercot  1
 32  Mirko Gennai  1

Portimao WorldSBK Schedule

Source: MCNews.com.au

Resurgent Tomac rebounds with Indiana Pro Motocross win

News 30 Aug 2020

Resurgent Tomac rebounds with Indiana Pro Motocross win

Second-straight 250MX overall won by Martin at Ironman.

Image: Octopi Media.

Defending 450MX champion Eli Tomac delivered Monster Energy Kawasaki a first victory of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Ironman Raceway.

Moto one was all about Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM) as he rode to his first win of the year, remaining composed despite pressure from Tomac throughout.

The race started with a freight-train of riders fighting inside the top five, with Musquin leading Tomac, Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC).

A clash between points-leader Osborne and a lapped rider saw him drop behind Cianciarulo and Sexton, making another error soon afterwards and eventually finishing P7.

Up front, Musquin managed to hold on for the win over Tomac, who in turn was comfortably ahead of Cianciarulo and Sexton in battle, while Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS) completed the top five.

Sixth to 10th were Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha), Osborne, Dean Wilson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), Broc Tickle (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Fredrik Noren (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki).

A heavy fall in the opening turns saw Justin Bogle (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS) escape injury for 34th, while a number of big-name non-finishers included Max Anstie (HEP Motorsports Suzuki) after late troubles while running eighth, as well as Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) and Joey Savatgy (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki).

A thrilling second 450MX moto saw Tomac rebound to capture his first win of the year, clinching him the overall in the process after fending off Barcia in the closing laps.

It was Osborne who took the hole-shot until Cianciarulo made a move soon afterwards and led all the way until within the final seven minutes when Tomac struck. Barcia soon followed him through and maintained pressure, but the difference remained at 1.103s at the finish despite a late charge.

Third was Osborne after Cianciarulo dropped from first to fourth, while Sexton ended up right there in fifth. Opening moto winner Musquin could only manage P6 this time out, joined in the top 10 by Baggett, Wilson, Savatgy and Tickle.

Anstie went down mid-moto and appeared injured, while Anderson didn’t line-up in race two due to pain in his previously-broken arm. Overall, Tomac won the round from Musquin and Cianciarulo. In the standings, Osborne leads, 13 points ahead of Musquin.

Image: Octopi Media.

Geico Honda’s Jeremy Martin has made it back-to-back 250MX round victories in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross after splitting the Ironman moto wins with Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha).

In moto one, a rare hole-shot saw Ferrandis lead from the outset and, from there, he was the dominant force, powering away to a 26.032s victory ahead of LL2 winner Martin.

First-time outdoor podium finisher Brandon Hartranft (TLD Red Bull KTM) scored P3, however, the race was spread out among the top five, with Jett Lawrence (Geico Honda) fourth and RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) fifth, who recovered from an early fall for position.

Top qualifier Shane McElrath (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) crossed the line in P6 and directly behind Hampshire, followed by Alex Martin (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki), Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha), Cameron McAdoo (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) and Derek Drake (TLD Red Bull KTM).

Lining up despite dislocating his shoulder last weekend, Hunter Lawrence (Geico Honda) managed to score points in 19th position.

There was carnage at the beginning of 250MX moto one as Ferrandis was involved in a first turn pile-up, which also saw McElrath and McAdoo go down.

Starting from the rear of the pack, Ferrandis sliced his way to third by race’s end, but it was moto winner Jeremy Martin who earned back-to-back round victories via his 2-1 scorecard.

Martin’s first race win of the year was 5.792s ahead of Cooper, with Ferrandis third following late moves on Hartranft and Jett Lawrence. Alex Martin claimed sixth ahead of Shimoda, Harrison, Carson Mumford (Geico Honda) and McElrath.

Hunter Lawrence improved for 11th this time out, as McAdoo could only climb to 15th and problems caused Hampshire to finish 17th. Overall, Martin stood on top of the podium from Ferrandis, with Hartranft completing the top three.

The 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will now travel to RedBud for the series’ first-ever double-header, round four scheduled for this Friday, 4 September, backed up by round five on Monday, 7 September.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Third For Rea In Aragon Race One

We were just lacking a little something today in the race but I was really happy with the Superpole qualifying session. We worked on a bit of a ‘time attack’ in the beginning, then when I put the Q rear tyre in I had some traffic behind – but I needed to find the rhythm and we took pole position. In the race I felt really good with the bike but I just could not fight. I had a really bad start but I tried to put my head down in the beginning and got to the front. When I got track position and Scott came through he did a really good job keeping up a good rhythm. I was just about there, but not close enough to go through. It was good in the first three sectors, and it was only two or three tenths of a difference, but when guys like Chaz and Scott are on it you cannot afford to lose that kind of time in a critical area. It was frustrating because at the start of the race I felt comfortable to let Scott lead and the pit-board gap was increasing to third place. We will put our heads together tonight and come back stronger tomorrow. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/third-rea-aragon-race-one


Kawasaki Racing Team rider Jonathan Rea scored a podium position today by finishing third in the opening 18-lap WorldSBK race at Motorlan
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

CEV Round 3: Artigas, Montella, Alonso & Morelli victorious

FIM CEV Repsol returned to action in Jerez after more than 6 weeks away from the track! In the Moto3™ Junior World Championship, Xavi Artigas (Leopard Impala Junior Team) was victorious, choosing the perfect time to pick up his second win of the season and capitalise on a late crash from Championship rival Pedro Acosta (Team MT-Foundation 77). In the European Moto2™ Championship, Yari Montella (Team Ciatti – Speed Up) once again showed that he was the class of the field, taking his 5th win in 5 races in 2020. In the Hawkers European Talent Cup, David Alonso (Openbank Aspar Team) was finally knocked off the top in 2020 after he finished 2nd in Race 2 to maiden winner Marco Morelli (Talent Team Estrella Galicia 0,0), but that was only after Alonso had won the first HETC race of the day earlier on.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

YART Yamaha take pole for Le Mans 24 Hours

Le Mans 24 Hours Qualifying

YART Yamaha picked up pole position ahead of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and Suzuki Endurance Racing Team. In Superstock, Team 33 Coyote Louit Moto beat Moto Ain by a whisker to the best starting position.

YART will start from pole

YART Yamaha claimed pole position thanks to a very consistent team. All three riders – Karel Hanika, Marvin Fritz and Niccolò Canepa – came in under the 1:37 mark on a lap of the Bugatti circuit. The Austrian factory Yamaha has dominated the proceedings at Le Mans since yesterday, and will start the 24 Heures Motos from pole at midday on Saturday.

Team BMW

That said, the day’s best performance can be chalked up, not to YART Yamaha, but to BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. Markus Reiterberger posted the fastest qualifying lap, a 1:36.164. The BMW factory team (Kenny Foray, Ilya Mikhalchik and Markus Reiterberger) will take second position on the grid.

Markus Reiterberger set the fastest individual time across the whole entry list

The leader of the provisional standings, Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (Etienne Masson, Gregg Black and Xavier Simeon), will start from 3rd just ahead of F.C.C. TSR Honda France’s Josh Hook, Freddy Foray and Mike di Meglio.

Suzuki Endurance Racing Team – Gregg Black

It could be a tricky race for the Japanese Honda team, as Josh Hook was injured during practice but is expected to be allowed to race. The Honda #5 is ahead of ERC Endurance’s factory Ducati in the hands of Randy de Puniet, Julien da Costa and Louis Rossi.

Josh Hook

VRD Igol Pierret Experiences once again managed to slip in among the favourites. In the saddle of the Yamaha #333, Florian Alt, Florian Marino and Mathieu Gines will start from 6th place on the grid ahead of reigning champions Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar.  The Kawasaki squad are without their team manager Gilles Stafler, currently recovering after a heart attack, and still getting to grips with their new Michelin tyres.

Three ambitious teams make up the rest of the Top 10 after qualifying: Tati Team Beaujolais Racing, Wójcik Racing Team and National Motos.  Australian Broc Parkes is part of the Wójcik Racing Team and reported that he was caught up in traffic while looking to set a time on soft tyres and will start from ninth on the grid.

Team 33 Coyote Louit Moto (Kawasaki), the fastest Superstock team, will start from 11th place ahead of Moto Ain (Yamaha), the provisional leader in class, and GERT56 by GS Yuasa (BMW).

YART will start from pole

Source: MCNews.com.au

Ducati 1-2 as WorldSBK gets underway at Aragon

Aragon Friday Wrap

Friday running for the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship continued with more ups, downs and surprises. Chaz Davies (Aruba Ducati) set a time of 1’50.543 in Free Practice 1 as he looked to make it eight or more wins at MotorLand Aragon, but the challengers are close behind as Friday showed a close and competitive field.

Davies’ time was set in the morning session and it was enough to top the timings for Friday running despite finishing sixth in Free Practice 2. Davies’ Ducati team-mate, Scott Redding, improved in Free Practice 2 to finish third in the afternoon but he was outside the top six in the overall classification, finishing in eighth place overall.

Chaz Davies – P1

I’m very happy to have finished today in first position but especially for how we worked in both FP1 and FP2. We started this morning with the set up with which we ended the test two weeks ago and the feeling was positive since the first laps. This allowed us to immediately understand which was the right direction to follow. We must continue to work on the tires because we will have different solutions available and we will have to understand which will be the best one in view of the race“.

Chaz Davies
Scott Redding – P8

We struggled a bit this morning but since the early laps of FP2, we have been able to make some improvements, step by step, working a lot with used tires. We still have to figure out how to solve some details but we will continue to work with great confidence. The weather conditions? Maybe they will be a bit different tomorrow but it will be the same for all riders. The important thing is that we have made important steps forward on the set up to improve ourselves“.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GoEleven Ducati) continued his recent impressive form with second overall, less than a tenth away from Davies’ time as the pair made it a Ducati 1-2 after Friday running.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi

Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) was third onboard his machine while team-mate Alex Lowes (Kawasaki) had an eventful afternoon session, improving his time from Free Practice 1 to finish seventh in the combined classification for the day despite a crash at Turn 14 with around 10 minutes left to go in the session.

Jonathan Rea – P3

I felt okay with the bike today because we had a test here a few weeks ago. We understood the base set-up. In the second session we made a big change with the wheelbase of the bike to understand how it is working in these hotter conditions. I think we will go back to what we had this morning and at the test. It seems like tomorrow is going to be a little bit cooler so we can understand the tyres in the morning FP3 session and make a final race plan from there. We have a good idea that our bike will work OK in the cooler conditions, so tomorrow’s target is to make a time attack in Superpole to get a good grid position and then make a solid 18 laps. I feel excited about it because there are a lot of guys in the front, quite close together, so we need to do our homework tonight and come back swinging tomorrow.”

Alex Lowes – P7

We came here with the set-up we had at the test and I felt quite good on the bike. I had a little problem in the morning session so I did not do my first long run continuously but my lap times were quite good – when you put a full lap together. I stayed on the same tyre because I feel like the race is going to be more like this morning’s cooler temperatures and it looks like it is going to be like that on Saturday. In the afternoon I was fast, really, able to do 1’51 laps for the two longer runs and improve my time. I knew we should be fast because we worked really hard at the recent test here and we found some good stuff for the bike set-up. Then I got a bit excited at the end and fell during the last FP2 run, which was a shame. I had just put on a fresh tyre and went in a bit fast. But the bike is working well, especially in hot conditions, and that is what has come on most since the test.”

Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) was another who had an up and down day; his time in Free Practice 1 good enough for fourth overall but a crash and a technical issue in the morning session hampered the Spanish rider. Bautista did leave the pit lane during Free Practice 2 but did not set a lap time; instead doing out and in laps only.

Alvaro Bautista – P4

This morning I felt very good on the bike right from the start. It’s true that we have tested here a few times, so we have a lot of references for this layout and a clear direction with the setup, but it is still good to have been able to ride strongly straight away. We just made some little adjustments in order to be consistently fast and then towards the end I suffered a small crash, but with no consequences. After that we had an issue with the engine which we are now checking. Being at a good point with the bike’s setup, this afternoon we wanted to focus on tyre choice but unfortunately some other issues during FP2 prevented us from executing our plan. We now have more time available to work on the bike and so we’ll use tomorrow’s FP3 for our final preparation ahead of Race 1.”

Alvaro Bautista

Leon Haslam (Team HRC) was classified in 11th for the day after showing some consistent pace across both sessions.

Leon Haslam – P11

This morning was disappointing as we were only able to complete three or four fast laps because we had some small problems. But honestly the times came quite easily considering the limited number of laps made. In the afternoon session we were able to match our earlier lap times despite the hotter conditions. We didn’t do everything we had planned but it was good to get some laps under our belt, especially in those warmer conditions. We had a small crash right at the end, but it was nothing major and I’m looking forward to continuing our work tomorrow, in what should be cooler conditions.”

Tom Sykes (BMW) started the weekend with a new contract for 2021 and showed why the BMW outfit has kept him for next year with fifth overall in the standings despite a technical issue in Free Practice 1.

Tom Sykes – P5

I am very happy and relaxed. We came here knowing already we had lost two days off track time to our competitors from the test, but I have the experience and spun a lot of laps here. Unfortunately, we had a few setbacks today which lost us a lot of time in Free Practice, but the whole BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team have responded accordingly, we were still able to get through a lot of information for tomorrow. So overall I am happy with the way day 1 finished and I am looking forward to Superpole and Race 1 tomorrow.”

Tom Sykes

Team-mate Eugene Laverty was down in 16th place, around 1.5 seconds off Davies’ pace after learning that he will lose his seat next year.

Eugene Laverty – P16

Overall P16 this morning, I was pretty slow as I didn’t go for the fresh tyre in FP1 but the temperatures were hotter which means the tyre didn’t work as well. We did finish in P10 in FP2 which showed some signs of progress. We have been playing a little bit of catch up as the other guys have had a test here last week. Strangely I have been struggling with the feeling in the front, it kept closing a lot in final breaking so the key for tomorrow is to work on that and gain some confidence in that area. Portimao was good step forward for me in qualifying however I was still on that third row, my aim is to get up onto the second row. We have some work to do if we want to get there but being on those two rows gives you a chance to go with the boys at the front come the race.

Loris Baz (Ten Kate Yamaha) was the fastest Yamaha rider in the field with sixth place overall, less than half a second away from the top time. Baz, who stood on the podium for the first time in six years in WorldSBK at Portimao, beat both factory Yamaha riders Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha) and team-mate Toprak Razgatlioglu; the pair classified ninth and tenth respectively.

Michael van der Mark – P9

We had a good test here but the bike feels a bit different than it did then, so we have worked to tweak the set-up a little bit. I think if you look back at today’s results, the position isn’t really an indication of where we are – our pace is really good and the feeling on the bike is too, so we just have to get everything together. The race pace is solid, so I’m not really worried about that, just some small things to find some extra grip and overall performance – then we are ready.

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P10

Today was not a bad start, we tried to find more grip with the bike because it is very important for this track and for the rear tyre life, and we want to fight for the win. Now we are ready with a good set-up and tomorrow morning we will try again to make another step forward. We will see if it is possible to fight for victory in Race 1. It’s not an easy track but I feel we are improving step-by-step.”

Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha) finished just outside the top ten with 12th overall after the two practice sessions, with the American rider showing his potential at points throughout the sessions but unable to break into the top ten. His GRT Yamaha teammate, Federico Caricasulo, was classified in 14th place with Maximilian Scheib (Orelac Kawasaki) separating the two Yamaha riders.

Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti) finished the day in 15th place, the first rider whose lap time was below the 1’52 mark. He was just over a tenth fastest than Marco Melandri (Barni Ducati) in 17th with Roman Ramos (OutDo Kawasaki) finishing 18th on his return to WorldSBK action.

Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance), and Leandro Mercado (Motocorsa Racing) were 19th and 20th respectively, just ahead of Christophe Ponsson (Nuova M2 Racing); Ponsson having a crash at Turn 16 during Free Practice 2. MIE Racing Althea Honda Team duo Takumi Takahashi and Lorenzo Gabellini completed the standings after Friday’s running.

WorldSBK Friday Combined Times

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 C. Davies Ducati 1m50.543
2 M. Rinaldi Ducati +0.058
3 J. Rea Kawasaki +0.193
4 A. Bautista Honda +0.222
5 T. Sykes BMW +0.383
6 L. Baz Yamaha +0.436
7 A. Lowes Kawasaki +0.458
8 S. Redding Ducati +0.488
9 M. Van Der Mark Yamaha +0.517
10 T. Razgatlioglu Yamaha +0.554
11 L. Haslam Honda +0.648
12 G. Gerloff Yamaha +0.861
13 M. Scheib Kawasaki +0.907
14 F. Caricasulo Yamaha +1.444
15 X. Fores Kawasaki +1.470
16 E. Laverty BMW +1.485
17 M. Melandri Ducati +1.590
18 R. Ramos Kawasaki +1.987
19 S. Barrier Ducati +2.237
20 L. Mercado Ducati +2.452
21 C. Ponsson Aprilia +2.742
22 T. Takahashi Honda +3.114
23 L. Gabellini Honda +4.543

World Supersport

FIM Supersport World Championship action continued on Friday and there was a familiar name at the top of the timesheets as Andrea Locatelli (Bardahl Yamaha) topped the day’s running after two Free Practice sessions. The WorldSSP rookie’s time of 1’54.308, set in Free Practice 2, was enough to top the timesheets.

Andrea Locatelli

Locatelli was not the only rider to improve in the second practice session with Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) also making a step forward in terms of lap time as he finished second overall, but almost seven tenths down on Locatelli’s time. The Frenchman will be hoping he can challenge Locatelli in Tissot Superpole and both races as he did in the early stages of racing in Portimao. Cluzel’s teammate, Corentin Perolari, finished the day in tenth place.

Hannes Soomer’s (Kallio Racing) continued to show impressive pace on Friday and finished the day classified in third place; his time of 1’55.149 from Free Practice 1 enough to be third overall. Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing) also showed strong pace with fourth overall as the team look to mount a challenge at the top of the field.

Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) finished the day in fifth place as he was ahead of Raffaele de Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse); the sole MV representative in the top 10 with his time of 1’55.774, the Italian looking to continue his form after picking up his first podium of the season in Portimao. Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) was seventh overall, just ahead of Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in eighth.

Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Racing) finished in ninth after both practice sessions; Hikari Okubo (Dynavolt Honda) ending up just outside the top ten in 11th. Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) finished in 12th overall for the day with Hungarian rider Peter Sebestyen (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth) in 13th.

Alejandro Ruiz Carranza (EMPERADOR Racing Team) finished the day in 14th place; as the highest place WorldSSP Challenge rider, finishing just ahead of Axel Bassani (Soradis Yamaha Motoxracing). Turkish sensation Can Öncü (Turkish Racing Team) finished in 16th place while Aussie newcomer Lachlan Epis showed signs of improvement and made his way to P19 just ahead of Maria Herrera despite missing almost all of FP2 with more mechanical problems.

WorldSSP Friday Times

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 A. Locatelli Yamaha 1m54.308
2 J. Cluzel Yamaha +0.679
3 H. Soomer Yamaha +0.841
4 I.  Viñales Yamaha +0.921
5 P. Oettl Kawasaki +1.212
6 R. De Rosa MV Agusta +1.325
7 M. Gonzalez Kawasaki +1.691
8 L. Mahias Kawasaki +1.845
9 D. Webb Yamaha +2.023
10 C. Perolari Yamaha +2.047
11 H. Okubo Honda +2.122
12 S. Odendaal Yamaha +2.290
13 P. Sebestyen Yamaha +2.335
14 A. Ruiz Carranza Yamaha +2.421
15 A. Bassani Yamaha +2.545
16 C. Öncü Kawasaki +2.625
17 S. Valtulini Kawasaki +3.116
18 F. Fuligni MV Agusta +3.278
19 L. Epis Yamaha +3.516
20 M. Herrera Yamaha +3.846
21 P. Hobelsberger Honda +3.920
22 L. Cresson Yamaha +3.976
23 A. Verdoïa Yamaha +4.853
24 L. Montella Yamaha +5.838
25 G. Hendra Pratama Yamaha +14.794

WorldSSP300

As FIM Supersport 300 World Championship action got underway for the Prosecco DOC Aragon Round, it was Hugo de Cancellis (Trasimeno Yamaha) who topped the timesheets at MotorLand Aragon; but with little to separate the top six as the competitive Championship continued to show how unpredictable it is.

Hugo de Cancellis

De Cancellis’ time of 2’07.623 was set in the morning Free Practice 1 session when track temperatures were lower; the French rider looking to assert his authority early on in the weekend. He was just ahead of Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki) with just 0.012s separating the top two; both de Cancellis and Deroue edging away from Deroue’s MTM Kawasaki teammate Jeffrey Buis; the Dutchman almost two tenths behind his team-mate.

2018 Champion Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec ) finished the day in fourth place, around three tenths off the pace of de Cancellis, with Jerez race winner Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS) in fifth place. It showed how competitive the Championship is with so many riders separated by not a lot and this continued with Kevin Sabatucci (Kawasaki GP Project) in sixth place, also three tenths off the fastest time of the day.

Meikon Kawakami (Team Brasil AD 78) was classified in seventh place on combined times, around half a second back from de Cancellis, with Tom Bercot (ProGP Racing), Australia’s Tom Edwards (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) and Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki) rounding out the top ten. There were just six-tenths separating the top ten as everyone looked to show their pace ahead of two races at the Aragon Round.

Oliver König (MOVISIO by Freudenberg Jr Team) was classified in 11th place, ahead of Ton Kawakami (Yamaha MS Racing), Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT), Alfonso Coppola (Kawasaki GP Project) and Inigo Iglesias Bravo (Scuderia Maranga Racing) completing the top 15; the top 15 within a second of the fastest lap of the day.

Tom Bramich placed 41st on combined times on the Carl Cox RT Motorsports Kawasaki in what is a 52-rider field.

There were incidents throughout the afternoon for Matyas Cervenka (Smrz Racing – Willi Race), Gabrielle Mastroluca (GP Project) and Sylvain Markarian (Yamaha MS Racing), with the three classified in 48th, 33rd and 16th respectively.

WorldSSP300 Group A and B Friday Times

SSP300 Combined Times A 
Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 J. Buis Kawasaki  2m07.796
2 U. Orradre Yamaha +0.168
3 K. Meuffels Kawasaki +0.504
4 J. Gimbert Kawasaki +0.861
5 V. Rodriguez Nunez Kawasaki +0.941
6 B. Ieraci Kawasaki +0.983
7 N. Kalinin Kawasaki +0.985
8 F. Rovelli Kawasaki +0.996
9 A. Carrion Kawasaki +1.255
10 M. Perez Kawasaki +1.474
11 G. Van Straalen Yamaha +1.586
12 A. Kroh Yamaha +1.597
13 P. Grassia Yamaha +1.668
14 S. Di Sora Kawasaki +1.809
15 F. Macan Yamaha +1.833
16 A. Diaz Yamaha +1.874
17 M. Gennai Yamaha +1.928
18 O. Nunez Roldan Kawasaki +2.362
19 K. Aloisi Yamaha +2.522
20 D. Blin Yamaha +2.553
21 T. Bramich Kawasaki +3.024
22 G. Matern Yamaha +3.296
23 M. Gaggi Yamaha +3.312
24 E. Mcglinchey Kawasaki +3.389
25 I.  Offer Kawasaki +8.270
26 L. Gruau Kawasaki +9.265
SSP300 Combined Times B
Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 H. De Cancellis Yamaha 2m07.623
2 S. Deroue Kawasaki +0.012
3 A. Carrasco Kawasaki +0.336
4 K. Sabatucci Kawasaki +0.354
5 M. Kawakami Yamaha +0.513
6 T. Bercot Yamaha +0.529
7 T. Edwards Kawasaki +0.613
8 Y. Okaya Kawasaki +0.619
9 O. König Kawasaki +0.634
10 T. Kawakami Yamaha +0.639
11 A. Coppola Kawasaki +0.750
12 I.  Iglesias Bravo Kawasaki +0.758
13 S. Markarian Yamaha +0.787
14 A. Huertas Yamaha +1.124
15 T. Booth-Amos Kawasaki +1.398
16 E. De La Vega Yamaha +1.555
17 B. Sofuoglu Yamaha +1.644
18 T. Brianti Kawasaki +1.764
19 J. Perez Gonzalez Yamaha +1.861
20 G. Mastroluca Kawasaki +1.891
21 M. Hrava Kawasaki +3.381
22 A. Quinet Kawasaki +3.526
23 J. Ioverno Kawasaki +3.556
24 M. Cervenka Kawasaki +3.702
25 R. Dore Yamaha +4.305
26 A. Zanca Kawasaki +5.394

Source: MCNews.com.au

Davies fastest in practice at Aragon WorldSBK

News 29 Aug 2020

Davies fastest in practice at Aragon WorldSBK

Andrea Locatelli unstoppable in World Supersport.

Image: Supplied.

Chaz Davies and the Aruba.it Racing Ducati team have struck early at Motorland Aragon by topping combined free practice at the fourth round of the 2020 Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Michael Rubin Rinaldi (Team GOELEVEN) made it a Ducati one-two while Jonathon Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorkdSBK) was third overall and topped the afternoon session.
Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) was fourth at the venue he dominated last year. After a fall at turn one in FP1, Bautista failed to show for FP2 as the team battled to fix an oil leak issue.

Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) finished fifth while the Ten Kate Racing Yamaha of Loris Baz made it five different manufacturers in the top six, with all of the top six setting their fastest times in the morning session.

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) had the seventh best time overall and was second in the afternoon session while Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing Ducati) also showed improvement in the afternoon, taking third in that session and eighth overall.

The PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team duo of Michael Van Der Mark and Toprak Razgatlioglu were ninth and tenth respectively.

Image: Supplied.

In World Supersport, championship leader Andrea Locatelli (Bardahl Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) continued his strong run of results, topping the combined timesheets ahead of Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) and Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing) in third. Australian Lachie Epis (MPM Routz Racing Team) improved in the afternoon session to finish 19th.

World Supersport 300 resumes battle at Aragon with Frenchman Hugo de Cancellis (Team TRASIMENO) heading the combined Group A and Group B times. He was just ahead of Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT), both from Group B, with teammate Jeffrey Buis taking third and heading Group A. Australian Tom Edwards (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) finished ninth while Tom Bramich (Carl Cox-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) has work to do in 41st.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Macna Launch Summer Riding Pants

European riding gear manufacturer Macna have released Bora Pants designed to complement their new Aerocon Adventure Jacket for the coming Aussie summer.

Like the jacket, the pants meet stringent new European CE safety standard EN17092 protection standards.

They are made of 600D Ripstop Polyester Nylon and Polyester Mesh which makes them light, yet tough.

Macna Summer Riding Pants

For summer riding comfort, they feature air vents through the legs and thighs, plus heat shields on the lower legs to protect against hot engines and header pipes.

Safety features include RISC Level 1 ventilated CE knee armour and CE hip protector prepared pockets for hip armour which is not included.

Other features are anti-slip material on the backside, adjustable waist, plus pockets in the thigh and lower leg.

Triumph Bonneville 900 Street Twin

Macna Summer Riding Pants

They come in men’s sizes S/ 30” to 3XL/ 40” in black at $A249.95.

Since Australian distributors Link International began importing European riding gear from Macna in 2017, we have reviewed several items and found them all to be technically clever, comfortable and safe.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Is The Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT The Best Sport Tourer Around?

Is the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT the Goldilocks of sport adventure tourers? You know, not too cold and not too hot, but just right on value, features, performance, handling, and comfort.

It’s been around since 2002 as the DL1000 and now the proven and bulletproof engine has been upgraded to Euro 5 spec with fly-by-wire throttle, more power, and more techno.

While the engine is the same size, they now call it a 1050 and it comes standard in Glass Sparkle Black for $17,990 ride away.

The wire-wheeled flagship 1050 XT (Cross Touring) at $20,990 ride away in Pearl Brilliant White or Glass Blaze Orange (Aussie prices include 12-months registration) adds all the bells and techno whistles.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

They include cruise, hill hold, slope and load-dependent braking, ride modes, traction control, leaning two-stage ABS and LED lighting.

The only thing missing is self-canceling indicators.

Otherwise, I reckon the flagship XT model is an ideal bike for touring our wide brown land in safety, comfort and style.

In fact, I reckon it’s the most stylish of all the sport adventure tourers, especially in the “Marlboro” colour scheme of my test bike. It looks like a handsome Dakar attacker!

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

The smooth ride-by-wire throttle and upgraded Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) on the XT allow for the host of hi-tech functions that make sport-touring safer and more effective on just about any road surface.

However, even the first level of ABS and traction control are still a little too interventionist on dirt roads. I’d prefer a bit more brake lock and wheel spin for tighter and more controlled cornering on gravel. It would be also handy to have the ability to switch off the ABS on the back only.

Otherwise, on gravel, it’s probably best to just switch off both traction and ABS.

The front brakes are very effective and responsive but probably with a little too much initial bite for gravel roads, while the rear brake has good feel and effect.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

The XT’s braking system also features Hill Hold, Slope Dependent, and Load Dependent controls.

Hill hold automatically applies the rear brake when stopped on an upward slope to prevent it from rolling back; Slope Dependent control monitors the angle of the bike on a downhill slope to prevent rear wheel lift; and Load Dependent system automatically compensates for solo riding, two-up and luggage.

Other tech features include Low RPM assist which adds some revs so you don’t snuff it when taking off at the lights and the Easy Start one-button ignition/kill switch.

At the heart of the 1050XT is the creamy mid-torque feel of the 1037cc V-twin engine that now comes with three engine modes to smooth out throttle response for low-traction surfaces.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

Transmission is like most Japanese gearboxes: silky smooth, faultless, and easy to find neutral.

While the drivetrain won’t set your hair on fire, acceleration is brisk and response is crisp. Goldilocks would find it just right.

So is the handling.

Factory settings closely suit my 75kg frame. I just needed to wind off a bit of rear preload with the convenient knob on the left side of the bike.

Heavier and lighter riders should be able to adjust the rear preload and fiddle with the fully adjustable 43mm KYB inverted front forks to find a setting that would even suit Goldilocks!

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

Its long-travel springs provide a plush and comfortable ride across the roughest country roads. Yet it still feels agile and sharp for an adventure tourer with a big 19-inch front wheel.

Suzuki’s big V-Strom feels just right for most roads, inviting you to travel far and wide and to facilitate your travels it arrives with a choice of two luggage accessories kits.

The Voyager pack features aluminium panniers and top box in powder-coated black ($3599) and anodised silver ($3699).

The Trekker Pack ($6199 in black and $6299 in silver) includes Suzuki plug-and-play heated grips, LED fog lamps, and a 4mm aluminium skid plate.

Pillions will enjoy the generous-sized seat and large hand grips.

CFMoto CF1250

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

However, some riders might find their seat too short and may even get pinched on the backside by the join with the separate pillion seat.

I found it very comfortable sitting forward on the seat which narrows as it approaches the tank.

This not only makes it ideal when standing for off-road riding, but also easier to get your feet on the ground despite the high 850mm perch. I’m just over 6’ tall and can place both feet flat on the ground with a slight knee bend.

I like the standing position, but I would roll the bars forward just a fraction and I’d prefer the big rubber-covered footpegs a little further forward. The pegs also get in the way when you stop and put your foot down.

The firm vinyl seat feels comfortable at first but it does get tiring toward the end of a long day in the saddle.

While the adjustable windscreen provides plenty of chest protection, it creates a lot of wind turbulence around your head in either the low or high position. I’d either remove it or add a deflector accessory on the top.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT

It’s also annoying that you have to get off the bike to adjust the screen with the handle on the front.

(A word of warning: When following a truck, the windscreen creates a bit of weave at highway speed.)

Making your touring more comfortable and convenient is the cruise control with the on/off switch next to the throttle and the setting controls on the left switchblock. You can set speeds in fourth gear and above between 50 and 160km/h.

These same controls also allow you to toggle through the reams of information and adjustment on the massive LCD screen.

While the screen is visible in all lighting conditions, some of the information in the bottom right hand corner is small and difficult to read.

Good to see the addition of a USB port to the left of the instruments, making it even more convenient for Goldilock’s next big adventure.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT
Price: $20,990 ride away
Engine 1037cc 90° V-twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Transmission 6-Speed constant mesh with back-torque-limiting clutch
Suspension (front) 43mm KYB inverted forks with adjustable compression, rebound and spring preload
Suspension (rear) Link type, KYB shock with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload
Brakes (front) Tokico radial-mount, four-piston calipers, 310mm floating discs
Brakes (rear) Nissin single-piston caliper, 260mm disc with ABS
Length 2180mm
Width 930mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 1555mm
Seat 850mm
Fuel 20.0L
Wet weight 233Kg
Warranty 2 Year Unlimited Kilometre

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Kirsh Helmets Are “Slimmer & Safer”

American start-up Kirsh Helmets has started producing helmets that have a slimmer shell without compromising safety.

Instead of thick EPS foam, inventor Jason Kirshon uses a thinner layer of silicone and silicone fluid.

Kirsh Helmets

He says the fluid displacement liner is designed to move impact energy from all directions and will be the safest in the world.

The advantage of their technology is that the helmets are slimmer, which means less aerodynamic drag for reduced wind noise, “helmet lift” and neck ache, as well as a more fashionable look.

They also claim the smaller profile will reduce the helmet radius which should be critical in reducing rotational torque in a crash and reduce the likelihood of neck injuries.

Harley rider Jason announced his invention in 2017 and they are now in production in the USA and taking advanced orders for their half helmet, a style which constitutes about 40% of the American market.

Kirsh Helmets

First deliveries to customers are expected later this year.

While the company has only produced a half helmet with American DOT certification, they plan to also produce open-face, full-face and modular helmets.

Co-founder of the New York company, Donald Devito, says they have seven patents pending and are seeking European patents so they can develop the other helmet styles as half helmets are not permitted under European rules.

“We’ve received a lot of interest in the USA and from all over the globe and have been the official helmet of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the last three years,” he says.

“We’re doing a pretty good job for a young company.”

Kirsh Helmets has also employed 35-year Harley-Davidson Motor Company veteran Steve Piehl to consult on the motorcycle industry.

“I have ridden all over the world and have worn every type of helmet,” Steve says.

Kirsh Helmets

“When I put on a Kirsh half helmet, it fits tighter and doesn’t lift on the highway. When you turn your head you also don’t get that pull.

Ride Your Bike Week

“And because it’s a smaller-size helmet, it doesn’t give you that mushroom look.

“This is as close to a no-helmet experience as you can get and still have that protection.”

He says they use smaller shell sizes in all helmets because they don’t need up to 2cm of EPS foam lining to protect your head.

“Our data says we are doing really well in head protection,” he says.

“I feel more comfortable in a Kirsh than any other helmet.”

Kirsh Helmets
Jason Kirshon (left) and Donald Devito, Founders of Kirsh Helmets

Steve says pricing will be comparable to other helmets in the mid-to-high end.

They are also looking at eventually adding smart helmet technology such as head-up display, cameras, intercom and more.

The helmet technology will also be used for other sporting helmets such as cycling and football.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com