“I’m Australian, he’s Australian and it would great to see him, or any Australian but especially him because he’s in the right position, being able to channel his energy to get to the top of the sport. It’s good for the sport, it’s good for Australia – we need some other nationalities than just Italian and Spanish!”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
The MotoGP VIP Village™ is the official and exclusive Corporate Hospitality programme of the MotoGP™ World Championship, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that will never be forgotten. Specially designed packages for each event ensure guests of the MotoGP VIP Village™ can take advantage of an incredible list of featured and complimentary services – whether they’re corporate clients or individuals.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
The stellar rise of Aussie youngster Billy Van Eerde shows no signs of abating with the 16-year-old selected, amongst a combination of talented youngsters from the Asia Talent Cup and British Talent Cup to race under the Junior Talent Team umbrella in the 2019 FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship.
Promoting and running talents from different paths on the Road to MotoGP, the Junior Talent Team unifies three team names under the same umbrella, and unites the efforts of Dorna talent promotion programs, including the sponsors and partners who provide important backing to young riders and teams. In 2019 the project continues to count on the valuable support of Honda, Kushitani and Astra Honda.
Billy Van Eerde won the Asia Talent Cup this year and will start his second year in the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2019, and will now also race the highly competitiv FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship.
Billy Van Eerde makes the step to the FIM CEV Repsol as the reigning Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion after being crowned in the final round at Sepang International Circuit. The first Australian IATC race winner and Champion, Van Eerde will be racing in the JTT alongside the rider he narrowly beat to the crown: Haruki Noguchi from Japan.
The pair will join Yuki Kunii, the veteran of the squad and now a Moto3 Junior World Championship race winner aiming even higher in 2019, in Asia Talent Team colours.
Max Cook arrives in the JTT fresh from a top season in the British Talent Cup, where he took a number of wins and was a consistent pacesetter and frontrunner. Cook also has experience in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the European Talent Cup ahead of this next step as the British Talent Team rider in the JTT.
Mario Aji from Indonesia is the final rider in the JTT in 2019. An IATC race winner and standout performer at many rounds in 2018, ‘Super Mario’ moves into the Junior Talent Team structure in Astra Honda Racing Team colours.
After race wins, multiple podiums and some impressive showings in 2018, the JTT is now ready to attack a new season with a number of new faces – with experienced Kunii ready to lead the way.
Action begins for the five riders with a winter training camp soon to be confirmed, before racing starts on the 7th of April at the Circuito do Estoril in the FIM CEV Repsol season opener.
Source: MCNews.com.au
“I guess that’s what I’m saying. Marc can ride whatever bike. Like I was saying before when everything’s good for some of these guys, everything’s closer. As soon as the bikes go away a bit, Marc makes the difference and he can ride it whatever. I think that’s the difference with people like Marc that make them stand out, he makes the difference. It was true of other guys too, Pedrosa…when everything’s perfect with Pedrosa you can’t even see him. Cadalora too, but then the next race…Dovi has got better but still has a bit of hesitation on that, but again I think he’s got stronger over the last few years but now we don’t know what the position is…is it Ducati? For me, to put him on the same playing field as Marquez…he’s not there yet.”
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
On 30 November & 1 December 2019, more than 100 national motorcycling federations, fuelled by the same passion, will converge on Monaco to celebrate their shared values of courage, excellence and commitment, whilst enjoying a unique opportunity to network with the industry’s leaders and decision-makers.
The crowning moment of the weekend will be the FIM Awards, when the FIM World Champions from all six disciplines will be officially honoured for their title-winning achievements in 2019, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on stage with the individuals and organisations that protect and promote motorcycling activity around the world, and nurture the sporting heroes of the future.
The FIM family and the many thousands of motorcycling fans worldwide will be invited to immerse themselves in the experience of the FIM Awards through the FIM networks, whilst engaging with each other and with the riders on social media platforms.
This iconic backdrop for elite sporting events is easily accessible and regarded as one of the safest places in the world. With its eco-friendly mindset, hi-tech facilities and a diverse choice of hotels within a single resort, Monaco is synonymous with the values of prestige, refinement and service. It has proved in the past to be an ideal backdrop for the FIM General Assembly and FIM Awards.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
“It was an enjoyable season for everyone,” began the 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 500cc title winner, speaking in Marquez’ hometown of Cervera while filming for a documentary about the Spaniard. “There were plenty of good races and especially Assen, but there was a lot of racing where we didn’t really know. There wasn’t a clear favourite at the beginning of the weekend or before the race on Sunday. Marc always came out on Sunday morning and was pretty strong in Warm Up so that was a good indication, but it was always an exciting race to watch because you didn’t know what was going to happen.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
The Italian rider Franco Morbidelli, riding for Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team –the first Malaysian team in the MotoGP World Championship– was one of the standout riders in the first 2019 preseason tests, which took place last month at Valencia and Jerez. Now enjoying a hard-earned winter break, Morbidelli discusses his role in this new project and in particular how the first few days have gone with his new team and his first laps on the Yamaha YZR-M1.
2018: Franco Morbidelli’s best year yet
What did you think when you were first offered the opportunity to join this new project?
“I felt very happy when I received the call from my manager and he told me about this possibility. He told me about a new, ambitious project with good opportunities that could be a great challenge for me. From that moment I was interested in the structure of the new team and I spoke with the people at Yamaha”.
Do you feel like an important part of this new PETRONAS Yamaha SRT adventure?
“I feel like I am one of the people that has to make this a great project. I don’t feel like I have more or less responsibility than anybody else, we are all equally important. Each person has to do their job to the best of their ability to make PETRONAS, Yamaha, the partners and the fans proud of us”.
After your rookie season in MotoGP, do you feel more pressure for the season ahead?
“There is always pressure in this game, so yes I feel it but it’s not a problem – it is how this sport works”.
You recently spent two weeks testing with the team. How did you find the first few days together with them?
“Really good. I felt comfortable from the first day mainly because I have worked with the majority of staff already in other teams, so there were no big surprises for me. Also, the ones I haven’t worked with before I knew, and we have been speaking for a while”.
One of the team members that you haven’t worked with before is your crew chief Ramon Forcada. What is it like to work with such an experienced professional as him?
“It is going really well. So far we have only done four days of testing but the feeling is very positive. He is very experienced as a man and as a crew chief, so I am very curious to see how we can translate our work onto the track”.
What were your first impressions of the Yamaha YZR-M1?
“It is a very easy bike to take to the limit and this surprised me a lot. When you reach that extreme point it is the moment to work on how you push it further. That is when the real work starts”.
Do you think you will have to change your riding style to adapt to this new bike?
“We still need more laps to understand perfectly how and what I need to change about my riding style. I think it will be a natural process, which we will take step by step, to see what I need to go faster”.
We could see at the test that you have good support from Yamaha Motor Co. This must be something very important for the team.
“Both at Valencia and Jerez, we had a lot of Yamaha staff on hand, working and helping us out in the garage. That’s a good thing because it means we can give them our feedback and all the information we have so that they can work in the right direction for next season”.
What are your expectations for the 2019 season?
“I think it is still too early to set our objectives, we have to wait and see how the next tests go in February and March. We are expecting new material for the next tests so we’ll have to try them out and see how we get on. Once preseason is over we will have a good idea where we can expect to be in the Grands Prix”.
Now you have two months until you next ride the bike. What is your plan for the time off?
“The idea is to rest, a lot and to spend time with my family and my people. I am also looking forward to going skiing for a few days with my friends”.
In a couple of months it will be time to head to Malaysia for the first time, which will be a very important moment for the whole team.
“The team presentation is planned for Malaysia, just before the test at the Sepang International Circuit, so I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of reception we get. I am excited to meet the fans in this country because I know that the love they have for MotoGP is huge and I want to experience it first-hand alongside the team”.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Overall in 2018 there were less crashes, in part thanks to the better weather that greeted much of the season. The grand total over all categories is 1077, versus 1126 in 2017. 303 were in MotoGP™, down 10 on last season, Moto2™ had 418 rather than 434, and there were 356 in the lightweight class – 23 less.
Source: MotoGP.com – Read Full Article Here
Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) was quickest overall at the recent Moto2 three-day test at Jerez, followed by Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS).
Next best though was young Australian Remy Gardner, in what was a great boost for the son of 1987 World Champion, Wayne, and will fill him with confidence as he looks towards season 2019 with a new squad, and a new machine.
20-year-old Gardner had a difficult season with Tech3, the French squad used their own chassis throughout this year’s championship and while Remy finished the season on a high with fifth place at Valencia, it was not a season without difficulty, and injury.
Gardner has obviously enjoyed the switch to the more dominant Kalex frame, and his move into the SAG Racing Team that he will contest the Moto2 Championship with in 2019, alongside Japanese team-mate, 26-year-old Tetsuta Nagashima.
Remy Gardner
“To finish off the season in P5 in Valencia was a real high for me, it was nice to give the Tech3 Team one last result before I left.
“I was going to Jerez with very high hopes after the last few races. The new team are great, and I couldn’t be happier. I got on really really well with my crew chief, and I’m impressed with his work so far.
“The new Triumph engine is absolutely awesome, so much torque and a lot faster. A different riding style was needed compared to the CBR600 engine. More stop and go, a little MotoGP style even.
“The Kalex works an absolute dream. Right from the first laps I felt so comfortable, the front end is amazing and the grip is on a another planet. I’m only left thinking what would have been if I had this opportunity before.
“We still need to work on our settings as I’m still not feeling 100 per cent with the bike yet, but we’re not far off.
“KTM at the moment seem to have big troubles with their frame, many riders told me they have unbelievable chatter problems so it seems I made the right choice with Kalex!
“Anyway now I have a preseason to prepare and focus on next year. Can’t wait for what’s to come!”
Now of course Moto2, like the other classes of MotoGP, are in European winter recess, with the new era of Triumph Moto2 power next firing up for an Official Test on the 20th-22nd February at Jerez.
Images by Rafa / SAG Team
Source: MCNews.com.au
2018 was an important year for Thailand and MotoGP. On the paddock’s first visit to Chang International Circuit for testing, fans flocked to the track to get their first glimpse of the sport and ahead of the first ever Grand Prix in the country, the pre-event in Bangkok showed the fervor for MotoGP as more than 100 representatives of the media packed in to hear the thoughts of reigning Champion Marc Marquez.
There was a lot of expectation but the Thai GP was an incredible success and has now been named the best of the season by the MotoGP Paddock and the decision communicated to the Grand Prix Commission.
Newin Chidchob
President of Chang International Circuit
“On behalf of both the people of Buriram and Thailand, we are extremely honored to receive the MotoGP Grand Prix of the year 2018. We are sincerely grateful for the recognition we have received for PTT Thailand Grand Prix. Of course, during the preparation of the event we ran into countless obstacles, but in overcoming them we grew, and ultimately resulted in the success of the event. A big thank you to all our event and circuit sponsors especially the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and PTT Public Company Limited for the immense support during this event. We must also thank the people of Buriram, for showing the capability of Thai people to the world. Many of the unique functions of the event such as the “E-Tan” truck which we utilized as the event’s shuttle bus. The Muay Thai (Thai boxing) expo to showcase Thai martial arts and culture. Not to mention all the volunteers who came to simply pick up the trash and keep the event clean. Everyone really came together to make this sports entertainment experience for our visitors from around the world unforgettable. Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our good friends Dorna Sports who saw potential in us and gave us the opportunity to be a part of the world’s greatest motorcycle series. We promise to always use the experience gained in every event to create a better PTT Thailand Grand Prix every season. Thank you!”
The event at Buriram was also the best attended with over 220,000 people heading to Chang International Circuit over the three days. They were treated to a modern classic as Marquez fought it out with Andrea Dovizioso down to the final corner, coming out on top for the first time in one of the pair’s many head-to-head duels in the last few seasons.
Herve Poncharal, President of IRTA
“The whole MotoGP paddock was keen to discover how the new Thai GP would be, we were impatient for it to arrive and there was plenty of expectation. In the end we can be assured it was the best GP of the season due to many different aspects – we expected good, but we didn’t know quite what they would be able to achieve. Everything went smoothly, the commitment of the organisers was fantastic and they faced any problems through the weekend quickly, trying to find solutions as soon as possible. The crowd, the people…every single person involved was happy and always smiling. The fans’ support was incredible, the access to the circuit was fast and they demonstrated that they understood MotoGP – creating a commercial area close to the paddock, giving good exposure to our businesses, investors, sponsors, teams and riders. It’s also significant that a new event in this area – an important region for MotoGP – has achieved this result. It’s a perfect example for other countries to follow and this prize is fully deserved. From my point of view it will be hard for them to improve!”
It was an exciting and fitting debut, with the Thai venue and crowds providing the perfect backdrop. Rewarded for the incredible organisation, facilities and atmosphere at the event, the Thai GP will now look ahead to 2019 in a bid to retain the prestigious prize.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports
“I was delighted to welcome Buriram onto the MotoGP calendar and I’m delighted to see the Thai GP be recognised as the best this season. Asia is an important market for the Championship and events like Buriram only further underline the incredible popularity of our sport in the region. They are a perfect blueprint for future events and we’re excited to return to Buriram already.”
| MotoGP 2018 – Thailand Race Results | |||
| Chang International Circuit, 26 laps, 118.4 km (1 lap: 4.554 km) | |||
| Pos | Rider | Team | Time |
| 1. | Marquez M. | Repsol Honda | 39:55.722 |
| 2. | Dovizioso A. | Ducati Team | +0.115 |
| 3. | Vinales M. | Movistar Yamaha | +0.270 |
| 4. | Rossi V. | Movistar Yamaha | +1.564 |
| 5. | Zarco J. | Monster Tech 3 | +2.747 |
| 6. | Rins A. | Team Suzuki Ecstar | +3.023 |
| 7. | Crutchlow C. | LCR Honda | +6.520 |
| 8. | Bautista A. | Angel Nieto Team | +6.691 |
| 9. | Petrucci D. | Alma Pramac Racing | +9.944 |
| 10. | Miller J. | Alma Pramac Racing | +11.077 |
| 11. | Iannone A. | Team Suzuki Ecstar | +15.488 |
| 12. | Syahrin H. | Monster Tech 3 | +17.691 |
| 13. | Espargaro A. | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | +21.413 |
| 14. | Morbidelli F. | Marc VDS Racing Team | +22.802 |
| 15. | Smith B. | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | +23.628 |
| 16. | Redding S. | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini | +23.804 |
| 17. | Abraham K. | Angel Nieto Team | +32.507 |
| 18. | Simeon X. | Reale Avintia Racing | +37.216 |
| 19. | Torres J. | Reale Avintia Racing | +39.204 |
| 20. | Luthi T. | Marc VDS Racing Team | +39.421 |
| 21. | Espargaro P. | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | +53.388 |
| 22. | Nakagami T. | LCR Honda | +2 l. |
| DNF | Pedrosa D. | Repsol Honda | DNF |
Source: MCNews.com.au