bLU cRU OJC joins Australian 2020 MotoGP & WSBK rounds
It’s been announced by MA that Australia’s bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will join the 2020 Australian World Superbike and MotoGP championship rounds, both held at Phillip Island in the new year, giving the young up and coming racers an opportunity to show their talent on the world stage.
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – Image by Rob Mott
Officially recognised by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Dorna Sports sl as part of the Road to MotoGP program, after only one season the Motorcycling Australia Australian Junior Road Race Academy initiative has secured a spot at the two international events, alongside four Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) rounds for its 2020 calendar.
The Oceania Junior Cup will kick off in 2020 at the Official ASBK Pre-Season test at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (January 29-30), before the season starts in earnest at the WorldSBK at Phillip Island (February 27).
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – Image by Rob Mott
Next the Juniors will travel to Wakefield Park in Goulburn alongside the ASBK for Round 2 over the March 27-29 weekend, followed by a mid-year test at Morgan Park in Queensland held July 28-29, before Round 3 at the same venue on August 7-9.
Winton will hold Round 4, over the September 11-13 weekend, with Round 5 returning to Phillip Island in early October, followed by the season closer in late October, with Round 6 to run October 23-25, alongside the MotoGP.
Motorcycling Australia Operations Director, Martin Port, said the addition of OJC to the WorldSBK and MotoGP calendar, was further evidence of the success and worldwide recognition of the academy.
bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – Image by Rob Mott
Martin Port – MA Operations Director
“It’s an understatement to say the inaugural season of OJC has exceeded our expectations – with lap records, ridiculously close racing, the show has simply been world class. Then to have had the opportunity to send our OJC kids to the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC) selection events, with the only two new Aussie recruits into the IATC coming from the OJC, we couldn’t be prouder. Now, thanks to the vision from the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and PI SBK Pty Ltd, to invest in Australian Junior Road Racing, the OJC will show case its racing future at two of Australia’s largest international motorcycle racing events. What MA have produced this year in terms of junior rider development and action-packed racing under the Road to MotoGP program has been recognised by both the WorldSBK and MotoGP events, so we are very proud of that.”
Craig Fletcher – Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager
“The Oceania Junior Cup is such a wonderful program and we’re excited to see the young talent shine for the first time on the world stage supporting the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on one of the most celebrated MotoGP circuits in the world come October 2020.”
bLU cRU Oceania Juniors Cup
David Bennett – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, General Manager
“We’re thrilled to add the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup to the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance Australian Round at Phillip Island in 2020. This is a great opportunity for the next generation of Australian riders to showcase their talent on the world-stage and it’s fantastic to see Motorcycling Australia create such an exciting talent pathway that will hopefully see an Australian rider in the Superbike World Championship in the future.”
2020 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Calendar
Pre-Season Official Test – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 29-30 Jan
Round 1 – WorldSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 27 Feb-1 Mar
Round 2 – Wakefield Park Raceway – Goulburn, NSW 27-29 Mar
Mid-Year Official Test – Morgan Park Raceway, QLD 28-29 Jul
Round 3 – Morgan Park Raceway – Warwick, QLD 7-9 Aug
Round 4 – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla VIC 11-13 Sep
Round 5 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC 2-4 Oct
Round 6 – MotoGP Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC 23-25 Oct
YART Yamaha took the win ahead of Honda Asia Dream Racing with Showa and BMW Motorrad World Endurance in Malaysia at the very first edition of the 8 Hours of Sepang, which proved to be a nerve-racking race due to very bad weather.
After a delayed start followed by track action being suspended due to heavy rain, the first edition of the 8 Hours of Sepang made good on its promise of being an action-packed new FIM Endurance World Championship race. Duels at the front, lead swaps, drama and crashes kept the tension high all through the race on the Malaysian circuit.
Niccolò Canepa – YART Yamaha
YART Yamaha won the day despite an electronics scare in the early stages of the race by steering clear of trouble with Niccolò Canepa as the only Yamaha #7 rider in the saddle throughout the race. The strategy of having a sole fast rider with experience of tricky track conditions in the saddle bore fruit. Broc Parkes and Karel Hanika were however co-credited with the win.
Niccolò Canepa – YART Yamaha
“I’m incredibly happy with win here in Sepang, as it started as a difficult week, especially with the injury to Marvin. Luckily Karel was able to step in as a replacement at the last minute. I was feeling good at the start of the race but, after only a couple of laps, the bike switched off and when it came back on it was with no traction control or any electronics. That made things very difficult, but I managed to come back from P20 to P1 at the end of my first stint, which I was supper happy about. When the safety car came out, I switched the bike off and on and everything started to work as it should once again. At both pit stops Mandy asked me if I wanted to continue and both times I said yes, although I did take a bit of persuading at the first stop. I pushed hard throughout the race and, at the end, we took the win. Yes, we were a bit fortunate with the crash, but that’s part of the game in endurance racing, as we’ve found out to our cost in other races. So, I’m super, super happy and I’d like to say a big thank you to my team and especially my team-mates, as we race and win together. The win means we’re back in the championship and now we need to focus on repeating this success at the next race, the 24 hours of Le Mans.”
Niccolò Canepa won the race for YART Yamaha
Mandy Kainz – YART Team Manager
“Obviously we are happy with our first win of the season, especially after what had initially been a difficult week for us here in Malaysia and one overshadowed by Marvin’s injury. The team and the riders didn’t let these difficulties defeat them, but instead worked hard to ensure we were well prepared for what turned out to be a very difficult race. It was shorter than expected because of the weather, but no less exhausting for that. We had a problem with the bike in the early stages of the race, but Niccolò did an incredible job to fight his way through to the front in difficult conditions and without any electronic rider aids. At the first pit stop it was tight at the front of the race, so we decided to keep Niccolò on the bike, rather than lose time while Karel got used to the conditions. We made the same decision at the final pit stop, opting to stick with Niccolò rather than putting Broc on the bike for the final 30 minutes on a damp but drying track. It was the correct decision and it paid dividends for us in the end. So, thanks to the team and the riders for a fantastic job; this win puts us back in the game as far as the championship is concerned. Finally, I wish Marvin a speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing him back on the bike, and hopefully on the podium, in Le Mans.”
YART Yamaha finished ahead of Honda Asia Dream Racing with Showa, who ran a consistent race in the leading pack with Malaysian rider Zaqhwan Zaidi, Thai rider Somkiat Chantra and Indonesian Andi Farid Izdihar. The Japanese team’s cosmopolitan line-up had already done brilliantly in the Top 10 Trial, wresting second place on the starting grid and backing that up with second place in the race.
Honda Asia Dream Racing with Showa
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team claimed their second podium at the 8 Hours of Sepang with riders Ilya Mykhalchyk and Markus Reiterberger after their Bol d’Or podium finish. Kenny Foray sustained an injury in practice and was unable to compete in the race.
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
Marc Bongers – BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director
“The second podium in our second race in the FIM EWC – this is a fantastic result for our new BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. We couldn’t have necessarily expected this as newcomers in this highly competitive World Championship. The team and our riders Ilya and Markus weren’t distracted by the adverse conditions. They did yet another fantastic, flawless job on the track and in the pit. On this occasion, I also want to send a get well soon message to Kenny, who surely will be back with us soon. Of course, we would have liked to get more riding in to gain more experience in race conditions with our RR, but it wasn’t possible in this weather. Now we will keep focussing on preparing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Congratulations go to our BMW customer teams as well, who also got strong results with their RR.”
BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team
The factory-backed BMW team moves up to second place in the FIM EWC provisional standings with a 15-point gap to Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, who maintain the lead obtained after their Bol d’Or win.
Damien Saulnier – SERT Team Manager
“When you are not on the top step of the podium you always wish you had a better place, but for this race with tricky conditions, our goal was a Top-5 and the job has been done. I am satisfied with the work we’ve done during the week while being aware that there is still some more work to do. The team keeps on growing up and everyone works hard. We are also very pleased with Yoshimura’s engineers support. I would also like to thank the organiser for this amazing event. Bringing 38 European teams to Malaysia was not an easy task! And last but not least, I would like to say a word for Vincent Philippe, who didn’t race today because of the circumstances. He is a very professional man and I had great confidence in him. I am filled with emotion, but also proud to have been able to work with this remarkable rider.”
Superstock winner just short of the podium
Moto Ain steamed steadily ahead throughout the action-packed race to a fourth-place overall finish and another win in the Superstock class. The French Yamaha-mounted team consolidated their lead in the Endurance World Cup with riders Roberto Rolfo, Robin Mulhauser and Hugo Clère, finishing ahead of both Suzuki Endurance Racing Team and Webike SRC Kawasaki France, who struggled in the challenging track conditions.
Two riders enter the pits while two continue on – Sepang 8 Hour
Moto Ain’s runner-up in the Superstock class was German team GERT56 by GS Yuasa (BMW). Lucy Glöckner, Stefan Kerschbaumer and Pepijn Bijsterbosch finished 14th overall after holding off Japanese team Tone RT Syncedge 4413 BMW until the end. After being delayed by a crash in the early stages, Tomoya Hoshino, Kokoro Atsumi and Takeshi Ishizuka climbed back up to finish their first race outside Japan on the third step of the podium.
Favourites have nerve-racking race
Yamaha Sepang Racing, who dominated qualifying and the early stages of the race, and their chief rival F.C.C. TSR Honda France broke away from the other front-runners to embark on a duel for the lead.
Sepang 8 Hour
A collision involving Mike di Meglio (F.C.C. TSR Honda France) and Michael van der Mark (Yamaha Sepang Racing) knocked both machines to the ground.
After a pit stop, Michael van der Mark returned to the track beyond 40th place. By dint of piling up fastest race laps (including a 2:17.817 by Franco Morbidelli), Yamaha Sepang Racing finished 7th ahead of BMW Sepang Racing, 3ART Moto Team 95 (Yamaha) and Team ERC Endurance, who got their Ducati Panigale into the Top 10.
Michael van der Mark – Yamaha Sepang Racing
“It was a weird 8 Hours of Sepang, but when we did finally get to race the conditions were good. I had a good feeling with the bike and a strong pace from the start, so when I got passed for the lead I decided to sit in behind and follow rather than take any risks. My plan was to retake the lead when we hit traffic. I’m not sure what Di Meglio’s plan was with the pass at the final corner, but it didn’t work, and it ended for me with a massive highside that let me badly winded. The team did an amazing job to get the bike back on track and I was quick to rediscover my rhythm so, apart from the position, I enjoyed the race. When Franco took over the bike for the last stint, we could see he had really good pace, but we were still surprised to finish as high as seventh. Massive thanks to the team, who worked so hard for us this weekend, and also to Franco and Hafizh, who I really enjoyed racing with.”
Sepang 8 Hour
F.C.C. TSR Honda France returned to the lead after the collision, but lost their chance of a win after Mike di Meglio crashed out with one hour left in the race.
Sepang 8 Hour
Other teams also had a very tough time of it. Suzuki JEG Kagayama were well placed among the top three but lost a lot of ground due to a mechanical issue. A mechanical problem also led to the downfall of Tecmas BMW GMC, who had performed spectacularly in the early part of the race with rider Camille Hédelin clearly at ease on a wet track.
Next FIM EWC race: the 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans on 18 and 19 April 2020.
Phillip Island, Victoria – February 28 – March 1, 2020
With less than two weeks till Christmas there’s great deals to be had on 2020 Australian WorldSBK tickets at Phillip Island, starting at three-day passes for just $125, with a chance to win a spot on the World Superbike grid for Saturday’s race one with online purchases made before December 24. What better Christmas present could you think of, than seeing all the action at Phillip Island next February 28 to March 1.
World Superbike at Phillip Island runs February 28 through to March 1, 2020
Christmas shopping for World Superbike tickets is super-easy and the price is right. Just jump online to book at https://tickets.worldsbk.com.au (link) and make sure you buy before December 24 for the chance to win a spot on the World Superbike grid for race one.
You can purchase a three-day General Admission ticket with Free Paddock Access for just $125*. Want to spend a little more? Buy a 3-Day Bar SBK ticket for $265* giving access to three under-cover viewing areas at the circuit’s most thrilling corners – Doohan Corner, Siberia and Lukey Heights. Bar SBK ticket holders also get access to the exclusive grandstand at Doohan Corner, along with parking at Siberia and Lukey Heights and prime Superscreen viewing from each facility.
Phillip Island will play host to the 2020 World Superbike Round One
Add four nights on-circuit camping for an extra $110* per adult, while kids 15 and under are free to enter and camp, if accompanied by a full-paying adult.
2020 WorldSBK field shaping up to be a cracker
We’re looking at a cracker of a 2020 WorldSBK field with the Kawasaki king Jonathan Rea facing threats from every angle. Alvaro Bautista and Leon Haslam have headed to Honda and will campaign the all-new Honda CBR1000RR; Yamaha’s added young gun Toprak Razgatlioglu, Texan Garrett Gerloff and WorldSSP’s Federico Caricasulo to its stable; while Eugene Laverty has joined Tom Sykes at BMW.
Jonathan Rea – Image by Rob Mott
Ducati also looks red-hot, with British Superbike champ, Scott Redding joining Chaz Davies on the Panigale V4R; while Rea’s new garage mate, Alex Lowes, looks pretty happy on his 2020 Kawasaki.
New names on the grid include Japan’s superbike master, Takumi Takahashi with Honda and from Chili, Maximilian Scheib on a Kawasaki; while returning for another shot at world superbike stardom are the likes of Spain’s Jordi Torres and Xavi Fores, France’s Sylvain Barrier and Argentina’s Leandro Mercado.
A weekend at the World Superbike Championship is a pure action fest of back-to-back racing from World Superbike and World Supersport, plus the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championships for Australian Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300.
Tom Sykes – 2019 Phillip Island WSBK
Plus an added bonus with World Supers, is that every three-day ticket includes free access to the paddock and Paddock Show, plus bring your bike and ride the service roads to your favourite viewing spot.
Phillip Island is just two hours south of Melbourne and to make it affordable and an awesome getaway gift, couple your ticket with on-circuit camping for four nights for just $110* extra per adult for four nights. Situated right above Southern Loop and close to the go-kart track, Visitor’s Centre, and the History of Motorsport Display, the campground has spectacular views over Bass Straight and the circuit.
Phillip Island will also host Australian Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 support categories – Image by TBG
Plus kids 15 and under accompanied by a full-paying adult are free, so make it a family affair. Crafty shoppers, who are coming to world supers, can give their kids the Christmas gift of a weekend at the Supers and it won’t cost a cent – a great way to balance the Christmas budget.
For a taste of race-pace at the island, here’s 2019 Australian Superbike Champ, Mike Jones; Suzuki’s Josh Waters and Yamaha’s Dan Falzon to take you on a high-speed jaunt around the scintillating 4.445km Phillip Island circuit, world supers-style.
Ho ho ho…Get Christmas shopping today and sort your weekend getaway for the sizzling opening round of the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance round, next February 28-March 1 at Australia’s motorcycling mecca, Phillip Island. Tickets at https://tickets.worldsbk.com.au/ (link)
Phillip Island World Superbike tickets on sale now
*All ticket prices quoted are advance (more expensive at gate) and subject to Ticketek charges, ** Kids 15 and under free to enter and camp, accompanied by a full-paying adult
After Steve Martin left for Europe at the turn of the century Ducati’s presence in the ranks of Australian Superbike all but disappeared entirely.
Mike Jones put the Italian brand back on the box a few times in season 2016, before in 2018 Troy Bayliss then really pumped up the Ducati profile in the ranks of ASBK, coming out of retirement and lending his incredible personal brand strength to help boost the profile of the Australian Superbike Championship.
DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4R – Troy Bayliss exits pitlane at Morgan Park watched on by Team Manager Ben Henry
After the three-time World Superbike Champion was injured early in season 2019, DesmoSport Ducati, the Gold Coast based team formed by Bayliss and Western Australian Ben Henry, had Mike Jones perform a stand-in role from round two.
As Bayliss continued to struggle with damage to his fingers, Jones’ gig with the DesmoSport squad then turned in to a full-time role that saw the Queenslander take his second, and Ducati’s second, Australian Superbike Title. Jones won the 2019 ASBK title on the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition V-Twin, but will ride the Panigale V4 R in 2020.
Mike Jones – 2019 ASBK Superbike Champion – TBG Image
The only previous #1 plate for Ducati had been won by Steve Martin back in 1999, on a 996 RS.
Season 2020 of ASBK will now see the strongest ever presence for the Ducati brand in Australian Superbike with not only Mike Jones set to defend his title with DesmoSport Ducati, but yet another Ducati team stepping up their game to contest the full ASBK Superbike season.
Long time Ducati aficionado and ex Ducati employee Craig McMartin, himself more than handy behind a set of handlebars, has joined forces with Wayne Maxwell to launch an assault on ASBK 2020 with the delectable Panigale V4 R.
Wayne Maxwell won the 2013 ASBK Superbike Championship with Suzuki.
Maxwell has won top level Superbike Championships in Australia riding both Suzuki and Honda machinery, and went oh so close with Yamaha, but season 2020 will see the 37-year-old make a tilt for the title on a $60,000 Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Maxwell is a fierce and wily competitor that is rarely off the podium. If he can get enough seat and set-up time under his belt before the start of season 2020, he is certain to be mixing it up at the front right from the Phillip Island season opener.
Wayne Maxwell to race a Ducati in ASBK
Maxwell threw a leg over the Ducati for the first time at Wakefield Park in November and recently rode the machine again at Phillip Island.
Craig McMartin Racing will run the single rider team and Wayne will have two bikes at his disposal. They plan to run on Pirelli with K-Tech suspension and are currently tying up their sponsorship deals for the season ahead.
Yamaha Sepang Racing took pole position in the top 10 Trial overnight, placing ahead of Honda Asia Dream Racing with Showa and F.C.C. TSR Honda France on the starting grid.
Sepang 8 Hour Top Ten Video Highlights
The Top 10 Trial started with Somkiat Chantra setting a blistering pace. The Thai rider posted a fantastic 2:05.440s lap for Honda Asia Dream Racing, sending the Japanese team rocketing from 9th to 1st place. Yamaha Sepang Racing’s Franco Morbidelli was the sole rider to finally knock the Japanese Honda off its perch and claim pole position with a 2:04.647.
Honda Asia Dream Racing with Showa beat F.C.C. TSR Honda France to second place on the grid after Josh Hook posted a 2:05.484.
Josh Hook
Jérémy Guarnoni’s lap – a 2:05.826 – enabled Webike SRC Kawasaki France to jump two places and start from 4th on Saturday ahead of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, YART Yamaha, Team ERC Endurance, BMW Sepang Racing and VRD Igol Pierret Experiences.
Webike SRC Kawasaki France
Markus Reiterberger – P5
“Thursday was a good day. We’ve made more progress with the bike, especially regarding the chassis and the electronics. This for sure will help us on the race distance of eight hours. Unfortunately, Kenny got injured on Wednesday, and Ilya and me now have to ride as a two-rider line-up. I want to wish Kenny a speedy recovery! Ilya and me shared duties and I think that we did a good job. It was exciting to compete in the Top 10 Trial. I’ve participated in many Superpoles but never in a format like this. It’s great and I really like it. Unfortunately I made a small mistake which cost some time, but fifth on the grid is not bad and now we will see what we can achieve in the race. I think that we are a strong team and well prepared.”
Markus Reiterberger
Wójcik Racing Team were the big loser of the Top 10 Trial. Gino Rea had a minor crash during his timed lap. The Yamaha-mounted Polish team, who were 8th after qualifying, will start from 10th place on the grid, just ahead of Suzuki Endurance Racing Team and the first Superstock teams.
Broc Parkes on the YART Yamaha
Australians Ben Burke and Paul Byrne are racing the event alongside Yoshiyuki Sugai on an Aprilia RSV4 RF and qualified 46th.
After Friday’s all-day FIA WTCR/Oscaro races, the FIM EWC players will be back on the track on Saturday 14 December for the warm up with the race then scheduled to start at 1300 before finishing underfloodlights as the sun currently sets around 1900 in Malaysia.
Sepang 8 Hours Endurance Race – Top 10 Trial
Yamaha Sepang Racing – Franco Morbidelli 2m04.647s
Honda Asia Dream Racing Showa – Somkiat Chantra 2m05.440s
F.C.C. TSR Honda France- Josh Hook 2m05.484s
Webike SRC Kawasaki France – Jeremy Guarnoni 2m05.826s
BMW World Endurance Team – Markus Reiterberger 2m06.306s
YART Yamaha – Niccolo Canepa 2m06.431s
Team ERC Endurance Ducati – Randy De Puniet 2m06.519s
BMW Sepang Racing – Azlan Kamaruzaman 2m06.986s
VRD Igol Pierret Yamaha – Xaiver Simeon 2m07.227s
Wojcik Racing Yamaha – Gino Rea No Time
Franco Morbidelli put Yamaha Sepang Racing on pole for team-mates Michael Van der Mark and Hafizh Syahrin
Wayne Gardner’s championship winning 1987 Honda NSR500
After abandoning the ambitious NR500 project Honda finally joined the two-stroke brigade in the 500cc World Championship in 1982 with the V-3 NS500. Freddie Spencer finished third in the championship with two victories (behind Suzuki’s Franco Uncini and Yamaha’s Graeme Crosby) and won the title the following year.
Wayne Gardner’s championship winning 1987 Honda NSR500
For the 1984 season Honda unveiled its first four-cylinder two-stroke, the NSR500. It featured a revolutionary design that emphasised a low centre of gravity by placing the fuel tank under the motor and the four expansion chamber exhausts running over the top.
After abandoning the NR500 Honda moved onto the NS500, followed by the NSR500 in 1985
However despite Spencer winning two races at the beginning of the season he reverted to the NS500 by mid-season, eventually finishing fourth.
1987 Honda NSR500
The NSR was redesigned for 1985 and with its now conventional layout proceed to be the best bike of its era, scoring ten titles from 1985 to 2001.
Wayne Gardner’s championship winning 1987 Honda NSR500
The bike seen here is Wayne Gardner’s 1987 championship winning bike (and is owned by him and can be seen on display in the National Motor Racing Museum at Mt Panorama).
Wayne Gardner’s championship winning 1987 Honda NSR500
By 1987 the focus of the NSR’s evolution was towards better ridability – power, at over 150hp, being deemed adequate. The V-angle was opened from 90 to 112 degrees (allowing the carburettors to be placed between the cylinder banks) and a primary balancer shaft was added to quell vibration.
The carburettors placed between the cylinder banks
ATAC exhaust valve actuation was also added. Another major change was that the crankshaft rotation was reversed, spinning essentially backwards in comparison to conventional engine design.
ATAC exhaust valve actuation was another addition
Wayne had seven victories and scored points in every round on his way to the ’87 title.
Following the private test dominated by F.C.C. TSR Honda France earlier in the week, Yamaha Sepang Racing got the upper hand in free practice on Wednesday afternoon on their home territory in Sepang.
On a track drying out after a storm, Hafizh Syahrin, the MotoGP rider and a star in Malaysia, clocked the fastest lap of the session, a 2:18.637, in the saddle of the Yamaha 21 with the Sepang International Circuit livery that he is riding with teammates Franco Morbidelli and Michael van der Mark.
Yamaha Sepang Racing were faster than Webike SRC Kawasaki France, who are beginning to find their feet on the 5.543-km circuit. The Kawasaki team – the 2018-2019 FIM EWC title holders – were ahead of F.C.C. TSR Honda France, who looked very comfortable on the track on this initial day of tests at the 8 Hours of Sepang. Jérémy Guarnoni, Erwan Nigon, and David Checa make up Webike SRC Kawasaki France. F.C.C. TSR Honda riders are Mike di Meglio, Freddy Foray and Australian Josh Hook.
F.C.C. TSR Honda riders are Mike di Meglio, Freddy Foray and Australian Josh Hook.
The top Superstock team, Tone RT Syncedge 4413 BMW, were in 4th place in free practice. The Japanese team (the Superstock class winner at the 2019 Suzuka 8 Hours) proved faster than Team 33 Coyote Louit Moto and Moto Ain in the category.
YART Yamaha claimed 5th place ahead of Tecmas BMW GMC and BMW Sepang Racing. YART consists of German rider Marvin Fritz, Italian Niccolò Canepa and Australian Broc Parkes.Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Adam Norrodin will be at the start of the 8 Hours of Sepang. Two Malaysian stars team up with Julien da Costa at BMW Sepang Racing Team.
Thursday – will be crucial in terms of preparing for the 8 Hours of Sepang, with the two qualifying sessions followed by the Top 10 Trial at the end of the day to reassign the top 10 spots on the grid. The fastest rider of each of the 10 best teams in qualifying will throw his hat back into the ring in the course of a flying lap.
Overnight Valentino Rossi drove The Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+, a car that won the 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport at the hands of Lewis Hamilton, whilst Lewis rode the 2019 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1 bike that only weeks earlier had been piloted by Valentino at the very same circuit.
Valentino Rossi drives Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ car
Hamilton is no stranger to motorcycles and has been seen publicly many times participating in motorcycle track days, where by all reports, he is pretty damn handy on two wheels.
Lewis Hamilton admires the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP machine
The significance of the occasion was not lost on either Lewis or Valentino who have made no secret of their admiration and respect for each other in recent years. Acting as a mentor for the other, the pair were able to complete multiple runs on each other‘s machinery and share insight, learn about each other‘s craft and enjoy a unique experience.
Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton swapped rides at Valencia
Six-time Formula One World Champion – Lewis Hamilton
“It‘s so awesome to see a legend like Valentino in the car. I‘m excited for him for discovering the car for the first time. Reminds me of my first time in a F1 car. When you see all the team around you, it‘s just a different animal.”
Valentino Rossi drives Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ car and Lewis Hamilton on the Yamaha MotoGP machine
Valentino Rossi
“I was already a big fan of Lewis before, but now even more. We had a fantastic day, where the two top classes of motorsports not only met but worked together.
Valentino Rossi drives Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ F1 car
“Trying the W08 was a spectacular opportunity for me. I have tried an F1 car before, but much has changed since then. Sincerely, I was impressed with the car and its handling, as well as with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team, who were great to work with. They were very welcoming and made it easy for me to get familiar with the car.
Valentino Rossi drives Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ F1 car
“At first you get an amazing sensation of speed. The G-forces were not so bad, but it takes some getting used to. Once I got into the rhythm I could really push. It was a great pleasure. I felt like a real F1 driver for a day. I didn‘t want the day to end!
Valentino Rossi drives Mercedes-AMG F1 W08 EQ Power+ F1 car
“I also rode the YZR-M1 on track with Lewis. It was a proud moment for the team to share our passion with him. Technically, Valencia is a hard track, and it was windy, so at one point I thought it could be difficult for Lewis, but he was brilliant on the bike and his position on the M1 was great. I really enjoyed sharing this experience with him, and I think he had loads of fun too, demonstrated by how reluctant he was to stop riding! I sincerely hope we will get to have many more experiences like this in the future.”
Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton on Yamaha MotoGP machines
Lin Jarvis – Yamaha Motor Racing
“It was an exceptional day. To have Lewis together with us and Valentino, two icons of sport at the same time and place, was really amazing. I’m really happy that I could be there to witness it and to enjoy it.
Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton on Yamaha MotoGP machines
“I was very impressed by Lewis’ performance because how many four-wheel champions could come here and get on an M1, go out there, and do themselves proud? It’s very difficult to ride a motorcycle fast on track and even more challenging and demanding to ride a factory MotoGP bike.
Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton on Yamaha MotoGP machines
“What stood out to me the most was the moment when he and Valentino were out, really close together, side by side on their M1s. Lewis has said that he’s been a fan of MotoGP and Valentino for years. It was his wish to ride on track together with Valentino and to have the experience one day to ride an M1, and he got both wishes at the same time! It was fantastic to see that even a six-time Formula 1 World Champion who has already achieved so many things, can still realise a dream at a special occasion like this.
Valentino Rossi and Lewis Hamilton on Yamaha MotoGP machines
“We are also very pleased for Valentino, who had another chance to test himself in an F1 car. He clearly thoroughly enjoyed himself, and we heard very positive feedback from the Mercedes team as well. All in all, I think it was a great, unique event.”
Kempsey Oil Track Decides Sultans of Slide Champions
Max Whale has secured the overall Championship win in the MX450 class for the inaugural Indian Motorcycles Sultans of Slide, despite a hard-charging Michael Kirkness taking the round win on the Macleay oil track over the weekend.
MX450 Max Whale – 72 pts Michael Kirkness – 69 pts Jarred Brook – 60 pts
Racers once again faced well over 50 laps of racing and the Sultans of Slide threw yet another new surface at riders, who adapted quickly, using the very same 19″ wheel and tyre combination in all three rounds.
Michael Kirkness leads at Macleay
Heading into the third and final round in the MX450 class, Max Whale held a six-point lead over Michael Kirkness, a rider ultimately determined to take it down to the wire.
With a near perfect weekend, Kirkness took five from seven race wins (2-1-1-1-1-1-2), forcing the pressure onto the younger rider.
Michael Kirkness and Jarred Brook
Needing to finish third or better overall, Whale took a consistent run of podiums to take second and the $5000 winner’s cheque, courtesy of Indian Motorcycles.
On the unique and grippy surface, Tom Edwards broke through for his first race win of the series, while the ever-fast Jarred Brook (5-2-2-3-5-2-5) once more secured third for the round and the series.
Tom Edwards
Daniel Yarnold on the 1999 YZ250, secured the MX250 class series win with a consistent run (4-3-4-2-3-2-3) for third behind Michael Booth (1-1-3-1-1-1-1) and Jarred Loveday on the Kempsey circuit.
Daniel Yarnold – 1999 YZ250
For Loveday (3-2-3-3-2-3-2), his second place for the round also secured second for the series. Fourth on the day was James Sawdy (5-4-5-4-4-4-4) rounding out the outright series podium.
Multi Open – Tom Ewards and Max Whale
For the first time, the Multi Open class saw big twins, triples and in-line fours line up on the Macleay oil, where Tom Edwards (1-3-1-1-2-2-11) was able to use the 122 horsepower of the FTR 1200 S to take three race wins ahead of eventual round and series winner Max Whale (2-1-2-12-1-1-1).
Tom Edwards on the Indian FTR 1200
A flat tyre for Edwards early on in the final 15-lap race saw the road-race ace on the sidelines, and just four points from Whale, who also suffered a technical issue in the fourth race of the day.
Sultans of Slide – Multi Open
Daniel Yarnold rounded out the podium for third, however it was Jamie Portelli, with a consistent run in all three rounds who secured third overall for the series.
Clubman – Sultans of Slide
In a class that has provided non-stop action with multiple race and round winners, the Clubman once again put on a show. Daniel Gill (1-1-5-1-1-1-2), Jason Griffin (6-2-2-2-2-2-3), Chris Jarvis (3-4-4-4-4-3-1) and Casey Heatley (2-5-3-3-3-4-5) battled it out for the top four placings. It was Jason Griffin, though, who took the overall series win ahead of Chris Jarvis and Aaron Statham.
Clubman Open Jason Griffin – 69 pts Christopher Jarvis – 62 pts Aaron Statham – 57 pts
Despite Jayden Holder, Beau Bailey and Riley Nauta taking the top three places on the day, it was Sam Drane with a fourth in the 65cc class who secured the overall series win ahead of rivals Viv Muddle and Billy Clark in the largest field of 65s in the series to date.
The 65 kids!
Holder and Bailey traded wins throughout the day but a crash in the final race ultimately decided the final placings.
65cc Sam Drane – 68 pts Viv Muddle – 55 pts Billy Clark – 54 pts
John Kennedy has won the 85cc two-stroke/150cc four-stroke class ahead of Jock Hulland and James Wood, despite Kristian O’Donnell, Thoren Openshaw and Aston Davis earning the top three places at Macleay.
85cc John Kennedy – 63 pts Jock Hulland – 53 pts James Wood – 52 pts
O’Donnell putting on a dominant display on his home track, taking all-bar one win.
85cc two-stroke – 150 four-stroke
Junior Lites racer Tom Drane secured the overall win in the class, after racing to fourth on the day behind locals Mackenzie Booth, Tyler O’Donnell and Tyler Billing. Alex Wallace and Daniel Kennedy’s consistent runs throughout all three rounds secured them second and third respectively as they adapted to the different surfaces.
Junior Lites Tom Drane – 68 pts Alex Wallace – 55 pts Daniel Kennedy – 54 pts
2019 Sultans of Slide Championship Results
MX450
Max Whale – 72 pts
Michael Kirkness – 69 pts
Jarred Brook – 60 pts
MX250
Daniel Yarnold – 70 pts
Jarred Loveday – 59 pts
James Sawdy – 58 pts
MX250 Daniel Yarnold – 70 pts Jarred Loveday – 59 pts James Sawdy – 58 pts
Clubman Open
Jason Griffin – 69 pts
Christopher Jarvis – 62 pts
Aaron Statham – 57 pts
Multi Open
Max Whale – 75 pts
Tom Edwards – 66 pts
Jamie Portelli – 45 pts
Junior Lites
Tom Drane – 68 pts
Alex Wallace – 55 pts
Daniel Kennedy – 54 pts
85cc
John Kennedy – 63 pts
Jock Hulland – 53 pts
James Wood – 52 pts
65cc
Sam Drane – 68 pts
Viv Muddle – 55 pts
Billy Clark – 54 pts
Motorcycling NSW CEO, Dave Cooke
“What a whirlwind the last three weeks have been! The Sultans of Slide was a concept designed to introduce and try some ideas so that we can try to create more interest in a discipline of our sport that is held close to hearts of many people. Dirt track has honed the skills of so many successful racers on the international stage, and we’re determined to make sure we do everything we can to ensure the future of the sport. Judging from the initial feedback, it was clearly a success, with a lot of ideas being well received by entrants, parents and spectators alike. Congratulations to our winners, and also to all those who entered. Without the riders supporting the series and providing us with feedback we wouldn’t achieve anything, so thank you. To the three clubs, volunteers and the MNSW staff, thank you for all your efforts in making this series come to life. I’d also like to thank Indian Motorcycles, MSCMoto, Dunlop, Unifilter, Scott, Motorex, RJays and MXStore for going out on a limb to support an unknown series and to give back directly to the entrants. If nothing else, the Sultans of Slide has prompted some conversations, although I really do think that we’ve just seen a snapshot of the future. It’s now up to us to build it.”
Sultans of Slide Class Structure
65cc (8 to under 11)
85cc 2t & 150cc 4t (10 to under 14)
Junior Lites up to 150cc 2t & 250cc 4t (13 to under 16)
SENIORS – riders to choose one class only, unless riding in Open Multi, which may be entered in addition to any other class.
Razali and Stigefelt reflect on awesome season for the Malaysian squad
It has been an incredible rookie year for the Petronas Sepang Racing Team in the 2019 MotoGP World Championship. In a superlative season, Fabio Quartararo took six podium finishes and seven pole positions en route to securing Rookie of the Year and Top Independent Rider, whilst strong results from Franco Morbidelli further helped the squad to finish fourth in the overall teams’ standings as well as secure the Independent Team title.
Alongside that, the 2019 Moto3 season was also successful, with John McPhee taking the team’s debut Grand Prix victory and finishing the year fifth in the championship race.
Looking back on the amazing year, even as preparation gets underway for the team’s sophomore MotoGP season in 2020, Team Principal Razlan Razali and Team Director Johan Stigefelt air their thoughts on the epic 2019 season.
Petronas SRT Yamaha Team Principal Razlan Razali and Team Director Johan Stigefelt
If someone told you in Valencia last year that the team would achieve the great results it did in 2019, what would you say to them? How satisfied are you with this season?
Razlan – “I’d never have believed them if someone had told me the great results we’d achieve in our first year. We didn’t expect it, and we went into the season relying on Franco to deliver for us based on the target that we set for him at the beginning of the year. The aim for him was to be top six in the championship, and for Fabio it was to be Rookie of the Year. We didn’t expect at all to do what we did as a team and to have the riders perform so well, especially Fabio. We’re extremely satisfied with the year, because it’s been a wonderful fairytale season.”
Fabio Quartararo secured the Rookies Cup at Motegi
After one year with all three categories working together, how do you rate the 2019 season and what was your highlight?
Johan: “The highlight of the season for me was to roll out the three teams together in Qatar after a hard season in 2018 to establish the team. Working so hard to get everything ready meant it was a proud moment in Losail at the first race; one of the milestones for the whole project. Of course, the season itself was amazing in MotoGP, achieving way beyond our wildest expectations. In a way, the entire year was one big highlight for us thanks to what we achieved.”
2019 Petronas Yamaha Sepang MotoGP Team was officially presented for the first time in January at the team launch
Why do you think the team has been able to surprise the MotoGP paddock and the wider motorsport community?
Razlan: “We made such a strong entry into the paddock with the MotoGP team, not only with the performance of our riders. We came into the first race in Europe with our trackside presence making a big impact and with people immediately commenting on how friendly the team were, and how welcoming. We presented ourselves very well in 2019, not only in MotoGP but in Moto2 and Moto3 as well. We don’t look like a first-year rookie – it looked like we’ve been there for a long time. Of course, we have with Moto3, but MotoGP is a very different ballgame and we were able to bring a breath of fresh air to the paddock.”
Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo
What’s the key to having all three teams together and as a single group?
Johan: “The thing for me, working as Team Director across all three categories, was how important it was to keep everyone together as one team. Listening and talking to everyone in the team is key, and I try to be a friend as well as a boss to everyone and to listen to them. At the end of the day, it’s a hard job with a lot of time spent away from our families, and we have to ensure that we have a nice environment out of the garage and that everyone is well looked after.”
Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli celebrated topping qualifying at Jerez, however Quartararo’s weekend was ruined by mechanical issues in the race
What are your favourite moments of 2019?
Razlan: “There are two moments that I’ve reflected on a lot. Number one was John’s win at the French Grand Prix, with the team able to get our first taste of victory. After that, it was the first podium of Fabio in Catalunya, which was also an amazing moment. Of course, we had seven pole positions all season, but to get on the podium for the first time in our rookie season was just fantastic.”
Razlan Razali and Fabio Quartararo
Johan: “I have two favourite moments of the year, starting with John’s first win for the team. It was a big relief for us because we’ve worked for five years in Moto3 and I pushed this year to have a top rider in the class. Signing John, I knew that he would be a good rider, and it only took five races to have pole position and a win. The second big moment was Fabio’s pole and Franco’s second place on the grid in Jerez. We went there with a brand-new hospitality, new trailers and a whole new set-up in Europe. We made a big impact before we even went out on track, and the pole was quite surreal.”
Fabio Quartararo at Jerez – Image by AJRN
It’s the first year working with Yamaha in MotoGP. How is the relationship with them?
Razlan: “It was a steep learning curve, but we have had a tremendous amount of support from Yamaha both commercially and technically. Yamaha are very happy with what we’ve done and we’re very happy with the support they’ve given us. It feels like we’re not just a client but also a partner, and we’re contributing together and developing the bikes for 2020.”
Franco Morbidelli
After one year working with the three categories, how different or similar is working with each team?
Johan: “The basics of running a team are the same in all categories, but in MotoGP there is more pressure from the media, sponsors and fans. I was a little surprised and shocked to see how much attention there was on us, but that’s a consequence of the success we enjoyed and having a huge name like Petronas partnered with us. Everyone in motorsport know who they are and I’m so proud to carry their name.”
Fabio Quartararo was scintillating during pre-season testing
How important has this season been for the Malaysian Grand Prix and Malaysian motorsport and what’s the next step?
Razlan: “For the Malaysian Grand Prix, having the team was fantastic. The crowd came in droves to support not only the event but our team, and working together with Petronas has been very effective both for us and for Malaysia. Getting over 100,000 people on Sunday was amazing, and to see so many of them wearing team merchandise makes me very proud. Although the results weren’t what we were hoping for, to start from pole and finish inside the top five was great. Maybe we can do better next year in the race, but in general we’ve given the young kids in Malaysia something to aspire to. They can now see that the dream of being a MotoGP rider can be reality if you work hard.”
Franco Morbidelli
Next season the team will keep four of the current riders and welcome two new riders in Moto2. The team will also have two A-spec bikes from Yamaha in MotoGP. What can we expect to see in 2020?
Johan: “Starting 2019 like we did, the pressure will be on now for 2020. This season was the honeymoon, but now we need to live up to our results and our image. We need to keep the team happy and smiling as we do it as well. There will be a bigger challenge, but we’re ready to meet it. We’ve set the bar high, but the target will be to raise it even higher. Everyone in the team is competitive and wants to do better – no one is happy until we’re performing at our expectations. 2019 was a tough year in Moto2 and it’s nice to have an experienced rider like Xavi Vierge and someone who is fresh and hungry in Jake Dixon. Jake can surprise and Xavi just needs fine-tuned to be at the top. In Moto3, we’ve set the bar high with John and we know what we need to work on to be at the front every weekend. With Pawi coming back to Moto3, it will also be a challenge – but he know the class and the bike and he had success there in the past. I am looking forward to seeing him and John working together throughout the year.”
