Smith’s BMW Peter Hickman continues to show peerless form as the 32-year-old came straight from the podium form displayed last weekend in British Superbike competition at Thruxton, to the ultra-fast Dundrod Circuit where he immediately dropped in a 131.237 mph to dominate the opening qualifying session in Northern Ireland overnight.
Last year’s Ulster Grand Prix treble-crown winner was the only rider who broke through the 130mph barrier in a session that was brought to an end nine minutes early because of a heavy rain shower.
Hickman was 4.763 seconds faster than Conor Cummins (Milenco Padgett’s Honda). Davey Todd was third fastest just 0.846 seconds further back.
“My plan was to go and do a steady lap, put in two fliers and then come in and that’s what we did.” Hickman explained after setting his quickest time on his third circuit.
Hickman made a lengthy pit stop after the third lap to lower his S1000RR’s gearing but failed to improve his time as the conditions worsened. Cummins also set his fastest speed during the opening laps, lapping at 128.229mph on his second circuit.
“It was slippery on the approach there after the second lap.” Cummins said.
Conor Cummins
All of the fastest riders pitted after three laps when rain began to wet the road on the Leathemstown section of the course. Only three of the top ten quickest men went faster when they rejoined the fray from the pits with Davey Todd (Wepol Penz/BMW) lapping at 127.709mph and Lee Johnston (Ashcourt Racing BMW) at 127.395mph to slot into third and fourth.
Dundrod lap record holder Dean Harrison (Silicone Kawasaki) was fifth fastest, just a 1/100th of a second behind Johnston.
“We were steady away but it was drizzling all the time at different places I wasn’t sure of the line.” Harrison said.
Derek Sheils (RK Racing/Burrows Suzuki) and Paul Jordan (Dafabet Devitt Kawasaki) posted 6th and 7th fastest times. Sheils was well down on the speed trap times at 184 mph compared to Dean Harrison’s fastest mark 196.9 mph on the Flying Kilo. Hickman’s BMW was also 4.5mph slower than the Silicone Kawasaki.
Michael Dunlop posted 8th quickest time on the Tyco BMW after a lengthy pit stop, 7.3 seconds slower than Hickman.
Michael Dunlop
South Australia’s David Johnson (Honda Racing) clocked a 125.368mph lap and Jamie Coward (Prez Yamaha) 124.683mph completing the top ten.
The first races on the road based Dundrod Circuit took place in 1922 and in 1935 and 1948 the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme gave it the title ‘Grand Prix d’Europe’. The Ulster Grand Prix was included as one of the races in the inaugural 1949 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season (which we now know as MotoGP), a place it held until 1971. The Ulster GP also counted towards the Formula TT Championship between 1979 and 1990.
2019 Ulster GP Wednesday Superbike Qualifying
Peter HICKMAN BMW 3:23.022 / 131.237mph
Conor CUMMINS Honda 3:27.785 / 128.229mph
Davey TODD BMW 3:28.631 / 127.709mph
Lee JOHNSTON BMW 3:29.145 / 127.395 mph
Dean HARRISON Kawasaki 3:29.157 / 127.387 mph
Derek SHEILS Suzuki 3:29.680 / 127.070mph
Paul JORDAN Kawasaki 3:30.108 / 126.811mph
Michael DUNLOP BMW 3:30.340 / 126.671mph
David JOHNSON Honda 3:32.526 / 125.368mph
Jamie COWARD Yamaha 3:33.693 / 124.683mph
Phillip CROWE BMW 3:33.767 / 124.640mph
Michael SWEENEY BMW 3:33.980 / 124.516mph
Sam WEST BMW 3:34.300 / 124.330mph
Brian McCORMACK BMW 3:34.304 / 124.328mph
David JACKSON BMW 3:34.446 / 124.246mph
Dominic HERBERTSON Kawasaki 3:36.000 / 123.352mph
Ryan KNEEN BMW 3:36.792 / 122.901mph
Shaun ANDERSON BMW 3:38.527 / 121.925mph
Xavier DENIS Honda 3:39.867 / 121.182mph
Josh DALEY Kawasaki 3:40.500 / 120.834mph
NB: Dean Harrison’s lap record of 3 minutes 17.928 seconds / 134.614 mph was set in 2017
Six weeks after having hosted Formula 1, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg (Austria) will this weekend play host to the 11th appointment of the MotoGP season.
The many undulations of the track complicate the riders’ choice of timing braking: there’s a 65 metre (213 feet) difference between the highest and the lowest point, and the steepest slope has a 9.3 percent incline.
According to Brembo technicians, who equip the entire MotoGP grid, the Red Bull Ring is very demanding on the brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it earns a 5 on the difficulty index, the same score given to the tracks in Barcelona, Motegi and Sepang. Our home track at Phillip Island is the least demanding circuit on the MotoGP circuit when it comes to brakes.
On one full lap, the MotoGP riders use their brakes 7 times for a total of 28 seconds.
Formula 1 cars also brake 7 times in each lap, but for a third of the time, totalling just 9.8 seconds.
Over the 28 race laps at Spielberg each MotoGP bike uses its brakes for some 800 seconds, that’s just over 13 minutes.
Last month, on the other hand, the winner of the Formula 1 GP completed the 71 laps of the Austria GP, two and a half times the race distance, using Brembo calipers for just 10 minutes and a half.
Brembo MotoGP Braking Hardware – Image by AJRN
Average deceleration per lap for the MotoGP is 1.23 g, which is second highest value of the championship. Summing up all of the forces applied by a rider on the Brembo brake lever from the starting line to the chequered flag, the result is about 0.9 tonnes.
The most challenging section is Turn One, since it is located at the fastest point on the track, despite being slightly uphill: the MotoGP bikes reach the bend at 312 km/h (193.9 mph) and then brake for 4.4 seconds to slow to 99 km/h (61.5 mph). Riders put 5.9 kg (13 lbs) pressure on the brake lever and are subjected to a 1.5 g deceleration.
Formula 1 single-seaters reach this same section at a slightly higher speed (331 km/h, 205.7 mph), but are able to enter the turn at 158 km/h (98.2 mph) and, most importantly, can slam on the brakes without fear of the rear end rising in the air: thus braking only lasts 1.57 seconds and 99 metres (325 feet), less than half the distance (229 meters, 751 feet) required by the MotoGP bikes.
The braking time and distance are even greater for Turn Four, partly due to the downhill slope: 274 metres (899 feet) and 5.7 seconds to come down from 292 km/h (181 mph) to 85 km/h (53 mph). Here deceleration is 1.4 g, while for Formula 1 drivers it gets up to 5.2 g. The pressure of the Brembo HTC 64T brake fluid in the MotoGP bikes climbs to 11.9 bar (173 psi), while it peaks at 12.6 bar (183 psi) for the Castrol Edge in the F1 cars.
Turn Three is the slowest on the track with a speed of 64 km/h (40 mph) on entry. Riders clamp on their brakes for 5.5 seconds putting a 5.1 kg (11.2 lbs) load on the lever. The comparison with the four wheelers is less stark since the F1 brakes are used for 2.59 seconds to drop to 84 km/h (52 mph) after braking.
The F1 qualifying record at Red Bull Ring is 1m03.003-seconds. That time is more than 20-seconds faster than the MotoGP qualifying lap record set by Andrea Iannone in 2018 at 1m23.142s. The MotoGP race lap record is currently held by Andrea Dovizioso at 1m24.277s.
The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg brings the series into the realm of passionate KTM fandom with packed and dedicated spectator zones, all of whom will be cheering the Red Bull KTM crews in the midst of another season of achievement and landmarks. Almost 93,000 visitors lined the green slopes on race day in 2018.
KTM will be able to count on plenty of support from their home country this weekend
KTM continue to go their own way in regards to the chassis and suspension on their MotoGP project. While every other team on the grid use Ohlins suspension, and thus have a massive amount of data to draw on from almost the entire MotoGP grid at every event, KTM use their own WP suspension.
2019 KTM RC16 MotoGP
Also going against the established grain in regards to MotoGP, and modern sportsbikes in general, KTM also continue with their trademark orange painted steel trellis frame.
KTM RC16 MotoGP
For the first time on home turf near their Austrian HQ at Mattighofen, KTM will have a quartet of RC16s on the MotoGP grid, and the full scope of the factory’s ‘ladder’ through road racing will be evident again with the fifth round of seven of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup kicking off proceedings with the very first race of the weekend on Saturday evening.
Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director
“Our home Grand Prix is something we really look forward to every year. Of course it comes with expectancy and enthusiasm but it is one of the best chances to show – and to reward – all the KTM people that have worked for this project that spreads through all the factory. We like to think that we’ve given Austrian fans something to be proud of and seeing that big grandstand full of orange is special. We have pushed hard to establish a structure that we hope will produce some very good results and positive benefits for KTM in road racing and will soon near the success we’ve had in so many other areas of our racing programme. Red Bull Ring is a great place when it is full and you can hear and see those bikes at top speed. We hope everyone has a great time.”
KTM will be able to count on plenty of support from their home country this weekend
In the premier class KTM have enjoyed another campaign of milestones since ending only their second term in MotoGP with a maiden podium result at Valencia last November. Pol Espargaro – third that day at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit – has qualified on the second row of the grid on two occasions (Circuit of the Americas and Automotodrom Brno), achieved a best race classification of 6th at Le Mans and registered five top ten results (as well as points in every round).
Pol Espargaro
“It’s been a pretty good year, for the moment I think we’ve done good races and qualifying, been in the top ten a lot of times and we’ve been in top positions a few times in qualifying and practice sessions. We’re developing the KTM quite well, getting into good positions and having fun in the races, and now we’re at our home GP which is so important and so nice. Last year I couldn’t race here, it was very frustrating waiting for that race the whole year and then having that huge crash just the race before, being in hospital watching the guys. So finally we’ll be there and with the KTM fans, I’m so happy to be there and try and do the best race possible, hopefully the best race of the season which is going to be difficult…but we’ll try!”
Pol Espargaro gets up close and personal with the RC16 for a photo shoot at KTM HQ
Team-mate Johann Zarco has spent the season trying to adapt his style and mould the idiosyncrasies of the RC16 to his liking but is making progress – as evidenced by his mastery of damp conditions to clock Red Bull KTM’s first front row qualification slot with 3rd at Automotodrom Brno last weekend. The Frenchman has accumulated points in all but two Grands Prix.
Johann Zarco
“I’m feeling happy at the moment, it’s always nice to come here to the factory. As a rider and loving the mechanical side of it, it’s always nice. And it gives you some extra motivation, because when you see this place and everyone working here, you feel maybe it’s possible to do even better. So I’m feeling good and I cross my fingers we’ll have a good weekend.”
KTM will be able to count on plenty of support from their home country this weekend
The alignment with Red Bull KTM Tech3 in 2019 has been a fundamental part of the firm’s progression at the peak of the sport. The laps and effort totalled by Miguel Oliveira (the rookie impressing with his pace and dedication) and Hafizh Syahrin has added valuable data and understanding of the finer margins in MotoGP: a competition regularly split by hundredths of a second. Oliveira has pointed in six of the first ten fixtures of the year and along with the full contingent of KTM MotoGP riders the Portuguese rookie and his Malaysian team-mate visitied the nearby KTM HQ at Mattighofen ahead of this weekend’s race.
Miguel Oliveira
“I’m super excited, it’s a home GP for us with KTM and Red Bull, all the bosses are going to be there! It’s definitely a nice moment in the project to put in a good result for them, we have a good army of orange KTMs up there on the grid and hopefully we’ll have a strong weekend.”
KTM riders post outside of KTM HQ
Hafizh Syahrin
“This is the second time I’ve been here, the first time was at the beginning of the season in winter, it was too cold and driving out it was full of snow! It’s great coming somewhere like here, we’ve done a lot with the other riders and I’ve enjoyed it. And we’ve seen how they make the bikes. I drove the truck out the factory and it was an amazing experience.”
Hafizh Syahrin hamming it up for the camera at KTM HQ
When it comes the other categories, Aron Canet leads the ever-unpredictable Moto3 contest on his RC4 while Red Bull KTM Ajo will again field the exciting and evolving talent of the Öncü twins. In Moto2 the same prolific team will give the new version of the RC12 its second run out in 2019 around the Austrian curves and in the capable hands of former Moto3 World Champions Brad Binder and Jorge Martin.
Brad Binder
“It was super cool. It’s my fourth trip to the factory this year but it’s the first time I’ve really had to do anything! It was cool to see how everything works. So thanks to the guys for having us – or putting up with us – today! This is a big weekend for us, a huge weekend for the team, KTM and Red Bull, so obviously I want to get a great result for the guys. We’ve done a lot of hard work this year and they really deserve it, so looking into the weekend I hope to make it my best of the season so far.”
Even the lift at KTM HQ is factory spec (L-R Zarco, Öncü, Binder and Oliveira)
MotoGP heads to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg for the 11th round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship this weekend as the myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich takes centre stage.
Red Bull Ring is a 4,318m strip of asphalt set amongst the picturesque mountains of the Styrian region, but its beautiful location contradicts the demanding nature of the track.
Red Bull Ring
The circuit, with just two clear-cut left-hand turns and one very fast left curve, allied to the seven right-hand corners which give a lot of stress to that side of the tyre, all added to four straights and the highest average lap-speed on the calendar, plus a very abrasive track, makes Spielberg one of the biggest challenges for Michelin during the 19-race season.
MotoGP 2018 – Round 11 – Red Bull Ring
Since the Red Bull Ring and Austria returned to the calendar in 2016, only Ducati have won there. And that means, therefore, that reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is yet to conquer Spielberg. Will 2019 be the year?
MotoGP 2018 Round 11 – Red Bull Ring – Jorge Lorenzo won in Austria last year on the Ducati in an absolutely brilliant ride
The increased top-end power of the 2019 RC213V might make the difference this year that will enable HRC to break Ducati’s stranglehold on the Austrian round.
Marc Marquez
“It has certainly been a busy return after the summer! Of course we are very happy about the result in Brno but now we must focus again and prepare for Austria. The Red Bull Ring is a very unique circuit that demands a lot from the brakes and from the power of the bike. In the past we have had some very exciting races there so this year I think it will again be very interesting!”
Dovizioso’s 2017 victory against Marquez was one of their many classic duels and the Italian was back on the podium at Brno after a more difficult few races. And then there’s teammate Danilo Petrucci, now a Grand Prix winner after that stunning victory at Mugello, and he could make it four different riders in a row to win for the Borgo Panigale factory. More than points, this weekend is pride on the line.
MotoGP Podium Austria 2017 – Marquez, Dovizioso, Pedrosa
And can Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) get in the fight? He was on the podium at Brno for the second time this season and, earlier in the year, was the only man to have overtaken Marquez for some time. He’s top Independent Team rider too, having pulled out some breathing space on Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) in the standings, who incidentally hits a milestone of 150 Grands Prix. Crutchlow could also be one to watch in Austria, having come home just off the podium last season and the Honda remaining a match for the Ducati…
Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), meanwhile, could face a more difficult weekend. Honda and Ducati have ruled in Austria and the Suzukis, like the Yamahas, may need to pull something special out the bag to contend. But to finish first, first you must finish and the Spaniard was back on it at Brno after two uncharacteristic crashes from podium contention before summer. What can he do?
Valentino Rossi – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
And can Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and team-mate Maverick Viñales – who hits 150 GPs – create any magic in the mountains? Yamaha were a force to be reckoned with at the Brno test, but Austria is a very different venue, and the top end horsepower deficit currently suffered by Yamaha could be very telling at the Red Bull Ring.
The man on top at that test though was Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT), and the rookie often doesn’t seem to play by the formbook of the factory team. Leading Rookie of the Year comfortably, he’ll likely have his sights set more on Crutchlow and Miller ahead of him in the Independent Team rider standings.
Fabio Quartararo
“We know that it won’t be an easy track for us, but we’ll use the factory Yamahas as a benchmark. We know that some other bikes might have a little bit more power and that Spielberg has many long straights, but we’re going into the weekend really calm and not about to make stupid mistakes. It’s a totally different track and it’ll be nice to try out a new challenge on the YZR-M1. It’s a track that has always been positive for me in Moto2 and Moto3 and I know I’ll enjoy riding there a lot, but we’ll have to wait and see what will be possible on Sunday.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
But he’ll have to contend with teammate Franco Morbidelli, who will be eager to bounce back from a crash that was no fault of his own, and fellow Independent contenders like Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini).
Franco Morbidelli
“It’s going to be a difficult weekend for sure, but we’ll keep believing in ourselves. We’ve been able to be very fast on some occasions this year and this will be a weekend where we have to understand how to be fast all the time. We’ll gather lots of data and study hard to make the best out of it. It’s a circuit where I’ve got good memories though, and I really like riding the track. With our bike and all the straights I know it’s going to be tricky, but let’s just wait and see how tricky it will be.”
And then, of course, there’s the home manufacturer: KTM. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) just can’t seem to stop impressing and has been one of only two riders to have scored in every race this season – the other being Petrucci. He’ll want to put on the show of the season on the Austrian factory’s home turf, especially after losing out on the chance last season through injury.
And teammate Johann Zarco, fresh from taking KTM’s first front row last time out, will be out to prove a few things too. Can Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and teammate Hafizh Syahrin showcase some pace as well?
Hervé Poncharal -Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Team Manager
“This Grand Prix is going to be for sure a very special one for us, being at the home for both, Red Bull and KTM. We feel we need to deliver a very special weekend in terms of results, in terms of availability to the media, to the guests and of course this is a place – more than anywhere, where we would like to shine to thank both, Red Bull and KTM for their investment, for their support. We arrive in Spielberg with an interesting and fruitful day of testing in Czech Republic on the Monday. Both riders were happy with the outcome of the test. Miguel received some upgrades that were already used by the factory KTM riders and he liked these new items a lot. Hafizh worked a lot on his riding style and understanding of the KTM RC16 and I believe we arrive in Spielberg ready to produce a good show and to make the KTM fans happy and proud about us. For sure there will be many orange flags around the circuit and hopefully this is going to be an event to match their expectations. We arrive full of confidence, full of energy and hopefully there will be a smile on everybody’s face of the Red Bull KTM MotoGP operation on Sunday night.”
Bruce Anstey is to make a welcome return to TT action in the class and starting at his customary #5 for the Milenco by Padgetts Motorcycles team while team-mate Davey Todd will be the first to head down Glencrutchery Road when the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT runners set off on August 24th.
Clive Padgett’s team has won every year since the class – primarily for 250cc 2-stroke race machines – was introduced to the Classic TT in 2016, with the returning Anstey triumphant in 2016 and 2017 and Lee Johnston taking the honours 12 months ago.
Bruce Anstey (250 Honda/Padgetts Motorcycles.com) at Ballacraine during qualifying for the 2017 Bennett’s Classic TT.
However, this year will be the first occasion that the team has fielded two machines, with rising star Todd and the seasoned Anstey on a pair of Honda RS250s. The combination of rider talent, machine preparation and proven pedigree means the Padgetts team will line up as hot favourites for victory, and whilst Anstey’s competitive return to racing is a triumph in itself, don’t be surprised to see the 250cc lap record holder make a fairy-tale return to the Classic TT podium.
Clive Padgett hugs Bruce Anstey after his record-setting win in the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT Race in 2017. Photo Stephen Davison / Pacemaker Press Intl
Reigning Dunlop Senior TT champion, Dean Harrison lines up at number 2 on the first of three Laylaw Racing Yamaha TZ250s, with team-mate Ian Lougher starting from number 3. Harrison made his debut in the class in 2018 and while he wasn’t able to challenge for victory in 2018, he finished just off the podium with a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Lougher has stood on the rostrum in each running of the Lightweight Classic TT, taking second place in 2016 and 2017 and a third place in 2018. Phil Harvey lines up on the third yellow and white Laylaw machine at number 12.
Dean Harrison to join Lougher and Harvey on TZ250
Michael Rutter is set to start at number 4, but the seven-time TT winner and two-time Classic TT winner has yet to reveal what machine he will be riding, having previously ridden a 750 Ducati in the class.
Michael Rutter at the Gooseneck on his way to winning the Sure Junior Classic TT Race in 2017. Photo Dave Kneen
Joey Thompson – starting at number 6 – is the first of a three-man fleet of Honda RS250s for John Chapman Racing, with teammates Dan Sayle and Ryan Kneen starting at numbers 10 and 11 respectively.
2-stroke specialist Gary Vines will start at number 7 on one of the three Binch Racing Yamaha TZ250s. With a personal best lap speed just shy of 115mph, the 29-year old could provide an upset for the established TT riders further up the field.
Vines is joined in David Binch’s team by Jamie Coward starting at number 8 and last year’s winner Lee Johnston, who starts at number 13 having made the switch from Padgetts Honda to the Binch Racing Yamaha. Johnston will be onboard the same TZ250 that Adam McLean finished second on – behind Johnston – 12 months ago. To date, it is the closest that any rider or machine has come to besting the dominant Padgetts Motorcycles team and, with Johnston onboard, will surely be their toughest opposition to date.
Lee Johnston won the Lightweight Classic TT in 2018 on a Padgetts Honda RS250
Motorcycle racing has taken a step close to returning to Bathurst’s Mt Panorama with the unveiling of plans for a second circuit.
Motorcycle racing at Bathurst finished in the late ’80s.
Since then, the touring cars and now Supercars have heavily modified the track to a stage where is now unsafe for motorcycle racing.
The existing Mount Panorama Circuit is also limited in the number of permitted full track closures per year.
Council says that by building a second circuit, motorsports activity can “grow without changing the heritage of the historic Mount Panorama Circuit, cementing Bathurst’s international reputation as a motorsport hotspot”.
Circuit plans
The new $52 million “Velocity Park precinct” would be suitable for MotoGP and World Superbike racing.
The second 4.5km track built to FIA Grade 2 and FIM Grade A spec would be located on 200 hectares in valley southwest of the current 6.2km circuit.
Council hopes construction will begin early in 2021 and be completed within 24 months.
The circuit would accommodate a range of high-profile motorsport events year-round and feature additional multi-use facilities.
Maybe there will even be motorcycle track days at the site.
The international circuit has one long straight and nine corners of varying diameters.
There are also shorter 2km and 3km circuit options for national and club events.
It will also provide for a range of facilities including a hotel, driver training centre and a driver experience centre. No mention of special motorcycle facilities, though.
Pit lane
Motorcycle racing history
Bikes raced at Mt Panorama from the 1940s and it hosted several pre-world-title Australian GPs.
Forrest’s Elbow is named after motorcycle racer Jack Forrest who scraped his elbow away after laying down his bike on the corner.
Hell Corner is named after a tree stump at the apex where it was believed motorcyclists who misjudged the corner would die.
In the 1980s, the Easter Races were marred by riots until council imposed an alcohol ban.
Motorcycle racing at Mt Panorama
Consultation
Before construction can begin these new plans and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that is currently being prepared will go on display for public consultation later this year.
Council will host the following community consultation drop-in sessions:
Armada Bathurst – 121 Howick Street, Bathurst Thursday, 8 August from 4pm-7pm
Bathurst City Centre – 210 Howick Street, Bathurst Friday, 9 August from 10am-1pm
Bathurst Chase – 39 William Street, Bathurst Wednesday, 21 August from 12pm-3pm
Bathurst Regional Council – 158 Russell Street, Bathurst Thursday, 22 August from 5.30pm-8.30pm
National Motor Racing Museum – 400 Panorama Ave, Bathurst Thursday 22 August from 10am-1pm
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What happened this week
JD Beach wins 2019 Buffalo Chip TT
Ryan Sipes tops AFT Singles at Buffalo Chip TT
Gajser and Prado claim victory at 2019 MXGP of Belgium
Van De Moosdijk tops EMX at Lommel
Husqvarna’s Waters & Todd claim titles at Coolum MX Nationals
Bartosz Zmarzlik wins Speedway Grand Prix of Poland
Dan Reardon joins CDR Yamaha for 2019 Australian SX
Cole Seely announces retirement
Team Belgium for 2019 Motocross of Nations announced
JD Beach wins 2019 Buffalo Chip TT
JD Beach took an unexpected last-second victory at the 2019 Buffalo Chip TT at the American Flat Track premiere class showdown in Sturgis, with Jake Johnson seeming a clear winner until a mechanical issue on the final corner of the final lap wreaked havoc on his would-be victory.
AFT Twins Start – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
TT standout Johnson grabbed the holeshot and quickly broke free at the front while a four-rider fight for second took shape involving Jarod Vanderkooi, Jared Mees, Bronson Bauman and Beach.
And they are off! – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
Passing opportunities proved few and far between as the riders negotiated the purpose-built TT circuit on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground that encircled “The Bar” and was pressed tight by thousands of fans on the fences. As a result, the top five could have easily been set from the opening lap if not for repeated drama.
First, Vanderkooi ran wide and quickly gave up three positions. An aggressive Beach then made his way by Bauman as well and immediately went about applying intense pressure on Mees for second.
Jake Johnson – AFT Twins – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
That pressure was so great, in fact, that Mees ultimately decided it was better to just hand the position over to Beach than invite trouble in an attempt to defend it, especially once he saw that championship rival Briar Bauman was destined to DNF after crashing further back in the field.
At that point, Mees’ calculated decision appeared likely only to open the door for an eventual Estenson 1-2, but Beach still wasn’t satisfied. He somehow reeled in teammate Johnson, arriving on his rear wheel just in time to take the white flag. However, Beach simply couldn’t find a way through and was all but ready to follow Johnson to the checkered flag when Johnson’s bike suffered a mechanical issue exiting the race’s very final corner.
JD Beach claims the win from Jake Johnson – AFT Twins – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
Beach promptly powered past, officially claiming the victory by 0.201 seconds. The win was the second of Beach’s AFT Twins career and his second straight on the tour’s run of TTs, having also won at the Arizona Super TT earlier this season.
JD Beach
“I’m heartbroken for Jake. He rode an amazing race. I came from like fifth and caught him, but we only had a lap to go. I was trying to find a way by him but there just wasn’t any room. Coming out of the last turn, I heard his bike blubber, so I knew I was hooked up and going. It’s awesome to get a win, but to get a win like that — especially with Jake because he’s such a good guy – it feels good but it doesn’t. I have to thank the whole crowd for coming out. This event is awesome. And I’ve got to thank the whole Estenson racing team. They’ve been working really hard. We’ve got a bike that can go right, and I think we’ve proved it. And we have another chance at the Peoria TT, so we’ll see what happens.”
JD Beach – AFT Twins – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
Mees came home in third, slashing his title deficit from 26 to just 12 (173-161) to open the second half of the ‘19 title fight. Bronson Bauman finished fourth, followed by Vanderkooi in fifth.
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Ryan Sipes tops AFT Singles at Buffalo Chip TT
For the second consecutive year, Ryan Sipes put on a masterclass of all-around riding ability at the Buffalo Chip TT with a convincing victory in the once-stopped and restarted AFT Singles Main Event.
AFT Singles start – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
With right- and left-handers of varying radii and jumps to navigate, the TTs demand a somewhat different, expanded skillset compared to the other three AFT disciplines. It should be no surprise that the supremely versatile Sipes once again shone under the lights at the Buffalo Chip, as he showcased the talents that also made him a Supercross race winner and America’s first-ever ISDE overall winner.
Ryan Sipes – AFT Singles – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
Sipes was in dominant form all day long, and effectively secured the win at the critically important start when he hammered into the lead off the line. His combination of superior speed and inch-perfect lines provided his opponents with precious little hope of defeating the Kentucky native on this night.
Ryan Sipes
“I wanted this one really bad. All I’ve thought about since I crashed at Springfield was I should have won there, and now I have to win here. And I did it, so I feel really good about it.”
Ryan Sipes – AFT Singles – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
AFT Singles points leader Dalton Gauthier was ecstatic to finish second. With series part-timer Sipes not in championship contention and key title rival Mikey Rush suffering another difficult outing, Gauthier’s podium performance opened up some breathing space at the top of the standings.
Defending champ Dan Bromley took over second in the championship chase with his sixth podium result of the season by finishing third. 2016 class champ Ryan Wells made an impressive charge on a track that was nearly impossible to pass on to arrive in fourth while top qualifier Chad Cose rounded out the top five.
Ryan Sipes topped the AFT Singles podium- AFT Twins – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
Aussie Max Whale came home in the AFT Singles main event eighth on his Kawasaki KX450F, and currently sits ninth in the standings on 83-points.
Max Whale
“Had a blast at the Buffalo Chip TT. Ended the night with a solid P8. The track was unique, tight and hard to pass! Had to come from row 3. Plenty of bar bagging! Thanks to all my sponsors!”
Max Whale – AFT Singles – 2019 Bufallo Chip TT
Buffalo Chip TT – AFT Singles Main Event
#
Rider
Bike
Gap
1
Ryan Sipes
KTM 450 SX-F
0.000
2
Dalton Gauthier
Husqvarna FC450
2.141
3
Dan Bromley
KTM 450 SX-F
3.272
4
Ryan Wells
Yamaha YZ450F
7.56
5
Chad Cose
Honda CRF450R
8.072
6
James Rispoli
Yamaha YZ450F
8.369
7
Jesse Janisch
Yamaha YZ450F
8.509
8
Max Whale
Kawasaki KX450F
8.86
9
Jacob Lehmann
Honda CRF450R
9.119
10
Andrew DiBrino
Husqvarna FC450
9.866
AFT Singles Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Dalton Gauthier
189
2
Dan Bromley
168
3
Mikey Rush
161
4
Jesse Janisch
150
5
Ryan Wells
126
6
Shayna Texter
108
7
Chad Cose
105
8
Morgen Mischler
90
9
Max Whale
83
10
Kevin Stollings
79
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Gajser and Prado claim victory at 2019 MXGP of Belgium
Tim Gajser claimed the MXGP of Belgium victory over the weekend, with a 2-2 result netting 44-points and extending his championship lead, with Romain Febvre runner up on 43-points thanks to a 1-4 result. Glenn Coldenhoff claimed the final overall podium position with a consistent 3-3 result for 40-points.
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Following the MXGP of Belgium Gajser holds the championship lead by an all but insurmountable 187-points with four rounds to go, with second place sitting with Jeremy Seewer who took fourth overall over the weekend and now holds 439-points. That’s a 37-point lead over Gautier Paulin on 402. Arnaud Tonus is a close fourth with 396-points.
Tim Gajser
“I had fun today and it is weird saying that in the sand for me. I had two good races and I let Max pass because he was faster, then he made a mistake and I got him back, then he passed me again. They told me if I was second, I would have won the overall. I very happy with this GP win as I didn’t’ expect it. I expected a top five would be good and to win here is really special. We have worked in the sand in the winter and it really worked out. The track was rough, and it was easy to make a mistake. I will try and make a good start and see if I can stay with these guys, but if I can’t I will settle for the points. It is always mental, coming here in Lommel, we know the race will be tough, so deep and so bumpy and I did my best.”
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Romain Febvre
“I used a lot of energy for the qualifying race. I wanted a good start gate. I was first in the first corner of the first race and then Tim passed me, and I passed him again. I was feeling comfortable but it was really tough. The first race was easier, and the second race I didn’t get the start I liked.. It was tough and it was hot. I struggled at the beginning of the first race a bit, then 10 minutes before the end I lost a bit my rhythm and I was super happy to have won the first race. In second race I ended fourth for a second overall. I couldn’t pass Van Horebeek and Coldenhoff and I lost my rhythm. I am a little bit disappointed. Today I felt better than yesterday, but I didn’t have so much energy at the end.”
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Glenn Coldenhoff
“It is great. Two weeks ago I didn’t feel good in the sand, but the team helped with a great bike and I give it to those guys. I am happy to be back up here and I enjoy it. The sand always suits me well, and it is easier than hard pack for me. Yesterday I felt good. I went into qualification to save energy for today’s race and maybe that was wrong, because I couldn’t find my rhythm and I struggled a bit. I pushed this morning and had that good feeling again pulling also the FOX Holeshot. I have to thank my boss and the whole team. We have been through difficult time, but we are back. The team has done an amazing job to have me comfortable in the sand.”
Glenn Coldenhoff – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
MXGP Round Overall
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Gajser, Tim
44
2
Febvre, Romain
43
3
Coldenhoff, Glenn
40
4
Seewer, Jeremy
34
5
Van Horebeek, Jeremy
29
6
Jasikonis, Arminas
28
7
Anstie, Max
25
8
Jonass, Pauls
24
9
Monticelli, Ivo
23
10
Paulin, Gautier
23
MXGP Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Gajser, Tim
SLO
HON
626
2
Seewer, Jeremy
SUI
YAM
439
3
Paulin, G.
FRA
YAM
402
4
Tonus, Arnaud
SUI
YAM
396
5
Cairoli, A.
ITA
KTM
358
6
Jasikonis, A.
LTU
HUS
355
7
Coldenhoff, G.
NED
KTM
349
8
Febvre, Romain
FRA
YAM
336
9
Van Horebeek, J.
BEL
HON
329
10
Jonass, Pauls
LAT
HUS
321
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In MX2 Jorge Prado proved unstoppable with a 1-1 result and 50 championship points to the tally, with the runner up position proving a tight competition with Calvin Vlaanderen, Ben Watson and Tom Vialle all sitting on 36-points a-piece, with Vialle missing out on the podium and Vlaanderen runner up. Adam Sterry in fifth overall was a further point in arrears.
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Following Belgium Prado (644) holds a 124-point lead from Thomas Kjer Olsen (520), with Tom Vialle (416) a further 104-points back in third place. Jago Geerts sits fourth in the standings on 413-points, while Henry Jacobi completes the top five with 399-points.
Jorge Prado
“Normally it is a tough race even if I had a good flow the whole race. I was enjoying it and I was mentally prepared for this. We are closing in on the championship and looking for the next round. The first race was also good, the track is very rough, and you need to be careful with your energy and have energy for the second one. The second race was good, another FOX holeshot and that was my goal. The last lap I had more than 30 seconds lead and I tried to make it bigger, but I lost my hand and fell, lucky I got up quickly. Third GP win at Lommel, so I am happy.”
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Calvin Vlaanderen
“It feels good to be back, this is the goal to come on the podium. First race I wasn’t happy, put it down and came back. Didn’t expect to be on the podium as I started the second race with the goal to have fun. I was stoked when I saw I was on the podium. I think in Italy I need two good starts and two good races. Maybe on the hard-pack I can put a bit more pressure on Prado and try and fight at the front.”
Calvin Vlaanderen – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Ben Watson
“I am gutted for my teammate. I come here not knowing what to expect as I decided to race just some days ago. I came here to one of the toughest Grand Prix of the year and got on the podium. I want to thank the team, my girlfriend, my family and everyone who has been a part of this. The last few weeks have been difficult, I had a lot of time to improve after Indonesia and I got a lot of physical training in as I wanted a good comeback race. I only rode Tuesday for the first time, and we decided to come, and it was a big shock to me and the whole team. My teammate Jago deserved the second spot on the podium.”
Ben Watson – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
MX2 Round Overall
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Prado, Jorge
50
2
Vlaanderen, Calvin
36
3
Watson, Ben
36
4
Vialle, Tom
36
5
Sterry, Adam
35
6
Renaux, Maxime
29
7
Genot, Cyril
22
8
Östlund, Alvin
22
9
Jacobi, Henry
22
10
Geerts, Jago
22
MX2 Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Prado, Jorge
ESP
KTM
644
2
Olsen, T.
DEN
HUS
520
3
Vialle, Tom
FRA
KTM
416
4
Geerts, Jago
BEL
YAM
413
5
Jacobi, Henry
GER
KAW
399
6
Sterry, Adam
GBR
KAW
314
7
Watson, Ben
GBR
YAM
282
8
Renaux, Maxime
FRA
YAM
271
9
Beaton, Jed
AUS
HUS
250
10
Vlaanderen, C.
NED
HON
248
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Van De Moosdijk tops EMX at Lommel
The EMX250 and EMX125 classes continued their championships stories in Lommel at the MXGP of Belgium, and once again it was the sand masters who came out with amazing skills around one of the toughest circuits in the World.
EMX250 start at Lommel
Roan van de Moosdijk is the king of the sand in the EMX250 class, going 1-1 and taking the points’ lead in the series standings heading to the next round in Sweden. The Dutchman was a level above his competition as he clocked lap times bunch of seconds quicker than the other EMX250 riders. Kevin Horgmo was second overall and Mikkel Haarup third.
In the EMX125 class it was Simon Laengenfelder who scored 2-1 results to win the overall, ahead of series leader Mattia Guadagnini and Tom Guyon. Guadagnini continues to lead the series by 20 points over Guyon.
EMX250
Kevin Horgmo was quickly into the lead in the opening EMX250 race, followed by Isak Gifting, Kay Ebben and Roan van de Moosdijk. Mikkel Haarup moved past van de Moosdijk on lap two, and championship front runners, Rene Hofer was back in seventh, Stephen Rubini was ninth and Alberto Forato way back in 14th. Van de Moosdijk moved into second place on lap three.
Alberto Forato
Van de Moosdijk moved into the lead on the fourth lap while Rubini was up to sixth position. After six laps the lead was 12 seconds between van de Moosdijk and Horgmo. Haarup moved into second on lap 10 and Rubini moved into fifth place. Van de Moosdijk won the Saturday’s race 1 from Haarup and Horgmo.
In the second EMX250 race it was Van De Moosdijk who led early from Horgmo, Raivo Dankers, Bastian Boegh Damm and Rene Hofer. Rubini was down in seventh place. After just one lap the lead was already more than five seconds as the Dutchman was showing off his sand skills. A lap later the lead was nearly 10 seconds.
Forato moved into second place when he passed Horgmo, and Rubini crashed and dropped to 10th place. Not a lot changed with Van De Moosdijk moved to 30 seconds ahead of Forato on lap eight, then came Horgmo, Dankers and Boegh. Rubini remained in 10th place.
With a 32 second lead Van de Moosdijk slipped over in a corner, but still had an easy lead when he got up and just to make matters even better for the leader, Rubini dropped out of the top ten and was in 13th.
Van De Moosdijk won race 2 from Forato and Horgmo and getting is double race win of the season and the Red Plate for the first time in his career. The Dutch rider got in the Belgian round in thirst position in the series and will head to Switzerland leading the series with 11 point over Rubini.
Roan Van De Moosdijk
“I didn’t know I had the points lead until the end of the race. The start today was good, and I controlled the races even if at the end I got tired. It’s been always a dream to have a red plate and now I have it, and close to home with all my family and friends here to see it. I want to thank my team and my trainer.”
Roan Van De Moosdijk
EMX250 – Overall Top Ten
Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 50 points
Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 40
Mikkel Haarup (DEN, HUS), 35
Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 34
Ken Bengtson (SWE, HUS), 31
Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 28
Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 28
Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 26
Isak Gifting (SWE, KTM), 23
Hakon Fredriksen (NOR, YAM), 20
EMX250 – Championship Top Ten
Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 288 points
Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 277
Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 275
Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 195
Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 137
Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 133
Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 131
Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 127
Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 99
Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 97
EMX125
Joel Rizzi took the holeshot in the opening EMX 125 race but it was Mattia Guadagnini who took the lead quickly and just walked away from the field. Second was Simon Laengenfelder, and third Tom Guyon. Mike Gwerder finished in fifth and lost ground on the two front guys in the points race.
EMX125 start
The second EMX125 presented by FMF Racing race proved a surprise as Laengenfelder took the lead on Guadagnini and Guyon on lap 3. After five laps the lead was five seconds as the German rider showed amazing sand skills.
Rizzi was also looking good in fourth position ahead of fifth placed Kay De Wolf. Laengenfelder rode brilliant to remain in control and winning from Guadagnini and Guyon.
EMX125 podium
Simon Laengenfelder won his first EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing round of his career with his 2-1 and he stands third in the championship while Mattia Guadagnini keeps the red plate.
Simon Laengenfelder
“I had the holeshot and Guadagnini passed me then I passed him back. I am so happy with the victory. I want to thank my team. This is unbelievable.”
Simon Laengenfelder
EMX125 – Overall Top Ten
Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 47 points
Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 47
Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 40
Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, KTM), 34
Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 30
Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, KTM), 26
Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 25
Max Palsson (SWE, KTM), 24
Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 23
Joel Rizzi (GBR, KTM), 23
EMX125 – Championship Top Ten
Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 265 points
Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 245
Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 175
Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 174
Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 165
Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 156
Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 155
Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 123
Guillem Farres (ESP, KTM), 101
Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, KTM), 95
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Husqvarna’s Waters & Todd claim titles at Coolum MX Nationals
DPH Husqvarna Factory Racing team racers Todd Waters and Wilson Todd dominated the final two rounds of the MX Nationals in Coolum, to win both the MX1 450cc and MX2 250cc National Motocross Championships, and become the only team to win both the MX1 and MX2 titles in the one MX Nationals season.
Todd Waters – Image by iKapture
Todd Waters quickly secured the MX1 Superpole on Saturday, before going on to win all three MX1 races, while Wilson Todd took both MX2 wins and secured a dominant round nine display for DPH.
With Sunday hosting the tenth and final round of the MX Nationals on the very same track, Todd Waters once more secured Superpole before going on to win both 16-lap MX1 races and securing the MX1 Championship.
Wilson Todd took a 1-2 finish in the back-to-back format and a third in the final moto to also secure the MX2 overall and the 2019 MX2 Championship.
Wilson Todd – Image by iKapture
Todd Waters – 2019 Thor MX1 Champion
“I’ve wanted this for so long, and I’m pumped to be able to do it with such a great group around me. From personal sponsors that have been with me through my whole career, to new supporters, and the team at DPH, my family, and especially my Dad Steve. Having him behind me at every gate drop has been unreal and really helped to take the pressure off and just enjoy racing my bike. I’ve said it a lot this season, but I really love riding the FC450. DPH builds a family atmosphere where it’s easy to relax, focus and get the job done and that’s exactly what we did this weekend. I was confident coming into the weekend that I could wrap up the season, but I never expected to have a perfect finish with two superpoles and five race wins!”
Todd Waters – Image by iKapture
Wilson Todd – 2019 MX2 Champion
“Everything came together for me this weekend. I’ve been comfortable leading the championship, but with such a small gap, and a double header weekend, anything could’ve happened. I didn’t get a great lap in qualifying, but I got out of the gates strong and was able to ride at a strong pace to take both race wins and increase my lead for the final day of racing. For Sunday, I wanted to win, but not at the sake of the championship, so I used my head, raced hard and took opportunities when they were there, without risking too much. I’m now a two-time MX2 champion, and really glad I could help DPH make history by taking both championships in the one season. Thank you to everyone that supports me and the whole team.”
Wilson Todd – Image by iKaptureWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
CDR Yamaha’s Luke Clout MX1 runner-up
Heading into the final two rounds over the weekend the premier MX1 championship rolled into Coolum on a knife’s edge with just two points separating the top two riders and with four points scoring motos on a track known to wreak havoc, where anything could have happened.
Luke Clout – Image by iKapture
But, fight as he may, Luke Clout wasn’t able to overcome rival Todd Waters and had to settle for fourth place in each round which more than secured second place in the championship on board his Yamaha YZ450F.
Clout stuck to his guns all weekend and went down swinging. He wanted to take the challenge right up to Waters but a crash proved costly and he was unable to make any headway into the championship lead.
Luke Clout
“I did everything I could all weekend and the boys in the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team really put in the hard yards but I wasn’t good enough today and Todd deserved his victory. I felt pretty good on the bike most of the weekend but I had a decent crash in the final race on Saturday afternoon which left me and my bike pretty battered. The team worked through the night to get it back into perfect shape and we gave it our all, but just couldn’t get it done. Congratulations to Todd and his team this year. I know he has wanted this for a long-time and he has been great to race with all season. For me it was a better result than last season which is good, and the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team have been amazing to work with. Finishing second has given me more motivation to work harder for next years championship and I will be back to give it 100%. Thank you to my team, my family and my girlfriend for their support this season, also to WEM and the series sponsors in making the MX Nationals happen. Time now for a few days off and then its back into it for Supercross and I can’t wait to get back in the stadiums again.”
Luke Clout – Image by iKapture
Strong Coolum result for Kawasaki’s Dylan Long
Dylan Long finished off the 2019 MX Nationals championship in spectacular fashion at Coolum, scoring dual MX1 podium results in the double-header series finals.
Saturday’s Round 9 marked Long’s first overall podium of the year after he qualified in sixth position and then powered to 3-7 results in the opening MX1 sprint races for a combined moto score of fourth. In the final outing, he charged to third, granting him a deserved third overall for round nine.
Round 10 was even more impressive for the popular Victorian talent, transferring through Super Pole to qualify in third. The first moto saw him one again ride to a top-three result in third place, before backing that form up with second in moto two. Those results saw him achieve back-to-back overall podiums, this time in P2 for round 10 to cap-off the series.
Dylan Long
“I’m really stoked for myself and the Empire Kawasaki team to finish the season with these podium finishes,” beamed an elated Long. “The goal was to get better and better at every round once I came back from injury and we did that. After finishing third yesterday, I knew I would have to back it up today and we managed to finish second, so we’re really happy. The track was gruelling this weekend and especially today, but Empire Kawasaki had my KX450 working so good in these conditions and I can’t thank them enough!”
Dylan Long – Image by iKapture
2019 MX1 Championship Final Points
Todd Waters 568
Luke Clout 530
Hayden Mellross 462
Kirk Gibbs 435
Brett Metcalfe 432
Justin Rodbell 373
Richie Evans 372
Jesse Dobson 360
Dylan Long 325
Jayden Rykers 300
2019 MX2 Championship Final Points
Wilson Todd 562
Kyle Webster 536
Jay Wilson 523
Nathan Crawford 492
Aaron Tanti 460
Dylan Wills 394
Bailey Malkiewicz 387
Ricky Latimer 360
Cooper Pozniak 345
Morgan Fogarty 327
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Bartosz Zmarzlik wins Speedway Grand Prix of Poland
World No.2 Bartosz Zmarzlik raced to Betard Wroclaw FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland glory on Saturday night and declared the epic event “the best GP in history.”
2019 Speedway Grand Prix of Poland
The Polish icon raced to his second win of 2019 and the second of his career on home soil – five years on from his unforgettable 2014 Gorzow SGP triumph as a wild card, which saw him become the youngest SGP winner of all time at the age of 19.
Zmarzlik topped the podium ahead of Martin Vaculik and Leon Madsen, and now leads the World Championship standings on 61 points – level with Emil Sayfutdinov and Madsen, but ahead of his rivals by virtue of his FIM ranking.
It was an incredible night of action which saw passing aplenty as Wroclaw staged its first SGP event in 12 years in a sold-out Olympic Stadium.
Zmarzlik was delighted to take the win a huge 17-point haul, but admits he had to fight for it.
Bartosz Zmarzlik
“I think that was the best GP in history because there were so many riders changing places all night. It was nice speedway. I’m very happy because this is my first win in Poland away from my home track Gorzow. I am very happy because I scored good points and it was a good meeting. It was good work today. It wasn’t so easy at the start, but the last heats were the best.”
Bartosz Zmarzlik – Speedway Grand Prix of Poland
Zmarzlik is nicely placed in his quest to become Poland’s third world champion, following in the footsteps of his former Gorzow team mate and mentor Tomasz Gollob in 2010.
But he’s not taking anything for granted at the championship’s halfway stage, with five rounds still to race.
Next up is the Scandinavian SGP at Malilla’s G&B Arena on August 17. Zmarzlik triumphed there in 2016 and has been in extraordinary form in the Swedish Elitserien this season, leading the average charts on 2.900 per race – from a maximum of 3.000.
Vaculik was pleased to pick up his third SGP second place of the season and 15 valuable points. He’s now just two off top spot with 59, occupying fourth place. But the Slovak admits he’s determined to convert his next final appearance into a victory.
Third-placed Madsen produced a show reel of epic rides on his way to the final. While he admits his starts forced him to go on the offensive, he was pleased to have the pace to pull off some big moves to stay among the championship frontrunners.
Bartosz Zmarzlik tops the 2019 Speedway Grand Prix of Poland podium
Speedway GP World Championship Standings
Bartosz Zmarzlik 61
Emil Sayfutdinov 61
Leon Madsen 61
Martin Vaculik 59
Patryk Dudek 55
Fredrik Lindgren 47
Janusz Kolodziej 44
Maciej Janowski 36
Jason Doyle 35
Artem Laguta 34
Betard Wroclaw SGP Scores
Bartosz Zmarzlik 17
Martin Vaculik 15
Leon Madsen 14
Janusz Kolodziej 15
Emil Sayfutdinov 14
Maciej Janowski 12
Patryk Dudek 8
Antonio Lindback 7
Artem Laguta 7
Tai Woffinden 6
Jason Doyle 5
Fredrik Lindgren 5
Maksym Drabik 4
Max Fricke 4
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Dan Reardon joins CDR Yamaha for 2019 Australian SX
Former multi-time Australian Supercross champion, Dan Reardon, will re-unite with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team for the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship starting on October 12 in Brisbane.
Dan Reardon on the podium for the SX1 Overall at the Aus-X Open in 2018 Jason Anderon 75 Dean Wilson 62 Daniel Reardon 60
Reardon, who finished third in the 2018 championship on board a YZ450F, has joined forces with the most powerful team in Australian motocross and supercross and already deep into his preparations for the coming season.
In a deal that sees Reardon combine the championship winning formula of the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, he has also been able to bring his own sponsors to the effort to create a unique and powerful team.
Dan Reardon
“It’s awesome to be back with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team and working with a great group of guys. We won the championship together in 2015 and I have built a close bond to CDR and Yamaha over the years. Last year I did my own program together with the help of Yamaha but the logistics of managing that and also preparing to race become more time consuming than I anticipated. It’s great to be back with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team again as I know that all the background work is taken care of and my sole focus is to win races and get the job done with no distractions. Craig has been great to work with in putting this deal together and we have been able to put together a deal that allows me to keep my global deals in place with companies like Fasthouse, DR Homes, Bell, Go Pro and Boost, but also take on the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team sponsors, infrastructure and support. I’m excited to go racing again and really looking forward to a successful year and a great championship battle in 2019.”
Dan Reardon – Image by TBG
The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team were on the look out for another rider for the 2019 supercross season as Kirk Gibbs is contracted for the MX Nationals only. After assessing all options, team owner Craig Dack, felt Reardon was the right man for the job and with previous success, Dack hopes to build on the already proven platform.
Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Team Owner
“Dan is obviously a talented, highly skilled and well credentialled supercross rider who has had a long term relationship with Yamaha here in Australia and the US. On limited budget in 2018, he was able to put together an impressive season and now with the extra support and infrastructure the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team can provide, we hope to take it to the next level with Dan in 2019. He is already comfortable with the Yamaha YZ450F and well under way in his preparation for the series. We are happy to put this deal together with Dan and some of his partners that have been behind him in recent years and feel we have the riders and the team to challenge for the 2019 SX1 supercross championship.”
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack
The opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship gets under way on Saturday October 12 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre before travelling through Adelaide, Wollongong and Auckland before the grand final at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on November 30.
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Cole Seely announces retirement
Team Honda HRC rider Cole Seely announced his retirement from professional racing after over a decade competing at the highest level in both the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross series. Seely has dedicated nearly his entire professional career to the Honda brand, riding for a Honda satellite team throughout most of his 250 tenure before spending five years aboard a factory CRF450R.
At 29, Seely has accomplished a number of milestones. After turning pro in 2009, he signed with the then-Honda-backed Troy Lee Designs team in 2010. During his five-year stint with that team, Seely captured five 250SX victories and finished runner-up in the 2014 250SX West title chase.
In 2015, he was awarded 450SX Rookie of the Year honors after finishing third overall in the AMA Supercross series, highlighted by his first 450cc victory, at the Houston Supercross. Seely also represented Team USA at the 2017 Motocross of Nations.
Cole Seely – Image by Hoppenworld
Over the past few seasons, Seely has been plagued by injuries, which contributed to his decision to retire.
Cole Seely
“These past two years have been very difficult. Last year’s injury was severe and very tough on me both mentally and physically. I fought hard to return this season, but it was much more challenging than I anticipated. Now with this recent shoulder injury, it’s just another setback. This decision definitely wasn’t easy, but I think it’s the right choice. I’m grateful for having been given the opportunity to do something I’ve loved since I was a kid and to make it into my career. I’m grateful for the support from my fans and many sponsors throughout the years. I’d especially like to thank Honda, who has been behind me for my entire career, supporting me through the ups and downs. I’m grateful to have been partnered with such a great brand. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and to seeing where the future takes me.”
Cole Seely – Image by HoppenworldWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Team Belgium for 2019 Motocross of Nations announced
The MXGP of Belgium hosted the presentation of the Belgian team for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. Presentation was held at the public area of the Lommel GP in front of a huge crowd of Belgian fans.
Team Belgium Manager Johan Boonen presented the 2019 Line up representing the Belgian colors in Assen on September the 28thand 29th.
Team Belgium for 2019 Motocross of Nations announced
Jeremy van Horebeek will lead the team riding the MXGP class, while Jago Geerts will compete the MX2 class and veteran Kevin Strijbos rounded up the Squad representing Belgium in the Open class.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Rookie phenomenon Fabio Quartararo went faster than his Czech GP FP2 time to top the timesheets at the one-day Brno Test. The Frenchman’s 1:55.616 was 0.012 ahead of second-fastest Maverick Viñales as he and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP teammate Valentino Rossi got their hands on an early 2020 YZR-M1 prototype, with Franco Morbidelli making it an Iwata factory 1-2-3 on Monday.
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
One of the key talking points leading up to the Brno Test was Yamaha rolling out a first version of next year’s bike. Rossi was out on a blacked-out YZR-M1 early in the day as he and teammate Viñales got their first taste of what the 2020 bike will be like, and the duo had a new seat unit to test for their 2019 bikes.
Viñales, as usual, showed his hard-working nature, riding until the very end of the session and completing 74 laps in total. His best time of 1‘55.628s was set in the final stages, on lap 68, earning him second place, just 0.012s from first. He worked mainly on improving the 2019 bike‘s performance for the next races and is looking forward to stepping up to the challenge in the Austrian Grand Prix.
Maverick Vinales – P2
“Today I was working on improving the feeling on the bike that I had during the race. Luckily, this morning the grip of the track was very low, so this actually helped us to work pretty hard and we found a way to be better. But the tests are always great for us, so this is nothing new. We will keep trying to stay calm and stay focused in Austria. I tried the prototype for a few laps, but I preferred to concentrate on improving my 2019 bike for Austria. The laps on the 2020 bike were good though, they were good lap times, so we will see at the next test.”
Maverick Vinales – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Rossi also had a very productive day of testing in Brno. He spent time trying the 2020 prototype “black bike”, as well as the standard 2019 YZR-M1. The Doctor completed 63 laps in total and really put his head down on the last stint. His final lap saw him move up to sixth place with a 1‘56.015s and a 0.399s gap to first. His time was 0.512s quicker than the Italian‘s best time set during the Czech GP weekend, giving him a confidence boost that he is working in the right direction.
Valentino Rossi – P6
“It was a good day and a good test, because we worked quite a lot and we found something good. We also tried the prototype of the new bike, but sincerely we don‘t have a lot of changes, it‘s a different engine and a slightly different setting of the chassis. But these are just the first touches, and what we have is already good. After that we worked more with the standard 2019 bike. Some things on the 2020 prototype are good, some things need to be tested again in Misano. This is to be expected because it‘s just a trial run, and we might have something else at the next tests, later on this season.”
Valentino Rossi – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
In the Petronas Yamaha SRT box, pacesetter Quartararo tested carbon forks on his M1, the same as the factory team use and was able to make the most of the day’s eight hours of track activity, and was delighted by his progress and able to be not only fast but consistent, setting himself up for this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Fabio Quartararo – P1
“Today was really productive for us and we tried many things including some elements for the coming weekend in Austria. As always in testing there was some positives and some negatives, but in the end it was useful to test again. We tried the new carbon forks and the bike felt a little bit lighter with them, we tried some new tyres from Michelin and we were able to use some electronics settings that the team has wanted to test. We need to think about what we’ve tested and have some discussions about the direction that we’ll take with the new parts.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Meanwhile, Morbidelli improved his time last in the session to set the third quickest time of the day and got a solid 78 laps under his belt – the same as Quartararo. The Italian tried a thumb brake which he has already used on some occasions, but his main focus was on settings.
Franco Morbidelli – P3
“We tried some changes with the electronics and other settings, and I think we’ve improved the package, although of course we’re going to have to wait and see how the bike reacts to them next weekend in Austria before we can be certain. I worked with a thumb brake for the first time and the initial feeling was good, but it’s going to take some time to get used to it. All in all, I’m happy and it’s always nice to finish a test in the top three.”
Franco Morbidelli – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Czech GP winner and Championship leader Marc Marquez had three bikes at his disposal for the Brno Test. One was the one he raced with which has no carbon fibre reinforcements, the second had a small carbon fibre insert near the steering head and the third had a smaller carbon fibre insert.
The seven-time Champion also tried a new Honda aero package on one of the RC213Vs, but he did most of his work on his standard bike and as he completed 70 laps, finishing eighth on the timesheets…likely not pushing too hard on test duty.
Marc Marquez – P8
“In the end we did more laps than we had planned. But we had many things to do as HRC brought many things and Michelin had two tyres for us to try as well. We had different things on the bike, some new frames and some aerodynamics – it was all very interesting and some of them could help us in the next race. We’re also thinking about the future further ahead. It was a good test and we were able to understand some more things.”
Marc Marquez – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Cal Crutchlow also had three bikes to play with during the test. Similar to Marquez, one was his standard 2019 bike while another had the reinforced carbon chassis. Another had some “test items” on it and, again similar to Marquez, the British rider did most of his work on his standard 2019 package and ended the day P5.
Cal Crutchlow – P5
“I have my standard race bike that I’ve been using this year, I have one updated chassis and then the other one is some test items on the bike. In the end, I’m doing most of my work on the standard bike that I’ve been racing all year. The feeling is obviously different on all three bikes with the parts we’re testing, but we have to give credit to Honda as they’re working very, very hard to improve our feeling with the bike – my feeling and also the other riders’ feeling. This is the first time I’ve used new chassis and I think there are some positives and negatives to it and I still feel more comfortable with my standard one.”
Cal Crutchlow – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
With rain having affected much of the action in Brno over the past few days, teammate Takaaki Nakagami was pleased to be able to carry out some testing in dry, warm conditions today. The Japanese star was focusing on improving his exit speed from corners and also tested a Michelin tyre later in the day.
Takaaki Nakagami – P11
“We’re looking to understand more about the set-up as we have back-to-back races. This weekend we didn’t have many dry sessions, only Friday and the warm-up for the race. So we need to understand today’s conditions as the weather is better, although the temperature is not too high. We’ve tried a little bit of a different set-up and we also did a Michelin tyre test. Our main problem over the weekend was the edge grip and to keep our speed in the second part of the turn, so during the test we worked on those areas.”
Takaaki Nakagami – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
At Team Suzuki Ecstar, there was a high-speed crash for rookie Joan Mir with just under 45 minutes of the session remaining that brought out the Red Flag. Mir’s GSX-RR ended over the fence at Turn 1 and as a precaution, the Spaniard was taken to hospital for further checks.
Joan Mir – P7
“The crash was a scary one, but finally it looks like everything is more or less OK. I had some pain and struggled to breathe initially, but then the situation got better and better and I received excellent assistance and support from the medics at the track. It will take a couple of days to recover, I need to take it easy and take my time, but at the moment I feel relieved that everything is OK, and I hope I will be 100% ready to race in Austria in just a few days.”
Joan Mir – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
For teammate Alex Rins, work with the new aero package we saw across the weekend was his main focus, but he also had a small evolution on the chassis and swingarm that he tested in Barcelona. The Spaniard finished fourth fastest having completed 69 laps at Brno, with Mir also completing 69 laps – some while using the aero package for the first time – before his crash saw him end the test in seventh.
Alex Rins – P4
“Today was very positive, and I completed a good testing program. I compared the new fairing – with the new aerodynamic package – to the old one, and it helped me to confirm my good feeling with the new fairing. I also tested a new chassis and swingarm, and the difference isn’t as obvious as it is with the fairing, so we need to do a bit more analysis. I’m pleased with the work done, and I’m looking forward to going to Austria.”
Alex Rins – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Davide Brivio – Suzuki Ecstar Team Manager
“Joan crashed at the end of the test, which unfortunately means that the day wasn’t all positive. Up until then we were going well and checking lots of different items. Joan tested the new aero package and we received positive feedback from him, so I think we’ll be using it again in the coming races. We also had the chance to test a chassis which we first tried with Alex during the Catalunya test, and now we need to analyse our findings from that and discover the benefits and possible downsides. We took a lot of information from today and we’re pleased about that. Fingers crossed for Joan.”
Alex Rins – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Danilo Petrucci completed a total of 60 laps, setting a best time of 1’56.345, the Italian concentrating mainly on establishing a good feeling with his Desmosedici GP following yesterday’s difficult race, working on setup as they try to understand why the performance wasn’t quite there at Brno.
Danilo Petrucci – P10
“Today was surely positive because we had all the time we needed to work calmly. I used a medium tyre all day and in the final stages I was quite fast. We did a great job and I’m happy I found a good feeling, something which had been missing throughout the weekend. We had a lot of different things to test, but after yesterday’s problems in the race we decided to change our work schedule and focus on finding good pace again. I improved the bike’s stability a bit and above all the bike’s turn-in in the corners. Hopefully this will also help us in Austria, where I want to get back to being at the front again.”
Danilo Petrucci – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Andrea Dovizioso on the other hand was able to make a detailed back-to-back comparison between the two aerodynamic packages available, as well as trying out some new technical chassis solutions with a new swingarm and a new tyre made available by Michelin. The Italian ended the day with a best time of 1’56.391 after completing a total of 48 laps.
Andrea Dovizioso – P12
“It was important to do this test and I’m happy with the way things went today because we were able to make a detailed comparison between the new fairing and the one used until Brno, which gave us a positive response. We also had some new chassis solutions to try and these proved to be interesting, even though with the drop in the tyres it’s not always easy to make a comparison between different material. Finally, we also tried the new tyre that Michelin brought along and I had a particularly good feeling with that. Now we are going to Austria confident of being able to put in a good performance.”
Andrea Dovizioso – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
In the Pramac Racing box, Czech GP podium finisher Jack Miller confirmed he had been trying a new Ducati chassis during the weekend. The Australian was back to the one he used for the first half of the season for most of Monday’s test, with Miller doing back-to-back runs to confirm the new one was the way forward. Moreover, he made progress with the rear shock.
Teammate Francesco Bagnaia was focused on getting more miles under his belt and having found a new setup in FP4 at Brno, the reigning Moto2 World Champion will hope to take more confidence into Austria. Bagnaia ended the test as the fastest Ducati, placing ninth – 0.632 from Quartararo’s time.
Jack Miller – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Johann Zarco had a short day, finishing 20th and still feeling the positive energy of his front row qualification effort on Saturday, finishing the test early in the afternoon after riding 31 laps to be ready for his upcoming home round.
On the other side of the garage, Pol Espargaro did 49 laps as KTM worked on a little bit of everything: settings, electronics, chassis, aero package and suspension.
Pol Espargaro – P14
“It’s tricky to make a hot lap when you are trying many changes. First of all we analysed the problems we had from the race: why we could not make the top ten and why we suffered when the rear tyre was used. Tests like these are always useful for making conclusions and finding solutions and today was positive for that. We worked on the engine, electronics, the rear shock to look for a smoother delivery and less wheel spin. We are looking forward to the home GP now and all those orange flags. I missed the race last year and that outstanding experience of feeling all that support.”
Pol Espargaro – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Johann Zarco – P20
“I didn’t do so many laps today: we wanted to try things but also keep good energy for Spielberg. We gathered some important information but our base will more or less remain the same for next weekend because it is a totally different track compared to here. I’m still trying to improve my riding style. It is hard work but I am doing the best training possible to achieve this. I love Red Bull Ring and have had some good results there. We’ll see how we can manage the bike. We know it is an important track for the engine and we know our bike is quite fast. Let’s see.”
Johann Zarco – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Miguel Oliveira (15th) and Hafizh Syahrin (19th) managed almost a hundred circulations between them and the Portuguese ended the day less than half a second from the top ten.
Miguel Oliveira – P15
“We have been very, very close to the top and mid-grid for the classification. Today the target wasn’t to do a fast lap, as we just wanted to try the parts that the factory team gave to us related to some things to the frame, some things to the engine, small details, that don’t make a big difference themselves but in the package helped us a lot to improve.”
Miguel Oliveira – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Hafizh Syahrin – P19
“There were not too many parts we tried today; we focused mainly on my riding. Plus, we tried something different with the electronics and we had two tyres from Michelin, which we tested. I probably tried a bit too hard this morning in turn five and came off the track but it was not a huge crash, so in the end everything was fine. We used the test engine, which is different to the one in the race, so overall it was a positive day.”
Hafizh Syahrin – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Mike Leitner – Red Bull KTM Team Manager
“We didn’t want to take many risks at this test so we are happy with the outcome of trying some new items with good potential. We worked on our specs like aerodynamics and also an idea for the chassis as well as the engine. It was a fundamental test that gave us a few positive points for the future. In the coming days we’ll make analysis of what – and when – we can use for our race bike. Conditions were good here today and it was not our target to go for the best lap-time.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 2019 Brno MotoGP Test
Aleix Espargaro had a carbon-reinforced chassis to try during the morning hours for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, and in the afternoon the Spaniard tested a new swingarm for the Noale factory. He did 57 laps, with teammate Andrea Iannone doing 52.
It’s time for a couple of days rest after a busy day at the Czech adrenaline factory, but the riders are back on track for FP1 in Austria on Friday as the action kicks off at the Red Bull Ring.
“I was really concentrated from the beginning as there were still some wet patches, especially at Turn 1. I knew I needed to keep my rhythm as the Yamaha riders were starting from behind and they were strong in Warm Up. Then I saw that Dovi was behind me so I had to keep pushing and pushing. I had a little warning on lap 10 because that is when I started to push more to try and open the gap. Delaying the race was the best decision that could have been made because the track was in a mixed condition and it could have been quite dangerous. A crazy weekend with the weather but the whole Repsol Honda Team were perfect and helped me a lot to achieve victory!”
Marc Marquez – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Andrea Dovizioso – P2
“I’m happy with my second place today and the fact that we were fast all through the weekend, even though unfortunately it wasn’t enough to win the race. I opted for a different rear tyre to Marquez and at the start I pushed hard to stay close to him, but when he began to brake harder I didn’t have any margin to push harder at the front. Pity, but we weren’t that far away from him, so we have to continue to believe in ourselves: I’m still positive because tomorrow there will be an important test day here at Brno, with a lot of new material to try out.”
Andrea Dovizioso – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Jack Miller – P3
I am very satisfied with this result and I thank the team because this weekend we have done an extraordinary job. When Rins overtook me I stayed calm and this allowed me to manage the tyre and then attack him in the final. The delayed start? Turn 1 would have been very dangerous. It was the right decision and it’s nice to see how much Dorna cares about our safety.
Jack Miller – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Alex Rins – P4
“I was really close to the podium, and it’s a bit of a shame because I was fighting hard all race and trying to close Dovizioso in front of me. But in the last five laps I felt that the grip had dropped, however, but I’m still pleased to get fourth place. Tomorrow we’re testing and we’ll try many things, this should allow me to go to Austria next week feeling fresh and ready to fight again in the top group.”
Alex Rins – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Cal Crutchlow – P5
“At the end of the first lap, or the first two or three anyway, I was already 3.8 seconds down or something like that, so I lost a lot of time in the first few laps as I was not able to get through. Maybe I wasted one lap too many behind (Danilo) Petrucci and Valentino (Rossi), but I tried my best, had a good pace and we’re happy with the result considering where we came from on the grid. I made a good start and had a good race, but I just wore that rear tyre out coming across the gap to the front guys. I was four seconds down and got it back to two at one point, but that put a lot of stress on the rear tyre on a day when the track condition was really, really bad. Overall we’re happy, the team did a good job, Honda did a good job and we should be pleased to come away with a top five result after not a good qualifying and not having a great feeling with the bike this weekend.”
Cal Crutchlow – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Valentino Rossi – P6
“Starting the race at 2PM would have been very dangerous, especially with the first sector being full wet, because everybody would have used the slicks and then arrive at the first corner all together. For me that is one of the most dangerous things you can do. So, I asked if it’s possible to delay, and I think that was the right choice because in the end we had a real race that was completely dry. For sure, we’re not happy about a sixth place, but I was able to ride my bike in a better way and in the end it wasn’t too bad. The guys that arrived in front were faster than I was, but it was better than the last races, so this is quite positive. We have some things we want to try tomorrow. We have a new engine specification and also some other things, so as always it will be an important test and we will see.”
Valentino Rossi – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Fabio Quartararo – P7
“Saturday was a tough day so Sunday’s goal was to be top rookie and to try and be in the top eight, and we achieved both goals. It’s the first race where I feel like I really had to work to save the tyres, and I learned a lot from doing that. The conditions were strange and I was a little bit stressed in the beginning because I don’t have much experience, but we’re happy with our result. I overtook a few riders in the race and I learned a lot from doing that, about how to save the tyres so I can be more aggressive when I need to. I tried to push at the end to catch Rossi to try and fight with him for the first time and it’s a shame I wasn’t quite able to close down the gap to him.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Danilo Petrucci – P8
“For sure this was the most difficult race of the year for me. I missed out on being able to lap in the dry yesterday, because already on Friday I was struggling a bit at this circuit. The race was tough because right from the start I didn’t have much grip and the leaders went away immediately, and then it was also difficult to fight with the others because in the final stages I had finished the tyres. Pity, because Rins made up a few points on me in the standings even though I’m still in third, but luckily tomorrow we’ll have an entire day of testing to understand what to improve.”
Danilo Petrucci – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Takaaki Nakagami – 9th
“It was really hard to concentrate because I think everyone was ready to go and then we had a 40-minute delay. I tried to stay focused, then I made a good start and at the beginning I was behind Cal and tried to follow him. It was a tough race, it was hard to keep the lap times and maintain your position. I was always P10 but at the end I had a chance to pass Pol (Espargaro), so it’s not a fantastic result but I’m happy to finish another race in the top 10. It’s very important for us and I must continue to try and keep improving my riding. We have a test tomorrow and we have some ideas to try, so let’s keep working hard for the next race.”
Takaaki Nakagami – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Maverick Viñales – P10
“I started on the damp part of the track and for sure that was a small disadvantage, but Álex started in front of me, on the same side of the grid, and he was OK. I think we lost a lot of grip compared to the morning, which is something we often struggle with, with our bike, so it’s something we have to improve. Tomorrow, during the test, I don’t want to start thinking about 2020 already, it’s too far ahead. I want to be in front in Austria, so this will be an important test to improve the bike for next weekend.”
Maverick Vinales – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Pol Espargaro – P11
“Qualifying went very well, and today we could keep the rhythm near the front for the first four-five laps after making a good start in very tricky conditions. Then we had some wheel-spin as the tyre dropped, mostly on the straights, and it meant we lost some positions. I tried to go with Valentino [Rossi], [Danilo] Petrucci and [Cal] Crutchlow but it was complicated. I was losing a lot each lap. So, some positives and negatives today and we’re looking forward to tomorrow to see if we can make some improvements. We have a big target for next weekend.”
Pol Espargaro – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Pecco Bagnaia – P12
“It’s been a very difficult weekend. We didn’t have much time to work because of the rain on Saturday. We found the right direction in wet conditions and we were able to replicate that set up in the dry. From the warm-up the feeling was positive. It was important to finish this race. I can’t wait to be in Austria on a track where the Ducati have always been very fast.”
Pecco Bagnaia – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Miguel Oliveira – P13
“It was a nice race: difficult for everyone, especially to manage the grip of the rear tyre. The pace was the best I could do. We did a great job after having only one day of practice in the dry, the team gave me a nice bike to ride, so I’m really happy for that. The gap to the first is not so big, it’s the second-best gap that we had all season. We are definitely on a line of improvement and we just need to keep working like this.”
Miguel Oliveira – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Johann Zarco – P14
“Not the plan we had. The start was a disaster. I think I had some spin because I was on the right side of the track where there were some wet patches. It was the right decision to wait forty minutes and start the race with the slick. I messed-up the start but it was good to fight and I did my best to be as constant as possible. In the end it was good to be in the points and to beat the guy I was racing with at the end. I want to say I am happy but it is because I did not finish the last two races and that is the most disappointing thing. Compared to yesterday 14th is not so satisfying but it’s where I am at the moment.”
Johann Zarco – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Stefan Bradl – P15
“I’m not happy with the final result because I think we had a lot more potential. Since Friday we have been improving but the conditions of Saturday and lack of time hurt us in the race today and I struggled with rear grip and turning during the race. It has been a very busy weekend and we were able to work a lot for Honda. To score was good but I am hoping for more in Austria. I’m excited to be asked to join the Repsol Honda Team once again next week and I am already thinking about the race.”
Stefan Bradl – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Tito Rabat – P16
“It has been a difficult weekend, it is a shame because it is a circuit that we are good at. The bad conditions did not helped me but we have been able to fight until the end. I’ve finished close to the points’ positions, which is positive. I am happy with the team and the situation, tomorrow we stay to do a test to continue improving.”
Tito Rabat – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Andrea Iannone – P17
“Unfortunately, we struggled throughout the weekend. In the race, I tried to manage the tyre in the first part so that I could try to recover in the finale, but it wasn’t enough. Tomorrow we have an important day of tests. We need to react and focus on being more reactive. Despite the difficulties, we will not give up. We want to grow this project and races like this must be further motivation for everyone, for the team and for those working at home.”
Andrea Iannone – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Aleix Espargaro – P18
“Today, after an outstanding start, I found myself just behind the top ten and, to be honest, I thought I would be able to do another race like the Sachsenring because the bike did not seem bad at all. But after a few laps, I started to have abnormal spin at the rear tyre, even in the higher gears. It’s a pity, because besides this problem, the feeling was good. Tomorrow I’ll have a new frame and a new swingarm available, in addition to a few ideas that we want to try with the electronics. I’ll be the first one out on the track, and we will try to take a step forward.”
Aleix Espargaro – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Karel Abraham – P19
“I am not happy because it was the race in which I had to be, at least, riding with my teammate. During the first part of the race he was a little faster and we were not far between us, but something happened, I felt something was different on the bike and I slowed down. I tried to adapt, but I think the problem was bigger and now we have to try to find out what it is. Then I had problems with the rear wheel, it was sliding too much and I had no traction.”
Karel Abraham – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Sylvain Guintoli: P20
“I didn’t feel very good during the race and I struggled, but overall the weekend has been good for me. During FP1 and FP3 I was able to show some good pace, and that was pretty exciting for me. I had hoped to perform much better in the race, but it wasn’t possible. I’m ready to work hard with the team in the next days and discover some useful things during the test.”
Sylvain Guintoli – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Joan Mir – DNF
“I was on the outside of Morbidelli coming off the start and when he went down there was nothing I could do to avoid him. This type of incident is always an extra risk when you start towards the back of the grid, and it was a shame that my race ended there. I had a good feeling with my bike during the warm-up in the dry and I was disappointed not to discover how I could convert that pace in the race. But anyway, these things happen, let’s think about Austria next week!”
Joan Mir – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Hafizh Syahrin – DNF
“I’m very disappointed. It was a really good race. I felt confident and I was one of the only three riders to choose the hard tyre in front but for some reason we suddenly lost the front. Plus, the start was strange. I tried to put in the launch control, but it was not working and also the dashboard was a bit confused, so I needed to start without launch control, which was very difficult for me. But on the first lap I was really strong and on the second one, I caught back up with the group. I arrived in 15th and knew I would be able to pass Aleix [Espargaro], but first I tried to stay with Maverick [Viñales] and to pull away a little bit and then the crash happened. That’s racing, I feel sorry for everyone.”
Hafizh Syahrin – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Franco Morbidelli – DNF
“It’s a pity because it looked like I was going to be able to have a good race because I had a good feeling in warm-up and in the first few laps. It certainly felt like Zarco made an inelegant move on me, but that’s racing and we’ll try to come back strongly again next weekend. It’s good that we’ve got testing tomorrow both to improve the bike a little more and to unload some of the pressure that a day like today creates. It’s even better to jump straight into another race weekend too.”
Franco Morbidelli – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Team Managers
Massimo Meregalli – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director
“The sudden rain before the start gave us a hard time, because these are the conditions in which we usually suffer the most. We received different feedback after the race from the riders: Vale felt better in the afternoon compared to this morning, whilst for Maverick it was the complete opposite. Valentino had a decent start. He lost a bit of time in the opening laps behind Pol Espargaró but pushed to the max to get the best result possible, which today was sixth place. Maverick had a small disadvantage at the start in that he was on the wetter side of the grid. After a difficult start he had to climb up the rankings from 15th place, while overtaking with our current bike is hard. Knowing the level of performance he had in nearly all the practices, it’s a shame we lost a good opportunity. We hope that the weather will be stable and dry tomorrow, because it will be an important test.”
Valentino Rossi – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Wilco Zeelenberg – PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Manager
“It was mixed fortunes because Fabio did good but Franco basically got smashed off the track. We had a lot of good sessions throughout the weekend and learned a lot from riding in the wet and in mixed conditions; that will be important for other races later in the year. It was a difficult situation on Sunday but the team managed well, staying calm and keeping the riders well-informed. We knew the guys would have to manage the riders. It’s a pity to have a DNF in the first lap when all you’re doing is fighting and that’s really disappointing as a team after preparing the race well. Fabio’s target was clear and he managed the tyres very well to overtake three or four riders. He can be proud of what he achieved this weekend.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Mike Leitner – Red Bull KTM Team Manager
“In general the weekend for KTM was not so bad but for sure our target was the top ten. Pol nearly did it but lost the rear tyre quite dramatically after mid-race distance and could not keep his position. He did a great job and we need to work harder so our tyre life stays longer. Johann rode well to get a good position on the grid but the bad luck with the weather meant it was very wet on that side and it affected him to focus and make a good start. He scored two points and all of us are not so happy with that but it’s where we are right now. Miguel had a decent race and we had three bikes in the points. Tomorrow we’ll test and try some items to improve lap-times and stability for the race. Next week is our home GP and we are focussed on our target there and to finish in a good position.”
In the opening MXGP race it was Glenn Coldenhoff who took the FOX holeshot from Romain Febvre and Tim Gajser. Arminas Jasikonis was down in last after a crash in the first corner as well as Max Anstie who crashed in the first corner and struggled to get going again. Gajser moved into the lead while Jeremy Van Horebeek moved into the top ten.
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
After a lap the lead was a little more than a couple of bike lengths as Gajser continued to shine in the Belgian sand until Febvre moved into the lead on lap two.
Five laps in and Febvre had just two seconds over Gajser while Coldenhoff was closing up on the Slovenian. The top three remained close, but not close enough for any passing.
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Jasikonis moved into eight position and dropped Gautier Paulin to ninth position. After nine laps the lead of Febvre was two seconds with Coldenhoff in third a further two seconds behind, Seewer was fourth and Jonass fifth.
Arnaud Tonus made a pass inside on Pauls Jonass for fifth while Van Horebeek closed up on those two. Febvre was starting to get away from Gajser on lap 10 with four seconds between himself and Gajser.
Jeremy Van Horebeek – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Gajser put in a quick lap time and close the lead to just two seconds and looked like he was going after Febvre, but then just as quickly Febvre put in a good lap and got the lead back to five seconds.
Febvre was pushing hard and the lead was seven seconds on lap 14 while Gajser had a four second lead over Coldenhoff. It was a kind of lonely race for the top three.
MXGP Race 2
In the second MXGP race it was Tim Gajser in the lead from Van Horebeek, Anstie, Coldenhoff, Koch, Tonus, Jonass, Strijbos, Monticelli and Tixier in 10th. Febvre started in 11th place. Anstie quickly moved into second place while Febvre was quickly into sixth position.
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
One lap in and Gajser was just ahead of Anstie, with Van Horebeek a further seven seconds back in third place. Jonass had trouble with the bike and had to drop in 14th while Febvre, Jasikonis and Seewer moved past. Anstie moved into the lead on lap four and after four laps it was Anstie, Gajser, Van Horebeek, Coldenhoff and Febvre to round out the top five.
Anstie was on fire up front as he pulled to more than four seconds ahead of Gajser, with Van Horebeek 17 seconds back, and Coldenhoff and Febvre right on him for third place. On lap eight Jonass again stalled on the track and tried to get his bike running.
Max Anstie – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Anstie pushed hard in the mid stages as he made the gap between himself and Gajser more than nine seconds and Van Horebeek 20 seconds behind the leader. Jasikonis passed Febvre and the Frenchman’s chances of a GP victory slipped away. Febvre did fight back and re-passed Jasikonis and around the same time Anstie went down and Gajser moved into the lead.
Things got interesting with Anstie, Van Horebeek, Coldenhoff and Febvre all right behind the Slovenian rider. Van Horebeek tried to get past Anstie, and it all helped Gajser who was suddenly more than six seconds in the lead.
Glenn Coldenhoff – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Van Horebeek fell down after handing Coldenhoff third place and the Belgian also let Febvre into fourth position, but up front Gajser was in complete control. Anstie pulled back the lead by Gajser and passed the HRC rider on lap 14. Gajser though was too strong over the two races and won the overall with 2-2 scores.
Max Anstie won his first race of the 2019 Season and the first ever in top class ahead of Gajser and Coldenhoff while Tim Gajser won the GP with 2-2, for the Slovenian is the first Belgian GP win ever and it marked the first win for Honda in the premier class in Lommel. Romain Febvre missed the GP win for 1 point shy as for Glenn Coldenhoff was the first podium appearance of the season.
Tim Gajser topped the podium from Febvre and Coldenhoff – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Tim Gajser 2-2
“It was a great weekend, finishing two-two for first overall in Lommel. My riding was good, especially because in the past I’ve struggled here but we’ve worked hard this year with the team and it really paid off. We’ve prepared a lot better for these tough conditions and it was certainly helped by two good starts, just like we have done so often this year. I wasn’t able to win a moto but I rode smoothly and smart and I minimised any mistakes. I’m just so happy to win here in Lommel, because it is a special GP and a good test and just shows how much I’ve progressed as a rider.”
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Romain Febvre 1-4
“This weekend was good. I took the holeshot in the first moto which made life easy, and I won that race, so I am happy about that. My speed was good. I didn’t get a good start in the second race and had to work hard to fight back which cost a lot of energy. I knew I was close to winning the GP, but I could not make it, so I am pleased with second overall.”
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Glenn Coldenhoff 3-3
“It is great. Two weeks ago I didn’t feel good in the sand, but the team helped with a great bike and I give it to those guys. I am happy to be back up here and I enjoy it. The sand always suits me well, and it is easier than hard pack for me. Yesterday I felt good. I went into qualification to save energy for today’s race and maybe that was wrong, because I couldn’t find my rhythm and I struggled a bit. I pushed this morning and had that good feeling again pulling also the FOX Holeshot. I have to thank my boss and the whole team. We have been through difficult time, but we are back. The team has done an amazing job to have me comfortable in the sand.”
Glenn Coldenhoff – MXGP of Belgium 2019, Round 14
Jeremy Seewer 4-5
“The first moto was one of the toughest races I have had all season. I slept really bad last night, and I think I was still sleeping on the starts today. I was catching up on sleep in both races on the gate. They kept the gate really long and a lot of guys kept trying to jump it. I worked hard to get into the top-five. I happy with my consistency. This is always the goal. Overall, fourth place in Lommel is really good because it is easy to crash here. Now I look forward to a few days rest before we go again.”
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