Category Archives: News

News Articles

Yamaha men again lead the way as Valencia Test wraps up

Valencia Day Two – November 20, 2019


Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) topped the second day of the Valencia test and it was once again a Yamaha 1-2-3, the tuning fork trio at the top within three-tenths.

Viñales was the only rider in the 1m29s – true of Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) at the weekend – and the number 12 narrowly beat the Frenchman’s pole time on Wednesday.

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Quartararo was 0.164s in arrears, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) within 0.265s of the top.

Honda’s Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) was the only other man within half a second…

Viñales fastest was set on the ‘new’ bike – with a different chassis and new engine – and the Spaniard put in 67 laps on the final day of testing, topping the timesheets with his 56th.

Team-mate Valentino Rossi was once again ninth, and ‘The Doctor’ did 68 laps on Wednesday. He was within 0.968s of the top and suffered a mechanical problem in the afternoon, but got back out.

Massimo Meregalli – Monster Energy Yamaha

“For sure, it has been a positive start to the new ’racing year‘. Yesterday both riders tried the new prototype bike for the very first time and their impressions were quite positive, especially considering the engine, because that‘s where we put the focus on for this test. The new engine is smoother than last year‘s, and we also increased the top speed to a certain extent, allowing us to improve. We didn‘t have any problems during these two days of testing. As a matter a fact, the work on the engine went so well that we also had time to start on improving the chassis set-up at the end of the day. We will spend some time on that next week, because we will go to another track in a few days‘ time. Jerez has a different lay-out and characteristics. We want to try the same specification at that circuit as we have run here, because we can‘t base our verdict on new parts on a one-time performance. This is really important, especially for evaluating the engine. We aim to improve our general package there: chassis, engine, and electronics. This prototype is a completely new bike, with the aim of improving all the areas without losing the positive points Yamaha bikes traditionally have. That‘s still our goal.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Vinales
Maverick Vinales

Maverick Vinales – P1

“Today was similar to yesterday. The new chassis works quite well, I‘m happy. I kept working on the engine and it feels like run by run we are making little steps. For sure, we are working very hard, but it‘s not enough yet. We have to keep working, but this test was positive because we brought significant changes and that‘s the most important. Honestly, the grip here in Valencia was fantastic during the test, so if the grip is lower in Jerez, we will know more. At the moment I feel there‘s potential and we have to understand how to realise it. The Jerez track‘s lay-out is totally different. It‘s a good track for a test, because usually if the bike goes well there it goes well everywhere. There we will see how strong we are.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Vinales
Maverick Vinales

Valentino Rossi – P10

“It was a positive test, I’m quite happy because we worked well. It was very important for us to try the new bike, the 2020 prototype. It’s good, it’s not so bad. We have a lot of work to do, but we improved. We also had some changes in the team, a new Chief Mechanic, so it is very important to understand the new team dynamic and try to work together. Both the new bike and the personnel change turned out positive and at the end I’m in P9 today. We improved the pace a lot with the used tyre, which is very important.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Rossi
Valentino Rossi

Quartararo and Morbidelli, meanwhile, didn’t say much about what they were working on – “some small things” and the Frenchman said it was more a day of riding than testing as yet. For a man only just starting his second season, the 64 laps were doubtlessly useful, however, and Morbidelli added another 52 to the team’s count.

Wilco Zeelenberg – Petrons Yamaha SRT Manager

“It was a little cold but a very positive first test of 2020, with both riders trying out quite a lot of components, chassis parts and aerodynamics. The bottom line is that there were some positives and some negatives, as is the case with every test, but it’s good to see that the Yamahas are at the front. It’s a positive way to start a new season.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Fabio Quartararo – P2

“We tested a few things today, but we’ll need to try them again to confirm the feedback. The most important thing I was able to do today was just to ride and work on some settings with the bike. We’ve got things to improve with the bike but already it looks like Maverick’s new bike is faster than the current one so Yamaha is working in a good way and I’m looking forward to getting a chance to ride it in Jerez.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Quartararo
Fabio Quartararo

Franco Morbidelli – P3

“I’m happy with the test, because we’ve been able to be fast throughout both days; faster than we were at the race weekend and closer to the top guys. We’ve been trying some new items that have been good for us, just small things. Some of them I’ve really liked and some of them didn’t make a big difference, so it’ll be important now to try to understand the changes. Hopefully, we’ll be able to try the new engine in Jerez, because it’ll be very important to get feedback from it and to understand the strengths of it.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Morbidelli
Franco Morbidelli

For Crutchlow it was a mammoth day of work. The Brit headed out on the ‘2020’ bike, suffered a crash but managed to prove Yamaha’s closest competitor on the timesheets and improve his lap-time from the weekend after 73 laps.

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Crutchlow
Cal Crutchlow

Cal Crutchlow – P4

“Obviously, we went a little bit quicker today than yesterday and that was always the aim, to get some more information and to be able to go faster. Overall, we’re pleased, pleased with the amount of laps we did. We did quite a high amount of laps in the short space of time we went out on track because I don’t think anybody went out too early, it was too cold and we have another test in another two or three days’ time. We managed to get 75 laps done in three and a half, four hours and we’re pleased with the progress we made today.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Crutchlow
Cal Crutchlow

Speaking of the number 73, Alex Marquez, on the other side of the LCR Honda garage, was the only man to do more laps. The rookie did 79 on his second day as an HRC MotoGP rider, shaving six-tenths off his time from Tuesday.

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Alex Marquez
Alex Marquez

Reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) made some more Honda headlines, however. The number 93 rode around with his brother and premiered the aero seen on Crutchlow yesterday, with the all-black Honda breaking cover bearing a 93 in the afternoon, and he ended the day in seventh after 71 laps.

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Marquez Brothers
Marc and Alex Marquez

Marquez also suffered a failed get-away earlier in the day, and his team-mate for the test – in the garage at least – also suffered an issue on Wednesday as Stefan Bradl ground to a halt. Nevertheless the German was able to complete 53 laps by the end of play.

Marc Marquez – P7

“It has been a good test and we have started to understand the 2020 bike, or at least the first version. We tried some things with the engine and the chassis, like always there were some positives and negatives. I did my best time today with the prototype bike, this was a positive. Now in five days we will be back to work in Jerez and I think that this will help us even more to understand the bike. I’m looking forward to it. The goal is to confirm our findings from here and make a further plan.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Marc Marquez
Marc Marquez

Alex Marquez – P23

“I’m quite happy with how the test went, lap by lap we are understanding the bike more and more. I did a lot of laps today so physically I am a little tired because I’m still a bit stiff on the bike but this will improve with more laps. We did a lot on used tyres to improve our pace and learn the behaviour more. Of course, we still need to improve more and work on some things, but I am satisfied with what we have done today and in this test. Now we go to Jerez, I’m looking forward to being on the bike again after really enjoying the bike.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Alex Marquez
Alex Marquez

Team Suzuki Ecstar were fifth and sixth on Wednesday. The new engine previously having been put through its paces by test rider Sylvain Guintoli was a big focus for the Hamamatsu factory as they look for a step forward in terms of outright speed.

Joan Mir was the quickest Suzuki on Day 2. He put in a 1m30.427s and did 61 laps, but teammate Alex Rins was just 0.076s off and did 47 laps. They plan to continue testing the engine at Jerez.

Ken Kawauchi – Suzuki Technical Manager

“Our main priority in this test was to test the engine with the 2020 specification and we did so with both riders. Yesterday we received positive feedback from the riders, with both of them fairly happy with it; today we worked to finalise some electronics and the riders are now around 80% satisfied with it. It’s still too early to say that we have a final decision on the engine but for sure it looks like we are on the right path. In Jerez next week we will focus again on the engine, finding new solutions with the electronics that will hopefully help us with the final decision. Then ready for Sepang, we will develop some more items to complete the 2020 package.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Mir
Joan Mir

Davide Brivio – Suzuki Team Manager

“For sure we can say we’re happy with this test. We had the new spec. engines to test, and both Alex and Joan immediately felt more comfortable with it. But we also needed time to work on it, especially with the electronics and setup we improved run after run during these two days. We went through some comparisons of other parts too. Now we head to Jerez where it will be important to carry on this positive job and hopefully confirm a few things. While at the moment we are focused on the engine and electronics, in Sepang we will be able to focus on more general setup, and we should have some new parts in the chassis area.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Rins
Alex Rins

Joan Mir – P5

“I feel really happy about these two days here in Valencia. We initially tried the new engine and even yesterday I felt positive with it, so today we have been working on the electronics to find the limits of this new configuration. I did great lap times, very consistent and always towards the top of the timesheets. At the moment we are happy, everything went well here, but we are aware that it’s too early to say 100% that the new engine is the correct way. We need to continue testing, especially with the electronics. In Jerez maybe we’ll get some more upgrades, but in any case we are on the right path.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Joan Mir
Joan Mir

Alex Rins – P6

“Today has been another positive day, as we improved our work on the engine and the results are good: I could better my lap times and also be very consistent, which means that the new spec. engine is giving good support. I feel a lot of improvement in top end power, despite the fact that Valencia is not the right track for trying that as it’s so short. So, I’m keen to go to Jerez where we can collect some more info. Of course, it’s important that we found many positives during these two days, and at the moment no negatives. This means that we can focus on finalising the new spec. and see if we can confirm our findings in the next test.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Alex Rins
Alex Rins

KTM stole a few headlines on Day 2. For their speed – Pol Espargaro’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) impressive showing and that of Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Iker Lecuona – they also had the new kids on the block, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Lecuona, taking some tips from the veterans. But there were also a few crashes, with each of the three racers all going down. Espargaro first, Lecuona later and Binder even later in the day.

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Pedrosa
Dani Pedrosa

Espargaro’s crash, however, led to his fastest lap as he was then forced to switch bike to another new chassis – and found immediate positives. He was eighth and did 46 laps, Pedrosa 14th after 48 laps and Lecuona just 0.045 off the three-time World Champion by the end of play. Binder did 66 laps on Day 2.

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Pol Espargaro
Pol Espargaro

Pol Espargaro – P9

“Overall it has been a good two days, a lot of info for the electronics and for the guys in the factory and the chassis technicians so quite positive. Today we focussed again on chassis and tested an evolution. When I crashed on the bike with yesterday’s frame we jumped straight away on the new one and it was very good. I’m super-happy; to have a second chassis like that right away means we know what we are doing, which is so important. We are ‘touching the button’ and improving our weakest spots. We go to Jerez now and let’s see what’s going on there and whether we can stay at the same level as here in Valencia.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Pole Espargaro
Pol Espargaro

Brad Binder – P23

“It was a cool two days and completely different to what I expected. From lap one it was like another world. The amount of power on the MotoGP bike is unbelievable. It’s incredible to see Pol’s data and some of the things he is doing is insane. I have a lot to learn. It is mainly just the lines and the way you pick up the bike on the exit of the corners. Working with the new team has been amazing. The guys are awesome and there is no pressure, they are super-chilled. They want me to improve in my own time. I had a little crash there at the end but other than that everything was pretty good today. More speed will come with time and when I find more confidence on the bike.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Binder
Brad Binder

Mike Leitner – Red Bull KTM Team Manager

“We are very happy with the test and the position and work we have done. We needed this time on track and with new stuff without the pressure of lap-times. Our four riders went through their respective schedules in a good way. Pol is already working with next year’s bike – the first prototype that Dani used this summer – and Dani himself continued to work with this version. Iker and Brad used the last spec of 2019 to get used to the bike and there are many things to learn. We can see that the speed is coming but they need to get the hang of the power, the tyres and the electronics. We were lucky with two dry days here and hopefully we can carry on in Jerez. Again I want to thank everyone in the factory for all the effort and strong work to bring us to this point. Let’s keep pushing.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Iker Lecuona
Iker Lecuona

Sebastian Risse – KTM Technical Director

“As with every year it is an exciting time for us as a team and as engineers. We had a lot of new parts here, maybe 30% of what we need to validate before the end of the year and we managed to do it already. We have virtually a new bike, a new package, with different parts to come together. We’ve been working on this with Dani and Pol and there are also options where we have to decide ‘A’ or ‘B’ and see if they work as well as the old one: that’s where we could involve our new riders a little bit but generally we tried to keep them as free as possible to focus on the riding and understanding the bike. Overall it was a really successful test and we are happy with what we have for the new bike. Pol was fast and very consistent. We are still at the point where we have to explore this package, so we have to keep pushing and tuning it. We still have to decide on a lot of parts and we’ll hope to do that in Jerez and the rest in Sepang next year.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Pol Espargaro
Pol Espargaro

Iker Lecuona – P15

“Now I have two days more on the bike here in Valencia. Overall, it was very nice with the bike and my feeling got a lot better. I improved my lap time a bit compared to the Qualifying on Saturday. I know quite well, that I still need to continue my work, adapt my riding style a lot more. For the next test in Jerez de la Frontera, I want to change some more things regarding lean angle and my body position, on the brakes, I already feel better and also with the electronics, but there’s still a lot to do for us.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Lecuona
Iker Lecuona

Hervé Poncharal – Red Bull KTM Tech3 Team Manager

“A great second day in Valencia with Iker Lecuona. We have been continuing to work in order to improve Iker’s riding style, to improve his skill and knowledge about the bike, mainly working on the tyres, understand the carbon brakes and played with the setting, trying different lines to find out how to extract the maximum of a MotoGP machine. The lap time was a bit faster, but pretty similar. The pace was clearly a lot better. On the data, we could see, that his riding style is a lot better already. So, this is mission accomplished. Now we are heading to Jerez to continue to work hard. We are very happy! On the other side, we were impressed by the amount of work Dani Pedrosa and the whole test team were doing, so we will have these two riders again with us in a few days. Let’s hope the sunshine will follow us and we can continue the good work before the winter break.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Lecuona
Iker Lecuona

The Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso, meanwhile, was focused on gathering more information on what they tested on Day 1, one big thing of note being a new chassis.

Andrea Dovizioso – P8

“Today it was important to deliberate on several components of the new bike on which we did back-to-back tests, and we were also able to try out a new experimental front tyre brought here by Michelin. The next test at Jerez will be very important for us to be able to give a definitive opinion about the 2020 package, but the first impression is positive”.

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Dovizioso
Andrea Dovizioso

Some sensors were spotted on the rear of the Borgo Panigale machine too on Wednesday, and the ‘salad box’ was back.

Danilo Petrucci, however, was not back. The Italian remained sidelined by his bothersome shoulder, although Michele Pirro was once again on track to put the laps in – 40 of them – and Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) was all action stations too.

The Aussie explained he’d been doing back to back comparisons with the first version of the 2020 machines because the number 09 was ruled out. Miller was fastest Ducati on day two in 10th, just ahead of Dovizioso, who had gone fastest on the opening day of the test. Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) was 12th, ahead of Pirro.

Jack Miller – P11

“I am very satisfied for these two days of testing and for having finished the season giving a great satisfaction to the team. We have worked hard on some new parts, and today I had the chance to test the 2020 chassis that I will use again in Jerez. The feeling is extremely positive and I can’t wait to get back on track next week for the last two days of testing. Then we will enjoy the well-deserved winter holidays with the whole team.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Jack Miller
Jack Miller

For Aprilia, it was another day of track action working with their 2019 machines. Aleix Espargaro was 16th after 43 laps, Aprilia Racing Team Gresini team-mate Andrea Iannone in 19th.

Aleix Espargaro crashed at the final corner, and Iannone ran on at Turn 1 with the RS-GP then catching alight. Test rider Bradley Smith was also on track and did another 32 laps to add to the information-gathering tally.

Aleix Espargaro – P17

“During these two days, unfortunately some of the difficulties we had during the race weekend were confirmed again, beginning with a certain instability at the front that we were unable to fully resolve. We worked primarily on the electronics, we know that the new bike will arrive in Sepang and I can’t wait to try it.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Aleix Espargaro
Aleix Espargaro

Andrea Iannone – P20

“We did a lot of work during these two days. We know we need to improve, and we are leaving nothing untried. We had the chance to test various solutions and to retest a few components used during the year. We found some interesting things – developments that will certainly be useful in view of the 2020 season. Of course, problems can happen and that is to be expected when you get close to a few limits.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Andrea Iannone
Andrea Iannone

Bradley Smith – P21

“Over these two days, Aleix, Andrea and I divided up the work. Right now, it is not about testing drastically new components, but rather collecting data that lets the engineers make the final changes to the 2020 project, in my case, primarily in terms of chassis architecture and ergonomics. We don’t have a lot of days to test before the beginning of the season, so it is important to move forward with our work as much as possible.”

MotoGP Valencia Test Day Bradley Smith
Bradley Smith

That’s it from Valencia and the first test of 2020 – with Jerez up next as a two-day test takes place on Monday and Tuesday. Who will reign there? Will we see more engines, chassis updates, more aero and even more tech on show? And can Yamaha stay on top?


2020 MotoGP Valencia Combined Times
  1. VINALES  Maverick 12 SPA Monster Yamaha 1’29.849
  2. QUARTARARO Fabio 20 FRA Petronas Yamaha SRT 0.164
  3. MORBIDELLI Franco 21 ITA Petronas Yamaha SRT 0.265
  4. CRUTCHLOW Cal 35 GBR LCR Honda 0.467
  5. MIR Joan 36 SPA Team Suzuki Ecstar 0.578
  6. RINS Alex 42 SPA Team Suzuki Ecstar 0.654
  7. MARQUEZ Marc 93 SPA Repsol Honda Team 0.707
  8. DOVIZIOSO Andrea 4 ITA Ducati Team 0.816
  9. ESPARGARO Pol 44 SPA Red Bull KTM Factory 0.836
  10. ROSSI Valentino 46 ITA Monster Yamaha 0.932
  11. MILLER Jack 43 AUS Pramac Racing 1.005
  12. RABAT Tito 53 SPA Reale Avintia Racing 1.409
  13. PIRRO Michele 51 ITA Ducati Team 1.575
  14. PETRUCCI Danilo 9 ITA Ducati Team 1.584
  15. PEDROSA Dani 26 SPA KTM Test Team 1.621
  16. LECOUNA Iker 27 SPA Red Bull KTM Tech 3 1.666
  17. ESPARGARO Aleix 41 SPA Aprilia Racing Gresini 1.677
  18. ABRAHAM Karel 17 CZE Reale Avintia Racing 1.748
  19. BRADL Stefan 6 GER Repsol Honda Team 1.808
  20. IANNONE Andrea 29 ITA Aprilia Racing Gresini 1.825
  21. SMITH Bradley 38 GBR Aprilia Racing Test Team 2.241
  22. MARQUEZ Alex 73 SPA Repsol Honda Team 2.386
  23. BINDER Brad RSA Red Bull KTM Factory 2.518

Valencia MotoGP Lap Records

  • Race Lap Record – Marc Marquez (2019) – 1m31.116s
  • Fastest Ever Lap – Jorge Lorenzo (2016) – 1m29.401s

Source: MCNews.com.au

Honda BSB and TT line-up announced

Honda BSB and TT line-up announced

Honda (UK) has announced a return to road racing as the Honda Racing team prepares a fresh campaign at the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT races, with a new rider line-up of Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd, who will contest the Superbike and Superstock classes aboard the all-new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

Glenn Irwin Davey Todd
Honda (UK) has confirmed a return to the Isle of Man TT Races as the Honda Racing team with a new rider line-up of Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd, who will contest the RST Superbike and Senior TT Races and RL360 Superstock TT classes aboard the all-new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

Alongside the roads team, Honda Racing continues in the British Superbike Championship where Glenn joins his brother Andrew, and Davey will become Tom Neave’s team-mate in the National Superstock 1000 Championship, as the Louth-based team look to secure both titles.

Neil Fletcher – Head of Motorcycles Honda UK

“Racing is in the blood at Honda, so we’re delighted to be expanding our motorsport activities under Honda (UK). Armed with a new rider line-up and of course the all new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the team will be looking to have a great year in both the circuit and road racing programme. I can’t wait to see how our racing campaign unfolds, bring on 2020!”

Although a newcomer to the Isle of Man TT races, Glenn is certainly no stranger to the road racing scene where he’s had a string of successes at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland. Making his debut in 2017, the Carrickfergus man impressed as he took his maiden victory in the final Superbike race. He went one better a year later to secure both Superbike wins, and again in 2019 he won and came second in the feature races.

Glenn had a mixed season in the 2019 British Superbike Championship, but in 2018 he finished third in the championship and took his first BSB win that season at the final round. Throughout that year he enjoyed regular visits to the podium securing five second place finishes and one third place.

A relative newcomer to the roads, Davey has continued to impress since embarking on his first full road-race campaign in 2018. A year earlier he made his debut at the Ulster Grand Prix, where he placed second in the Dundrod 150 National race. Consistency was key at the NW200 where he was crowned top newcomer, but it was at the TT where the 24-year-old really made his mark, lapping the Mountain Circuit at 127.890mph and becoming the second fastest newcomer in the history of the event.

In his second year on the roads, Davey secured his maiden NW200 win in the Supersport class and also came third on the podium in the Superstock race. Meanwhile at the TT he continued to learn the circuit and completed race week with five top-ten finishes. Away from the roads he has enjoyed time in the National Superstock 600 Championship, finishing sixth overall in 2016.

Meanwhile with his brother on-board, Andrew will be looking to continue his good form after a successful first-full year in the British Championship. Developing round-by-round, the 25-year-old secured his first BSB win at Thruxton and completed the year in eighth place after just missing out on a Showdown spot. Superstock 1000 contender Tom, will be looking for further podiums and wins in 2020 after his season was cruelly ended at the penultimate round at Donington Park where he fell and fractured his left foot, wrapping up the season in seventh position.

2020 is certainly shaping up to be an exciting year for the Honda Racing team, with a fresh rider line-up, Honda (UK) taking back responsibility for the road racing campaign and the arrival of the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, there’s a lot to be excited about. The team will take delivery of the new Fireblade at the end of the year, with a full test schedule set to take place early in the New Year.

Andrew Irwin

“Reflecting back on 2019 I think it was a really positive year. There were some negatives and a few things to learn from, but I know the areas I need to work on, and I really think for 2020 I can be a real Showdown fighter. Having Glenn as my teammate will be a really good thing, he’s a best friend as much as he is my brother and I think it’s good to have a strong teammate – the first rule of racing is to beat your teammate and of course, I will want to do that! I’m looking forward to it and think it will be a good atmosphere and we’ll work well together. Signing for Honda again was easy as I knew what I wanted and for me there wasn’t another option, I know everyone in the team and believe in the people around me. I’d like to thank Harv and Honda Racing for the opportunity and hopefully I can repay them!”

Glenn Irwin

“I guess it’s natural to be excited to join Honda, but I really am! I got a taste for the team at the end of this season with Andrew and got to see the structure and the atmosphere in the garage, it’s an experienced team and to be associated with a brand like Honda, is a dream come true. I’ve had Andrew as a teammate before, but this time it’s different as I guess I am the new guy! We are best friends and I think this is key as we’ll work together, share information and we won’t keep anything from each other, which is important as our task is to develop the new Fireblade. I’m enjoying doing the homework for the TT and learning it, there’s no expectations whatsoever, we’re not going there to win in year one, the place requires a lot of respect and time and that’s what we’ll give it. It’s a privilege to make my debut there on the new Fireblade as a lot of people will be wanting to see it in action, so I have to prepare the best I can for the most professional and safe job in my first year.”

Andrew Irwin Glenn
Andrew Irwin and Glenn Irwin

Tom Neave

“To sign with Honda for a second year, is really a dream come true. This year has been a steep learning curve in my first full season in the Superstock 1000 class, but I have really enjoyed it, and it was just a shame for it to end early with a crash. The 2020 Fireblade is exciting and I can’t wait to get the winter out the way and get testing in the New Year. Looking back to when I started racing, to where I am now I feel so proud with how far I have come, I’m going to make the most of this amazing opportunity and hope I can do everyone at Honda, and those who support me proud.”

Davey Todd

“I am really excited to sign for Honda Racing for the 2020 season. We all know Honda’s history and I grew up watching the factory team and that’s what got me into racing, and it’s been a lifelong dream to ride for Honda. I’m looking forward to getting back to the British Championship and I think I’ve got a lot to give there. I had one season in 2016 and then concentrated a little more on the roads, but I don’t want to be thought of as just a roads guy. The 2020 Fireblade looks incredible and after seeing it I am more excited that I was before – if that’s even possible! I also want to thank Havier and Honda Racing for giving me this opportunity on the roads and also in the National Superstock 1000 Championship, having that belief in me really means a lot and I can’t wait to get started!”

Tom Neave Davcey Todd
Tom Neave and Davey Todd

Havier Beltran – Team Manager

“I am very excited about how next year is shaping up, for sure there’s a huge buzz with the new Fireblade, which we’re all very excited to get our hands on, but also Honda (UK) taking back the road racing programme. With the riders we have for the year, I think we’re in for some good results both on the roads and in the British championship. Andrew and Tom made so much progress last year, I think knowing what they know now will be a massive help when we get started. Davey and Glenn are both new to us on the roads, but they have definitely made their marks and impressed in their careers to date.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

U.S. ISDE Teams victorious at 2019 FIM International Six Days Enduro

the U.S. teams killed it at the 2019 FIM International Six Days Enduro.

Begin Press Release: 


U.S. ISDE World Trophy, Women’s World Trophy teams victorious at 2019 FIM International Six Days Enduro

American XC Gear team wins Club division; U.S. Junior World Trophy team finishes runner-up

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates the men’s and women’s U.S. World Trophy Teams for their prestigious victories at the 2019 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme International Six Days Enduro.

The 94th edition of the grueling off-road motorcycle competition, the longest-running world championship in motorsport, took place at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portiamo, Portugal, on Nov. 11-16.

The United States last won the World Trophy title in 2016, its first ISDE world title. The United States had not won Women’s World Trophy title since 2007, the year that division debuted.

The U.S. Junior World Trophy team finished second place in its division, and the American XC Gear Club team was the top Club team, rounding out the most dominating U.S. performance in ISDE history.

“Congratulations to the U.S. ISDE World Trophy, Women’s World Trophy, Junior World Trophy and the XC Gear Club teams for their outstanding performance at this year’s ISDE,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “Our World Trophy team battled hard to win our nation’s second overall ISDE title in four years, and our Women’s World Trophy team put in a dominating performance in Portugal. All of our ISDE riders did a great job representing our country at this prestigious international competition, and we are happy to welcome them home as FIM world champions of off-road motorcycle competition.”

The American World Trophy team of Steward Baylor, Taylor Robert, Kailub Russell and Ryan Sipes ended the first day of the event in second place before taking the lead from Australia for good on Day 3. The team’s margin of victory over Australia was 1:45.34. Robert paced the E2 Class, with Russell finishing runner up. Sipes was the second-fastest rider in the E1 Class. Baylor placed third in the E3 Class.

The U.S. Women’s World Trophy team, which included Tarah Gieger, Brandy Richards and Becca Sheets finished ahead of second-place Germany, with a margin of victory of 8:51.21. The team’s top performer was Richards, who finished second in the individual standings to Germany’s Maria Franke. Sheets finished sixth overall, and Gieger eighth.

An American Club Team also found success at the 2019 ISDE. The XC Gear team of Dante Oliveira, Ricky Russell and Austin Walton topped a 124-team field, finishing 18:03.05 seconds ahead of a club team from France. Olivera and Russell ended the event as the second- and third-fastest riders in the C2 class.

The U.S. Junior World Trophy team that included Grant Baylor, Ben Kelley and Josh Toth was unable to match the pace of the Australian junior team, settling for second place, 9:13.94 behind Australia.

The United States will defend its ISDE titles at the 2020 edition of the event, which takes place in Italy next summer.

For more information about the U.S. ISDE teams, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/isde.

2019 FIM International Six Days Enduro Final Standings

World Trophy
1. United States
2. Australia
3. Italy

Women’s World Trophy
1. United States
2. Germany
3. Great Britain

Junior World Trophy
1. Australia
2. United States
3. Spain

Club Teams
1. XC Gear (United States)
2. Team Lozere AMV 4 (France)
3. Team Club RFME 1 (Spain)

The post U.S. ISDE Teams victorious at 2019 FIM International Six Days Enduro appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Viñales fastest to turn the tables on Day 2

Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) topped Day 2 of the Valencia test and it was once again a Yamaha 1-2-3, with the trio at the top within three tenths. Viñales was the only rider in the 1:29s – true of Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) at the weekend – although the number 12 narrowly beat the Frenchman’s pole time on Wednesday. Quartararo was 0.164 in arrears, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) within 0.265 of the top. Honda’s Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) was the only other man within half a second…

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Marquez heads Pol Espargaro mid-way through Day 2

Day 2 dawned a little chilly at the Valencia Test, and testing action therefore took a while to get in gear. Once it did, however, there were a few interesting things to keep an eye on in pitlane and more than enough drama, some of the earliest of which came courtesy of the Honda of Stefan Bradl as he came to a halt on track, and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) didn’t initially make it out of pitlane for his second run.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

MotoGP bike ‘like another world’ describes rookie Binder

Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rookie Brad Brinder has described his first day on a MotoGP bike as ‘like another world’, the South African taking to Valencia for the first time aboard the RC16.

Binder, a former Moto3 world champion, lodged 70 laps during the opening day of off-season testing at the Spanish venue, winding up 21st on the timesheets.

“Today was incredible,” Binder stated. “From lap one, it was like another world. The MotoGP bike was insane – the amount of power, the wheelieing. I still don’t really understand what I’m doing, because it’s been a really difficult day trying to understand what’s going on.

“The feeling is incredible – it’s something I’ve never experienced before. Lap by lap – and didn’t matter if it was a fast or slow lap – I feel more and more comfortable on the bike. Things seem to be coming along easier.”

Testing resumes on Wednesday, where Binder will continue to acquaint himself with the premier class machine.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Anderson credits Brayton for elevating Australian level

Image: Foremost Media.

Jason Anderson has credited fellow American Justin Brayton (Penrite Honda Racing) for elevating the level of local talent in the Australian Supercross Championship, acknowledging he noticed the increased competitiveness at last weekend’s Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland.

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider and former AMA Supercross champion stormed to two victories from three races at the New Zealand event, losing out to SX1 points leader Luke Clout (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy) in the second encounter of the night.

The S-X Open Auckland marked Anderson’s third year racing against the Australian field, which he’ll do one more time at the AUS-X Open Melbourne on 30 November.

“The last few years I’ve come over, I’ve battled Deano [Wilson] and I’ve battled [Justin] Brayton,” Anderson explained. “This year it was not like Brayton was any worse or anything like that, but you can definitely see that Brayton being over here has raised the level of these guys, and they’re riding good.

“Obviously, you come to America and it’s a different step and a different culture and everything, and you’re away from home, but obviously [Brett Metcalfe] Metty has been there and he knows what it’s about, but for Luke [Clout] going over, it would be a tough move, but at the same time, you see the progression he’s had over the past couple of years and his riding is a lot more mature.

“I think that’s a big thing of Brayton coming over here – he’s just helped the level be higher and it’s cool. He’s won three championships, and these guys aren’t making it easy for his next one. I’m excited to see how it goes down. I’m going to try and be out front and see the race go down in Melbourne.”

Three-time Australian champion Brayton strongly agreed with his compatriot, explaining the last two seasons down under have required greater preparation leading in.

“I 100 percent believe that,” Brayton told MotoOnline.com.au in response to Anderson’s comments. “There’s been some talk and some flak about me being here, and quite honestly, I’m sure the other teams are sick of me winning – I’m just being honest. I wouldn’t like it either if a guy kept coming over and dominating the series.

“This year Luke [Clout] has been riding really, really good. I’ve always liked Luke as a rider- he’s a really technically good rider. The first year was arguably the easiest – the first couple of years, honestly, I was more [so] here on a holiday and I could still win.

“I knew last year the preparation had to start early because the guys were coming for me, and this year the prep start even earlier than that.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Kawasaki to add advanced rider aids

Kawasaki will beat Ducati and KTM to the punch by introducing Bosch’s full suite of Advanced Rider Assistance Systems in 2021.

The systems include adaptive cruise control (ACC) which adapts speed to the vehicle in front, plus forward collision warning and blind-spot detection.

Ducati and KTM have announced that only some of these three systems will be introduced in their 2021 models.

Kawasaki will go with the three systems.

The Kawasaki announcement follows the recent unveiling of their electric motorcycle project at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this month.Kawasaki EV project

Perhaps that will be the bike that includes the three Bosch systems which are active at all times.

Advanced monitoring

The Bosch Advanced Rider Assistance Systems use mid-range radar sensors at the front and of the motorcycle for constant monitoring.

It sends alerts when a vehicle is in the bike’s blind spot or there is an imminent forward or rear collision.

Their adaptive cruise control uses the sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front when cruise control is engaged.

Most of these advanced systems are already in use in many cars today, but none has been introduced to motorcycles yet.

Ducati is expected to add Bosch front and rear radar and cornering ABS to their entire range in 2021, but not adaptive cruise control.

Meanwhile, KTM has demonstrated Bosch’s adaptive cruise control and blind spot alert which they will introduced to their range in 2021. They will not introduce the forward collision warning system.

Bosch has also been working on jet thrusters that will prevent a low-side slide.

Bosch rider aids blind spot warning sensors automated radar radar year
Bosch thrusters to prevent low-sides

 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Brit remanded in jail over fatal bike crash

A Brit appeared in court via video link today on multiple charges involving a fatal crash with two motorcycles on 2 September 2019.

Tweed Heads Local Court heard that Graham Stephen Belcher, 52, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport at 2am the next morning as he was about to board a flight to thew UK via Hong Kong.

NSW Police allege the unlicensed driver in a rental car did not give way to two motorcycles at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm on 2 September.

Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash
Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash

Scott Rose, 39, died at the scene and his riding partner, Barry Nolan, was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries. He later released from hospital.

Brit charged

Belcher failed to stop and his Hyundai rental car was later found abandoned at Terranora.

The Brit was extradited from Queensland to NSW on an outstanding warrant and was also charged with:

  • dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous;
  • fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death;
  • negligent driving (occasioning death);
  • cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle;
  • drive while licence cancelled;
  • not give way to vehicle (give way sign/line); and
  • driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity.

Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody until today.

The matter has now been listed for 18 December and he was again remanded in custody.

Family fundraiser

Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash fundraiser
Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash fundraiser

A fundraiser page was started to raise money for Scott’s family.

You can support the fundraiser by clicking here. So far, more than $17,000 of a $10,000 goal has been raised.

The fundraiser page was started by brother-in-law, Codie Holliday, to raise money to support Scott’s wife Tenniel and his children Lacey, 9, and Nash, 6.

“As the sole income provider for his family, Scott’s tragic death is impacting his family in so many awful ways, including financially,” Codie says on the fundraiser page. 

Scott was a maintenance technician at Movie World and Sea World.

Codie says Scott “loved riding bikes, fixing them, his kids both have bikes and I’m fairly sure the garage has a number of ongoing bike ‘projects’ always”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Positive initial feeling with 2020 YZR-M1 declares Rossi

Image: Supplied.

Valentino Rossi says his initial feeling with the 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1 prototype has been positive following the opening day of testing at Valencia.

Rossi, who welcomed his new crew chief David Munoz on Tuesday, was sampling a new chassis, engine and a different air intake while making comparisons to the 2019-spec bike.

“Today was not so bad,” said Rossi. “We continue to work on the prototype of the 2020 bike that is a bit different, and the feeling is positive.

“We also worked a bit on the tyres and the setting, and at the end we found something good. It became better and better towards the end of the day, and I had quite a good pace, so we will try to continue like this tomorrow.”

Rossi was ninth on the timesheets, as teammate Maverick Vinales was second. Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo set the pace with a selection of new components.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au