Honda doubles down on electric minibikes

Honda has doubled down on electric minibikes with a patent filing for their long-promised electric Super Cub and a trademark application for an electric Motocompacto.

The former has been around since Honda trotted out a prototype at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Electric minibikes

Honda said the EV-CUB electric scooter would be available from 2018, but that date has now long gone.

However, Honda has had a growing romance with the idea of electric power and especially electric minibikes.

In 2017, Honda signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hitachi to develop electric motors.

The following year, Honda said its self-balancing bike would also come in an electric version.

Honda's self-balancing motorcycle - short season damon last
Honda’s self-balancing motorcycle

The same year Honda said they would develop electric scooters and bikes with swappable batteries and even hybrid drivetrains.

Last year they applied for a patent for future electric motorcycles and scooters to feature an alarm to warn pedestrians unaware of the approaching quiet vehicle.

And earlier this year they applied for a patent for an electric Fireblade sports bike.

Yet here we are in 2020 and still the Japanese company has not delivered on its electric plan.

It’s not that we don’t think it will happen; it’s just a case of when.

Honda MotoCompo Honda doubles down on electric minibikes
1980s Motocompo

As for the Motocompacto electric minibike, it may look like the 1980s Motocompo commuter bike designed to fold up and fit in a car boot (trunk).

Honda patents

These latest filings are part of a blitz of trademark and patent applications by Honda over the past couple of years.

Some are quite weird and impractical, but others may actually make it to market.

We suspect Honda is just trying to dominate intellectual property on motorcycle inventions, rather than planning to put them all into production.

The patents include:

Forks Goldwing patent
Goldwing forks patent

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Saturday wrap from Jerez WSBK | All classes

2020 WorldSBK – Jerez

Superbike Race One Report

Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) made a good start from the front row to take the lead from polesitter Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) while Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team) was also able to jump from fifth to move into second; pushing Redding down into third place.

Rea leads early on

Redding had to fight his way past Toprak Razgatlioglu on Lap 11 to move back into second place, passing Turkish rider into Turn 6 to move into second place before instantly starting to apply the pressure to Rea.

Redding had to fight his way past Toprak Razgatlioglu on Lap 11

It took just three more laps before Redding would make the move for the lead.

Redding leads from Rea

The race winning move came on Lap 14 out of 20 when Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) passed Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) down into Turn 6; using the power of his Ducati to get alongside before forcing the five-time WorldSBK Champion wide to claim the race lead and his first victory since moving to WorldSBK.

Rea came home in second place ahead of Razgatlioglu, who had to fend off a last-lap charge from Chaz Davies (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) to hold on to third place. Davies tried to make moves at the right-hander of Turn 1 and around the outside of the Turn 6 hairpin, but he ran wide; Razgatlioglu holding on to take third place with Davies in fourth.

Toprak Razgatlioglu

Loris Baz (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) was the top Independent rider in the race with fifth place, running in the lead quartet for the majority of the race before a late charge from Davies moved him down to fifth place. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team GOELEVEN) continued his impressive weekend with a sixth-place finish from a 10th place start.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi

Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) finished in seventh place, four seconds away from Rinaldi and almost in a race of his own in the latter stages as he finished eight seconds clear of eighth-placed Marco Melandri (Barni Racing); the Italian finishing an impressive eighth place after making up 11 places throughout the race. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who led the Championship coming into the race, finished in ninth after being passed by Melandri in the latter stages.

Marco Melandri

Bautista’s HRC team-mate, Leon Haslam, was 10th ahead of Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) and Christophe Ponsson (Nuova M2 Racing) scoring points on his return to the Championship as the privateer team brought Aprilia back to the Championship as part of a wildcard plan.

The WorldSBK leading pack early on in the race

Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) finished in 13th place with Sandro Cortese (OUTDO Kawasaki TPR) and Eugene Laverty (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) rounding out the points-paying positions. Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance), debutant Lorenzo Gabellini (MIE Racing Althea Honda Team) and team-mate Takumi Takahashi were the last classified runners.

Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was running in the leading group but suffered a technical issue as he approached Turn 1 in the early stages of the race, ruling him out of contention in the early stages of the race. He was able to take the bike back to the pit lane despite the issue. Sykes was able to re-join the race on Lap 12; the issue not proving to be terminal.

Sykes’ issue was not the only issue during the race as Michael van der Mark (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team) retired from the race on Lap 8, lots of smoke coming out the back of his bike forcing him to retire from Race 1 as he was running in the top 10. Federico Caricasulo (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team) suffered a high speed crash at Turn 4 but was able to ride the bike back to the pit lane, although it ended his race, while Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado (Motocorsa Racing) also suffered a crash at Turn 6.


Scott Redding – P1

It’s a great day for me: pole position and victory, couldn’t have done better. The race was very hard because of the temperature. In some moments I suffered a lot. I would like to thank the team for providing me with a bike that has worked very well. When did I start to suffer? Since I entered the pit lane. These are extreme conditions and tomorrow it will be even more difficult. But this is a problem all riders have to deal with.

#ESPWorldSBK at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto – Race 1.
Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati)
Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +1.147
Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK Official Team) +2.252
Jonathan Rea – P2

That is probably the best performance we have done in Jerez for a number of years now. We have got to be really happy with our effort but I am a little bit disappointed that I had nothing left at the end for Scott. I had a few front slides in turn two and it was enough just to knock my confidence a little bit to start thinking to bring it home. We are not loading the front enough so we have some areas to improve for tomorrow. The good thing is that the rear tyre was working really well all race and had a lot of traction. This is not the strongest circuit for us but I was right there in the mix until the last few laps.”

Jonathan Rea
Toprak Razgatlioglu – P3

Today was very tough for all the riders, it was incredibly hot. I was fighting for the win, but it was just out of reach because in the closing stages the bike began to slide a lot. I tried my best and finishing third means we can take good points for the championship. I was fighting with Chaz Davies in the closing stages, but I managed to hold him off with some defensive riding. After practice I wasn’t completely happy, but it’s good to know that we can fight for wins even after a difficult Friday, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu
Chaz Davies – P4

Unfortunately the start wasn’t the best and it compromised the possibility of fighting for the podium from the very first laps. During the race, however, the pace was good and allowed me to recover many positions. Satisfied? I would be if I raised a trophy. We have to work tomorrow morning to try and work out some small details that will allow me to be more incisive“.

Chaz Davies
Loris Baz – P5

Not quite a podium yet, but I’m still happy. We have to take the most points we can without making mistakes, and fighting with factory guys is always good. The qualifying was OK, I felt there was a bit more left but it still wasn’t a bad position. In the race, I struggled at the beginning, it took me three laps or so to be on the pace. The bike was sliding a lot and I had to stop using the rear brake, which is unusual for me. Then I started to come back towards the front three, but I couldn’t find a way to pass. In the slipstream the tyres overheated quite a lot and I dropped to fifth, but overall I’m happy with the job we’ve done today.

Loris Baz
Alvaro Bautista – P7

I was hoping for better feeling during the race, similar to what I had during the practices. I’m not thinking to the race result here, I’m referring to my feeling with the bike because we’d worked well until this point of the weekend. My Superpole lap time was not so bad even though I didn’t exploit my qualifying tyre to its full potential. So we expected more from this race. Instead we struggled with front feeling and the bike’s turning, something that we had partially solved in the test in Aragon but that here, with higher temperatures and such a slippery track due to the extreme conditions, prevented us from pushing as we wanted during the race. So even though I’m not happy with the feeling I had today on the bike, on another hand I’m happy that we are very clear on where we need to work and the problem we have to solve.”

Bautista showed bursts of speed
Alex Lowes – P9

I tucked the front in the first lap of Superpole, which was a shame, as it put pressure on for the one lap on the qualifying tyre. In the race I struggled a lot more than I expected. The SC2 front tyre worked really well for me on Friday afternoon and I did a lot of laps on it, but today it did not seem to work as well. I think I need a bit more experience of the Kawasaki in hot conditions to get the most out of it. It is easy to forget that this is my second proper ride on it. When you go around Jerez in the winter and the weather is cool you just ride around, can do loads of laps, and everything feels good. The you come here in these temperatures and everything feels a bit different. I had to just manage the race the best I could and we will try to improve a bit for tomorrow.

Alex Lowes
Leon Haslam – P10

It felt like a very long race to be honest. We suffered a similar problem to Australia, which began in the opening laps and gradually got worse throughout the race. I struggled to manage the front and the grip and essentially went backwards. So we need to make a new plan for tomorrow, hopefully rectifying some of these problems. I think our pace through the opening laps can see us up with the top five so I’m confident we can take a step forward tomorrow.”

Leon Haslam

Superbike Race One Results

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 S. Redding Ducati 0.000
2 J.  Rea Kawasaki +1.147
3 T. Razgatlioglu Yamaha +2.252
4 C. Davies Ducati +2.699
5 L.  Baz Yamaha +3.301
6 M. Rinaldi Ducati +6.367
7 A.Bautista Honda +10.228
8 M. Melandri Ducati +18.713
9 A. Lowes Kawasaki +20.421
10 L.  Haslam Honda +24.361
11 G. Gerloff Yamaha +26.610
12 C. Ponsson Aprilia +34.651
13 X. Fores Kawasaki +34.709
14 S. Cortese Kawasaki +38.138
15 E. Laverty BMW +38.365
16 S. Barrier Ducati +49.601
17 L.  Gabellini Honda +52.357
18 T. Takahashi Honda +53.802

WSBK Championship Points

Pos Rider Points
 1  Scott Redding  64
 2  Alex Lowes  58
 3  Jonathan Rea  52
 4  Toprak Razgatlioglu  50
 5  Chaz Davies  32
 6  Michael Van Der Mark  31
 7  Loris Baz  31
 8  Alvaro Bautista  29
 9  Leon Haslam  23
 10  Michael Ruben Rinaldi  17
 11  Tom Sykes  17
 12  Sandro Cortese  12
 13  Maximilian Scheib  10
 14  Marco Melandri  8
 15  Xavi Fores  8
 16  Garrett Gerloff  7
 17  Eugene Laverty  6
 18  Christophe Ponsson  4
 19  Federico Caricasulo  4

Supersport Race One Report

With track temperatures hitting and exceeding 60°c during the FIM Supersport World Championship Race 1, the opening WorldSSP race from the Pirelli Spanish took place in sweltering conditions but that did not stop Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) taking victory despite an early-race battle with Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha).

P1 Andrea Locatelli

Locatelli held the lead off the line but French rider Cluzel made the move to take the lead on the opening lap of the race. He was able to hold the lead until lap five when Locatelli was able to make a move back to take the lead and promptly extended his lead to Cluzel to take the Italian rider out of range; eventually finishing the race three seconds clear of Cluzel.

Soomer

Cluzel finished a comfortable second, with a margin of almost five seconds, despite the lead group of three to break away along with Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing); Cluzel able to finish X seconds clear of German rider Oettl. Oettl also had a comfortable run to the podium on his Kawasaki ZX-6R, the top Kawasaki rider in Race 1 with both Locatelli and Cluzel both riding Yamaha YZF R6 machines.

Perolari

Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) claimed a hard-fought fourth place ahead of Raffaele de Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in Race 1; the pair fighting on the last lap with Mahias making a move through the fast right-handers towards the end of the lap to secure fourth place. De Rosa had been closing in on Mahias throughout the latter stages and passed him at Turn 6, the pair getting their elbows out as they made their way through the corner.

Locatelli leading earlier on

Steven Odendaal (EAB Ten Kate Racing) finished in sixth place as he held off a challenge from Corentin Perolari (GMT94 Yamaha). The pair were separated by just three tenths of a second as they crossed the line with 2019 WorldSSP300 Champion Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) finishing in eighth. Spaniard Gonzalez had to fight off Can Öncü (Turkish Racing Team) and Hannes Soomer (Kallio Racing) who rounded out the top 10; the trio separated by seven tenths as they crossed the line.

Andrea Locatelli takes the win

Alejandro Ruiz (EMPERADOR Racing Team) finished an impressive 11th place after starting at the back of the grid following a penalty for incorrect tyre pressures; making up a number of positions throughout the 17-lap race to secure a points finish. Ruiz, the highest-placed finisher in the WorldSSP Challenge, finished two-and-a-half seconds clear of Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Racing) in 12th.

Can Oncu

Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) finished in 13th place, three seconds behind Webb but a comfortable nine seconds clear of Belgian rider Loris Cresson (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth). Cresson was 16 seconds clear of WorldSSP Challenge competitor Luigi Montella (DK MOTORSPORT), who claimed the final point to be awarded in the race with 15th.

Locatelli leading early on in the race

Australian newcomer Lachlan Epis as stand-in rider for the MPM Routz Racing Team was the last finisher home in 16th place, just missing out on a World Championship point after struggling with a lack of set-up time to make the tyres last in the hot conditions.

Lachlan Epis – GeeBee Image

Axel Bassani (Soradis Yamaha Motoxracing) was running strongly in the points during his race but the WorldSSP Challenge competitor had a crash late in the race; the Italian taken to the medical centre for checks following the incident but was declared fit after the check-up. Peter Sebestyen (OXXO Yamaha Team Toth) and Andy Verdoïa (bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing) had an incident at Turn 4 which meant Hungarian rider Sebestyen retired from the race and was taken to the medical centre for a check-up following the incident; later being declared unfit due to concussion. Verdoïa was able to continue in the race but later had an issue which meant he temporarily stopped on track.

Other retirements in the race included Indonesian rider Galang Hendra Pratama (bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing), Hikari Okubo (Dynavolt Honda), Patrick Hobelsberger (Dynavolt Honda) and Isaac Viñales (Kallio Racing); the Spanish rider starting from the back of the grid following a stewards’ decision for incorrect tyre pressures.


P1 Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team)

It’s a fantastic day today, we did a good job, but the conditions are very crazy. It’s so hot and so difficult to push on the bike but we need to understand to take a bit more confidence in these conditions because it’s important for tomorrow and the second race. I think we did a really good job today and this is important for the Championship and also for me.”

#ESPWorldSBK WorldSSP at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto – Race 1
Andrea Locatelli (BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team)
Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) +3.052
Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +7.766
P2 Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha)

I’m happy. It was the target after practice and qualifying. We knew we could not really follow the rider of the BARDAHL but I gave my best to be second. I tried my best, for sure, to be first but today was too difficult, too much risk. With the hot conditions I was sliding the front, sliding the rear. Actually, I’m happy, I’m proud because I trained hard for these hot conditions. I knew more or less the feeling and I tried to improve the bike in these conditions. It worked today so second is a good result. We still have a race tomorrow so we have to improve a little bit tomorrow and maybe I can fight with him.”

P3 Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing)

I am very happy with my first WorldSSP podium. Manuel Puccetti gave me the opportunity to ride in this team and after one and a half difficult years before then it was a good sign that I can still ride a bike. At the first round in Phillip Island I had a good feeling with the bike and I thought I could be on the podium, but I threw it away. I thought today I could stay calm. I had a good start and immediately we were in front and the gap was already there. I said to myself to keep calm and do not throw it way again. The front was difficult in the race as we had 62°C on the asphalt. The heat was terrible but I am happy.”


Supersport Race One Results

Pos Rider Bike Gap
1 A. Locatelli Yamaha 0.000
2 J.  Cluzel Yamaha +3.052
3 p. Oettl Yamaha +7.766
4 L.  Mahias Yamaha +10.908
5 R. De Rosa MV Agusta +11.979
6 S. Odendaal Yamaha +17.464
7 C. Perolari Yamaha +17.738
8 M. Gonzalez Kawasaki +23.083
9 C. Öncü Kawasaki +23.419
10 H. Soomer Yamaha +23.736
11 A. Ruiz Carranza Yamaha +28.948
12 D. Webb Yamaha +31.363
13 F. Fuligni MV Agusta +34.001
1+4 L.  Cresson Yamaha +43.027
15 L.  Montella Yamaha +59.311
16 L.  Epis Yamaha +1m07.891
Not Classified
RET A. Bassani Yamaha 2 Laps
RET A. Verdoïa Yamaha 4 Laps
RET P. Hobelsberger Honda 5 Laps
RET H. Okubo Honda 6 Laps
RET I.  Viñales Yamaha 11 Laps
RET P. Sebestyen Yamaha 12 Laps
RET G. Hendra Pratama Yamaha 15 Laps

Supersport Championship Points

Pos Rider Points
 1  Andrea Locatelli  50
 2  Jules Cluzel  40
 3  Lucas Mahias  26
 4  Corentin Perolari  25
 5  Steven Odendaal  20
 6  Hannes Soomer  17
 7  Manuel Gonzalez  17
 8  Philipp Oettl  16
 9  Can Alexander Öncü  14
 10  Raffaele De Rosa  11
 11  Danny Webb  10
 12  Isaac Viñales  8
 13  Alejandro Ruiz Carranza  5
 14  Patrick Hobelsberger  5
 15  Peter Sebestyen  4
 16  Federico Fuligni  3
 17  Andy Verdoïa  3
 18  Loris Cresson  3
 19  Jaimie Van Sikkelerus  2
 20  Luigi Montella  1

WorldSSP 300 Race One Report

Thrilling racing and scorching temperatures greeted FIM Supersport 300 World Championship riders for the start of the 2020 WorldSSP season at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, with the delayed season getting underway with a chaotic race, with Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing) breaking away from the lead group at around half distance before going on to take victory.

Orradare leads

Orradre took advantage of Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec WorldSSP300) running wide on Lap 5 to move into the lead before pulling out around half a second to break the slipstream effect, enabling the Spanish rider to control the race without pressure from the chasing pack. Until Carrasco ran wide, there had been a lead group of nine riders.

Ana Carrasco

The battle for second went down to the last corner of the last lap between Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT), Carrasco, Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki) and Yuta Okaya (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT), Thomas Brianti (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) and Bahattin Sofuoglu (Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WSSP300).

Nick Kalinin

Carrasco was second heading into the final corner after an aggressive move on Deroue on the final lap but the 2018 Champion ran wide at the final corner; moving her down to seventh place. Booth-Amos took advantage of this to move into second place while Deroue finished third, Okaya fourth and Brianti fifth; just 0.058s separating the trio at the line. Booth-Amos had a Margin of 0.087s ahead of Deroue.

WorldSSP 300

Behind Carrasco in seventh, Kevin Sabatucci (Kawasaki GP Project) finished in eighth place around four seasons behind Carrasco but in a tight battle with Alvaro Diaz (Biblion Motoxracing Yamaha WSSP300) with the pair separated by 0.002s at the line. Sabatucci and Diaz were part of a second group of riders behind the leaders which also featured Nick Kalinin (Battley-RT Motorsports by SKM-Kawasaki) and Ton Kawakami (Yamaha MS Racing); the pair finishing tenth and 11th respectively. The top 11 were separated by just 7.836s after the 10-lap race.

Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing)

Samuel Di Sora (Leader Team Flembbo) was 12th after making his way through the Last Chance Race to claim a point-scoring finish, finishing two tenths clear of Kim Aloisi (ProGP Racing). Alejandro Carrion (Smrz Racing – Willi Race) finished in 14th place with Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) claiming the final point. Like Di Sora, he had to fight his way through the Last Chance Race to make it onto the grid.

There was an incident involving Johan Gimbert (GP Project) and Hugo De Cancellis (Team TRASIMENO) in the race with a battle on track, with both riders retiring from the race following the crash after completing one lap. De Cancellis had been at the back of the grid following a penalty for a tyre pressure infringement and had made his way into 24th position before the incident. Other retirements include Tom Bercot (ProGP Racing) on the opening lap, Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) who had came off his bike of his own accord.

Tom Edwards had fought to earn his spot in the main WorldSSP300 race but ultimately failed to finish – GeeBee Image

Australian Tom Edwards (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) also failed to finish while countryman Tom Bramich did not make the WorldSSP300 Main after going out of the earlier Last Chance Race.

Tom Bramich did not make the WorldSSP300 Main after going out of the earlier Last Chance Race – GeeBee Image

P1 Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing)

To take my first world championship win here today is an incredible feeling and I’m very happy. In the first part of the race I stayed in the lead group, but just after the halfway point I decided to try to go alone and I managed to pull a bit of a gap at the front. From then it was just a case of trying to maintain the advantage, but I actually managed to extend the gap over the final laps. To win today was amazing, but now we need to focus on Race 2 tomorrow, where I hope we can be in the lead group again and in a position to fight for another victory. Thank you to both the MS Racing Team and Yamaha for their incredible support.”

#ESPWorldSBK WorldSSP 300 at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto – Race 1
Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing)
Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki) +2.341
Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) +2.428
P2 Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki)

Obviously it’s nice to be on the podium but I had the pace to win today. Unfortunately in qualifying I was on my fast lap and the red flag came out, so I started 15th today. I made some mistakes but it was my first Supersport 300 race coming from GP. I made some mistakes, dropped back to 17th then pushed my way forwards and finally it worked. I think tomorrow we can get a better start and push for the win.”

P3 Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT)

“I had a good start from 13th position and my first lap was good too, then I was just looking at what was my pace, what was the pace of the others and it wasn’t too bad. But my bike was getting really hot and in the end, I was thinking “okay, I go first” but I didn’t have the pace to be first to be honest. Then Unai overtook me, I made a mistake, Unai had a gap and I made another mistake and then there was a gap. Second was the ideal to finish. On the last lap, Ana overtook me on the straight and the next corner she touched me, then we came together at the last corner. I took the inside; she went for the inside too and we touched again so I outbraked myself and finished third. I’m happy with that but I was hoping for second.”


WorldSSP 300 Race One Results

Pos Rider Bike Class Gap
1 U. Orradre Yamaha YZF-R3 A 0.000
2 T.Booth-Amos Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +2.341
3 S. Deroue Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +2.428
4 Y.Okaya Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +2.483
5 T.Brianti Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +2.486
6 B. Sofuoglu Yamaha YZF-R3 B +2.614
7 A. Carrasco Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +3.278
8 K. Sabatucci Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +7.255
9 A. Diaz Yamaha YZF-R3 A +7.257
10 N. Kalinin Kawasaki Ninja 400 A +7.440
11 Kawakami Yamaha YZF-R3 B +7.836
12 S. Di Sora Kawasaki Ninja 400 A +11.855
13 K. Aloisi Yamaha YZF-R3 A +12.146
14 A. Carrion Kawasaki Ninja 400 A +12.440
15 K. Meuffels Kawasaki Ninja 400 A +13.124
16 A. Kroh Yamaha YZF-R3 A +13.132
17 Jahnig KTM RC 390 R A +14.175
18 O. König KTM RC 390 R B +14.330
19 S. Markarian Yamaha YZF-R3 B +14.713
20 Van Straalen Yamaha YZF-R3 A +17.540
21 E. De La Vega Yamaha YZF-R3 B +17.551
22 B. Ieraci Kawasaki Ninja 400 A +17.580
23 A. Coppola Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +17.594
24 Iglesias Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +17.643
25 Grassia Yamaha YZF-R3 A +17.908
26 Macan Yamaha YZF-R3 A +18.345
27 C. Stange KTM RC 390 R A +20.986
28 Rovelli Kawasaki Ninja 400 A +22.816
29 G. Mastroluca Kawasaki Ninja 400 B +27.911
30 Buis Kawasaki Ninja 400 A +1m33.926
31 M. Kawakami Yamaha YZF-R3 B +1m45.246
Not Classified
RET T,Edwards Kawasaki Ninja 400 B 2 Laps
RET 8 M. Perez Kawasaki Ninja 400 A 8 Laps
RET 7 J.  Gimbert Kawasaki Ninja 400 A 9 Laps
RET 64 H. De Cancellis Yamaha YZF-R3 B 9 Laps

WorldSSP 300 Championship Points

Pos Rider Points
 1  Unai Orradre  25
 2  Tom Booth-Amos  20
 3  Scott Deroue  16
 4  Yuta Okaya  13
 5  Thomas Brianti  11
 6  Bahattin Sofuoglu  10
 7  Ana Carrasco  9
 8  Kevin Sabatucci  8
 9  Alvaro Diaz  7
 10  Nick Kalinin  6
 11  Ton Kawakami  5
 12  Samuel Di Sora  4
 13  Kim Aloisi  3
 14  Alejandro Carrion  2
 15  Koen Meuffels  1

WorldSBK Sunday Schedule

Source: MCNews.com.au

Doubts over Chinese Harley-Davidson HD350

This image from the Chinese Patent Office shows a Qianjiang QJ350 motorcycle with a parallel twin engine stamped with the words “Harley-Davidson Motor Company”.Doubts over Chinese Harley-Davidson HD350

This is a collaboration that was part of former Harley CEO Matt Levatich’s plans to move into more markets and niches.

It was supposed to have been released in June, but has no doubt been pushed back by the pandemic.

Doubts on collaboration

Despite the images now becoming available, there are now doubts over whether the deal will still go ahead under new Harley boss Jochen Zeitz.

The German-born boss has rolled back on Levatich’s bold plans for 100 new models in 10 years and expansion into more markets.

At last week’s second-quarter results announcements, Zeitz said they would reduce “planned models” by 30% and pull out of some markets.

Reducing the number of planned models mean the existing model range will be reduced and some of the new models will be scrapped or delayed.

It seems the Pan America adventure bike will go ahead, but the new Bronx Streetfighter that shares the Revolution Max platform may be axed or indefinitely postponed.

Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter
Harley Revolution Max platform includes Pan America and Bronx Streetfighter

Significantly, there was no mention of this HD350 project with Chinese manufacturer Qianjiang Motorcycles.

The photos clearly show the bike is badged Qianjiang and that it bears littler resemblance to the previously issued images of the HD350 project bike in traditional Harley orange and black.

Since it has missed the June deadline and now comes in a non-Harley look, perhaps the bike will not go aead.

Cold War

The D350 was supposed to be for Asian markets only as an entry bike to get people hooked on the Harley brand.

But with the heightening “cold war” between America and China, maybe Harley has decided to scale back its controversial collaboration.

Maybe China is one market from which they are even considering withdrawing.

It may be a huge market, but the company has had significant difficulty making its mark because its bikes are too big and are even banned in some jurisdictions.

I’ve had several conversations over the years with Harley executives who have expressed frustration dealing with China and the varied restrictions.

So perhaps the only Harley feature will be an engine in Qianjiang models as well as Benelli which the Chinese company also owns and builds.

Harley replies

I asked Harley-Davidson Australia and HQ in Milwaukee for clarification on the Chinese collaboration, which markets they would withdraw from and which “planned models” would be axed.

Harley Australia said:

I have passed on to the US and will share the response (if they don’t come back to you directly).

A senior marketing manager in Milwaukee said:

I was told you should work in country to get the best answers to these questions.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rea Second In Hot Conditions

That is probably the best performance we have done in Jerez for a number of years now. We have got to be really happy with our effort but I am a little bit disappointed that I had nothing left at the end for Scott. I had a few front slides in turn two and it was enough just to knock my confidence a little bit to start thinking to bring it home. We are not loading the front enough so we have some areas to improve for tomorrow. The good thing is that the rear tyre was working really well all race and had a lot of traction. This is not the strongest circuit for us but I was right there in the mix until the last few laps. http://jonathan-rea.com/news/rea-second-hot-conditions


Kawasaki Racing Team rider Jonathan Rea led most of the 20-laps of the first race at Jerez and finished in second place by just over a se
Source: Jonathan Rea On Facebook

How to ship a motorbike across country

(Contributed article for our North American readers)

There are several reasons why you might need to ship a motorbike across country. You might have bought a new bike across the other side of the country and need to get it shipped to your home. It might be because you’re relocating and don’t have the time to ride a long distance. Perhaps you need to get it to a specialist motorbike garage for some serious repairs, or because you’ve got a spot booked at the next Daytona Bike Week. Whatever the reason, shipping a motorbike cross country is easier than you think.

How to choose the best cross country motorbike shipping company

There are lots of companies you can use for shipping a motorbike cross country. But for your precious motorbike, it’s important to choose the right one. Choose a company that specializes in transporting motorcycles and you can be certain they’ve got the right experience, insurance and reputation to get the job done quickly and safely.

  • Compare motorcycle transporters: They must register with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and have active DOT and MC numbers.
  • Check insurance coverage: US law requires motorcycle transporters to have both cargo and liability insurance if they want to transport motorbikes across the country legally. Always ask a carrier for written proof of their insurance before deciding which one to hire.
  • Read reviews: You can get a good idea about the reliability of a company by reading reviews left by previous customers. A company’s online reputation is a direct reflection of the experience and professionalism you can expect from a cross country motorbike shipping company.
  • Extra costs and surcharges: Check whether there will be any additional costs or surcharges you need to know about in advance. It’s also a good idea to check whether there are any discounts or promotions you can take advantage of.
  • Request several quotes: Request quotes from several different companies and compare the cost to ship a motorbike across country.

How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle?

The cost to ship a motorbike across country varies depending on several factors. These include:

  • Distance of travel
  • Pick-up and drop off locations
  • Make and model of the motorcycle
  • Whether the shipment is going to be expedited
  • Type of motorbike transport used: Typically, motorbikes are transported using enclosed trailers as these provide much more protection. Open motorcycle transport is available for people with limited budgets or owners in a hurry.

How to prepare your motorcycle for transport

Before the carrier transports your motorcycle, there are some things you have to do to get it ready.

  • Thoroughly clean your motorcycle
  • Make a note of any chips, dings, scratches, or other cosmetic damage
  • Take pictures of your bike from several angles, along with detailed shots of any existing damage
  • Remove all loose items from your motorcycle
  • Ensure your motorbike is in good working condition
  • Inflate tires
  • Charge the battery
  • Fill the gas tank to 1/4 full
  • Check and fix all fluid leaks

Now you know how easy it is to ship a motorbike across country, you don’t need to stress about it.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MV Agusta riders disqualified from Phillip Island results

WorldSSP 2020

A curious development unfolded overnight with Dorna releasing a statement, which we include at the bottom of the page, that details a decision to exclude all three MV Agusta riders, Raffaele De Rosa, Federico Fuligni and Randy Krummenacher, from the results of the opening Phillip Island round of the 2020 World Supersport Championship.

De Rosa had finished second in that opening round, Fuligni was ninth while Krummenacher crashed out early on in the race. 

We reported early last month that Randy Krummenacher had walked away from his contract with MV Agusta Reparto Corse for what the 30-year-old alleged were ‘serious breaches on the part of the company that compromise both the rider‘s performance as well as his professionalism, reputation and personal integrity‘.

Krummenacher also stated that he ‘has also moved to inform the competent bodies, responsible for verifying any technical irregularities.’

MV Agusta put out a tersely worded statement in response to a seemingly snap decision by the Swiss rider to walk away from his contract with MV Agusta Reparto Corse after alleging ‘serious breaches on the part of the company that compromise both the rider‘s performance as well as his professionalism, reputation and personal integrity‘.

Krummenacher also stated that he ‘has also moved to inform the competent bodies, responsible for verifying any technical irregularities.’


Randy Krummenacher

This is not a pleasant situation and I never wanted any of this. The aim was to fight for the world title once more but unfortunately, the foundations needed to move ahead with the project with MV Agusta Reparto Corse are not there. I have had to take this decision in order to preserve my moral and professional integrity, as well as my safety. Throughout my career, I have always tried to do the right thing, giving it my all in any situation, even the most challenging. But this time there was only one decision I could make. I cannot say more about my motives at this time, but further details will be communicated in due course.


We mentioned when first publishing those remarks from Krummenacher that you could perhaps read into that what you would, but that reading between the lines one could surmise that Krummenacher was accusing the MV backed team of perhaps not following the rules…MV Agusta then put out the following terse statement, distancing themselves from the team organisation, and strongly denying any wrong-doing.


MV Agusta Statement

MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. had no knowledge of the rider Randy Krummenacher’s decision to terminate his contract with MVRC S.r.l. after only competing in the first race of the 2020 Supersport World Championship.

It being understood that this decision comes as a total surprise to MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., who learned about it through the media. MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. points out that MVRC S.r.l. is a completely independent company which participates in the Supersport World Championship as a private external team.

This apparently sudden decision by the rider was completely unexpected as the company had received no prior warning signs about a possible contentious situation from either Krummenacher nor from the MVRC team.

Following the very encouraging results obtained during the first race of the 2020 World Supersport Championship in Phillip Island, with a front row position on the race’s starting grid, as well as a second place finish by Raffaele De Rosa in the race, MV Agusta was entirely satisfied with the performance and competitiveness of the F3 Supersport bike. Since its inception the F3 Supersport project has brought MV Agusta several vice-World-Championship titles and numerous race wins and podium finishes.

Due to the fact that MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. has no direct contractual relationship with the rider, we will start a comprehensive investigation concerning this matter and reserve any and all rights to take all proper legal actions to protect our brand image and reputation.

MV Agusta Reparto Corse Fuligni De Rosa
2020 MV Agusta Reparto Corse WSSP – Fuligni & De Rosa

And then overnight we receive this statement from Dorna outlining the removal of the MV riders from the results of the opening round.  The Dorna statement does not allege any intentional wrong doing by MV Agusta but instead mentions ‘an unintentional engine infringement.’


Decision of the FIM World Superbike Stewards
Penalty notice for MV Agusta Reparto Corse team

Following an investigation, the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team’s results from Phillip Island will not stand due to an unintentional engine infringement.

On July 30th 2020, the FIM World Superbike Stewards received a report from the FIM Superbike World Championship Technical Director, stating that some engines belonging to the MV Agusta Reparto Corse team were unsealed without prior permission after the Yamaha Finance Australian Round. This is an infringement of the 2020 FIM Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300 World Championships regulations and specifically, article 2.3.10 in general and paragraph d.

FIM WorldSBK Stewards understood that the team’s act didn’t occur with an intention to make an infringement nor to gain an advantage in any way. This was more of a visual mechanical check and the result of a miscommunication.

The team brought it upon themselves to contact the FIM about the issue. Nonetheless, the process was not performed as per the Championship regulations and therefore, article 2.3.10.d is very clear and must be applied in any case.

For the above reasons, the Stewards, in accordance to the FIM Disciplinary and Arbitration code, have decided to penalise the team with the disqualification from all events in which the below engines have been used 2 from Randy Krummenacher and 1 each from Raffaele De Rosa and Federico Fulligni.


A curious sequence of events indeed, and one that has changed the results of the Phillip Island season opener and thus the championship points standings. Jules Cluzel is promoted to second in the championship and the riders behind him also gain more points due to the removel of the MV Agusta riders from the results and move up the order.

2020 World Supersport Championship Points

  1. Locatelli 25
  2. Cluzel 20
  3. Perolari 16
  4. Mahias 13
  5. Soomer 11
  6. Odendaal 10
  7. Gonzalez 9
  8. Vinales 8
  9. Oncu 7
  10. Webb 6
  11. Hobelsberger 5
  12. Sebestyen 4
  13. Verdoia 3
  14. Van Sikkelerus 2
  15. Cresson 1

Source: MCNews.com.au

Asia Talent Cup effectively cancelled for 2020

Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports have announced the cancellation of the 2020 OR Thailand Grand Prix and 2020 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix. Previously postponed, the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting complications have now sadly obliged the cancellation of each Grand Prix to be confirmed.

Both events were set to host a round of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, and the cancellations of the two Grands Prix also oblige the cancellation of the corresponding ATC rounds at the same events.

The previously postponed ATC Round alongside ASBK, set to be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in Australia, will also not be able to take place in 2020, as Australian borders are expected to remain closed until the end of the year.

The previously postponed Malaysian ATC Round alongside MSBK, set to be held at Sepang International Circuit, would therefore be the only event remaining from the original 2020 calendar. However, due to travel restrictions for staff and riders who travel from across Asia and Europe to each ATC event, this round must regrettably also be cancelled.

Therefore, the 2020 ATC would only consist of the single round that has already taken place at the Grand Prix of Qatar in March. Given it is only two races, this cannot be classed as a full ATC season. Consequently, FIM Asia and Dorna sadly announce that the 2020 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup must be cancelled.

Bill Van Eerde in the lead
Billy Van Eerde leading an Asia Talent Cup race in Qatar in 2018

However, every rider who was set to compete in the Cup this season will automatically have an available spot on the 2021 grid. Any remaining places in the 2021 Cup will be filled by riders from national championships or racing schools across Asia and Oceania, with competitors chosen by the ATC Selection Committee. This is due to the fact that the 2021 Selection Event, set to be held before the Malaysian GP in October at Sepang, cannot take place this season.

A 2021 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup calendar will be announced following publication of 2021 dates or calendars for the Championships alongside which the ATC often race, such as MotoGP™, MSBK and ASBK.

In 2020, the focus for the riders will now move from on-track battles to virtual workshops aimed at improving some important skills off the bike. These CHAMPS Virtual Workshops focus on communication and social media, as well the importance of the English language for those who are not native speakers. The first two workshops took place mid-July, with more organised for the coming weeks as the grid gear up for 2021. The ATC will also continue to have a vibrant presence on social media, and the homepage of the Cup will continue to publish updates on current events, as well as showcase the best of the ATC and some of the closest racing on two wheels.

The organisation of the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup would like to extend a special thank you to all the partners, sponsors and people who make the ATC possible. One of the most successful paths on the Road to MotoGP, the Cup has already helped to foster some incredible talents that now line up in the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships, with pole positions, podiums and Grand Prix wins to their name.

The ATC very much looks forward to continuing this journey when we return to race in 2021.

Asia Talent Cup ATC Rnd Malaysia Nishimura DSC Cover
Sho Nishimura won the 2019 Asia Talent Cup

Source: MCNews.com.au

Applications open for Australia’s own Road to MotoGP program

2021 Oceania Junior Cup

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is proud to announced expressions of interest are now open for motorcycle riders aged 11 to under-16-year-old to be considered for the 2021 Oceania Junior Cup (OJC).

The OJC Junior development program made its debut in 2019 and is Australia’s premier junior road racing academy, officially recognised by the FIM and Dorna, as part of the Road to MotoGP program.

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens OJC Race Quinn Grenfell Drane
Lucas Quinn leading an OJC race at Phillip Island earlier this year – Image by Rob Mott

Riders are provided with a race-prepped Yamaha YZF-R15 bikes, equipped with Pirelli tyres, Öhlins suspension, RK chains, Motul oil, Ricondi Motorcycle Apparel leathers and gloves, AGV helmets, TCX boots, round entries, transportation of bikes, pre-event service of bikes, technical support, spare parts budget, and Oceania Junior Cup team uniform.

Riders competing in the 2021 championship will receive elite coaching to help develop their bike skills and technique, health and fitness, sportsmanship, and off-track activities such as media and fan engagement.

The OJC, which featured as part of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, was also part of the Australian round for the World Superbike (WorldSBK) and was scheduled to be a feature race at this year’s MotoGP at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens OJC R Last corner Lucas QUINN leads
It was a photo finish at the 2020 Phillip Island season opener – Image Rob Mott

Motorcycling Australia are committed to developing Australia’s junior talent on the Road to MotoGP, aimed at developing Australia’s next national talent and international champion,” said MA Operations Director Martin Port.

Our current riders come from a multitude of disciplines including road, speedway, motocross, enduro and dirt track.

“Every bike is identical, there are no haves and have nots in the OJC program.

“The racing is spectacular, and victory comes down to a rider’s ability to get the most out of himself or herself.

“But winning isn’t everything in the OJC program, our focus is the development of these juniors, both on and off the track.

“It’s about learning, developing as a rider and opening up opportunities.”

ASBK Rnd SMP RbMotoLens OJC FinalRnd
OJC competitors – Image by Rob Mott

Dorna are the commercial rights holders and promoters of MotoGP, the Superbike World Championship and Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup. Dorna has also co-organized the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup since its inception in 2007. Their endorsement is a significant development and adds the OJC to the esteemed list of Dorna Road to MotoGP programs around the world.

Dorna’s commitment has already seen OJC riders qualify for the 2020 Asia Talent Cup Selection Event, and cements MA’s objective to develop clear pathways for junior road racers in the Oceania region. Additionally, selected riders from the OJC were provided the opportunity of participating in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in 2019.

Expressions of interest applications are available here https://www.asbk.com.au/about-asbk/oceania-junior-cup/

WSBK Rnd Phillip Island RbMotoLens OJC Race
Oceania Junior Cup – Image by Rob Mott

Source: MCNews.com.au

WorldSBK wrap up from day one at Jerez

2020 WorldSBK

The 2020 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship’s resumed overnight under the scorching Spanish sun at Jerez and it was Ten Kate Yamaha’s Loris Baz quickest in the heat to top the day’s running ahead of the Pirelli Spanish Round.

Baz’s time of 1’40.249s was just over a tenth faster than Italian rider Rinaldi’s time from the second practice session, but Rinaldi was able to bounce back from a crash in Free Practice 1 to top the second practice session. As temperatures got higher throughout the day, so did the action on track with 15 out of the 23 riders separated by one second in the combined times.

Loris Baz – P1

It was a good first day back, even if it was a bit up and down this morning with a small technical issue. We decided after the tests in Barcelona and Assen that we have to change something on the bike, especially for the heat, so we made some adjustments this morning and I’m confident ahead of the race tomorrow. It’s always great to finish a session in first and to improve the lap times, even if it’s only a Friday. This afternoon we did 20 laps on one set of tyres and it felt pretty good, so I think we’re in a strong position.”

Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) was second fastest overall with a 1’41.311s; less than a tenth behind Baz’s fastest overall time. Championship leader and Rea’s KRT teammate, Alex Lowes, was 10th fastest but within four-tenths of the fastest time of the day; showing the competitive nature of the field and machines in action at Jerez.

Jonathan Rea – P2

We still have some work to do but I felt quite good out there today. Pirelli brought three possible race tyres for the longer races so we tried to understand what the best one would be. We did enough laps on each to draw some conclusions for tomorrow, and we narrowed it down to two rear options. The bike is working quite OK. We have moved away from our base set-up this summer, with two recent tests in Misano and Montmelo and the bike is turning well. We never really went for a time attack in the second session so this was just a working day really, to understand where we are.”

Jonathan Rea
Alex Lowes – P10

I think the biggest challenge is going to be tyres in these kinds of temperatures, so in the afternoon session I just used the same tyre and tried to adapt the bike a little bit. We made a few small changes and rode until the end of the session. My pace was not too bad and I did my best laps at the end. That was quite good and I just need to improve the front set-up of the bike, during the trail-braking phase. If we can improve that for tomorrow I think we will be not too bad. This afternoon’s session was better than this morning’s session and I think it was more relevant for temperature. I felt a bit more comfortable and the races should be held in hotter conditions, later in the day.”

Alex Lowes

Alvaro Bautista (Team HRC) was fourth fastest overall for the day as he continued his impressive pace at Jerez, with his team-mate Leon Haslam finishing the day with the ninth fastest time.

Alvaro Bautista – P4

My feeling with the bike is much better than it was in Australia. Conditions were tough today with a slippery track and very high temperatures. I’m happy though because we tested many things, especially in terms of the tyres, to understand the range available and see what might work in the hot conditions here; consumption will be key. I think we’ve taken a step forward and now need to continue in this direction, making small adjustments to build our confidence. Our rhythm is not bad, and I think we need to focus on being constant in this weekend’s races, considering the track conditions. We still have some small changes to make tomorrow of course but, all in all, an encouraging first day’s work.”

Alvaro Bautista
Leon Haslam – P9

Today’s been tough to be honest. The lap times were coming easily during our first exit but then we tried a few things and perhaps went in the wrong direction with a few items. It was tricky in the afternoon and although we tested something else, we ended up going back to the morning setting, with which we got closer in terms of the lap times. We tried many of the tyre options and I’m clear as far as that’s concerned, but we still have more to understand and also need to do a long-run. So, we still have work to do but I don’t think we’re far off though and today has definitely had its positives, which we’ll take into Saturday.”

Bautista headed Aruba Ducati duo Scott Redding and Chaz Davies, who were sixth and seventh respectively. The two British riders were separated by just 0.030s as the day ended, although Davies did have an incident at Turn 2 but was able to continue.

Scott Redding – P5

It’s been a very good day even though the conditions are really extreme, especially for the tyres. I tried to work in this direction this afternoon and we had positive results. I think that this weekend it will be very important to manage not only the tyres but also our body as we’ll have three races and they will all be particularly demanding. I am very confident though: I feel I am in the best possible condition“.

Scott Redding
Chaz Davies – P6

I think today we have seen the improvements we made in the last two tests in Misano and Barcelona. The bike has worked pretty well and the feeling is extremely positive. The objective for this weekend? I want to fight for the podium in every race. The pace is good even if in the race it is always a different story. In FP3 tomorrow morning we will continue to work to improve the feeling and get to the Superpole in the best conditions“.

Chaz Davies

Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha) was seventh fastest with a 1’40.507s, beating Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha) by less than a tenth of a second. With the top 10 so close, the action throughout Tissot Superpole and racing is sure to be exciting.

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P7

Today was good start, but we were trying new set-ups on the bike that didn’t always give us the improvements we maybe expected. It’ll be a long race and very hot and, while we don’t have the best feeling at the moment, hopefully tomorrow we can make another step. Because of the track conditions, the bike is sliding quite a lot, but we will work to improve in this area tomorrow morning ahead of qualifying and Race 1.”

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu
Michael van der Mark – P8

It’s awesome to be back on track with all the other guys again. To be honest I couldn’t find a good rhythm this morning and struggled with set-up, but in the afternoon we changed quite a lot on the bike. I didn’t feel too comfortable with it under braking but then we made another big step during the session. We did a longer run and I felt much more comfortable. We’re missing a few tenths from the race pace, but at least I’m feeling more confident with . Tomorrow morning, we should be able to make another big step, but qualifying and the race are the most important and, as I said, we just need to find a couple of tenths for both.”

Michael van der Mark

Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha) and teammate Federico Caricasulo were 11th and 12th respectively for the day, with both riders able to show their pace throughout the two practice sessions; Italian rider Caricasulo able to improve slightly throughout Free Practice 2.

Garrett Gerloff – P11

It was definitely a positive start, it felt good right off the bat. We made some changes in Barcelona that have definitely worked here. This afternoon with the track much hotter, we struggled to maintain the same consistency and outright pace, but we made some good progress in the end. We will focus on improving in the hotter temperatures, as that is what the race conditions will be tomorrow. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and I’m confident that we have a good bike. The race pace isn’t bad, we’re not far off so after a few changes we’ll be right where we need to be.”

Federico Caricasulo – P12

Today was very tough, as it was really hot and FP2 was particularly hard. We did a good job because we improved the bike between the practice sessions and managed the same lap time, despite the hotter temperatures. I’m happy because I didn’t use the soft tyre, I just focused on race runs. I think we are very close to all of the other Yamaha riders, which is good, and I am looking forward to tomorrow.

Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad) was the highest-placed BMW rider in 13th place, with Eugene Laverty (BMW Motorrad) in 15th after suffering some clutch problems early on before then crashing at turn two.

Shaun Muir – BMW Team Principal

“We hit a few unexpected problems today, however, despite that in the more difficult session of FP2, both riders were able to put some really good race simulations in which overall potentially placed them P6,P7 so on paper that was very promising.
Overall, we had a few issues to sort out which I’m glad happened today and not tomorrow. I feel FP3 will be a good session for us to go do another race simulation. Thereafter we go into Superpole where hopefully we can get both riders onto the front two rows which will put in good stead for the race.”

Tom Sykes – P13

This morning was just one of those sessions, we had some bedding in to do with the braking system which wasn’t ideal and had a few changes to do, so this morning I wouldn’t say was a wasted session but we got a lot of things out of the way ready for FP2. The afternoon session we focused on working towards a race time and estimating the tyres and temperatures which I felt pretty good in, especially during that first exit so I am looking forward to tomorrow to see what we can do on the BMW S 1000 RR.

Eugene Laverty – P15

Its nice to be back at a race weekend, we’ve been testing a fair bit recently but nothing compares to it when your against the clock. Unfortunately this morning that didn’t work well for me as a I had a small issue with the clutch, which lost us a lot of time which is never easy as your up against it from the word go. FP2 was really good in the first half, we were able to push and put some good laps in which were towards to top of the leader board but unfortunately I had a crash at T2 which again set us back in the session. We are a little behind in the sessions but ideally I am pushing to get myself into those first two rows which will help us hugely for the race.”

WorldSBK returnee Marco Melandri continued to get up to speed throughout the day by finishing between the two BMW riders.

In 16th was Chilean Maximilian Scheib (Orelac Kawasaki) as he posted a 1’41.230, the last rider within one second of Baz’s fastest time of the day as he Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado (Motocorsa Ducati) in 17th place. Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti) and Sandro Cortese (OutDo Kawasaki) were 18th and 19th, just edging Nuova M2 Racing’s Christophe Ponsson, a wildcard entry on an Aprilia RSV4.

Takumi Takahashi (MIE Althea Honda), WorldSBK debutant Lorenzo Gabellini (MIE Althea Honda) and Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Ducati) completed the 23-rider field.

Takumi Takahashi – P21

I’ve ridden in some very hot conditions before, but I must say today was extreme and tomorrow’s forecast is similar if not even tougher. Anyway, it’s the same for everyone and I have to say that, despite the high temperatures, I had slightly better feeling on the bike compared to how I felt during the test we completed at Aragon. We have taken a little step forward with the setup and although we are still far from where we want to be, it’s good to see some gradual progress being made.

Lorenzo Gabellini – P22

It’s been a useful day in terms of getting to grips with everything – the pace of the category, the bike’s setup and the track, which although I have ridden once in the past now seems like a completely new circuit. When I came here last it was winter, and only about 20 degrees. Today I was able to take a few references from the others but to be honest, I have a lot of things to get used to. I like the fact I was able to shave off about six tenths between the first and second session, with much more difficult conditions in FP2. I’m basically learning step by step and have to adapt to many things“.

Friday WorldSBK Practice Times

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 L. Baz YZF R1 1m40.249
2 J. Rea ZX-10RR +0.062
3 M. Rinaldi V4 R +0.076
4 A. Bautista CBR1000RR-R +0.143
5 S. Redding V4 R +0.193
6 C. Davies V4 R +0.223
7 T. Razgatlioglu YZF R1 +0.258
8 M. Van Der Mark YZF R1 +0.316
9 L. Haslam CBR1000RR-R +0.354
10 A. Lowes  ZX-10RR +0.357
11 G. Gerloff YZF R1 +0.484
12 F. Caricasulo YZF R1 +0.722
13 T. Sykes S1000 RR +0.885
14 M. Melandri V4 R +0.893
15 E. Laverty  S1000 RR +0.952
16 M. Scheib ZX-10RR +0.981
17 L. Mercado V4 R +1.047
18 X. Fores ZX-10RR +1.455
19 S. Cortese ZX-10RR +1.772
20 C. Ponsson RSV4 1000 +1.777
21 T. Takahashi CBR1000RR-R +2.334
22 L. Gabellini CBR1000RR-R +2.702
23 S. Barrier  V4 R +3.188

Locatelli WorldSSP on Friday

The FIM Supersport World Championship’s season resumed with two practice sessions and Italian rookie Andrea Locatelli (Badahl Yamaha) continued exactly where he left off at Phillip Island, dominating the field as he topped both practice sessions at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.

Andrea Locatelli

Locatelli’s best time was set in the morning session with a 1’42.988, the only rider to dip below 1’43 all day. In Free Practice 2 he was the only rider in the 1’43s as he posted a time that was over one second faster than Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti) in Free Practice 2. Overall, he was fourth tenths faster than Steven Odendaal (Ten Kate Yamaha), who was second faster for the day with his time of 1’43.399.

Steven Odendaal

South African rider Odendaal was four tenths faster than Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti) as the trio rounded out the top three; the riders directly behind Locatelli very close in terms of lap time. Oettl’s Kawasaki Puccetti Racing teammate, Lucas Mahias, was fifth fastest with fellow Frenchman Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) in fourth between Oettl and Mahias. Cluzel’s GMT94 Yamaha team-mate, Corentin Perolari was in eighth place after the two sessions.

Lucas Mahias

Isaac Viñales (Kallio Yamaha) was sixth fastest overall over the two practice sessions, three tenths ahead of his Kallio Racing team-mate, Hannes Soomer in seventh. Axel Bassani (Soradis Yamaha Motoxracing) was the highest placed rider competing in the World Supersport Challenge with ninth overall. Hikari Okubo (Dynavolt Honda) rounded out the top 10 while his teammate, German Patrick Hobelsberger, was 21st overall.

Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was 11th fastest overall for the day, having posted a 1’44.497 in the second practice session; one of only a handful of riders to improve their time from the opening practice session. Federico Fuligni (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was classified in 20th place for the day.

Alejandro Carranza Ruiz (Emperador Racing Team) finished the day in 12th overall as he beat Manuel Gonzalez (Kawasaki ParkinGO) by just 0.005s; showing just how close it is in WorldSSP. Danny Webb (WRP Wepol Yamaha) was 14th fastest after both sessions, with Peter Sebestyen (Oxxo Yamaha Toth) in 15th. Hungarian Sebestyen’s team-mate, Loris Cresson, was 23rd fastest for the day.

Andy Verdoïa (bLU cRU Yamaha) finished in 16th with his team-mate, Galang Hendra Pratama in 19th place. Between them was Turkish sensation Can Öncü (Kawasaki) and Christoffer Bergman (Yamaha); the Swedish rider returning to action after suffering from two broken legs.

Lachlan Epis (MPM Routz Yamaha) was 22nd out of 24 riders, with Luigi Montella (DK Yamaha) rounding out the 24-rider field.

WorldSSP Friday Practice Times

Pos Rider Bike Time/Gap
1 A. Locatelli YZF R6 1m42.988
2 S. Odendaal YZF R6 +0.411
3 P. Oettl ZX-6 +0.457
4 J. Cluzel YZF R6 +0.463
5 L. Mahias YZF R6 +0.589
6 I.  Viñales YZF R6 +0.730
7 H. Soomer YZF R6 +1.071
8 C. Perolari YZF R6 +1.118
9 A. Bassani YZF R6 +1.448
10 H. Okubo CBR600RR 1.499
11 R. De Rosa F3675 +1.509
12 A. Ruiz Carranza YZF R6 +1.551
13 M. Gonzalez ZX-6R +1.556
14 D. Webb YZF R6 +2.037
15 P. Sebestyen YZF R6 +2.184
16 A. Verdoïa YZF R6 +2.264
17 C. Öncü  ZX-6R +2.641
18 C. Bergman YZF R6 +2.923
19 G. Hendra Pratama YZF R6 +2.981
20 F. Fuligni F3675 +3.011
21 P. Hobelsberger CR600RR +3.709
22 L. Epis YZF R6 +3.808
23 L. Cresson YZF R6 +3.901
24 L. Montella YZF R6 +6.596

WorldSSP300

Home rider Mika Perez (Prodina Ircos Team WorldSSP300) topped the 300 Supersport time-sheets at Jerez overnight. Times between riders were minimal across Friday’s two practice sessions as Perez made the first move with the fastest time of the day in the first Free Practice session.

Mika Perez

Perez’s time of 1’53.609, set in the first practice session, was enough to be the fastest time of the day as he beat Tom Booth-Amos (RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki), whose best time came in Free Practice 2 at Jerez.

Unai Orradre

Unai Orradre (Yamaha MS Racing) was third fastest across both sessions with a time of 1’53.770s; just over a tenth separating the top three after the first day of WorldSSP300 action.

Tom Booth-Amos

Meikon Kawakami (Team Brasil AD78) was fourth fastest for the day’s track action with a time of 1’53.907 on his WorldSSP300 debut, beating Scott Deroue (MTM Kawasaki MOTOPORT) by around one tenth of a second.

Scott Deroue

Hugo de Cancellis (Team TRASIMENO), entering his third season in World Supersport 300, was sixth fastest. The top six in the highly-competitive field were separated by less than half a second, showing how close racing will be in the 2020 WorldSSP300 season.

Meikon Kawakami

Deroue’s MTM Kawasaki Motoport team-mate, Yuta Okaya, finished the day with the seventh fastest time, around a tenth off Deroue, after setting a time of 1’54.113s in Free Practice 2. Italian rider Gabriele Mastroluca (GP Project) was eighth after setting his best time in Free Practice 1; beating Tom Edwards (Kawasaki ParkinGO Team) by 0.003s – Edwards setting his best time in Free Practice 1. Bruno Ieraci (Kawasaki GP Project) rounded out the top 10 of the WorldSSP field.

2018 World Champion Ana Carrasco (Kawasaki Provec WorldSSP300) finished the day in 15th place while Ukrainian rider Nick Kalinin (Battley-RT Motorsports by SKM Kawasaki) and Johan Gimbert finished the day 18th and 19th respectively; Gimbert finishing just over one second off the pace of Perez.

Koen Meuffels (MTM Kawasaki Motoport) finished the session in 26th place, with more to come from the Dutch rider who has one win and two podiums to his name in WorldSSP300.

Australia’s Tom Bramich was 33rd quickest on the Carl Cox backed RT Motorsports SKM Kawasaki in what is a massive 53-rider field.

WorldSSP300 Combined Results

Pos Rider Bike Class Time/Gap
1 M. Perez Ninja 400 A 1m53.609
2 T. Booth-Amos  Ninja 400 B +0.147
3 U. Orradre YZF-R3 A +0.161
4 M. Kawakami YZF-R3 B +0.298
5 S. DeroueNinja 400 Ninja 400 B +0.392
6 H. De Cancellis YZF-R3 B +0.434
7 Y. Okaya Ninja 400 B +0.504
8 G. Mastroluca Ninja 400 B +0.507
9 T. Edwards Ninja 400 B +0.635
10 B. Ieraci Ninja 400 A +0.729
11 K. Sabatucci Ninja 400 B +0.733
12 A. Coppola Ninja 400 B +0.744
13 T. Kawakami YZF-R3 B +0.782
14 S. Markarian YZF-R3 B +0.785
15 A. Carrasco Ninja 400 B +0.799
16 84 K. Aloisi YZF-R3 A +0.867
17 6 J. Buis Ninja 400 A +0.972
18 22 N. Kalinin Ninja 400 A +0.980
19 7 J. Gimbert Ninja 400 A +1.022
20 J. Jahnig RC390R A +1.070
21 B. Sofuoglu YZF-R3 B +1.199
22 T. Brianti Ninja 400 B +1.205
23 C. Stange RC390R A +1.358
24 T. Bercot YZF-R3 B +1.399
25 0. Konig KTMRC390R B +1.399
26 K. Meuffels Ninja 400 A +1.571
27 P. Grassia YZF-R3 A +1.615
28 I.  Iglesias Ninja 400 B +1.630
29 S. Di Sora Ninja 400 A +1.631
30 F. Rovelli Ninja 400 A +1.661
31 A. Carrion Ninja 400 A +1.672
32 A. Kroh YZF-R3 A +1.938
33 T. Bramich Ninja 400 A +2.010
34 F. Macan YZF-R3 A +2.016
35 E. De La Vega YZF-R3 B +2.064
36 E. Vocino Ninja 400 B +2.185
37 G. Van Straalen YZF-R3 A +2.245
38 M. Gaggi YZF-R3 A +2.357
39 M. Gennai YZF-R3 A +2.674
40 M. Kappler KTM RC 390 R B +2.713
41 J. Ioverno Ninja 400 B +2.966
42 J. Perez Gonzalez YZF-R3 B +3.111
43 A. Diaz YZF-R3 A +3.124
44 A. Quinet Ninja 400 B +3.201
45 E. Mcglinchey Ninja 400 A +3.366
46 G. Matern YZF-R3 A +3.796
47 R. Dore YZF-R3 B +3.885
48 D. Blin YZF-R3 A +3.947
49 M. Hrava Ninja 400 B +4.253
50 M. Cervenka Ninja 400 B +4.685
51 I.  Offer Ninja 400 A +5.801
52 L. Gruau Ninja 400 A +7.679
53 S. Sanchez Tamayo YZF-R3 B /

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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