This handy guide includes all new or significantly updated street-legal motorcycles for the 2020 model year. Organized in alphabetical order by manufacturer, it includes photos and links to details or, when available, first rides and road test reviews about each bike. This guide is updated regularly as more new/updated models are announced, and when we’ve had a chance to ride them and report our impressions.
Receiving updates similar to those that other models in the
R family received for 2019, the BMW R 1250 R roadster gets a larger 1,254cc
boxer twin with ShiftCam variable valve timing and valve stroke and updates to
its electronics package. It also gets a mild style refresh with a TFT display,
a DRL option for the halogen headlight and new color options. Although originally
announced as a 2019 model, the R 1250 R didn’t make it to the U.S. in time. BMW
says it will be available as a 2020 model with an MSRP starting at $14,995.
Receiving updates similar to those that other models in the
R family received for 2019, the BMW R 1250 R roadster gets a larger 1,254cc
boxer twin with ShiftCam variable valve timing and valve stroke and updates to
its electronics package. The RS also gets a style refresh that drops the
asymmetrical, winking look of the S 1000 RR in favor of a sporty twin-LED
headlight assembly, and an LED DRL (daytime running light) is an option.
Although announced as a 2019 model, the R 1250 RS didn’t make it to the U.S. in
time. BMW says it will be available as a 2020 model with an MSRP starting at
$15,695.
More power (205 hp), less weight (434 lbs), updated
technology and a new up-spec Motorsport version. The 2020 BMW S 1000 RR is at
the pointy end of the sportbike spear. Pricing starts at $16,995 and bikes will
be in dealerships in summer 2019.
Harley-Davidson’s new LiveWire electric motorcycle is seriously sporty, shockingly fast and whisper-quiet–everything a typical Harley isn’t. And that’s just the way Milwaukee wants it. It’s propelled by a liquid-cooled electric motor that makes a claimed 105 horsepower and 86 lb-ft of torque, drawing power from a 15.5 kWh battery that offers, according to H-D, a range of 146 miles in the city and 95 miles of combined stop-and-go and highway riding. Single-speed transmission offers twist-and-go convenience, and styling, ergonomics and components are the sportiest offered on any Harley-Davidson. MSRP starts at $29,799.
The 2020 Suzuki Katana features styling cues that pay direct homage to the 1981 original, and it’s built around the potent GSX-S1000 999cc inline-four. It features ABS, traction control, Easy Start and Low RPM Assist, as well as a twin-spar aluminum frame, braced superbike-style swingarm, KYB suspension, dual front Brembo monoblock four-piston calipers, 310mm floating rotors and a model-specific LCD panel. We got a chance to ride the new Katana in Japan last March, but pricing and availability are TBD.
Announced in the fall of 2018, we’re still waiting to see the
new Ténéré 700 (T7, for short) in the flesh–Yamaha says it will be coming to
the U.S. in the second half of 2020 as a 2021 model. We know it will be
powered by the 689cc CP2 parallel twin used in the MT-07, housed in a new
tubular steel double-cradle frame. Other details include a 62.6-inch wheelbase,
9.5 inches of ground clearance, a fully adjustable USD 43mm fork with 8.3
inches of travel and a remote preload-adjustable rear shock with 7.9 inches of
travel.
Yamaha has updated its flagship sportbikes, the YZF-R1 and the track-ready YZF-R1M, for 2020, with both featuring refinements to their CP4 crossplane crankshaft engines, an augmented electronic rider aids package, enhanced suspension and redesigned bodywork. MSRP is $17,300 for the YZF-R1 and $26,099 for the YZF-R1M (the latter is available in limited quantities through Yamaha’s online reservation system).
The first new model from Zero Motorcycles since 2016, the 2020 SR/F’s streetfighter look and steel trellis frame blur the styling lines between gas and electric motorcycles. Powered by a new ZF75-10 IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery, it delivers a claimed 140 lb-ft of torque and 110 horsepower. It also features Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control System and Zero’s new Cypher III operating system. Pricing starts at $18,995.
Quartararo tops the timesheets in MotoGP testing at Brno
Section: Competition
Yamaha completes top three with Vinales and Morbidelli.
Image: Supplied.
Rookie phenomenon Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT) went faster than his Czech GP FP2 time to top the timesheets at the one-day Brno MotoGP test.
The Frenchman’s 1m55.616s was 0.012s ahead of second-fastest Maverick Vinales as he and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP teammate Valentino Rossi got their hands on an early 2020 YZR-M1 prototype, with Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) making it an Iwata factory 1-2-3 on Monday.
One of the key talking points leading up to the Brno Test was Yamaha rolling out a first version of next year’s bike. Rossi was out on a blacked-out YZR-M1 early in the day as he and teammate Vinales got their first taste of what the 2020 bike will be like, and the duo had a new seat unit to test for their 2019 bikes.
They were out on track until the chequered flag was waved as ‘The Doctor’ shot up to P6 on his final run, with 63 laps completed by the nine-time champion. Vinales got 74 laps under his belt ahead of Austria.
In the Petronas Yamaha SRT box, pacesetter Quartararo tested carbon forks on his M1, the same as the factory team use. Meanwhile, Morbidelli improved his time last in the session to set the third quickest time of the day and got a solid 78 laps under his belt – the same as Quartararo. The Italian tried a thumb brake which he has already used on some occasions, but his main focus was on settings.
Czech GP winner and championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had three bikes at his disposal for the Brno Test. One was the one he raced with which has no carbon fibre reinforcements, the second had a small carbon fibre insert near the steering head and the third had a smaller carbon fibre insert.
The seven-time champion also tried a new Honda aero package on one of the RC213Vs, but he did most of his work on his standard bike and as he completed 70 laps, finishing eighth on the timesheets – likely not pushing too hard on test duty.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) also had three bikes to play with during the test. Similar to Marquez, one was his standard 2019 bike while another had the reinforced carbon chassis. Another had some ‘test items’ on it and, again similar to Marquez, the British rider did most of his work on his standard 2019 package and ended the day P5.
Teammate Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) was mainly focusing on improving his setup, with the Japanese rider doing a Michelin tyre test at the end of the day to work on edge grip.
At Team Suzuki Ecstar, there was a high-speed crash for rookie Joan Mir with just under 45 minutes of the session remaining that brought out the Red Flag. Mir’s GSX-RR ended over the fence at turn one and as a precaution, the Spaniard was taken to hospital for further checks.
For teammate Alex Rins, work with the new aero package we saw across the weekend was his main focus, but he also had a small evolution on the chassis and swingarm that he tested in Barcelona. The Spaniard finished fourth fastest having completed 69 laps at Brno, with Mir also completing 69 laps – some while using the aero package for the first time – before his crash saw him end the test in seventh.
Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso completed a steady 48 laps on Monday to finish 12th on the times, with the Italian testing a new swingarm for the Bologna factory. Teammate Danilo Petrucci was working on setup as they try to understand why the performance wasn’t quite there at Brno. In the Pramac Racing box, Czech GP podium finisher Jack Miller confirmed he had been trying a new Ducati chassis during the weekend.
The Australian was back to the one he used for the first half of the season for most of Monday’s test, with Miller doing back-to-back runs to confirm the new one was the way forward. Moreover, he made progress with the rear shock. Teammate Francesco Bagnaia was focused on getting more miles under his belt and having found a new setup in FP4 at Brno, the reigning Moto2 world champion will hope to take more confidence into Austria. Bagnaia ended the test as the fastest Ducati, placing ninth – 0.632 from Quartararo’s time.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Johann Zarco had a short day to keep his energy levels high for the team’s home race in Austria this weekend, with the Frenchman completing the least laps of anyone – 31. On the other side of the garage, Pol Espargaro did 49 laps as KTM worked on a little bit of everything: settings, electronics, chassis, aero package and suspension.
Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Miguel Oliveira got the chance to ride a full factory spec machine as well at Brno, impressively finishing the day just over a tenth off Espargaro on the timesheets as they took P14 and P15.
Aleix Espargaro had a carbon-reinforced chassis to try during the morning hours for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, and in the afternoon the Spaniard tested a new swingarm for the Noale factory. He did 57 laps, with teammate Andrea Iannone doing 52. MotoGP resumes this weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Johann Zarco had a short day to keep his energy levels high for the team’s home race in Austria this weekend, the Frenchman completed the least number of laps of anyone – 31. On the other side of the factory garage, Pol Espargaro circulated 49 times as KTM worked on a little bit of everything: settings, electronics, chassis, aero package and suspension. Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Miguel Oliveira got the chance to ride a full factory spec machine at Brno, he finished just over a tenth off Espargaro on the timesheets in P14 and P15 respectively.
Yeeow, sounds like it was a thrilling Buffalo Chip TT last night, right down to the last corner, wherein JD Beach slipped past teammate Jake Johnson for the win. Further back, the wily Jared Mees settled for a third place finish after series points leader Briar Bauman crashed out of the race – closing the points gap to just 12 as the 2019 AFT series enters the second half of the season tomorrow night at the Black Hills Half-Mile in aptly named Rapid City, S.D.
AFT Press Release:
STURGIS, S.D. (August 4, 2019) – JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) blasted past teammate Jake Johnson (No. 5 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) just a few feet short of the checkered flag to steal away a most improbable victory in Sunday night’s wild American Flat Track premier class showdown at the Buffalo Chip TT presented by Indian Motorcycle in Sturgis, S.D.
Until the very final moments, Johnson seemed all but assured of taking back-to-back AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines triumphs at the Buffalo Chip. The TT standout grabbed the holeshot and quickly broke free at the front while a four-rider fight for second took shape involving Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team XG750R Rev X), Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) and Beach.
Passing opportunities proved few and far between as the riders negotiated the purpose-built TT circuit on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground that encircled “The Bar” and was pressed tight by thousands of fans on the fences. As a result, the top five could have easily been set from the opening lap if not for repeated drama.
Harley versus Indian versus Yamaha… (photos by Scott Hunter)
First, Vanderkooi ran wide and quickly gave up three positions. An aggressive Beach then made his way by Bauman as well and immediately went about applying intense pressure on Mees for second.
That pressure was so great, in fact, that Mees ultimately decided it was better to just hand the position over to Beach than invite trouble in an attempt to defend it, especially once he saw that championship rival Briar Bauman (No. 14 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) was destined to DNF after crashing further back in the field.
At that point, Mees’ calculated decision appeared likely only to open the door for an eventual Estenson 1-2, but Beach still wasn’t satisfied. He somehow reeled in teammate Johnson, arriving on his rear wheel just in time to take the white flag. However, Beach simply couldn’t find a way through and was all but ready to follow Johnson to the checkered flag when Johnson’s bike suffered a mechanical issue exiting the race’s very final corner.
Beach promptly powered past, officially claiming the victory by 0.201 seconds. The win was the second of Beach’s AFT Twins career and his second straight on the tour’s run of TTs, having also won at the Arizona Super TT earlier this season.
As excited as he was, Beach couldn’t help but feel for Johnson. He said, “I’m heartbroken for Jake. He rode an amazing race. I came from like fifth and caught him, but we only had a lap to go. I was trying to find a way by him but there just wasn’t any room. Coming out of the last turn, I heard his bike blubber, so I knew I was hooked up and going. It’s awesome to get a win, but to get a win like that — especially with Jake because he’s such a good guy — it feels good but it doesn’t.
For Jake Johnson, so close and yet so far away…
“I have to thank the whole crowd for coming out. This event is awesome. And I’ve got to thank the whole Estenson racing team. They’ve been working really hard. We’ve got a bike that can go right, and I think we’ve proved it. And we have another chance at the Peoria TT, so we’ll see what happens.”
Mees came home in third, slashing his title deficit from 26 to just 12 (173-161) to open the second half of the ‘19 title fight.
Bronson Bauman finished fourth, followed by Vanderkooi in fifth.
Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
For the second consecutive year, Ryan Sipes (No. 264 Red Bull/Leatt/KTM 450 SX-F) put on a masterclass of all-around riding ability at the Buffalo Chip TT with a convincing victory in the once-stopped and restarted Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Main Event.
With right- and left-handers of varying radii and jumps to navigate, the TTs demand a somewhat different, expanded skillset compared to the other three AFT disciplines. It should be no surprise that the supremely versatile Sipes once again shone under the lights at the Buffalo Chip, as he showcased the talents that also made him a Supercross race winner and America’s first-ever ISDE overall winner.
Sipes was in dominant form all day long, and effectively secured the win at the critically important start when he hammered into the lead off the line. His combination of superior speed and inch-perfect lines provided his opponents with precious little hope of defeating the Kentucky native on this night.
“I wanted this one really bad,” Sipes said. “All I’ve thought about since I crashed at Springfield was I should have won there, and now I have to win here. And I did it, so I feel really good about it.”
AFT Singles points leader Dalton Gauthier (No. 122 D&D Cycles/Gobert Smash Husqvarna FC450) was ecstatic to finish second. With series part-timer Sipes not in championship contention and key title rival Mikey Rush (No. 15 RMR Honda/Red Riders Rewards Honda CRF450R) suffering another difficult outing, Gauthier’s podium performance opened up some breathing space at the top of the standings.
Defending champ Dan Bromley (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) took over second in the championship chase with his sixth podium result of the season by finishing third.
‘16 class champ Ryan Wells (No. 94 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) made an impressive charge on a track that was nearly impossible to pass on to arrive in fourth while top qualifier Chad Cose (No. 49 Parkinson Bros Racing/Rod Lake Honda CRF450R) rounded out the top five.
Be sure to catch the feature broadcast of the Buffalo Chip TT presented by Indian Motorcyclewith flag-to-flag coverage of both Main Events, enhanced by exclusive features and cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage. The broadcast will debut on Saturday, August 10, at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT and re-air on Wednesday, August 14, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.
Next Up:
American Flat Track will be back at it Tuesday night to complete this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally doubleheader with the Black Hills Half-Mile presented by Law Tigers at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, S.D., on Tuesday, August 6. Live coverage will once again be available at FansChoice.tv. Black Hills HM tickets are on sale now at tickets.americanflattrack.com.
NBCSN and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of American Flat Track. For the 2019 season, NBCSN’s coverage of AFT moves to highly-coveted, weekend afternoon programming slots within two weeks of each event. The complete schedule for AFT on NBCSN can be viewed at http://www.americanflattrack.com/events-nbcsn/. FansChoice.tv remains a cornerstone of AFT’s digital strategy, providing live streaming coverage of every event on AFT’s live page while previous events and exclusive features are available on AFT’s VOD page.
Yamaha have rolled out the first step of their new engine which is expected to have better top speed and drivability, with Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) spending time out on a black bike. ‘The Doctor’ currently sits 12th on the times, with teammate Maverick Viñales ninth.
In extremely tricky qualifying conditions, both Espargaro and teammate Johann Zarco shone to get both factory KTMs inside the top five in Q2, having progressed through Q1. The Frenchman scored KTM their first premier class front row start with a P3, but Zarco couldn’t get the launch on a damp track and quickly slipped back outside the top 10. Espargaro though did get a decent start and slotted himself into fifth, just ahead of Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).
DGR founder Mark Hawwa says Skram Motorcycle Eyewear is “a product that as motorcyclists we wanted to wear” and was a joint effort by him, colleague Rocco Repice and optometrist Elias Combes.
The flexible sunglasses cost $199 with earlybird investors getting some extras.
They are claimed to have 100% UV protection with shatterproof glass that makes them the “most protective” sunglasses on the market.
Mark claims they “searched for years testing over 50 different lenses until we found the set that we could put all of our trust into”.
Skram style
They come in three styles with a choice of brown tortoise shell or black frames and clear or yellow lenses that increase tint when exposed to the sunlight.
Prescription lenses will also be available for $99 extra ($79 for earlybird Kickstarter backers).
“Most importantly it had to be adaptive in different lighting conditions. Meaning no longer do you have to carry two pairs of glasses around. No longer do you need to change lenses,” Mark says.
“It is perfect for those who wear open-face and 3/4 helmets as well as those who like to ride with their full face helmet visor open.”
However, the glasses are not wrap-around, nor do they have gaskets to keep the wind out, so we’re not sure how they would go at highway speeds.
Riders should be careful of windburn in their eyes which can lead dry, itchy eyes and possibly blurred vision.
Funding goal
The Skram fundraising goal to go into production and start shipping in November is $A20,000.
Already more than $6000 has been pledged with about seven weeks to go.
They guarantee backers will get their money back if they do not meet their November delivery deadline.
Riders and lovers of classic motorcycles should save the 2020 Australia Day long weekend for the 27th running of the International Phillip Island Classic.
It is the southern hemisphere’s largest historic motorcycle meet.
The Island Classic returns to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from 24-26 January 2020.
It will feature a century of motorcycles from pre-war through to the new era machines.
The circuit will play host to more than 450 bikes, 300 riders and 50-plus races starring in a packed agenda.
“I was really concentrated from the beginning as there were still some wet patches, especially at Turn 1. I knew I needed to keep my rhythm as the Yamaha riders were starting from behind and they were strong in Warm Up. Then I saw that Dovi was behind me so I had to keep pushing and pushing. I had a little warning on lap 10 because that is when I started to push more to try and open the gap. Delaying the race was the best decision that could have been made because the track was in a mixed condition and it could have been quite dangerous. A crazy weekend with the weather but the whole Repsol Honda Team were perfect and helped me a lot to achieve victory!”
Marc Marquez – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Andrea Dovizioso – P2
“I’m happy with my second place today and the fact that we were fast all through the weekend, even though unfortunately it wasn’t enough to win the race. I opted for a different rear tyre to Marquez and at the start I pushed hard to stay close to him, but when he began to brake harder I didn’t have any margin to push harder at the front. Pity, but we weren’t that far away from him, so we have to continue to believe in ourselves: I’m still positive because tomorrow there will be an important test day here at Brno, with a lot of new material to try out.”
Andrea Dovizioso – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Jack Miller – P3
I am very satisfied with this result and I thank the team because this weekend we have done an extraordinary job. When Rins overtook me I stayed calm and this allowed me to manage the tyre and then attack him in the final. The delayed start? Turn 1 would have been very dangerous. It was the right decision and it’s nice to see how much Dorna cares about our safety.
Jack Miller – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Alex Rins – P4
“I was really close to the podium, and it’s a bit of a shame because I was fighting hard all race and trying to close Dovizioso in front of me. But in the last five laps I felt that the grip had dropped, however, but I’m still pleased to get fourth place. Tomorrow we’re testing and we’ll try many things, this should allow me to go to Austria next week feeling fresh and ready to fight again in the top group.”
Alex Rins – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Cal Crutchlow – P5
“At the end of the first lap, or the first two or three anyway, I was already 3.8 seconds down or something like that, so I lost a lot of time in the first few laps as I was not able to get through. Maybe I wasted one lap too many behind (Danilo) Petrucci and Valentino (Rossi), but I tried my best, had a good pace and we’re happy with the result considering where we came from on the grid. I made a good start and had a good race, but I just wore that rear tyre out coming across the gap to the front guys. I was four seconds down and got it back to two at one point, but that put a lot of stress on the rear tyre on a day when the track condition was really, really bad. Overall we’re happy, the team did a good job, Honda did a good job and we should be pleased to come away with a top five result after not a good qualifying and not having a great feeling with the bike this weekend.”
Cal Crutchlow – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Valentino Rossi – P6
“Starting the race at 2PM would have been very dangerous, especially with the first sector being full wet, because everybody would have used the slicks and then arrive at the first corner all together. For me that is one of the most dangerous things you can do. So, I asked if it’s possible to delay, and I think that was the right choice because in the end we had a real race that was completely dry. For sure, we’re not happy about a sixth place, but I was able to ride my bike in a better way and in the end it wasn’t too bad. The guys that arrived in front were faster than I was, but it was better than the last races, so this is quite positive. We have some things we want to try tomorrow. We have a new engine specification and also some other things, so as always it will be an important test and we will see.”
Valentino Rossi – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Fabio Quartararo – P7
“Saturday was a tough day so Sunday’s goal was to be top rookie and to try and be in the top eight, and we achieved both goals. It’s the first race where I feel like I really had to work to save the tyres, and I learned a lot from doing that. The conditions were strange and I was a little bit stressed in the beginning because I don’t have much experience, but we’re happy with our result. I overtook a few riders in the race and I learned a lot from doing that, about how to save the tyres so I can be more aggressive when I need to. I tried to push at the end to catch Rossi to try and fight with him for the first time and it’s a shame I wasn’t quite able to close down the gap to him.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Danilo Petrucci – P8
“For sure this was the most difficult race of the year for me. I missed out on being able to lap in the dry yesterday, because already on Friday I was struggling a bit at this circuit. The race was tough because right from the start I didn’t have much grip and the leaders went away immediately, and then it was also difficult to fight with the others because in the final stages I had finished the tyres. Pity, because Rins made up a few points on me in the standings even though I’m still in third, but luckily tomorrow we’ll have an entire day of testing to understand what to improve.”
Danilo Petrucci – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Takaaki Nakagami – 9th
“It was really hard to concentrate because I think everyone was ready to go and then we had a 40-minute delay. I tried to stay focused, then I made a good start and at the beginning I was behind Cal and tried to follow him. It was a tough race, it was hard to keep the lap times and maintain your position. I was always P10 but at the end I had a chance to pass Pol (Espargaro), so it’s not a fantastic result but I’m happy to finish another race in the top 10. It’s very important for us and I must continue to try and keep improving my riding. We have a test tomorrow and we have some ideas to try, so let’s keep working hard for the next race.”
Takaaki Nakagami – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Maverick Viñales – P10
“I started on the damp part of the track and for sure that was a small disadvantage, but Álex started in front of me, on the same side of the grid, and he was OK. I think we lost a lot of grip compared to the morning, which is something we often struggle with, with our bike, so it’s something we have to improve. Tomorrow, during the test, I don’t want to start thinking about 2020 already, it’s too far ahead. I want to be in front in Austria, so this will be an important test to improve the bike for next weekend.”
Maverick Vinales – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Pol Espargaro – P11
“Qualifying went very well, and today we could keep the rhythm near the front for the first four-five laps after making a good start in very tricky conditions. Then we had some wheel-spin as the tyre dropped, mostly on the straights, and it meant we lost some positions. I tried to go with Valentino [Rossi], [Danilo] Petrucci and [Cal] Crutchlow but it was complicated. I was losing a lot each lap. So, some positives and negatives today and we’re looking forward to tomorrow to see if we can make some improvements. We have a big target for next weekend.”
Pol Espargaro – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Pecco Bagnaia – P12
“It’s been a very difficult weekend. We didn’t have much time to work because of the rain on Saturday. We found the right direction in wet conditions and we were able to replicate that set up in the dry. From the warm-up the feeling was positive. It was important to finish this race. I can’t wait to be in Austria on a track where the Ducati have always been very fast.”
Pecco Bagnaia – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Miguel Oliveira – P13
“It was a nice race: difficult for everyone, especially to manage the grip of the rear tyre. The pace was the best I could do. We did a great job after having only one day of practice in the dry, the team gave me a nice bike to ride, so I’m really happy for that. The gap to the first is not so big, it’s the second-best gap that we had all season. We are definitely on a line of improvement and we just need to keep working like this.”
Miguel Oliveira – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Johann Zarco – P14
“Not the plan we had. The start was a disaster. I think I had some spin because I was on the right side of the track where there were some wet patches. It was the right decision to wait forty minutes and start the race with the slick. I messed-up the start but it was good to fight and I did my best to be as constant as possible. In the end it was good to be in the points and to beat the guy I was racing with at the end. I want to say I am happy but it is because I did not finish the last two races and that is the most disappointing thing. Compared to yesterday 14th is not so satisfying but it’s where I am at the moment.”
Johann Zarco – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Stefan Bradl – P15
“I’m not happy with the final result because I think we had a lot more potential. Since Friday we have been improving but the conditions of Saturday and lack of time hurt us in the race today and I struggled with rear grip and turning during the race. It has been a very busy weekend and we were able to work a lot for Honda. To score was good but I am hoping for more in Austria. I’m excited to be asked to join the Repsol Honda Team once again next week and I am already thinking about the race.”
Stefan Bradl – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Tito Rabat – P16
“It has been a difficult weekend, it is a shame because it is a circuit that we are good at. The bad conditions did not helped me but we have been able to fight until the end. I’ve finished close to the points’ positions, which is positive. I am happy with the team and the situation, tomorrow we stay to do a test to continue improving.”
Tito Rabat – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Andrea Iannone – P17
“Unfortunately, we struggled throughout the weekend. In the race, I tried to manage the tyre in the first part so that I could try to recover in the finale, but it wasn’t enough. Tomorrow we have an important day of tests. We need to react and focus on being more reactive. Despite the difficulties, we will not give up. We want to grow this project and races like this must be further motivation for everyone, for the team and for those working at home.”
Andrea Iannone – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Aleix Espargaro – P18
“Today, after an outstanding start, I found myself just behind the top ten and, to be honest, I thought I would be able to do another race like the Sachsenring because the bike did not seem bad at all. But after a few laps, I started to have abnormal spin at the rear tyre, even in the higher gears. It’s a pity, because besides this problem, the feeling was good. Tomorrow I’ll have a new frame and a new swingarm available, in addition to a few ideas that we want to try with the electronics. I’ll be the first one out on the track, and we will try to take a step forward.”
Aleix Espargaro – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Karel Abraham – P19
“I am not happy because it was the race in which I had to be, at least, riding with my teammate. During the first part of the race he was a little faster and we were not far between us, but something happened, I felt something was different on the bike and I slowed down. I tried to adapt, but I think the problem was bigger and now we have to try to find out what it is. Then I had problems with the rear wheel, it was sliding too much and I had no traction.”
Karel Abraham – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Sylvain Guintoli: P20
“I didn’t feel very good during the race and I struggled, but overall the weekend has been good for me. During FP1 and FP3 I was able to show some good pace, and that was pretty exciting for me. I had hoped to perform much better in the race, but it wasn’t possible. I’m ready to work hard with the team in the next days and discover some useful things during the test.”
Sylvain Guintoli – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Joan Mir – DNF
“I was on the outside of Morbidelli coming off the start and when he went down there was nothing I could do to avoid him. This type of incident is always an extra risk when you start towards the back of the grid, and it was a shame that my race ended there. I had a good feeling with my bike during the warm-up in the dry and I was disappointed not to discover how I could convert that pace in the race. But anyway, these things happen, let’s think about Austria next week!”
Joan Mir – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Hafizh Syahrin – DNF
“I’m very disappointed. It was a really good race. I felt confident and I was one of the only three riders to choose the hard tyre in front but for some reason we suddenly lost the front. Plus, the start was strange. I tried to put in the launch control, but it was not working and also the dashboard was a bit confused, so I needed to start without launch control, which was very difficult for me. But on the first lap I was really strong and on the second one, I caught back up with the group. I arrived in 15th and knew I would be able to pass Aleix [Espargaro], but first I tried to stay with Maverick [Viñales] and to pull away a little bit and then the crash happened. That’s racing, I feel sorry for everyone.”
Hafizh Syahrin – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Franco Morbidelli – DNF
“It’s a pity because it looked like I was going to be able to have a good race because I had a good feeling in warm-up and in the first few laps. It certainly felt like Zarco made an inelegant move on me, but that’s racing and we’ll try to come back strongly again next weekend. It’s good that we’ve got testing tomorrow both to improve the bike a little more and to unload some of the pressure that a day like today creates. It’s even better to jump straight into another race weekend too.”
Franco Morbidelli – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Team Managers
Massimo Meregalli – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team Director
“The sudden rain before the start gave us a hard time, because these are the conditions in which we usually suffer the most. We received different feedback after the race from the riders: Vale felt better in the afternoon compared to this morning, whilst for Maverick it was the complete opposite. Valentino had a decent start. He lost a bit of time in the opening laps behind Pol Espargaró but pushed to the max to get the best result possible, which today was sixth place. Maverick had a small disadvantage at the start in that he was on the wetter side of the grid. After a difficult start he had to climb up the rankings from 15th place, while overtaking with our current bike is hard. Knowing the level of performance he had in nearly all the practices, it’s a shame we lost a good opportunity. We hope that the weather will be stable and dry tomorrow, because it will be an important test.”
Valentino Rossi – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Wilco Zeelenberg – PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team Manager
“It was mixed fortunes because Fabio did good but Franco basically got smashed off the track. We had a lot of good sessions throughout the weekend and learned a lot from riding in the wet and in mixed conditions; that will be important for other races later in the year. It was a difficult situation on Sunday but the team managed well, staying calm and keeping the riders well-informed. We knew the guys would have to manage the riders. It’s a pity to have a DNF in the first lap when all you’re doing is fighting and that’s really disappointing as a team after preparing the race well. Fabio’s target was clear and he managed the tyres very well to overtake three or four riders. He can be proud of what he achieved this weekend.”
Fabio Quartararo – 2019 MotoGP Round 10, Brno
Mike Leitner – Red Bull KTM Team Manager
“In general the weekend for KTM was not so bad but for sure our target was the top ten. Pol nearly did it but lost the rear tyre quite dramatically after mid-race distance and could not keep his position. He did a great job and we need to work harder so our tyre life stays longer. Johann rode well to get a good position on the grid but the bad luck with the weather meant it was very wet on that side and it affected him to focus and make a good start. He scored two points and all of us are not so happy with that but it’s where we are right now. Miguel had a decent race and we had three bikes in the points. Tomorrow we’ll test and try some items to improve lap-times and stability for the race. Next week is our home GP and we are focussed on our target there and to finish in a good position.”
Increíble! 50 victorias en MotoGP! Gran trabajo de todo el equipo en cada una de las carreras. Gracias a todos! 😃
Incredible, already 50 wins in MotoGP. Hard work from all the team in each race. Thanks everybody! 😀 MotoGP
