AMX MXOpen event set for Wonthaggi in mid-December
Section: Competition
Top-level teams and a mixture of categories to headline Victorian return.
Image: Foremost Media.
Motocross competition will return to Victoria at Wonthaggi on 13 December when the gates drop on the 2020 AMX MXOpen event, headlined by $15,000 in prize money.
Racing will return this side of Christmas at the Dandenong Motocross Club, confirming that Penrite Honda, CDR Yamaha Monster Energy and SB Motorsports will all be on-track.
“We are starving for racing,” commented event organiser Yarrive Konsky. “It’s been eight months without competition in Victoria and riders, sponsors, teams and clubs are hungry for it. I wanted to see racing happening this side of Christmas and I appreciate the Dandenong Motocross Club’s enthusiasm towards making this possible.”
Motorcycling Victoria CEO Robert Mestrom added: “We are getting behind this event. Yarrive, the DMCC and Motorcycling Victoria share the same passion for competition. We know that some of our members want to get back to racing and we have offered our full support to Yarrive and the DMCC.”
Entries are available online now at www.ridernet.com.au, with the categories to include Pro Open (A and B-grade), Pro Lites (A and B-grade), Senior Women, Veterans (30+, 35+, 40+, 45+), C-grade 450, C-grade 250, 2-Stroke (Pre-90s, Pre-2000s, Open) and a variety of regular junior classes.
On a recent visit to the MV Agusta factory on the banks of Lake Varese in northern Italy, I took the opportunity to chat with MV Agusta’s Russian-born CEO, Timur Sardarov.
The former London-based international businessman, who now lives in Italy, took over MV Agusta in December 2018 from the Castiglioni family when once again the historic brand hovered on the bring of extinction.
Timur Sardarov (L) and Adam Child (R) talk MV Agusta – Image by Milagro
Over the last few years there’s been a clear injection of cash and urgency with MV Agusta stepping up their game and delivering more new models than ever before. As we face the uncertainty of the current Covid pandemic, we managed to grab half an hour of Sardarov’s precious time.
Adam Child: Thank you for taking time to chat with us, I appreciate you must be really busy. Since you took over MV in December 2018, has the journey been what you expected?
Timur Sardarov: “It was tough, I thought it would be easier, but it would be much better if Covid hadn’t come. The company would be stable a bit earlier, but still we have surprisingly recovered for the first time in the history of MV Agusta. We have stable production, finances and stable plans – the company structure is proper and continues to be a family run venture. But there are, as always, small issues which we are dealing with.”
Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.
AC: What have been your highlights?
TS: “This year we have launched five new models. In the history of MV Agusta, this hasn’t been done.”
AC: Aside from Covid is this where you expected to be?
TS: “Slightly behind, because of Covid, restrictions of movements and everything to do with regulatory bodies have put us three to four months behind schedule on some of the work we do, but generally Covid has brought the company together. With new management we are working to maximum capacity and with good spirits too.”
The MV Agusta factory
AC: Where do you see MV Agusta in the next 2-3 years?
TS: “MV Agusta is now going into the wider range of mobility. The journey will start in the lighter mobility segment and move to urban commuters that will be powered by electric propulsion. We will produce high-performance bicycles that are also electrified. We are working on a new 500 cc platform with quite an interesting philosophy and we are also working on our new adventure range that will be announced in next 3-4 months.
“We are also working on a brand new 950 platform and our 800 is going through major change with Euro 5. We took the opportunity with the Euro 5 transition to bring significantly more changes to all the bikes and all the platforms across the entire range. It’s not just Euro 5, it’s major change to the products in terms of styling and technical packaging – from next year I would say all our range could be considered new.”
AC: When I’ve spoken with your team before there’s been talk of the electric bikes coming from the Cagiva brand. Is that correct?
TS: “Oh, Cagiva is more utilitarian electric, more for B2B services – sharing platforms rather than lifestyle, premium lifestyle products like MV.”
Timur Sardarov- Image by Milagro
AC: Is a replacement for the F4 in the pipeline?
TS: “To be honest, that’s still on the drawing board. We currently have to work more towards electric propulsion rather than saving the combustion engine. MV Agusta is a small company compared to many others and for us it’s important to see where everyone is going and evaluate complex developments for the high-performance superbike. We realised that after a certain amount of power is produced, we spend more time removing that power, rather than applying it. We could produce a bike with 250 horsepower, let’s say, but there is probably only 2-3 per cent of the time when this power can be applied. So the quality of the rider plus the quality of the ride need to be balanced. Do we need to produce a bike with so much power when we spend 80 per cent of that production time removing this power to make the product reliable, safe and fun and more usable for the wider audience of rider?
“We are seeing performance cars with 1000 horsepower but this power is applicable – we can all use it, you or I. Put your foot down and you can use it as the electronics in a car protect you from doing stupid things! A bike is different, it’s not as easy as that, you have only one wheel with that much power; there are physics limitations.
2019 MV Agusta F4 Claudio
“We need to first see what will happen with electric, hybrid or combustion and whether we will need a massive engine with a lot of power or something different. The F4 is a brand in its own right that appeared at a time when the most technologically advanced product was the superbike. Will superbikes be important in five years, and still represent the biggest technological advancements? I don’t know. So it’s an interesting question, but perhaps another product will have that technological superiority rather than a superbike.”
AC: So I guess for a small company, if you were going to focus your efforts, it would be on the smaller capacity?
TS: “It’s important to move towards own-brand retail. The supermarket-style bike dealers are at the bottom of the food chain of the business, and Covid is putting nails in its coffin. Dealers will either have to be loyal to a brand to deliver the experience to customers, or they will be wiped out. The faster they realise this the better, otherwise this business will not exist in a couple of years.
MV Agusta have announced a number of dealers in Europe that only offer their motorcycles in 2020
“I’ve seen a lot of dealers in Europe deal with multibrands and I’m confident that this standard dealer model is dead. So, for me, in terms of investment, it’s about bringing in experience and showing the depth and history of the company to the customer.
“We are also moving towards becoming a mobility company rather than just a motorcycle company because we have a new DNA in which mobility is becoming more important. Thirty years ago the journey of the motorcycle rider started with a 50cc moped and now it starts with a scooter, so it’s a very different. We are also moving towards safe mobility, premium product and beautiful designs, but not too much about sports, as that’s a very dangerous area that could backfire on the company.
“Lifestyle, less pollutants, more comfortable, cheaper to own, reliable… this type of message is integrated into the product, which is why we are looking towards lighter motorcycles that are very connected. Our focus is adventure.”
Is mono-brand dealers the future? MV Agusta’s CEO thinks so
AC: When you say adventure – smaller or bigger capacity?
TS: “Both. We will bring two bikes, one will be 500cc one around 1000cc.”
AC: With your focus moving more towards introducing people to the brand with smaller bikes and the mobility market, how does that change your view towards racing, which you’re currently involved in with Moto2? Will the MV brand still need to be racing?
TS: “To be honest, we don’t need racing for our brand. It’s a good showcase, but it depends how we are approached. The company went through a crisis and we had to reduce our direct involvement in non-profit making activities so, we gave it up in 2017. All the racing we do now is done with partner teams and we are evaluating that involvement with Moto2. We are going to stay for 2021 and maybe the year after, depending on how that goes. In Supersport we are evaluating it right now: there is a chance we will come back ourselves over the next two years as a factory team. Racing is relevant but not top of the priority list.
MV Agusta’s racing heritage is looking to be taking a back seat in future development – Image: Mike Hailwood on an MV Agusta
“MV Agusta never made money, and the priority now is to make sure this brand is sustainable. I think I owe it to the company to love and make this brand work. Focusing on something that doesn’t make money would be a shame, as the industry would not be the same without MV Agusta.”
The huge investment in motorcycle shows will likely be directed elsewhere in the near future – EICMA 2019 pictured
AC: The way the media and manufacturers work is changing. Historically we would go to the international shows to see new models, how are you going to get the message over for MV Agusta?
TS: “Trade shows will not come back in the next 2-3 years, there will be less people and the significance of that investment is going to drop. I can tell you, for example, that the participation in EICMA in terms of people, products and time will cost MV more than one million euros. Multiply that by the amount of different shows that we have to attend to interact with our customers and the spend becomes significant. Is this an effective spend of money or not? I consider not, because its more for the public than the industry but the public is not coming – if this is only for the industry I’m pretty sure we can spend the same amount of money on a more effective way of delivering information – digital or direct – so that’s why we are evaluating how we are going to present the new products and how to communicate. We will still be introducing new Euro-5 models without EICMA.”
With no EICMA in 2020, the future of big bike shows remains uncertain
AC: Where do you see as the growing market – America, Europe, Asia?
TS: “For MV Agusta every market is growing. Number one market is Italy, we can grow by 2, 3… 5 fold here in a very short period of time. Same for Germany, UK, France and Spain, Netherlands… all the northern countries. Europe is our direct market, we can bring the clients, meet the collectors and I can be involved myself – we can be very intimate with our customers – we are friends with our clients. Many other companies have managers, but we are more entrepreneurial, easier to understand and more welcoming.
“Then there’s America, where we are now direct distributing. Things would have been so much better had Covid not intervened. America is a great country, but it is in disarray. Businesses on the ground are really struggling, which is why our events and activities have been halted.
“China is a modern market, where we have signed to build our network and I’m a great believer in this project. Then Japan, we are growing there. So I would say Europe, US, China and Japan, these are our biggest markets for MV Agusta to grow. Because we are so small, I can consider we are underperforming.”
Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.
“From next year we will produce 10,000 bikes, which will be a record for MV Agusta. From there we will start to be strong and the market will feel that effect. Over the next three years we will grow in all the segments but with our production outsourced, especially for the 500 cc platform, which we are outsourcing to China, we will achieve 20,000-22,000 bikes in the next three years.”
AC: What is the current production?
TS: “Around 5,500.”
AC: Everything is currently produced in Italy, but in the future?
TS: “Everything above 500 cc is produced here in Italy, everything below 500 is produced elsewhere.”
MV Agusta Brutale 1000RR
AC: Finally, readers would like to know is more about yourself. Do you still ride bikes?
TS: “I used to ride bikes and own bikes but I do not consider myself as a rider. Am I a car or bike person? I would say car person, but I grew up in the north so I’m Russian, then I lived in London, but in the north there are very few bike riders. Now I ride bikes weekly, all different bikes – it’s not that I’m sticking to MV Agusta, for me it is very important to understand every single bike that we consider our competitor and there are a lot of good bikes in the modern world. I am a great advocate and supporter of the industry.”
AC: If we went to your house and opened the garage would we see bikes in there?
TS: “I have custom Harleys, custom BMWs and MV Agustas.”
AC: Did you ride in London?
TS: “Yes, it’s the easiest way to get around, now all my bikes from London are here in Italy.”
Timur Sardarov- Image by Milagro
AC: Do you support and follow the racing when you can?
TS: “I do, MotoGP is doing very well and I’m happy it’s growing compared to Formula 1, Moto GP is exciting, this year shows how unpredictable the racing can be so makes it more exciting than Formula 1. I think maybe Mir for this year. He is Spanish and everything is in Spain.”
It’s easy to enter. Just read this article and pick out the bike that you most want to see at the exhibit and then leave the name of the bike in the comments section.
We will pick five random winners and name them next week. GOMA will be in touch to arrange delivery of the tickets.
Prices range from $18 for a GOMA member to $25 for non-members with concession prices for children, families, seniors, pensioners and season passes. Buying your tickets online in advance will save you waiting at the door with permitted numbers restricted by COVID policies.
It arrives just in time for border openings and school holidays.
I just attended the media preview of the exhibit of motorcycling through the ages and into the electric future and I can tell you picking a highlight is not easy.
There are more than 100 motorcycles from the 1860s to the present day, drawn from private and public collections across the globe.
The world-exclusive exhibition that takes up the entire ground floor in three big rooms features some important bikes, some major coups and some of my personal favourites.
Other highlights include:
Apart from the bikes, there is also a collection of motorcycle helmets painted by 15 contemporary Australian artists at the entrance to the gallery.
Literally a brain bucket!
There are also interactive displays where you casn create your own custom bike.
Scattered among the exhibits are big screens that from a Motorcycles on Screen exhibit within the exhibit.
It features old racing and riding footage plus iconic films classicssuch as The Wild One (1953) and Easy Rider (1969), cult favourites Scorpio Rising (1963) and Akira (1988), plus recent films Finke: There and Back (2018) and The Wild Goose Lake (2019).
The Motorcycle exhibition will be accompanied by virtual talks and tours, storytelling events, trivia nights, and ‘Motorcycles on the Green’ on 27 February and 18 April 2021, featuring more than 60 motorcycles from local community groups, live custom bike builds, DJs and more.
You can also grab a gift from The Motorcycle Exhibition Shop, including exclusive exhibition apparel and accessories by cult brand Deus ex Machina, and bespoke design pieces produced by local heroes Ellaspede.
You can also show off your ride by posting with #MotorcycleGOMA.
GOMA Director Chris Saines says the exhibition will appeal “not only to bike and motor sport enthusiasts but to anyone with an interest in social history, popular culture, design and technology”.
The GOMA exhibit has been curated by American physicist Professor Charles M. Falco and US filmmaker Ultan Guilfoyle in collaboration with GOMA.
They were co-curators of the landmark 1998 Guggenheim Museum exhibition in New York, ‘The Art of the Motorcycle’ that ran for three months.
It was subsequently seen in Chicago, Bilbao, Spain, and Las Vegas, with a total attendance of more than two million people.
Prof Falco described himself as a passionate motorcyclist who had his first motorcycle at 15, his first crash at 15.5 and last year rode a 90-year-old motorcycle across the USA.
“For a sustainable future, the world needs motorcycles for personal transportation,” he says.
His co-curator says motorcycles are an example of how “design drives everything”.
Chris says the exhibit will include the earliest 19th century steam-powered motorcycle, right through to electric motorcycles and future designs.
“Over its 150-year history, the motorcycle has undergone extraordinary reinvention, from steam power, to petrol-fuelled internal combustion engines to battery, and from humble backyard creations to custom-made, high-tech chrome speed machines,” Chris says.
“More than just a means of transport, the motorcycle is a design object, with forms and styles that reflect innumerable cultural and societal influences.”
Kawasaki’s supercharged naked Z H2 was well received in the market when released earlier this year and in 2021 it will be joined in overseas markets by a slightly more full-featured sibling with the advent of the Z H2 SE.
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE
Here in Australia though KMA have decided to stick with the H2 model for now and have no immediate plans to import this new SE variant.
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE
Z H2 SE also boasts a huge array of electronic rider aids including, electronic cruise control, integrated riding modes (linking KTRCS sport traction control), power modes, traction & launch control, selectable power modes an up/down quick shifter plus Cornering Management Function, launch control and Intelligent anti-lock Brake System working in conjunction with high-spec’ Brembo Stylema calipers and radial master cylinder.
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE
Electronically damped 43 mm Showa SFF-CA (cartridge) forks and a high-spec BFRC lite rear shock now work with Showa’s Skyhook technology. With a 1 millisecond reaction time, Skyhook adjusts the damping electronically to suit vehicle speed and suspension stroke speed as the suspension follows and automatically reacts to the dips and deviations in the road surface.Deceleration is also considered, allowing the pitching that occurs under braking to be managed.
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE
An all LED lighting package illuminates the Z H2 SE while a Bluetooth equipped TFT allows connection with a Smartphone for a variety of functions courtesy of Kawasaki’s free to download Rideology app.
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE
2021 Kawasaki Z H2 SE at a glance
Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension with Skyhook EERA Technology
Brembo Stylema Monobloc Brake Calipers and Brembo Front Brake Master Cylinder
Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK riders Alex Lowes and Jonathan Rea made more positive steps with the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR at Motorland Aragon this week, despite weather conditions preventing them from riding on the final day of their planned two-day test. However, KRT states that a highly productive session was held on Wednesday with Lowes posting 66 laps and Rea 57 laps.
Jonathan Rea
Rea finished off with the fastest single lap time, a 1’49.716, with Lowes very close with his 1’49.832 best.
Fog and poor track conditions rolled in on Thursday, meaning the KRT squad decided to not risk any more track action.
2021 KRT ZX-10RR
Jonathan Rea – 1m49.716s
“The first day was positive because we kept working with the items we had from the recent Jerez test. We really worked step-by-step on the engine side to understand all the feelings I have and all the different parameters we can explore with the new bike. We drew some really good conclusions. The lap time was very fast and I feel good on the bike – but I feel the potential is much better. We did not do any mileage on day two as the weather was full of fog all morning and afternoon so we packed up early, content and satisfied with our winter test programme so far. It has been really nice to ride so fast after Estoril and our first impressions of the new Ninja ZX-10RR are already positive. We have been fast, consistent and the feeling with the bike is getting better lap-by-lap. I am looking forward to some downtime now at home with my family. All the team, all the staff can go home and relax after a great season. I want to thank everybody for the huge effort at these winter tests, and this season during difficult times. We are going to recharge and get ready for the 2021 season.”
Jonathan Rea
Alex Lowes – 1m49.832s
“Day one was pretty good for me. Of course the temperatures in Aragon are a little bit cold, so it took a while for the track to warm up so that we could get into some proper testing. With new parts to try we wanted to take the opportunity to confirm some of the things that we tried that were positive in Jerez. A couple of things that worked well last week have worked well this week, so from my side we are really happy. Two tracks, in two different temperature ranges, and we feel really good with the new bike. The guys worked very well and there is always a lot to do at testing, especially when you have got new parts, fitting stuff on-and-off the bike and so on, so thanks to them. Unfortunately the weather was not our friend today in Aragon but we had a good day yesterday, a good couple of days in Jerez last week, and we know the areas we are working on going into the 2021 season. We have had strong tests this side of the season and now we are looking forward to going home and relaxing a little bit.”
Alex Lowes
Having already confirmed some important items on day one the team and technical staff can now define the next steps to take with machine-set-up in 2021 which boasts a much more significant aero package in the new model, along with further ligthening of the engine internals and base geometry changes.
The next tests take are scheduled for January 2021.
BMW have announced an updated G 310 R for 2021, with the popular LAMS machine to receive a host of updates to refine the package on offer. The bike is expected to arrive in Australia in Q1 or 2021, although pricing and full specifications are yet to be announced. Styling has also been tweaked, particularly around the tank and radiator cowls for a cleaner look.
The 2021 BMW G 310 R alongside the G 310 GS
The 313 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder that comprises the heart of the G 310 models will now be Euro5 homologated, and receives an electromotive throttle controller, with BMW promising a more sensitive throttle response as a result. Power remains 34 hp at 9500rpm and torque peaks at 28 Nm at 7500 rpm, offering strong if not class leading power.
2021 BMW G 310 R – Polar White
With a bit of a reputation for being easy to stall the G 310 R also receives a new automatic idle speed increase system that when starting prevents the engine from stalling suddenly. That’s going to be a welcome addition to new riders facing the challenge of learning clutch control for the first time.
2021 BMW G 310 R – Cosmic Black
A shift-assist clutch is another addition, providing a light feel at the lever, as well as limiting compression lock on aggressive downshifting.
2021 BMW G 310 R
Also new for 2021 is an LED headlight and indicators, joining the existing LED taillight, with the headlight to include daytime running lights, with the rider able to switch between high beam, low beam and DRLs.
2021 BMW G 310 R
A premium update designed to accommodate a larger variety of riders is the additional of adjustable levers for both the brake and clutch, offering four positions and removing the need to retro-fit adjustable levers.
2021 BMW G 310 R
2021 will see the BMW G 310 R arrive in three colour options, Cosmic Black, Polar White and with a Sport Limestone Metallic option also available. Engine housing covers, footrest plate and grab handle have all also been painted Titanium Grey Metallic on the new models, for a much darker look that helps draw the bike together.
2021 BMW G 310 R – Sport Limestone Metallic
We’ll have to wait for full specifications to see whether there are any other tweaks, as well as for pricing and more specific availability information. For now, we just know the new G 310 R will be arriving in Australia in Q1, 2021.
High-tech light panels will be mandatory at all circuits that host events in the FIA Formula One World Championship & FIM MotoGP World Championship from 2022, and the FIA World Endurance Championship, FIM WorldSBK and FIM EWC from 2023, as part of a new safety partnership between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).
The light panels can be operated by race control or trackside by marshals and are used to display crucial information to competitors including flag information, weather status, and if a safety car or virtual safety car has been deployed.
Currently in F1, the championship promoter is responsible for transporting the top-level panels to each race but then removes them for the next one, meaning that other events on those circuits do not have access to this safety technology. The new requirement will mean that every championship competing on these circuits will have access to F1 levels of safety technology.
Each of the FIA Grade 1 circuits on the F1 calendar will need to install the T1-spec homologated light panels, which have passed the latest FIA Standard 3504-2019.
Each of the FIM circuits on MotoGP, World Superbike, and Endurance calendars will need to install the T1 or T2 spec homologated light panels.
The requirement will extend to other FIA Grade 1 or Grade 2 circuits hosting FIA Championship events, including the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023, where T2-spec panels will be mandatory, and FIA Grade 3 circuits hosting FIA Championships in 2024 where the T3-spec light panel will be required.
These panels undergo rigorous testing by the Federal Institute of Metrology laboratory in Switzerland, where they are examined under a number of conditions including rain and direct sunlight.
British company EM Motorsport is currently the only manufacturer to have passed the FIA tests for T1 and T2 light panels, with several other manufacturers currently in the process of homologating their products. Spanish company Pixelcom has passed the FIA T2 tests and is currently the only provider for FIA-homologated T3 panels.
This new requirement builds on the collaboration between the FIA and FIM on circuit safety and follows the introduction of a joint circuit paint standard earlier this year.
Franck Vayssié, FIM Circuit Racing Commission Director
“The FIM and FIA share a strong bond in terms of safety and this further strengthens that cooperation. Making these light panels mandatory at FIM circuits that host MotoGP, Superbike and Endurance World Championships will help to ensure the highest levels of safety for all series that race on these top-level tracks.”
Taiwanese scooter manufacturer, Kymco, just introduced a ton of newly updated scooters to the market along with their first adventure scooter: the DT X360.
At first glance, – I’m just going to put this out there – it comes nowhere near close to being as cool as the new Honda X-ADV (Seriously, Honda, hook me up over here). I wouldn’t particularly call this maxiscooter an “Adventure Scooter”, but there sure is some offroad potential with the vehicle.
The most notable ‘offroad’ features found on this scooter would be the adventure beak and the semi-knobbed tires.
The scooter features a 321cc thumper producing 28.2 ponies and 22 lb-ft of torque, has a seat height of 31.5 inches, LED lighting all around, a mega-sized storage compartment (as most scooters do, but this one, in particular, can hold two full-size helmets with room to spare), keyless ignition and a sizable LED full-color display with USB ports ready at the sides.
Although this isn’t an off-roading beast, this will be a great option for riders living in countries with fewer paved roads and lots of dirt pathways. It would be great to see Kymco add a few more features to make it more off-road friendly; perhaps a slightly upgraded suspension to provide riders with some slightly extra clearance (in the photos it looks as though it’s about standard scooter height).
Currently, we have no information regarding pricing or official release date for this ADV scoot.
Seriously, COVID-19 has managed to bugger its way into all our lives and destroy everything that we hold dear; especially motorcycle events. Although MotoGP had a successful start-up and managed to make do with this series of unfortunate events, many other motorsports divisions haven’t had the same luck.
If I made a list of things far more dangerous than the Coronavirus, Dakar Rally would be up at the top. Dakar Rally is bad-ass, tough, excruciating, nauseating, dangerous…. Should I continue? Luckily for those of us locked in the house, organizers of the Dakar Rally event have confirmed that the event will take place in January 2021 without a hitch.
“The preparation, and in particular the reconnaissance, had to be conducted according to a schedule adapted to the 2020 travel restrictions. The rally will be held under unusual conditions drafted in a protocol designed to ensure maximum protection against the spread of the Covid-19 virus”, the organizers said in a release.
Unfortunately, the Rally loses some of its “WTF” potential with the addition of a new route that will shorten the original 8000-mile trek to the tune of 3200 miles. This new route will take place in Saudi Arabia and is planned to be 4750 miles long in its entirety.
Although we are losing some distance for this event, the organizers assure us that there are far more technical areas that will put riders’ navigation skills to the test resulting in a much more interesting race. Previous Dakar Rally’s feature long stretches of desert sand before things get spicey, so hopefully, this new event cuts some of that ‘nothing-ness’ out of the equation.
The first day was positive because we kept working with the items we had from the recent Jerez test. We really worked step-by-step on the engine side to understand all the feelings I have and all the different parameters we can explore with the new bike. We drew some really good conclusions. The lap time was very fast and I feel good on the bike – but I feel the potential is much better. We did not do any mileage on day two as the weather was full of fog all morning and afternoon so we packed up early, content and satisfied with our winter test programme so far. It has been really nice to ride so fast after Estoril and our first impressions of the new Ninja ZX-10RR are already positive. We have been fast, consistent and the feeling with the bike is getting better lap-by-lap. I am looking forward to some downtime now at home with my family. All the team, all the staff can go home and relax after a great season. I want to thank everybody for the huge effort at these winter tests, and this season during difficult times. We are going to recharge and get ready for the 2021 season
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