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MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Reflecting on the MotoGP/WSBK Misano Test

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Misano hosted some MotoGP and WSBK teams for a shakedown test this week

There was no ‘official’ timing undertaken by the respective series organisers but times have widely been circulated from a combined MotoGP and WorldSBK Test staged at Misano over three days this week. One would also imagine the riders were not pushing the outright boundaries in this scenario as the risk of getting injured only weeks before racing is start to recommence after the long COVID-19 induced interruptions to the race season would have their respective team managers none to happy!

That said, racers are racers and when there is a stopwatch present then they want to stop that clock quickest! Some riders got clean laps in on fresh qualifying tyres while others set their fastest time on race tyres. For some there was a strict testing regimen of new parts to be evaluated in their role as test riders and no real chance to slip in soft tyres and go all out for bragging rights.

KRT showing their COVID-19 precautions

The test was also an opportunity for riders and team personnel to familiarise themselves with the masks and social distancing precautions that will be in place at the circuits for race weekends when racing starts again.

Aleix Espargaro was unofficially quickest on the latest Aprilia RS-GP.  Over the course of three days of testing the 30-year-old Spaniard ended with a best of 1m32.932s after 183 laps of the freshly resurfaced 4226 metre long Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Aleix Espargaro – Aprilia MotoGP – 1m32.932

“After such a long stop, it was exciting to get back onto the track and I already can’t wait to go to Jerez for the first two races. Turning a lot of laps is fundamental for us. We have a totally new bike which, although born with great potential, needs to get some miles under it. We also know that Misano is not our favourite track, but in spite of that, at the end of the three days, we managed to achieve a good pace, confirming the positive impressions we had already had in Malaysia and Qatar.”

Aleix Espargaro

KTM riders Miguel Oliveira and Pol Espargaro were also on track earlier in the week but no official information was forthcoming from the Austrians following the test. Anecdotes on the internerd though suggest Miguel Oliveira lapped just as quick as Aleix Espargaro in the 1m32.9s with Pol Espargaro also on that benchmark. Earlier this week KTM confirmed that Danilo Petrucci will ride the RC16 in MotoGP season 2021 and also confirmed their entire rider line-up for next year (Link).

Ducati MotoGP test rider Michele Pirro only just bested Scott Redding on the Ducati Superbike. Pirro put in a total of 178 laps across to complete his testing schedule while Redding notched up 135 laps in what were sweltering conditions in the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy.

Michele Pirro – Ducati MotoGP Test Rider – 1m33.000

“It was a positive three-day test, which has allowed us to regain some confidence with the bike after the long break of these months. Despite the scorching heat, the track, which was recently resurfaced, was in excellent condition and allowed me to feel comfortable immediately. We were able to set good lap times, which make us confident for the two races scheduled for September. We’ve been working on several electronics components and some aspects that were still pending after the Shakedown Test in Sepang. We are sure that thanks to these three days, the Ducati riders will be able to arrive at the first MotoGP race in Jerez ready to be immediately at the highest level of competitiveness.“

Michele Pirro

The 27-year-old Briton would no doubt have loved to have proved faster than Pirro on the MotoGP bike and was only a couple of hundredths off doing exactly that.

Scott Redding – Aruba Ducati WorldSBK Rider – 1m33.067

“These were three very positive days as it was important to regain the feeling with the bike. We have worked a lot especially with used tyres and we have tried new solutions that have given positive feedback. I’ve been working out a lot these months with the goal of losing weight. In the end, I also managed to set a good chrono but this is not important. It was great to get back to work with the guys and I can’t wait to get back on track“.

Scott Redding

Jonathan Rea was next quickest on the KRT ZX-10RR, lapping faster than Aprilia MotoGP rider Bradley Smith.

Jonathan Rea – Kawasaki Racing Team Rider – 1m33.206

“I am quite satisfied with this test and it was very valuable to get up to speed. Yesterday everything felt quite alien to me, especially as the asphalt was new and the grip levels were high. I just had to adapt my riding style a little bit. Also we changed the bike setup; actually to take a little bit of grip away. I was still not 100% confident but I felt better a lot better after the tyre grip had dropped a bit. After six or seven laps I felt more comfortable on the bike. At the end, with a race tyre, I was still able to be very fast and I felt confident to push. We did not get excited or carried away when we were struggling; we just went about it step-by-step with the crew, and with Showa, changing the bike set-up. We did not have many huge items to try. I really feel like here, with the grip level being so high, we have been able to achieve a little bit more natural turning from the bike. That is a huge thing to take away from here and I hope we can apply it to other tracks where we have been struggling in the past.”

Jonathan Rea

Pere Riba – Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea

“Testing has been very good. After this long lockdown it was very interesting to see how the riders would be, how the mechanics and everybody worked. And they all worked very well. Johnny is in really good shape and he has been working a lot on his psychology and physically he was very strong. He came here with his batteries recharged. This track, on the other hand, is like a new track as it has been completely re-asphalted. The grip is impressive – completely crazy! On a Q tyre Johnny was 1.5 seconds faster than what he did last year. Yesterday, all this new grip made a new request to the balance of the bike and Johnny was not so happy. Step-by-step we understood the direction and from the first ‘out lap’ yesterday to the final one today we did not stop improving. I am honestly very proud of the job everybody did in the team. Johnny did a 1’33.4 today, making him the fastest one with a race tyre. On his Q tyre he made a mistake on the first lap but still did a 1’33.2 on his second lap. That could have been a 1’32.9 or 1’33.0.”

Jonathan Rea

Bradley Smith was subbing for the suspended Andrea Iannone and will race for the Aprilia MotoGP squad when the season gets underway after initially being contracted as a test rider unless Iannone is allowed to race under appeal, a situation that looks very unlikely. 

Bradley Smith – Aprilia MotoGP Rider – 1m33.536

“I’m honestly pleased at the end of these tests. I had to make a physical and mental step to go from tester to rider and I think I managed, especially on this last day. Right now, it is fundamental for us to gain experience on this new bike, gathering data and understanding how it reacts. While the base setup proved to be good straight away in Malaysia and Qatar, there are still many aspects that we need to explore in order to exploit the full potential of the new project. On my part, I know that I still have room to improve and Aleix’s performance demonstrates as much, but the gap has shrunk and I feel much more at ease taking the 2020 RS-GP to the limit.”

Bradley Smith

Romano Albesiano – Aprilia Racing Technical Director

“These were important tests to define the starting point of our championship. We assessed the various chassis, engine and electronics solutions, in addition to breaking in a team that is brand new in many aspects. The riders needed this test as well to get back into the rhythm after such a long stop, and I must say that I saw them improving day after day. The decisions in view of Jerez have been taken. Many of the new features we had prepared worked well and I am rather pleased with the overall level of the bike. In any case, there is still a lot of work to do on the details, especially to increase overall reliability. We say it every year, but it isn’t wrong to do so: the level of the championship has gone up even farther and that pushes us to make an even greater effort.”

Bradley Smith

Next quickest Ducati GO Eleven WorldSBK rider Michael Rinaldi on 1m33.560 ahead of KRT’s Alex Lowes. The Briton experiencing another new circuit for the first time on the ZX-10RR and building up his experience and relationship with the bike, putting in over 100 laps on the final day alone.

Alex Lowes – Kawasaki Racing Team Rider – 1m33.694

“The test today has been really good because we had clear targets that we wanted to achieve at the start of the day. We wanted to do a race simulation while trying to keep a good pace after such a long time off the bike. And also find a direction with the front end setup for the Barcelona tests. We achieved both those things. I had a nice 20 laps this morning, when the track was really hot, which gave us good information for the next races in Jerez and Portimao, because we think they are also going to be hot. At the end of today we tried to improve our pace on new tyres and I was quite satisfied with what we did. After 103 laps I was a little bit tired at the end but it was a successful test and we have a lot of information to take into the next test. That will be another new track for me on the Kawasaki, so it is all about gelling with the bike in all different conditions. I also want to say a big thanks to the team. It has not been easy to organise the test with everything that has gone on but a massive thanks to the KRT guys.”

Alex Lowes

Guim Roda – KRT Team Manager

“This has been such an intense test. After four months stopped – the longest in the last 10 years for sure – it has been nice to come back to the racetrack. We tried to get into the rhythm and let the riders enjoy on the bikes. It has been our first experience in ‘Covid-19 mode’ and for sure we need to improve our system. We made PCR tests and Antibody tests for all staff. We even asked a few suppliers who were in attendance to do the same, to ensure to the max that nobody could spread the virus. The most important thing will be to be responsible and try to follow current government rules about virus prevention outside the paddock. We are conscious that part of the proposed racing program is linked to preventing Covid-19 from coming into the paddock, so let’s see if we can ‘win’ this race too.”

Alex Lowes

Chaz Davies put in 177 laps during the test and recorded a best of 1m34.053, a full second slower than his team-mate in the factory Aruba Racing Ducati squad, Scott Redding.

Chaz Davies – Aruba Ducati WorldSBK Rider – 1m34.053

“It was nice to get back out there and see a lot of familiar faces. It has been a long four months and there was a great desire to reconnect with the bike and the track. We worked a lot to try many solutions and get some important feedback. We have improved in some areas and we have to improve in other aspects but the direction is the right one”.

Chaz Davies

Marco Zambenedetti – Ducti Corse Technical Director

“I am very satisfied with these three days of testing as we were able to test – with Redding and Davies – some new parts and technical solutions we tried a month ago on this circuit with Pirro and Rinaldi. We had good feedback from the riders on the new ergonomics. We also re-tested some of the solutions we tried in Australia and there are still some others to try out, especially from an electronic point of view. We will be able to do it before the race weekend at Jerez“.

Scott Redding

Leandro Mercado (Ducati Motocorsa) was next quickest while Leon Camier (Ducati Barni WorldSBK) and Sylvain Barrier (Ducati Brixx WorldSBK) appeared to both be way off the pace if the times circulating for the pair are correct.

Johann Zarco was on track onboard a Ducati Panigale V4 that the Frenchman uses as a training bike while Max Biaggi was also there turning laps on an Aprilia RSV-4RR.

The test was also an opportunity for riders and team personnel to familiarise themselves with the masks and social distancing precautions that will be in place at the circuits for race weekends when racing starts again.
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

KRT set up for two-day Misano test

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KRT WorldSBK testing at Misano

This forthcoming test staged over Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June will be unlike any other due to the ongoing pandemic. All KRT team members have been tested and will be health tested and checked during the period of track testing. There will be no regular hospitality unit as such on-site at Misano, with the team getting meals supplied at the track by team staff. For the entire duration team staff will be practicing social distancing and putting in place numerous anti-viral protocols such as facemasks, frequent hand sanitation and adhering to demarked working zones.

Even the confirmed arrival of the team members into Italy just in time to prepare for the Misano test has been a challenge, right up to the last minute. This has been an evolving process considering that the fluid nature of lockdown restrictions are being eased in little-by-little by governments and national bodies, and the team itself features several nationalities in its largely Barcelona-based makeup.  A few other MotoGP and WorldSBK teams will be also on track at Misano this week.

Guim Roda, KRT Team Manager

“This test is our real starting point after the long Covid-19 delay. We have to restart again mainly to get into the rhythm with the riders. It is also especially important to understand the health and safety conditions we will find in the next rounds of the championship, and refine our working conditions. We will take all of this very this carefully to not spread the virus inside the paddock. We will need to work in a very calm way, trying to keep our distance and still make a good test. We will have antibody tests every time we meet together. All of this has led to extra jobs and extra difficulties to operate the team but all of it is necessary. We know our riders have been working a lot since Australia, although with some limits of course, so we need to know how they will be when they arrive at the tests. In general we need to organise everything particularly well and with a short calendar after the re-start we have a smaller margin for error. We want to keep winning to the end of the year. We are calm also that both riders are confirmed with KRT for next year now, so we are all fully focused on this championship season. We need to make an especially good job because Kawasaki and our sponsors, like Monster Energy, Motocard, Showa and Elf, understand the present difficulties and they have kept up their support in the project and in their own human inputs. A lot of success and coverage is needed right to the end of the year to repay all their support!”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday ReaJonathan Rea leading Alex Lowes at the 2020 WorldSBK season opener at Phillip Island

Rea has even travelled to the Misano test in a small panel van he normally uses to transport his motocross bikes in.

Jonathan Rea

“I am super-excited to get back on the bike – not just to ride again but to see all the team and simply enjoy the working together. I missed that during lockdown. I think this is probably the longest period I have been off the bike! Misano is a great track to get back into the swing of things at. I know our ZX-10RR very well and I know Misano well too. We will have four hot races at the beginning of the re-started season this summer, in Spain and Portugal, so it is perfect to come and test at Misano at this time, as the weather should be similar. The track itself at Misano has a bit of everything – fast corners, both fast and slow changes of direction, and some stop-and-go corners. Because of the lockdown and the quarantine restrictions in the UK I have driven here to Italy in my MX van. I am in here with my bikes, my training gear – pretty much my life is in a van at the minute! I am excited by the journey and getting to test again. It should be a great two days if we keep on working, because we were one of the strongest in Australia. It is really nice to go into this test on the back of securing my future with KRT beyond this season as well. The atmosphere should be pretty nice and we can focus on this year completely. It was great for the team to have been able to get us to this test despite the global situation and I am grateful to Dorna and the circuits for working out the new calendar for us. I cannot wait for the lights to go out on the grid at Jerez on the 1st of August. I will be ready.”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday ReaGBRea leading the WorldSBK Tissot Superpole race at Phillip Island

Lowes travelled to Italy last Saturday, with his Moto2 racing brother Sam and their respective partners. They will stay in a house rather than a hotel close to the circuit itself for the duration of the test.

Alex Lowes

“I am really, really excited to get back on my bike! Obviously I am living my dream job so it has been frustrating not to be able to ride, so to get back out this week? I will be like a kid at Christmas the night before we test! I just want to get back out on my ZX-10RR now. In terms of work and what we are trying to achieve, I am looking forward to picking up where we left off with a good feeling on the bike. The number one target of this test is to get the feeling back with the bike and team, and also enjoy it! This is my first season on the ZX-10RR so is going to be nice to try the Kawasaki at another track with Marcel and the guys. Hopefully by the end of the tests we will be up to a good speed and working on that base setting that worked so well in the winter. I am happy if we get hot conditions at Misano because it will be important for me to work with the bike in that way. I am already out in Italy, getting some training in the sun and riding little bikes. It is red hot right now!”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday Lowes ReaGBKRT 1-2 in WorldSBK Race Two at Phillip Island – GeeBee Image

After two days at Misano the team will relocate back to Spain for another two day test at a circuit all new to WorldSBK racing – Montmelo – just a stone’s throw from the team’s headquarters in Granollers. With one full WorldSBK round already completed in Australia in early March (during which Lowes and Rea won a race apiece) the season restarts at four Iberian circuits – Jerez, Portimao, Aragon (twice) and then Montmelo – in what will be a busy period for all involved in the exciting 2020 WorldSBK championship fight. The season is set to restart for real at Jerez, with racedays scheduled for Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

New 2020 WorldSBK Calendar

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2020 WorldSBK Calendar

  1. March 1 – Phillip Island, Australia
  2. August 2 – Jerez, Spain (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
  3. August 9 – Portimao, Portugal (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
  4. Aguust 30 – Aragon, Spain (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
  5. September 6 – Aragon, Spain (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
  6. September 18 – Catalunya, Spain (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
  7. October 4 – Magny-Cours, France (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
  8. October 11 – Circuito San Juan Villicum, Argentina (TBC) (WSBK-WSSP)
  9. November 8 – Misano, Italy (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
    TBD – Donington Park, UK (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
    TBD – Assen, Netherlands (WSBK-WSSP-WSSP300)
    TBD – Losail, Qatar (WSBK-WSSP)

TBD = To be determined
TBC = To be confirmed

New weekend race schedule

After the forced stop in place due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is now scheduled to finally restart in Spain on the first weekend in August alongside the supporting FIM Supersport (WorldSSP) and FIM Supersport 300 World Championships (WorldSSP300).

Both WorldSSP and WorldSSP300 will feature revised weekend schedules starting in Europe, composing of an additional race for each class on Saturday after their respective Tissot Superpole sessions have been completed.

WorldSSP300 Tissot Superpole will happen directly before the class’ Last Chance Race, whilst WorldSBK Race 1, WorldSSP Race 1 and then WorldSSP300 Race 1 will follow. The overall event schedule changes mean that now, racing action will begin for all classes on Saturday, with full Championship points awarded in all races.

The Championship’s return will initially be held without public and with a limited media presence, although the situation is subject to specific government mass gathering guidelines and will be updated in due course.

Gregorio Lavilla, Executive Director, WorldSBK Sporting and Organisation

“Firstly, it is a great satisfaction that we can announce a safe return to racing for all three classes. The history of both WorldSSP and WorldSSP300 enriches the atmosphere of the WorldSBK paddock, often providing some of the closest racing all season, as well as allowing the stars of the future to flourish on the world stage. 2020 has provided its obstacles but thanks to the hard work, tenacity and determination of all parties involved, we will return to the world’s circuits with all three classes. We now look forward hugely to the recommencement of racing at Jerez, whilst welcoming back all corners of the racing paddock.”

Revised WorldSBK race weekend schedule

Revised WorldSBK race weekend schedules – Click for larger version to download or print

2020 WorldSBK Championship Standings

  1. Alex Lowes – Kawasaki 51
  2. Scott Redding – Ducati 39
  3. Toprak Razgatlioglu – Yamaha 34
  4. Jonathan Rea – Kawasaki 32
  5. Michael van der Mark – Yamaha 31
  6. Alvaro Bautista – Honda 20
  7. Loris Baz – Yamaha 20
  8. Chaz Davies – Ducati 19
  9. Leon Haslam – Honda 17
  10. Tom Sykes – BMW 17

2020 WorldSSP Championship Standings

  1. Andrea Locatelli – Yamaha 25
  2. Raffaele De Rosa – MV Agusta 20
  3. Jules Cluzel – Yamaha 16
  4. Corentin Perolari – Yamaha 13
  5. Lucas Mahias – Kawasaki 11

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Jonathan Rea extends contract with KRT

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Jonathan Rea

“I am super happy to sign a new contract with Kawasaki and KRT. What we have achieved together is incredible. Our success is driven by a great team and of course the base of the project – our Ninja ZX-10RR. I will keep working hard, together with my crew, the engineers at KHI to be in the best condition every single race. This period away from racing has reignited a burning desire to keep winning and continue to improve my skills and the package of our bike. Racing never stands still and all the riders and manufactures are continuing to improve – we must do the same. Now we can fully focus on our 2020 WorldSBK season where racing will restart soon. I want to thank Kawasaki, the team and all my sponsors for their continued support and this great opportunity.”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday ReaGBWorldSBK Tissot Superpole race at Phillip Island earlier this year

Rea has won five consecutive WorldSBK championships as a KRT rider, starting in his first Kawasaki year in 2015. The most successful WorldSBK racer in history, the vast majority of Jonathan’s championship points and race wins have been earned while riding Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-10RR machinery creating a legend in the process.

KRT Team Manager – Guim Roda

“Everyone in the team is delighted that Jonathan will be with us again. In racing we cannot assume anything until it is completed so we are very happy that JR65 has confirmed his future with Kawasaki and us. Everyone involved understands that this is a long-term project and that continuity and success go hand-in-hand. As a rider Jonathan has incredible talents that are very rare. For sure, to keep him as part of KRT gives us a chance to create yet more WorldSBK and racing history. His pit crew and everyone at KRT are delighted to continue this hugely rewarding professional and personal journey together.”

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday ReaGBJonathan Rea won the WorldSBK season opening race at Phillip Island

Rea’s competitive nature is as strong as ever as he goes for title number six. Signing his new contract demonstrates his intention to build on and extend his winning streak well beyond this current season.

Jonathan’s ambition is as sharp as ever, especially after confirmation of his new contract with the most successful modern day WorldSBK manufacturer and team in the paddock. His close connection with Kawasaki and KRT is now globally understood and accepted, and in many ways he has become “the face of Kawasaki racing”.

The full support of his wife Tatia, his children and his entire family have been an important element throughout his glittering career, during all the good and more challenging times. The mutually beneficial relationship with his team, one which Jonathan has helped nurture, is an integral part of their combined success.

KRT Kawasaki Racing Team WSBK Reveal ReaKawasaki Racing Team WSBK 2020

Steve Guttridge – KME Racing Manager

“Since Jonathan signed his first deal to race with us in 2015 it has been a dream partnership. Kawasaki as a group had our full focus on extending our relationship into the future. This season, his sixth with us, means that JR is very much part of the Kawasaki family and his record-breaking partnership with the Ninja is revered by our competition and has amazed our fans worldwide. Jonathan – together with his great crew, the team and our engineers – once more has the perfect combination for success. JR’s professionalism, approach to racing – and particularly his mentality – have helped us as a manufacturer to define our blueprint to racing success. Together we aim to continue rewriting the history books and breaking records together. The whole Kawasaki family and Kawasaki fans worldwide welcome the new multi-year agreement with Jonathan and we are excited to witness the next chapter of this amazing story unfold.”

With current championship leader Alex Lowes already signed with Kawasaki beyond 2020 KRT has moved early in its rider choices for the next era of its overall WorldSBK campaign.

WorldSBK Rnd R R Phillip Island WorldSBK Sunday Lowes ReaGBKRT 1-2 in WorldSBK Race Two at Phillip Island – GeeBee Image

Jonathan Rea WorldSBK Statistics

  • World Champion 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019
  • Career Race Wins: 89 (74 for Kawasaki)
  • Career Podiums: 170 (128 for Kawasaki)
  • Career Poles: 23 (19 for Kawasaki)

Kawasaki FIM Superbike World Championship Statistics

  • Total Kawasaki Race Wins: 148 – second overall
  • Total Kawasaki Podiums: 437 – second overall
  • Total Kawasaki Poles: 88 – second overall

WSBK Rnd Qatar Sat Race Rea JMJonathan Rea and family
Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Spanish and French WorldSBK rounds rescheduled

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2020 WorldSBK Calendar Update

With ongoing external factors of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the following changes have been made to the 2020 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship calendar.

The FIM, Circuit Officials & Dorna WSBK Organization informs that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the following changes are to be made regarding the 2020 WorldSBK Calendar, with rounds being rescheduled to later dates.

Rescheduled Rounds

  • Pirelli Spanish Round (previously 27th – 29th March) rescheduled for October 23-25
  • Pirelli French Round* (previously 25th – 27th September) rescheduled October 2-4

The FIM and Dorna WSBK Organization are working extensively with Circuits and Government Officials following up the situation in each country and will inform accordingly in due course if there are further changes to the 2020 Calendar.

Further updates to follow soon.

Updated 2020 WorldSBK Calendar

  • 28 Feb.–1 March Australia Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
  • 13–15 March Qatar Losail International Circuit*
  • 17-19 April The Netherlands TT Circuit Assen
  • 8-10 May Italy Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola
  • 22-24 May Spain MotorLand Aragón
  • 12-14 June Italy Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”
  • 3-5 July United Kingdom Donington Park
  • 31 Jul.-2 August Germany Motorsport Arena Oschersleben
  • 4-6 September Portugal Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
  • 18-20 September Spain Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya
  • 2-4 October France Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
  • 9–11 October Argentina Circuito San Juan Villicum
  • 23–25 October Spain Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto

*With support and agreement of the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, the Pirelli French Round will be postponed 1 week to avoid clashes with newly published MotoGP calendar (March 10), in order to maximise the coverage of the event.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Sykes tops shortened opening session at Phillip Island

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WSBK Phillip Island Test

Ahead of the Australian opening round of the 2020 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, 34-year old Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK) has topped a shortened opening session at Phillip Island, after Takumi Takahashi (MIE Racing Althea Honda) left oil on track through turns three and four, forcing a halt of the proceedings.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Tom Sykes led the morning session

Tom Sykes was the only rider to drop into the 1:30s, boasting a 1:30.938, with Pata Yamaha’s Michael Van Der Mark nearest on 1:31.252 with teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu only 0.023s further off the leading pace.

Defending world champion Jonathan Rea was fourth overall for the morning, 0.557s off the leader, with the Kawasaki Racing Team rider 0.446s faster than new teammate Alex Lowes, who was seventh and clocked in the 1:32s.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Ten Kate Racing – Phillip Island WorldSBK Test

Ten Kate Racing Yamaha’s Loris Baz was fifth fastest, while Scott Redding was fastest Ducati on the Aruba.it Racing V4 R. Teammate Chaz Davies was eighth, with 1:32.117.

Completing the top ten was Leon Haslam (Team HRC) and Xavi Fores (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing).

Alvaro Bautista, riding the Team HRC Honda CBR1000RR-R was 11th as he comes to terms with the new Honda machinery at Phillip Island, where he dominated in 2019 on board a Ducati.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Eugene Laverty joins Sykes with BMW Motorrad WorldSBK

Second BMW Motorrad WorldSBK rider Eugene Laverty was 12th with a 1:32.893, almost two-seconds off leading pace, with Sandro Cortese (Outdo Kawasaki TPR) in 13th.

Federico Caricasulo made the move up to the premiere class in WorldSBK in 2020 after finishing second overall in WSSP in 2019, joining the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team for the new season, along with American Garrett Gerloff who was 17th posting a 1:34.184.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Leon Camiere were 15th and 16th, both on Ducati Panigale V4 R machinery, with Team GoEleven and Barni Racing Team respectively.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Team GoEleven – Phillip Island WorldSBK Test

Maximilian Scheib was 18th on the Orelac Racing Vednatura Kawasaki, while Takumi Takahashi was 19th on the MIE Racing Althea Honda.

Despite overcast conditions and rain north of Phillip Island, competitors remain hopefully for dry conditions for afternoon sessions, as activities recommence on track.

Phillip Island WorldSBK Testing – Monday FP1

Pos. Rider Nat. Team Gap
1 T. SYKES GBR Motorrad WorldSBK Team 1’30.938
2 M. VAN DER MARK NED PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK 0.314
3 T. RAZGATLIOGLU  TUR PATA YAMAHA WorldSBK 0.337
4 J. REA GBR Kawasaki Racing Team 0.557
5 L. BAZ FRA Ten Kate Racing Yamaha 0.671
6 S. REDDING GBR ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati 0.85
7 A. LOWES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team 1.111
8 C. DAVIES GBR ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati 1.179
9 L. HASLAM GBR Team HRC Honda 1.29
10 X. FORES ESP Kawasaki Puccetti Racing 1.476
11 A. BAUTISTA ESP Team HRC 1.731
12 E. LAVERTY IRL  BMW Motorrad WorldSBK 1.955
13 S. CORTESE GER OUTDO Kawasaki TPR 2.406
14 F. CARICASULO ITA GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team 2.594
15 M. RINALDI ITA Team GOELEVEN 2.736
16 L. CAMIER GBR Barni Racing Team 3.159
17  G. GERLOFF USA GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Junior Team 3.246
18 M. SCHEIB CHI ORELAC Racing VERDNATURA 4.64
19 T. TAKAHASHI JPN MIE Racing 5.408

World Supersport

Andrea Locatelli, who joined the BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team for the 2020 World Supersport season, led the morning World Supersport Free Practice 1 results, ahead of the MV Agusta Reparto Corse duo of Randy Krummenacher and Raffaele De Rosa, with the pair +0.276 and +0.309s off the leader’s pace.

Isaac Vinales (Kallio Racing) and Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completed the top five , with Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) sixth.

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

WSBK TBG ASBK Round Phillip Island TBG

Oli Bayliss

Top Honda was Hikari Okubo on the Dynavolt Honda, while Australian Oli Bayliss was 19th on board the Cube Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.

Phillip Island WorldSSP Testing – Monday FP1

Pos. Rider Nat. Team Gap
1 A. LOCATELLI ITA BARDAHL Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team  1’33.362
2 R. KRUMMENACHER SUI MV Agusta Reparto Corse 0.276
3 R. DE ROSA ITA MV Agusta Reparto Corse 0.309
4 I. VIÑALES ESP Kallio Racing 0.52
5 L. MAHIAS FRA Kawasaki Puccetti Racing  0.534
6 J. CLUZEL FRA GMT94 Yamaha 0.559
7 S. ODENDAAL RSA EAB Ten Kate Racing 1.173
8 P. OETTL GER Kawasaki Puccetti Racing 1.181
9 H. SOOMER EST Kallio Racing 1.626
10 C. PEROLARI FRA GMT94 Yamaha 1.715
11 M. GONZALEZ ESP Kawasaki ParkinGO Team 1.862
12 H. OKUBO JPN Dynavolt Honda 1.926
13 P. SEBESTYEN HUN OXXO Yamaha Team Toth 2.35
14 F. FULIGNI ITA MV Agusta Reparto Corse 2.384
15 C. ÖNCÜ TUR Turkish Racing Team 2.64
16 C. BERGMAN SWE Wójcik Racing Team 2.644
17 D. WEBB GBR WRP Wepol Racing 2.874
18 J. VAN SIKKELERUS NED MPM Routz Racing Team 3.057
19 O. BAYLISS AUS CUBE Racing 3.358
20  P. HOBELSBERGER GER Dynavolt Honda 3.79
21 L. CRESSON BEL OXXO Yamaha Team Toth 4.008
22 A. VERDOÏA FRA bLU cRU WorldSSP by MS Racing 4.021

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

MV Agusta Reparto Corse dressed for success in 2020

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Reparto Corse 2020 livery revealed

Three weeks ahead of the start of the Supersport World Championship, MV Agusta Reparto Corse has unveiled its 2020 livery. The new racing colours were presented in Schiranna, the historic headquarters of the Italian company.

MV Agusta Reparto Corse Timur Sardarov Ratmir Sardarov Federico Fuligni Raffaele De Rosa

MV Agusta Reparto Corse Timur Sardarov Ratmir Sardarov Federico Fuligni Raffaele De Rosa

2020 MV Agusta Reparto Corse WSSP livery – Timur Sardarov, Ratmir Sardarov, Federico Fuligni, Raffaele De Rosa

The colour scheme features MV Agusta’s signature red and grey and the F3 675 will also be proudly sporting world champion Randy Krummenacher’s number 1 on its fairing. The Swiss rider will be joined by De Rosa and Fulgini in Andrea Quadranti’s team for the 2020 quest for the world Supersport title.

MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV RC

MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV RC

2020 MV Agusta Reparto Corse WSSP livery

Andrea Quadranti

“The long preparation to the championship is now behind us, and we are ready to face the first round of the World Championship at the end of this month in Phillip Island. During the two-day tests at the beginning of the weekend we will be able to refine the set-up work done in the Jerez tests and our riders will take care of the rest. Krummenacher is determined to reconfirm his title, but De Rosa won’t certainly give up the opportunity to fight for it either. Fuligni expects to make a qualitative leap that will keep him in the top rankings. We are all eager to confront our opponents and are determined to play a leading role in the 2020 season.”

MV Agusta Reparto Corse Fuligni De Rosa

MV Agusta Reparto Corse Fuligni De Rosa

2020 MV Agusta Reparto Corse WSSP – Fuligni & De Rosa

The 2020 Supersport World Championship is about to begin, with the bikes now boxed-up and sent to Australia.MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV moto

MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV moto

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

WorldSBK to auction memorabilia for bushfire relief

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WSBK supports Australian bushfire relief with charity auction

Ahead of the 2020 season opener at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit next weekend (February 28-March 1), the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock has united to stage a charity auction in aid of the victims of the recent Australian bushfires.

The funds raised will go to BlazeAid, a volunteer-based set-up working alongside rural families and individuals impacted by the fires and floods. Since being founded in 2009, they’ve worked with over 20,000 volunteers in tackling bushfires.

Five-time world superbike champion Jonathan Rea spoke about the WorldSBK Paddock auction today in Melbourne, retelling how he and his Australia wife, Tatia, were tied up in the bushfire catastrophe despite being in the northern hemisphere in January. Their family owns a house just out of Bright, and for three weeks they watched from afar as the fires threatened their home, evacuations took place, and they saw farms and communities surrounding Bright ravaged.

The WorldSBK auction is organised through CharityStars and will see an incredible selection of rider and team merchandise and memorabilia – as well as some awesome fan experiences – go under the hammer. The Championship, riders and teams have come together during the recent tests at Jerez and Portimao to source their own gear, with exclusive helmets, leathers, gloves and various other ‘money-can’t-buy’ team apparel clothing set to get auctioned.

Newcomer Scott Redding (ARUBA.IT Racing – Ducati) is one headliner as he offers up his leathers from testing, and they join the likes of teammate Chaz Davies’ helmet and Toprak Razgatlioglu’s (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team) gloves and visor.

Reigning Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) has also donated gloves and boots, with multiple race winner Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team) putting in some knee sliders, a visor and boots. BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s mudguard hand-signed by Tom Sykes and teammate Eugene Laverty is another highlight.

There are also some experiences up for grabs as Dorna WSBK Organization offers exclusive pit lounge passes and behind the scenes experiences, perfect for every WorldSBK fan who wants to get up close and personal with the world’s fastest production-based motorcycle racing Championship.

They include two pairs of WorldSBK Pit Lounge Passes to any 2020 round (winning bidder’s choice) and one pair of WorldSBK Behind the Scenes Experience passes, giving the winning bidder a money-can’t-buy weekend from starting grid access to a lap in the Safety Car and plenty more in between.

The auction begins on 17th February at 11am CET (Central European Time) and ends on 3rd March midnight, so get bidding to secure your piece of WorldSBK history – and lend a helping hand to the host country of the 2020 season opener.

Australia has, is and will continue to be close to the World Superbike paddock, with Phillip Island hosting timeless classics – as well as the closest ever WorldSBK finish 10 years ago. Some of the biggest names in the history of the sport including Troy Corser and Troy Bayliss also hail from Down Under, making it a cause close to the heart of the paddock.

Check out the full list of teams and place your bids here!

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Yamaha outline their WorldSBK assault force for 2020

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2020 Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team

Michael van der Mark and Toprak Razgatlioglu will spearhead Pata Yamaha’s WorldSBK challenge for season 2020.

Australian two-time World Supersport Champion Andrew Pitt has stayed with the team but with Alex Lowes’ moving to KRT, will crew chief for Dutchman Michael van der Mark.

WorldSBK Test Portimao Day Michael VanDerMark

WorldSBK Test Portimao Day Michael VanDerMark

Michael van der Mark

Toprak, after two seasons of real achievement as an independent rider in WorldSBK on Kawasaki ZX-10RR machinery has switched to Yamaha for season 2020. His previous crew chief Phil Marron has come with him to Pata Yamaha, keeping their connection strong as they move into the realms of official team racing on a machine which is all-new to both.

Winner of a race at Jerez last year, Michael van der Mark is back for his fourth year on the official R1, but this year there is a revamped cross-plane four-cylinder machine under his command. He has taken three career race wins in WorldSBK, part of a total of 29 podium finishes in all.

Portimao Test D Van Der Mark

Portimao Test D Van Der Mark

Michael van der Mark

A seasoned WorldSBK campaigner and very much in his prime at 27 years-of-age, Michael aims to be a more consistent winner and podium finisher in 2020, having already built up a good relationship with his new R1 in testing after three seasons racing the previous version. Here’s what van der Mark had to say when asked about season 2020.

2020 marks your fourth season as an Official Yamaha rider on the YZF-R1 – are you feeling ready for the new season?

Michael van der Mark: “Of course I’m ready! I’m looking forward to the new season with the 2020 R1 – which is not a completely different bike – but there are a lot of new parts and improvements that will help us. We need to keep making progress, and with this new bike, that for sure will enable us to make another step.”

So, what changes have been made to the new R1?

MVDM: “One of the improvements is the aerodynamics; it works much better for tall riders like Toprak and me. It is a lot more protective and I think we can get a little bit better top speed. Also, I think the fairing design has brought some other benefits, so again it’s a positive feeling. Together with Öhlins and our performance engineers we’ve made a good step forward to find grip – as it’s always been our main issue. Already last year we made a step and it was really important, I felt like we have found a really good direction and exactly what we are looking for. I don’t know any numbers, but this new bike feels a bit faster as well – that’s always nice!”

WorldSBK Test Jerez Day Michael VanDerMark GeeBee

WorldSBK Test Jerez Day Michael VanDerMark GeeBee

Michael van der Mark

You have a new crew chief this year in Andrew Pitt – a two-time World Champion in his own right. How is that relationship developing?

MVDM: “I knew Andrew a bit already because he was working with Alex [Lowes] and we always got along well. It honestly feels good, the communication is great and there’s a bit of a mix in the team now; I have some different guys on my side of the garage. I think it’s good to have some new ideas and styles of working, some new motivation and changes; also with Toprak joining the team. So at the moment things are good! From the first moment I worked with Andrew I really enjoyed it and we did some other stuff together as well. I like the way he works as an ex-top rider. He really understands the problems I have and what I am facing when riding the bike, but also the deep technical side he understands really well, so I’m really happy.”

What about your new teammate, Toprak?

MVDM: “I like him! With Alex the relationship was always great, but it’s also good to have Toprak in the team as a young up-and coming-kid. He’s fast right from the start and we’ve had some really nice battles in the past. I’m really looking forward to the season, I think we can have some good battles again and I’ll be working hard to make sure I’m on top! He’ll keep me on my toes, but that’s what everybody wants. His style is so different to mine, but that’s interesting to learn from as well.”

What is your target in 2020?

MVDM: “Win races. If we can win races then we can build a challenge to fight for the championship. Boom!”

Toprak Razgatlioglu

At only 23 years-of-age, Toprak is a rider who can already beat the best in a fair fight and who is now looking to the new R1 to allow him to do that on a more consistent basis.

WorldSBK Test Portimao Day Toprak Razgatlioglu

WorldSBK Test Portimao Day Toprak Razgatlioglu

Toprak Razgatlioglu

Already a star in his native Turkey and a protégé of compatriot and WorldSSP legend Kenan Sofuoglu, Toprak has made a swift transition to the latest Yamaha R1 after a five-year career spent with a rival manufacturer. Like Michael, Toprak was a Superstock 600 European champion before moving up inside the WorldSBK paddock.

He shared his thoughts about this coming season, the new bikes and possibilities ahead:

Welcome to the Yamaha family and Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team with Rizla. How is the experience so far?

Toprak Razgatlioglu: “It’s a different team and for me, the first time with an official team. I was used to being in a small team, and now coming into an official manufacturer team. I don’t know all the people in the team yet and always I say, for me it is not easy because everyone is different to work with. But already it’s feeling very good and I like it a lot. In the beginning, I was a little… scared! Because I don’t know the team and everything is new. But now I’m very happy and enjoying it. Like with the stoppies at the end of the test, I thought at the start, ‘ah maybe I won’t try because I don’t know if it will be allowed!’ But after one time, somebody asked me ‘can you do another stoppie?’ So then I say ‘OK!’ I didn’t know in the beginning if it would be OK because it was all-new but these are racing people – serious about their jobs – and they also want to enjoy it.”

WSBK Jerez Test Nov Toprak Razgatlioglu

WSBK Jerez Test Nov Toprak Razgatlioglu

Toprak Razgatlioglu

What is your impression of the new 2020 Yamaha R1 – what are the strong points?

TR: “Again, the Yamaha a new bike for me but now I have the 2020 R1 – between the two I would say there is not a really big difference, just nice improvements. I feel like it is very easy to turn, really good at turning and with the power I am feeling much better. I’m learning that my new bike with Yamaha has a different character from what I rode in the past. After more laps, I feel much better. I’ve always liked Yamaha; my first bike was a PW50! I have ridden Yamaha bikes over many years – I ride a Niken on the streets at home – and now after five years on a different bike, I have come here and I’m very happy.”

You are working with Phil Marron again as your crew chief, is this important when you are inside a new team and with a new bike?

TR: “Yes we work together well and I am very happy. Because we worked together in 2019, he knows me and I feel this is very important because he understands what I need to go fast. Before, my crew chiefs understood me a little and I would just ride the bike, but in 2019 working with Phil, he understands me more and the result is different! I’m very happy because we’re coming together to this new team. For Phil and me it is new: a new team and a new bike. But now already it is a better feeling, but I keep saying, I need more time, more laps and after, it will be a much better feeling!”

Portimao Test D Toprak Razgatlioglu Cover

Portimao Test D Toprak Razgatlioglu Cover

Toprak Razgatlioglu

Are you enjoying having a teammate for the first time? What are the good and bad points compared to being the only rider?

TR: “In 2019, I raced in a team alone in WorldSBK and I think for me it was very easy, because with just one rider if I had a bad session I didn’t feel very bad. After a good session, I would be very happy. And now, coming to Yamaha and the first time having a teammate it is different [by having someone to compare to] – but I am very lucky because he is a very good guy! I know on the track we are fighting hard but outside we are already friends, feeling is like brothers. I say ‘abi’ to Michael and normally to say ‘abi’ in Turkish means ‘big brother’.”

In 2019 you won your first races and made big improvements. What are your goals in 2020?

TR: “I think last year I said the same – to get a podium at Phillip Island. I need this and last year I tried! It was not possible, but this year I will try again. First race, first podium and try to have a good feeling to start. After that, I try my best always, we will see…”

Continuity can be key in many areas of racing but in 2020 the long-time leader of the Pata Yamaha team’s efforts – Paul Denning – has many new elements to help distil into one potent WorldSBK racing mix, ready to score consistent success at a higher level than ever.

Paul Denning

“2020 marks the fifth season since Yamaha’s return to WorldSBK competition in 2016 with the R1 and we are excited to see the next step in our evolution.”. “Yamaha’s Official Team, operated in close partnership with Crescent Racing, has improved every year both in potential and result, made evident by race wins and third and fourth overall in the 2019 Championship. As we get closer to the top level, further improvements are of course more difficult to deliver, but to take the next step forward and challenge for the title must be the target.”

Denning is very much aware that changes have been made with one goal in mind – higher levels of achievement for all.

“Yamaha has continued to improve their development capabilities, the team has improved its structure, and now we also have the new 2020 R1 to help us challenge for victories,” said Paul. “Alongside this, at Yamaha we now have one of the most exciting rider line-ups ever seen in WorldSBK, as Toprak joins Michael to create a talented, young and aggressive team that we hope will allow us to meet our targets and to deliver highly exciting on-track action throughout the new season.”

WorldSBK Michael VanDerMark Toprak Razgatlioglu

WorldSBK Michael VanDerMark Toprak Razgatlioglu

Toprak Razgatlıoğlu joins Michael van der Mark in the Pata Yamaha squad

Now that winter testing in Europe has concluded, all eyes turn to the official pre-season test in Australia, between 24 and 25 February, which will give the best possible indication of how the new season could start for Pata Yamaha.

The test and then the first weekend of a new era for Pata Yamaha will take place at the same Phillip Island circuit, one that has been host to so many spectacular moments in recent and more historic WorldSBK seasons.

WorldSBK Yamaha Finance Australian Round, Phillip Island

Friday 28 February 2020
Time Event Program
8:25 Oceania Junior Cup Qualifying
8:45 ASBK Supersport FP2
9:05 Australian Superbike FP2
9:30 ASBK SS300 FP2
9:50 FIM Medical Inspection
10:00 FIM Track Inspection
10:30 WorldSBK FP1
11:30 WorldSSP FP1
12:25 Pit Walk 1
13:00 Australian Superbike Q1
13:25 Australian Superbike Q2
13:50 Oceania Junior Cup R1 | 6 Laps
14:15 ASBK Supersport Qualifying
15:00 WorldSBK FP2
16:00 WorldSSP FP2
16:55 ASBK SS300 Qualifying
17:15 Parade Laps
Saturday 29 February 2020
Time Class Program
8:25 ASBK Oceania Junior Cup R2 | 6 Laps
8:50 ASBK Supersport R1 |10 Laps
9:30 FIM Medical Inspection
9:40 FIM Track Inspection
10:00 WorldSBK FP3
10:35 WorldSSP FP3
11:05 Australian Superbike R1 | 12 Laps
11:40 ASBK SS300 R1 | 8 Laps
12:15 WorldSBK Superpole
12:55 WorldSSP Superpole
13:40 Pit Walk 2 & Safety Car Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R1 | 22 Laps
16:15 Australian Superbike R2 | 12 Laps
16:50 ASBK SS300 R2 | 8 Laps
17:15 ASBK Supersport R2 | 10 Laps
17:50 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)
Sunday 1 March 2020
Time Class Program
8:20 Oceania Junior Cup R3 | 6 Laps
8:50 FIM Medical Inspection
9:00 FIM Track Inspection
09:30 WorldSBK Warm Up
09:55 WorldSSP Warm Up
10:30 Australian Superbike R3 | 12 Laps
11:05 Pit Walk 3 & Safety Car Laps
12:00 WorldSBK SP Race | 10 Laps
13:15 WorldSSP RACE |18 Laps
15:00 WorldSBK R2 | 22 Laps
16:15 ASBK SS300 R3 | 8 Laps
16:45 ASBK Supersport R3 |10 Laps
17:20 Hyundai N Experience (Test Drive)

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News, WSBK

Razgatlioglu tops WSBK Portimao Test Day Two

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WSBK Portimao Test Day Two

Toprak Razgatlioglu has proven the man to beat at the Portimao Test as the Turk topped the timesheets for Pata Yamaha. That man Jonathan Rea though and KRT were not present in Portugal, and were instead at Montmelo near Barcelona for their own test session.

Jonathan Rea

“It has been so nice to get this extra day after Jerez, because we got really decent weather, the track was dry and we managed to put in a lot of laps. We were able to back-to-back some items that we were not sure about with the weight balance of the bike in Jerez. In the end we tried something on the front suspension and did some practice starts. The big positive is that I really enjoyed the track and the bike works really well here. I think it sets us up in a good frame of mind now. I feel fast and consistent and this positive test has prepared us to go to Australia, where we will start the new season. Thanks to the team for pulling out all the stops to get us a proper test day here because I know it was not in the plan. Next is the team launch where we get to be all excited about our new colours and then move on.”

WSBK KRT Montmelo test

WSBK KRT Montmelo test

Kawasaki Racing Team had their own separate test at Montmelo

Alex Lowes

“I want to say a big thank to KRT for working really hard to get us this extra test. Obviously I have not had too many chances to have dry laps this winter so I really appreciate this extra day at Montmelo. The track is fantastic. It is always exciting coming to a track for the first time. I am getting old now so there are not many tracks I have not ridden! I have really enjoyed it today and I probably learned more about the bike than in the other tests, so that is really positive for me going into Phillip Island. I really enjoyed working with the team and I cannot wait to start racing now.”

WSBK Jerez Test Nov Lowes

WSBK Jerez Test Nov Lowes

Alex Lowes

With KRT absent from Portimao it was Razgatlioglu topping the timesheets from Scott Redding by just 0.079s as the test came to a close.

Scott Redding

“It was a good day even though, to be honest, I couldn’t find the ideal pace. On a few occasions, I found traffic on the track and when I tried the new tyres, the four almost consecutive red flags didn’t allow me to lap consistently. The result of the test is still very positive, considering that this is a circuit where I only rode once in the past and it can’t be considered the most favourable for Ducati. All things considered, we have worked very well and I am satisfied.”

Portimao Test D Scott Redding

Portimao Test D Scott Redding

Scott Redding

Michael Van Der Mark was fourth fastest, focusing on conserving tyre life, in a move likely to pay dividends at Phillip Island.

Chaz Davies completed the top five as the second Ducati, with Yamaha otherwise dominating the top five, with three of the fastest five riders.

Chaz Davies

“It’s been a busy couple of days. We were lucky because the weather helped us to carry on our work. We tried new solutions: some of them gave positive results, while on other aspects we will have to work further. The lap-times? We will return to Portugal in September and the track conditions will be completely different so the crono wasn’t our first target. In view of the first Grand Prix in Australia, I feel much more ahead of what I felt last year.”

Portimao Test D Chaz Davies

Portimao Test D Chaz Davies

Chaz Davies

Leon Haslam was the fastest Honda, ahead of BMW’s Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty.

Leon Haslam

“We’ve made some good steps today and have got through a lot of the things we had down to test. We didn’t perhaps make the step that others did with the soft qualifying tyre, but all in all the lap times aren’t too bad and I was pretty happy with the race tyres. We have a lot of work ahead of us of course and we’re not yet at the stage where we’re fine-tuning the bike, as we’re still testing fundamental components. I can’t wait to get to Phillip Island now, it’s one of my favourite circuits. The test there will be very important too, and then the aim for the race weekend is to try to be competitive right from the outset.”

Portimao Test D Leon Haslam

Portimao Test D Leon Haslam

Leon Haslam

Both BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team riders had two bikes at their disposal, allowing Sykes and Laverty and their respective crews to evaluate more new components and different set-up configurations, working on the best possible basis set-up in time for the start of the season.

Tom Sykes

“I’m very happy with the two tests. Jerez obviously was very challenging on the weather front but we were able to utilise that and do some little fundamental things. It then was much more consistent here in Portugal and we were just able to do a lot of work with our BMW S 1000 RR. We just had to turn a bit of a blind eye to what was going on on track and focus on what we are doing. We worked really hard on different chassis set-ups, on the brakes, electronic strategies… and the list goes on. A big credit to the entire BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, the boys have worked really hard over these days. Now it’s time to go back home and get everything ready for Phillip Island and where we can focus more on performance.”

Portimao Test D Tom Sykes

Portimao Test D Tom Sykes

Tom Sykes

Eugene Laverty

“I am really delighted and optimistic coming away from the test. The November test was a bit of a tough one as I got a few surprises when I rode the RR for the first time. The work that the guys have done since is incredible. That’s the nice thing of being involved with a factory team again: the progress is so quick and these guys are so intelligent. I give my comments but in the end my comments are only backing up what they already know. These guys understand very well how to make the bike work. The focus in Spain had been power delivery and traction control and when we arrived at Portimão, we started to play around with the chassis setting. The performance in the end was really good. So after these tests, I’m very happy, we’re in a good position.”

Portimao Test D Eugene Laverty

Portimao Test D Eugene Laverty

Eugene Laverty

Top Kawasaki performer was Xavi Fores, but that was due to the Kawasaki Racing Team testing at Montmelo, instead of at the Portimao Test.

Portimao Test D Xavi Fores

Portimao Test D Xavi Fores

Xavi Fores

Alvaro Bautista worked non-stop across both Sunday and Monday in order to make headway with a intense schedule and provide the engineers with as much information as possible so as to facilitate bike development work, and was 16th fastest.

Alvaro Bautista

“These tests have been tough for us because in Jerez we could not test much due to the bad weather. So we had to concentrate all the work here in Portimao, basically trying to complete four days of work in just two days. That meant we were forced to spend more time inside the garage than on track and this of course is a bit frustrating when you just want to have everything ready, put in a new tyre and go for it. Anyway, this is the kind of job that has to be done with a new project. I think we now have a lot of data that can be useful in developing the bike and we’ll see how the next step goes in Australia. Those tests prior to the first round will be very important.”

Portimao Test D Alvaro Bautista

Portimao Test D Alvaro Bautista

Alvaro Bautista

The final pre-season tests will take place at Phillip Island, the venue for the opening round in Australia, just a few days before the start of a whole new racing season.

WorldSBK Portimão Test Day Two Unofficial Times

Pos. Rider Man. Time/Gap
1 Toprak Razgatlioglu  Yamaha 01:40.8
2 Scott Redding  Ducati +0.079
3 Loris Baz  Yamaha +0.19
4 Michael Van Der Mark  Yamaha +0.622
5 Chaz Davies  Ducati +0.795
6 Leon Haslam Honda +0.851
7 Tom Sykes  Bmw +0.982
8 Eugene Laverty  Bmw +1.186
9 Federico Caricasulo Yamaha +1.226
10 Garrett Gerloff Yamaha +1.241
11 Michael Rinaldi Ducati +1.505
12 Leandro Mercado Ducati +1.658
13 Xavi Fores  Kawasaki +1.998
14 Sylvain Barrier Ducati +2.654
15 Pohssom Christophe Aprilia +2.676
16 Alvaro Bautista Honda +2.755
17 Sandro Cortese  Ducati +3

WorldSSP

Jules Cluzel leaves the Portimao test as the man to beat in the World Supersport class, closing out the test ahead of Andrea Locatelli and Steven Odendaal, although it bears mentioning it was Locatelli’s first time at Portimao.

Portimao Test D Jules Cluzel

Portimao Test D Jules Cluzel

Jules Cluzel

Steven Odendaal also worked on coming to terms with the WSSP Yamaha, while Lucas Mahias was the top non-Yamaha rider in fourth on the Kawasak Puccetti Racing machine.

Corentin Perolari made for another Yamaha in the top five on the GMT94 Yamaha, while Philipp Oettl was sixth.

Portimao Test D Philipp Ottl

Portimao Test D Philipp Ottl

Philipp Ottl

Top Honda was Hikari Okubo in seventh, having made the move from Kawasaki in 2019 to Dynavolt Honda for 2020.

WorldSSP Portimão Test Day One Unofficial Times

Pos Rider Man Time
1 Jules Cluzel Yamaha 01:44.4
2 Andrea Locatelli Yamaha 01:44.7
3 Steven Odendaal Yamaha 01:44.8
4 Lucas Mahias Kawasaki 01:44.8
5 Corentin Perolari Yamaha 01:45.6
6 Phillip Ottl Kawasaki 01:45.9
7 Hikari Okubo Honda 01:45.9
8 Can Oncu Kawasaki 01:46.3
9 Danny Webb Yamaha 01:47.1
10 Jaimie Van Sikkelerus Yamaha 01:47.4
11 Patrick Hobelsberger Honda 01:47.5

had their own separate test at MontmeloJonathan worked on balance and overall set-up on his Ninja ZX-10RR machine while Alex learned not just a new track layout but also more aspects of his Ninja ZX-10RR’s character to take into the first competitive round.

Source: MCNews.com.au