Joan Mir says Fabio Quartararo is the perfect heir to that MotoGP crown … because he can’t get to him on the track.
The young Quartararo is expected to win his first world title at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday in Misano.
Such is Quartararo’s dominance this season, Mir’s title defense was as good as over before it even started – because he was too fast to compete with him.
I said: “We didn’t fight too much during the races. At the end of the races I came up to him, but he was too far ahead.
“I couldn’t fight Fabio face to face this year.
Quartararo is too quick to compete with him, say those who compete with him on the track (Image: Getty Images)
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“He’s done a great job, he’s been trained well and he’s always in that top position. He’s clearly a deserved champion.”
I haven’t won a race this season, but his five podiums keep him chasing second place in the championship.
But first he had to beat Pecco Bagnaia, another young MotoGP sensation that caused a sensation in the senior class.
The top three of the championship have an average age of just 23 and with Valentino Rossi retiring, Marc Marquez battling and big changes underway, I believe the senior class of motorcycle racing is going through a revolution.
“I don’t know if we are fighting to be the next superstar, but we are a new generation of young people. We are the top drivers now,” said Mir.
“It is important to always be at the top level now. The other guys are young too and fight for the same things as you.
Will Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo be the dominant rivalry in MotoGP for the next decade? Let us know in the comments section.
Joan Mir in action during the last practice session in Misano this weekend (Image: Getty Images)
“Most riders and veterans have achieved whatever they want. The young riders are starting to take their places.”
Despite the advent of the new generation, an eye will remain on Marquez for the next season as he tries to recover from the upper body injuries that left him out of the 2020 season.
Many expected the six-time premier league champions to be at their best again this season, but Mir insists the country’s situation is different now.
He said: “Everything is much closer, much smoother and I think he expected it to be easier. Now it’s different. But Marc is a top driver and next year he will be one of the competitors, I’m sure of that. “
Rins fell second from the battle for victory in Portugal last month and dropped early from sixth in the following Spanish Grand Prix.
In the wet Le Mans race on Sunday, Rins recovered from 15th place on the grid, took the podium at the end of the fifth lap and left the pit lane behind leading Marc Marquez.
But he immediately crashed in the Dunlop chicane and missed another podium opportunity before falling again later in the race.
Words fail Rins’ current form, not least because he insists that the improvements made to the GSX-RR in 2021 will allow him to “do what I want”.
“It’s true that I have crashed a lot this season,” said Rins on Sunday at Le Mans, 57 points behind in the championship standings.
“I’m taking on all the crashes that we haven’t made in the last two years.
“I don’t know what to answer because I feel good. I work hard at home with all of my co-workers. It happens sometimes, I don’t know.
“We have improved the bike a lot. I have to apologize to the team because this year is the year I feel stronger on the bike. I do what I want – except in qualifying.
“But I’m doing what I want here at Le Mans. We had a lot of struggles and in the dry conditions we were so quick from the start.
“We got out of Q2 for free, we finished 11th by putting on only one tire at the beginning.
“We have improved the bike a lot, we just make stupid mistakes.
“Today we did the impossible. We overtook the first lap in fourth or fifth, and I made up 10 positions on the first lap.
“I got into the pits and changed bikes so quickly that I made up one position, then another stupid fall.”
Rins admits it’s hard to stay focused in his current crisis at the moment, but has vowed to “reset” again for the Italian GP.
“It’s a bit tough at those moments not to look up at the guys on the team,” he added.
“With these three falls in the last three races, we are going through a difficult moment.
“It’s not easy. It’s difficult for me too.
“But I will do another reset and arrive at Mugello with the same strength.
“I’ll try to fight in Mugello. I mean, that’s all we can do now. “
There are hardly more dedicated fan bases in the world of sports than those who are enthusiastic about MotoGP. The sport has a worldwide fan base, with fans watching races every week to see how the latest grand prix takes place. As in other motor sports, there are drivers for different teams, with each team having two drivers in a field of 24 drivers. Below you will learn more about the sport as well as important information about the betting markets available.
MotoGP schedule
The MotoGP schedule is releNevertheless, there are races every two weeks. The 2021 season already seems to be one of the most competitive in recent years with the French Fabio Quartararo, the current leader in the drivers’ championship. This season the Frenchman has already won the Italian Grand Prix, the Portuguese Grand Prix, the Great Britain Grand Prix, the Dutch TT in Assen and the Doha Grand Prix. Australian Jack Miller has also won events so far this season, with victories at the Spanish Grand Prix and the French Grand Prix.
Maverick Vinales, Miguel Oliveira and Francesco Bagnaia have also recorded wins. We are entering a crucial phase of the season as there are still four European stages of the season to go. Remaining locations to host a race this season include San Marino, Austin, Misano 2, Algarve, and Valencia.
MotoGP betting markets
Betting on the action throughout the season is extremely popular, and there are a number of markets bettors can find in the leading sportsbooks.
Absolute world champion
The most popular market for MotoGP betting is the absolute world champions market. This market runs throughout the season, with prices changing depending on the performance of each driver.
The best time to get value in this market depends on the driver you are betting on. Studying the results on the calendar is the best way to make the most knowledgeable bet on the market. However, it’s also important to keep an eye on the odds throughout the campaign. The winnings are paid out to players who select the overall winner at the end of the season.
Race winner
The absolute world championship market is not the only way to bet on MotoGP, as players can also bet on the races that are taking place throughout the season. To make returns in this market, players need to correctly predict the driver who will win the Grand Prix. If your selection appears anywhere other than first, you will not receive any returns.
Profit margin
One new market being offered by the most dedicated sports betting providers for betting on this sport is profit margin. Here players can bet on the winner of the respective Grand Prix and on the time difference between the winner and the runner-up. Both parts of the bet must be placed correctly in order to receive the return
Fabio Quartararo secured the MotoGP title at Misano, but there are still two titles left in the premier class, the constructors ‘and the teams’ titles.
Ducati leads the manufacturers but is only 12 points ahead of Yamaha. With 100 points less, Suzuki is already out of the fight for the title.
In terms of the Team World Championship, it’s also wide open between the Yamaha factory teams who are leading and Ducati who are runner-up in this championship. Once again the title will be decided between these teams, possibly in Portimão. Third is again Suzuki, again without any chance of conquering any further places in the table.
Stick to the point tables for each of these world championships:
Jack Miller has thrown his support behind Darryn Binder after it was confirmed that the South African will emulate his unprecedented leap from Moto3 to the MotoGP World Championship in 2022.
After weeks of speculation, Binder was officially confirmed for the next season in the withU RNF Yamaha Team, which will be renamed from the Petronas SRT / Sprinta team with which the 23-year-old is currently racing in the quarter-liter class.
He is paired with the experienced 14-time race winner Andrea Dovizioso and joins his older brother Brad, who is under contract with KTM, on the 24-strong starting line-up.
It is only the second time since Moto3 evolved from the 125GP class in 2012 that a rider has made a “double promotion” in MotoGP, the first time being Jack Miller, who rode the 2015 open-top LCR Honda.
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Though Binder’s Moto3 form – a win in seven seasons of the competition – doesn’t compare to Miller’s six wins in three seasons, the Australian wholeheartedly supports the South African, suggesting that it would have been stupid not the opportunity presented to him to use .
“I think he has all the power. Having stood by this throughout my MotoGP career, this move doesn’t come twice for a lot of people when you get the chance, when you know what I mean,” said Miller.
“If you have the chance, it’s best to get in and try it because a lot of people can’t do that, they can’t ride the fastest motorcycles in the world against the best riders in the world.
“So if you have the opportunity why not use it and if someone can, I think it’s Daz. He has this wild style, he can ride a bike when it moves and what not. So i don’t think this will be a problem.
“He’s got a lot more experience on bigger bikes than I did when I moved to MotoGP, he rode superbikes and 600s and all.
“But yes, nothing can prepare you for any of these things [MotoGP], it’s so far from everything else you never know until you’re here. So just try to come here. “
Will lightning strike twice for the RNF MotoGP team?
Razlan Razalis RNF Racing – née Petronas SRT – has only been in MotoGP since 2019, but in three short years it has made itself felt not only as a front runner but also as an avid talent scout.
With the signing of Fabio Quartararo, although observers thought the Frenchman was talented for breaking records on the junior ladder before the GP, many felt his star was slacking off during indifferent campaigns in Moto2 and Moto3 would have.
However, two years later, and the same rider is on the cusp of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship, Razali and Johan Stigefelt have made the effort to look beyond the results and consider a data-driven approach to decide which riders are best for a MotoGP machine are suitable.
It’s an approach one hopes will bring back gold with Binder, although it has to be pointed out that it wasn’t exactly the first option after Franco Morbidelli was poached prematurely for the factory team, Toprak Razgatlioglu declined and KTM resisted approaches for Raul Fernandez.
Even so, RNF would have had other safer options than Binder, but has clearly spotted something in the youngster from working with him that suggests that he could get along with a MotoGP bike more easily than his status suggests.
Indeed, Binder’s lanky frame and hectic style means he’s likely screaming for a bigger bike than a Moto3 machine to show its full potential, and he’ll no doubt be grateful to leave a series that has more results Talent can be dictated by timing and slipstream rather than slipstream.
It will still be a big step for Binder, but as long as he doesn’t dump him too often and undoubtedly follow his brother’s instructions, if his expectations are modest, he has a chance of surpassing them.
Enea Bastianini has confirmed that he will still have to make do with one-year-old machines at the MotoGP World Championship in 2022, despite another impressive podium at MotoGP Emilia Romagna in Misano.
A month later, after shocking the paddock with an attack on third place from 12th on the grid in the San Marino MotoGP, a result achieved with sheer pace and laps alone that would have allowed him to beat Pecco Bagnaia Challenging victory, Bastianini did it again, but this time from 16.
It continues brilliant form for the rookie who has now finished in the top six from humble grid positions in each of the last four races while doing so on board a two year old Ducati GP19 prepared and eliminated by the privateer Avintia Racing team the series at the end of the season.
Although Bastianini did not provide a trouble-free weekend after three falls on Saturday, the result was all the more remarkable as his last overtaking maneuver on Fabio Quartararo meant Ducati, in which three of his four factory-supported motorcycles crash, have outdone Yamaha in the battle for the title of their manufacturers.
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Bastianini, who joins Gresini Racing next season – the Italian team that is splitting from Aprilia to become a Ducati customer – has again called for a chance to ride a Ducati GP22 in line with Pramac Racing.
Although Ducati previously said it was able to build more on-spec motorcycles, it was referring to the possibility of supplying the better-funded VR46 Racing in place of Gresini, with Bastianini confirming there will still be a GP21 under it will be in 2022.
“Next year I’ll have the Ducati bike from 2021 with the best possible material,” he told GPOne. “During the week I spoke to Ducati and Gigi Dall’Igna who confirmed that it would be impossible to have the GP22. So we have to work hard to be competitive and try to get the best result. “
Enea Bastianini calls for MotoGP rider of the year
The increase in Bastianini’s form in the final laps was a surprising joy this second half of the season, which will be even more impressive when he made it against all odds.
Though Bastianini was a Moto2 World Champion – an accomplishment he made in his second season against stronger rivals – Bastianini spent the first half of the year outperforming, but was won over to the public by his teammate and Valentino Rossi’s brother Luca Marini overshadowed.
It’s also unusual in that it did so without the guidance of Rossi’s powerful VR46 academy, which currently has a huge budget monopoly on promoting Italian talent.
However, apart from a few missteps in qualifying, Bastianini was the superior racer and his confidence in the loyal but now very outdated Ducati GP19 has increased lately.
In fact, he has found an interesting groove on the bike that allows him to spare his tires almost as if by magic, which means that Bastianini often had to beat several rivals out of the way in the final laps.
Misano II was no exception, Bastianini started and ran even further behind Fabio Quartararo but still landed on the podium ahead of the Frenchman. His performance is made even more noticeable by the fact that the race was supposed to be the redemption of Marini – a rider whose first MotoGP season was anonymous at best – when the Italian qualified third in the wet.
Instead, he slipped back to ninth place, the result being further sharpened by Bastianini charging the other direction for a second podium of the year for an Avintia Racing team that would have been awarded to slack off before it leaves the series.
The run of form has meant that Bastianini is just five points behind the top ten in the overall standings, a remarkable achievement for a rookie, let alone for a two-year-old motorcycle with by far the least financed private team in the starting field.
Ironically, he is now ahead of Jorge Martin, who won a works contract with Ducati in the battle for Rookie of the Year, although he ended up behind Bastianini in Moto2. Although Martin certainly impressed with a win in Austria and took a break due to injury, one has to wonder whether Bastianini would have won both Misano races on the same motorcycle …
The CWM LCR Honda Team is proud to officially announce that Australian rider Jack Miller will compete with them in the 2015 MotoGP World Championship on the Honda RC213V-RS Open Specification motorcycle.
The 19-year-old Townsville racer, who is currently leading the Moto3 World Championship, will compete in the MotoGP Open Class alongside the more experienced Brits thanks to support from Honda Racing Corporation, historic LCR sponsors and new team partner CWM Crutchlow on the Honda RC213V Factory Specification Bike.
This is the first time since their debut in the MotoGP class in 2006 that Lucio Cecchinello’s squad have fielded two riders, and this is largely thanks to new sponsor CWMFX.com
Miller commented, “I’m really excited to make the leap into MotoGP next year, especially as I will be doing this alongside HRC. It’s a dream come true. I think that every rider wants to ride a Honda at the highest level in the world championship. It is certainly a big leap from Moto3 to MotoGP, but I am convinced that we are ready and that by learning step by step every day we can do a great job. It is a fantastic opportunity and I am very much looking forward to starting this new phase of my career at HRC, which I would like to thank along with the CWM LCR Honda Team. I look forward to working with you! In the meantime, I’m fully focused on the Moto3 World Championship this season. I’ll have to avoid any distraction in order to fight for the title. “
Cecchinello, Team Principal of CWM LCR, added: “This is without a doubt a very exciting project and a completely new challenge for us. We believe that Jack will be a strong future performer in the premier class because of his undeniable talent, motivation and drive. Together with Honda we will do our best to introduce him to the MotoGP class step by step. Sure, Jack will need time to learn how to ride a 1000cc machine, but there is no rush and next year will be just one learning season for him in the new class. Honda has a long-term plan with him and we believe that Jack can show his talent in MotoGP without pressure. “
The name Raul Fernandez is on everyone’s lips. Both for his results on his Moto2 debut (3 wins and 6 podiums in the first 9 races) and for the rumors he has always denied that would bring him to MotoGP as early as next year. The Spaniard is enjoying his well-deserved rest and is taking the opportunity to talk about this year 2021, which started perfectly … or almost, as he emphasizes.
How do you rate the first half of the 2021 season?
“It was an incredible first half of the year. If we take away the mistake we made at the German GP, it was an almost perfect start considering that I was new to the class. Our results are a dream come true and I am very happy about them. “
What was the best moment in the first nine races?
“The best moment for me was Assen. After I made a mistake in Germany to get the win like we did, to fight back in the race, it gave me a lot of self-confidence. I can’t think of a better way to end the first half of the year. “
What was the key to adapting to the class so amazingly quickly?
“Every aspect influenced things and was important. However, The team and all the work we’ve done together over the past few seasons has been key to adapting to the class so quickly. “
What has the Red Bull KTM Ajo structure given you in these two seasons?
“The team gave me the opportunity and the tools I needed to reach my full potential. I have no words to thank them for all they have done. Aki was a pleasure growing up with; he helped me a lot. This year there will be good results that are the result of all my work so far and that is undoubtedly very important. “
What does it mean to you to have a strong teammate like Remy Gardner?
“Remy is a very experienced rider who has been racing in the Moto2 class for several seasons. I learned a lot from him at the beginning of the year. Now we’re both at the top and it’s nice that two team-mates find each other in this situation. However, Remy is very strong and it is not easy to beat him. “
What would you like to improve after the summer break?
“I want to continue as before. If we do, I am sure that we will take further steps forward. What I would most like to improve is my experience, but that can only be done if I compete in races and cover kilometers. “
What’s the goal for the rest of the season?
“The goal will be to keep winning races. In the end, that’s what motivates me to give one hundred percent in every unit, and I enjoy this sport the most. In the second half of the year, I want to keep fighting for more great results and we will work hard to make that happen. “
How are you going to spend the summer break?
“I would like to rest for a few weeks first, then go back to work and use the remaining time to train and prepare for the return of the competition. I have to switch off a little to come back hungry, to get on the bike and give one hundred percent like we’ve done so far. “
Paul Smart, a former motorcycle racer who sporadically competed in the World Championship between 1970 and 1972, lost his life in a traffic accident yesterday. The 78-year-old Smart was riding his motorcycle between East Sussex and Kent, according to GPOne, as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the events.
Born on April 23, 1943, the Brit competed in the world classes 250cc, 350cc and 500c on Yamaha, Ducati and Seeley motorcycles. The peak of his career came in 1972 when he won the Imola 200 miles on a Ducati. Smart’s connection with the Borgo Panigale plant was immortalized when the manufacturer inaugurated a motorcycle in its name in 2006: the Ducati PaulSmart 1000 LE.
He won seven podiums during his time at the World Championship and retired in 1978 after also working for Suzuki, Triumph and Kawasaki.
Motorcycle Sports extends its deepest condolences to the family and to all those close to Paul Smart!
Jack Miller, the only rider who previously jumped directly from Moto3 to MotoGP, supported Darryn Binder to make the move successful in 2022.
Crash MotoGP Podcast – Click here to hear Keith Huewen, Harry Benjamin and our very own Pete McLaren MotoGP talk
Binder was officially confirmed as a Riding for the new WithU RNF Yamaha team, who replaces the Sepang Racing Team he is currently racing for in Moto3.
Miller made his MotoGP switch in 2015, skipping Moto2 entirely to debut on an open-class Honda.
After just 17 points (and the 19th) in his rookie season, Miller improved to 82 points (11th) in his third and final year with Honda, including a surprisingly wet win at Assen in 2018.
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After joining Ducati, Miller took his first dry podiums in 2019 and 2020 with two wins in the factory colors so far this season.
Miller was only 20 when he made his MotoGP debut, but Binder – the younger brother of KTM MotoGP winner Brad – will be a more mature 24 next January, with seven Grand Prix races under his belt (compared to three for Miller).
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Miller, on the other hand, took six outstanding wins and ten podiums in his final Moto3 season, narrowly losing the title to Alex Marquez. Binder meanwuile has only two podium places at the start in Qatar this year and is sixth overall. His only Grand Prix win came at Catalunya 2020.
“I think he has all the power. Having stood by this throughout my MotoGP career, this move doesn’t come twice for a lot of people when you get the chance, when you know what I mean,” said Miller.
“If you have the chance, it’s best to get in and try it because a lot of people can’t do that, they can’t ride the fastest motorcycles in the world against the best riders in the world.
“So if you have the opportunity why not use it and if someone can, I think it’s Daz. He has this wild style, he can ride a bike when it moves and what not. So i don’t think this will be a problem.
“He’s got a lot more experience on bigger bikes than I did when I moved to MotoGP, he rode superbikes and 600s and all.
“But yes, nothing can prepare you for any of these things [MotoGP], it’s so far from everything else you never know until you’re here. So just try to come here. “
An alternative point of view came from Aprilias Aleix Espargaro, who was a bit at a loss when making the decision and believes that some kind of MotoGP super license – obtained through experience in other classes – could be the way forward.
“It’s a very strange situation. I agree to a super license or something like that,” said Espargaro. “I prefer not to comment too much … I mean, I really don’t understand anything about this movement [decision].
“It’s not that I don’t like it, but I can’t find a reason for it … It’s the most bizarre movement I’ve ever seen in my life!”
Impossible to deny the news of the day was the return of Marc Marquez to the circuit, 72 hours after surgery to reduce the fracture in the right humerus, he was ready to go out. This made the Spaniard one of the hottest topics at Thursday’s traditional press conference, even more than Fabio Quartararo’s Sunday win.
The French himself was the first to deal with the subject, speaks of the desire of all drivers to get back on track quickly. “It’s not just about Marc; Alex and Cal are back. Cal also had surgery two days ago so it’s pretty amazing If you are a driver you want to come back as soon as possible. Surely you will give your maximum with your pain and I am happy that you are back on the right track. I believe that everyone will concentrate on their goal, which is to give their best in every race without thinking about the others. “
More or less the same opinion, Maverick Vinales said he was focused on the championship and aware of the importance of each point. “In a championship with fewer races like this, every point is important. Fabio is currently the favorite for the title as he won the first race, but we have to see the outcome of the next races. All drivers are not happy when they see a passenger injured. In fact, I was very happy when I saw Marc arrive at the track, so there is no point in talking about a devalued championship or something like that. “
The two Ducati drivers Andrea Dovizioso and Jack Miller also talked about the “validity” of the championship with or without Marquez, but in other words. “This year’s championship is different, but the rules are the same – explained Dovi – besides, Marc seems to be on the track this weekend, so nothing has changed since then. ” “In my opinion, it’s a piece of cake to talk about a fake championship or something like that. – Miller added – since we all started on the same Friday and injuries come with it. “
The comment of the re-entering Alex Rins was sharp too when he too was asked about the return of his (never particularly beloved) rival. “I think the injury wasn’t that bad if he manages to get back on track a few days after the operation. Otherwise we’ll see if he can make a good race or not. You talk a lot about Marc because he won a lot and we’re here to try and beat him. “
THE NEW RULE FOR YELLOW FLAGS – VINALES: “WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE STRATEGY IN MANY VARIETIES”
Another topic of the day is the new regulation for hanging up the yellow flags. From this GP, even a single yellow flag will force any rider to slow down to avoid dangerous episodes like Miller and Rins’ double close falls. “We will have to pay attention to this new rule – explains Rins himself – because If one rider stops for any reason, even if it’s not urgent, the others won’t be able to complete the lap, but we’ll see how it plays out. “
Politically correct Andrea Dovizioso, who recognized the difficulty of making the right choice in these cases. “It’s always difficult to agree on these rules. Of course I would be sorry to miss a lap for something not particularly dangerous because of a yellow flag, so I guess” it would be better to make situational distinctions, but that is not easy “.
Someone who has thought about possible countermeasures is Maverick Vinales, who is already focused on the weekend. “Maybe I have to change my free practice for the new rule, and I’ll have to see when it’s better to launch my real-time attack. Fabio, for example, made it in FP3 of the first GP with twenty minutes to go.
Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi said “Ciao” to his Italian fans with a top 10 in his final MotoGP race at the Misano World Circuit on Sunday.
The Petronas driver was pleased with his performance, and even more so with the support and celebrations he received in his honor throughout the weekend, despite the young contender who stole his factory drive and secured the World Championship on Sunday afternoon.
“I’m excited about today,” said Rossi after the excitement subsided. “Mainly because I drove a decent race and the best I can say ‘Ciao’ because I don’t want to do a bad race and stay behind. I try to stay focused and it’s always difficult to start from behind. But I feel good with the bike and with the tires. I know that when it’s dry, my potential is better and I was able to do a few overtaking maneuvers, fight until the last lap and end up in the top 10.
“Is the best way to say ‘Ciao’ to the audience because there is a fantastic atmosphere around the track. Lots of people, lots of fans and the sunny day so I’m happy. It was good and very, very emotional.
“I usually don’t like the surprises,” explained the legendary racing driver, referring to the special paintwork that was seen on the Sky VR46 Moto2 and MotoGP motorcycles on Sunday – including those of his younger brother Luca Marini.
“I want to know everything, but that was a big surprise and I saw it for the first time this morning. I didn’t know, it was a surprise to me and I’m very happy to say thank you to Uccio, my whole team, to Sky, because it was yellow with ‘Grazie Vale’. I like a lot.
“I’m trying to enjoy this whole moment,” he continued. “Because a lot of my good friends say to me: ‘Have fun! Get out there enjoy because Sunday would be great and you deserve this visual hug from all of the fans. I’ve tried but I want to have a good race. I want to try to drive my maximum and get a good result. So I’m very, very happy, especially about that, and it was a great emotion to stop after the flag and it’s a lot of fun. “
Rossi has commented on his concerns about Pecco Bagnaia’s tire choice many times this season, with the Ducati rider himself admitting that he made wrong decisions for both Austria and Silverstone that ultimately ruined his fight for the title. Sunday was Bagnaia’s last chance to keep his dream alive and, in Rossi’s opinion, another bad decision.
“The hard front was too dangerous for me today,” he said simply. “I tried to say Pecco, but in the end they said, and the tough front is like this. Unfortunately, in the last part of the race the temperatures drop and there is less sun, less temperature and the tough front is like that. If the temperature drops below that, the tire will give up and you will fall and will not be able to do anything. So it’s a shame. It’s a shame because Pecco was faster today, he can win at the weekend, he can keep the championship open. In the end it’s a big shame, yes. I drove in the middle front and the middle front was very good.
“I tried to do the same as I did in Aragon. I tried hypnotizing Pecco to say medium, medium, medium, but it doesn’t work this time! “
Considering the other big event of the day – Fabio Quartararo becomes MotoGP World Champion – Rossi was delighted for both the Frenchman and his old team, although he wished he could continue to be part of the Monster Energy roster himself.
“Time goes by and frankly I think it’s the right choice to have Quartararo on the factory team,” he said honestly before continuing, “but maybe not having me on the factory team last year isn’t a very good choice !” he laughed.
“But Quartararo definitely deserves the championship. He always drives very fast. He never makes mistakes. So I think he deserves the championship and I’m really happy for him and also for Yamaha.
“Pecco had a fantastic season, I’m a little mad at him today because I think he can win if he makes the middle front because he was the quicker, but I think so. He had a great chance to keep the championship open and is definitely difficult, but getting Portugal is important, but it is still like that. I think Pecco Franco and also Luca will be very strong next year. “
Funny conversation between Marc Marquez and Jack Miller after the race in Misano-2. The two drivers talk about the front tire strategy: The Australian admits that he made a mistake when fitting the hard tires.
Both Ducati works team riders mounted the hard mix at the front. A choice that may have turned out to be wrong on the last MotoGP weekend. Pecco Bagnaia argues that there are no alternatives, Jack Miller is against it.
The Australian approached the podium to congratulate Marc Marquez and the compound strategy becomes a topic of discussion. “You had the balls to put the tough guys in the lead,” remarked Marc Marquez. “The eggs or stupid? Which of the two? … The only problem was where I fell – explained Jack Miller -. The rest of the track was perfect, turn six wasn’t a problem, zero problems. The problem is that I got a little closer to Pecco there, I had to brake a little at Turn 8 and then got even closer to Turn 10.
Judging by the test results, the Ducati factory team has a rightful place in the favorites for the Qatar Grand Prix. Jack Miller set the track’s unofficial record, the Desmosedici dominated the top speed standings and Dovizioso won the last two GPs in 2018 and 2019. This is a golden opportunity for the Reds to start the season off completely on one foot renewed team.
The two “strikers” are the aforementioned Miller and Pecco Bagnaia, both of which came from the Pramac team. Two young drivers with undisputed talent who have to prove with the facts that they deserve their promotion.
“I am very happy to finally contest my first Grand Prix as the official driver of the Ducati Lenovo Team – said the Italian – I have been waiting for this moment for a long time and can hardly wait to experience the adrenaline of the first lights out of season. After the two test sessions of the last few weeks, we are entering the first round of the year with a solid foundation. It will be important to improve our time attack in order to guarantee a place on the first two rows of the grid in qualifying. I’m very excited and I have the feeling that I can fight for a good result in the race! “
Miller was also optimistic: “We are finally back in action for the first Grand Prix in 2021 this weekend. The official Qatar test was really positive and I have never felt as comfortable on the bike before the start of the championship as I did this year. My feeling with the Desmosedici is great and our speed isn’t that bad either. I hope that we will have good track conditions throughout the weekend in order to prepare well for both races that we will have here in Losail. Of course, our competitors will also be very competitive here, but I am determined to get the new season off to a good start and, like at the end of last year, to fight for the top podium. “
Let’s be honest: Yesterday in Misano, in the middle of Aprilia All Stars Day, the appointment for an interview with Aleix Espargarò was scheduled for 2:50 p.m., but the Spaniard waited until 3:40 p.m. Just to be clear, rudeness (a flaw that certainly does not belong to Espargarò) has nothing to do with it, because the wait was pleasant and justified. Strange as it may seem no one could separate Aleix from the 250cc machine that Aprilia gave him and Biaggi. allowed, little toys that caught everyone’s attention in a pit lane full of incredible motorcycles.
“For a driver, a day like this is like going to Disneyland for a kid,” Aleix told us Being able to drive with drivers like Biaggi, Poggiali, Capirossi is a lot of fun. It was a special day for me because it was great to do a two-stroke 15 years after the last time. “
“The RSV 250 is the best bike I’ve ever ridden”
What can you tell us about this 250cc? What were the sensations in the saddle?
“I used the semi-official LE while driving the RSA, the last one. It’s a really incredible motorcycle, three times stiffer than a MotoGP, iIt gives you a sense of crazy freedom, it feels like you are on a bike. The circuitry is really impressive too when you hear the engine reach 13,000 RPM … wow … there are few things in the world that give you goose bumps. “
So would you ride those bikes again tomorrow …
“I’m one of the happiest people in the world because I can develop a MotoGP bike with a very large factory behind me, but the best bike I’ve ever ridden is the RSV 250, and racing in the RSA version today was great. “
“Jerez will be a test, but Aprilia has really improved”
But today, like you said, you’re a MotoGP rider. How did the season start? Aprilia seems to have finally improved.
“I am very satisfied with this start of the season. I know it sounds bad to say, but I haven’t had much fun riding in the past few years. I tried to do my best but I haven’t smiled anymore but this year it’s just the opposite: I’m happy and can fight with the best of what’s new for Aprilia. “
Where have the biggest improvements been made?
“The bike has improved a bit in everything. We don’t have a much more powerful engine or a much better chassis than in the past, we have made progress in all areas. The engine is easier to operate at low speeds, The new frame gives me more mechanical grip and aerodynamically, we have more downforce and that allows us to accelerate much better. We have a competitive bike ”.
Now we come to Jerez, a stretch that tends to compact the group. What do you expect?
“After Qatar I had some doubts because this is a special track. However, we confirmed everything in Portimao and Jerez will be an important test as the track is very complete. This winter I drove very fast there in practice and am therefore looking forward to the next race. “
“Dovizioso thinks about Aprilia as I do”
Andrea Dovizioso also tested the RS-GP two weeks ago in Jerez. Did you get any feedback on this test?
“I had a meeting with all the engineers who went to Jerez with Dovizioso and he made comments about the bike that were similar to mine. That has to be said he spent a lot of time finding the right position on the bike, Savadori and I are tall and Dovi struggled a little. For sure he will be ready for the Mugello test to try to push the bike to the limit.
But is the sitting position really that important? We remember that one of the first to talk about it and make a real problem with it was Lorenzo in Ducati …
“Ours is the most competitive category in the world with the fastest drivers in the world and every little detail counts because today, if you are 3 or 4 tenths behind the first, you risk getting out of the top 10. You can’t go to the limit if you still don’t feel comfortable on the bike I’ve always been a rider who tries to adapt to the bike instead of the bike to adapt to me. However, some drivers, like Lorenzo who is really strong, prefer to do the opposite and he has to adapt the bike to his own style and in fact we saw how fast he went with the Yamaha and how much he struggled with the Honda.
“To be part of this family makes me proud”
What’s missing to win MotoGP with the Aprilia?
“We’re fine, we have to continuously improve. W.We have all known each other for a long time and need rest to fight for victory. Now we have to find a little more power because our rivals are stronger than us on the track with a long straight, but we’ve never been so close to our rivals. I also need a bit of a break-in because for the first time I have the right weapons to fight with.
What do you think of Pol’s start to the season at Honda? Last year he was the lucky one while you were suffering … now things seem to have changed.
“Today’s MotoGP is really great. Two months ago, many observers thought that Pol could win the World Championship with the Honda and instead Aprilia and I are doing very well. This is just one example of the competitiveness of our championship. Pol and Honda will win races and I think he will be able to fight for the world championship too.
On the track during the Aprilia All Stars, we saw so many champions whose name is linked to the history of Aprilia. How good is it for you to be a part of this story?
“Max Biaggi is now a friend of mine, Capirossi always was, Poggiali too and I remember how strong he was with the 125cc Gilera. I don’t even have 1% of her wins and titles, but it makes me proud to be Aprilia’s star in MotoGP. I am happy and happy to be an Aprilia driver and to be part of this family. “
Jorge Lorenzo is no longer a rider or a test rider, but MotoGP is still a part of his life. So the Spanish champion decided to start his own YouTube channel on which he will broadcast a new program “99 Seconds”. Every week the rider from Mallorca will comment on the MotoGP Grand Prix.
“People have been asking me for a long time and I’ve decided to do it,” explained Jorge. “My experience on the racetracks will allow me to offer the spectators a different point of view and I will not hold back in my analysis.”
Lorenzo will analyze the different tracks, drivers, motorcycles and interviews and give his predictions before the race.
This is just one of the projects he’s been working on.
Watch the first episode on his YouTube channel today.
Miller dominated the field in the second practice session of the Doha Grand Prix on Friday when he completed a lap of 1: 53.145 minutes in the closing stages.
However, he did so after following Nakagami when the Japanese fell off his Honda at Turn 7. MotoGP rules mandate that a rider’s lap is automatically canceled if they pass a yellow flag zone, although Nakagami’s fall was still happening as Miller rode by, which meant no caution was required.
“I checked the sector that comes out of T6 and as soon as I got out of six I looked at the sector [time]when I looked up I saw the dust, ”Miller said. “He [Nakagami] was still running at this point.
“I thought the lap was canceled, I was right on top of it and had no chance to slow down. I pressed [for] At least one more lap, I drove one more lap that was enough to stay in Q2.
“I just wasn’t sure. I’ve been left out like this before, so I didn’t want that to happen again. “
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Miller’s time attack attempt prior to this lap, which should bring him to the front of the session, almost ended in disaster at Turn 14 when his Ducati nearly threw him into the countryside.
He explained the moment and said, “I’m fine from that moment, I have nothing really to do” [say]. It’s one of those things when you push. Better a moment than a crash. Everyone asks if I hit myself but I didn’t. The family jewels are safe and healthy!
“From what we’ve gathered from the data, it shouldn’t be happening anyway. It doesn’t have much to do with us. It was one of those things that were inevitable, but I don’t think it will happen again. “
Miller led a trio of Ducatis at the end of Friday, with Pramac rookie Jorge Martin denying making it a Desmosedici quartet in 0.010 seconds in fifth.
Since the conditions in FP3 do not allow any lap time improvements on Saturday, Martin has already secured a place in Q2 on his second race weekend – something he did not expect.
“When they told me whether I was expecting it, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Martin. “I only got on my bike a few weeks ago, but I know that this is the right place for me if I want to improve.
“My goal was to finish in the top 10 to get into Q2, but I definitely didn’t expect an FP2 like today. I expected the bike to be more difficult, but it allows me [to do] a lot, I can push it and use the strengths and hide the weaknesses. “
Valentino Rossi will bring his VR46 team full-time into MotoGP from 2022, using Ducati machines for Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi.
But the making of the premier class outfit has been plagued by controversy over its title sponsorship, which was originally announced in April as Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco – something announced by Tanal Entertainment.
Since then, however, Aramco has made two statements to Autosport denying any involvement in VR46 and Tanal Entertainment – with the company’s CEO saying so during meetings at the Dutch TT in June.
When asked by Autosport during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend what the current situation is about VR46’s deal with Aramco, Nieto said: “As you know, we have made this agreement with Aramco in the past.
“Things are going very, very slowly, but we are on our way.
“That is the most important thing, we have to keep working and at the moment I can tell you that we are working on it.
“There are some delays but we are on our way and we are still working.”
Aramco branding at Imola
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
VR46 has not yet made an official announcement about the signing of Bezzecchi from Moto2 and deliberately refrained from making any statements last weekend in order to keep Rossi’s last MotoGP tour in Italy in the spotlight.
“We are happy because in the end we will come from scratch with our own team,” added Nieto.
“We’re starting a really, really nice project. As everyone knows, we already know the drivers, but this weekend is an important one for us, for the family, because it’s Valentino’s weekend.
“Well, we don’t want to say anything about that [2022 rider line-up].
“But everyone knows the riders who will be in MotoGP and Moto2.
“We have to learn to improve because it is a new challenge for us. But I think we have very good support from Ducati, we come here to do very good things. ”
Cooley (center), in 1984, celebrates on the podium at Sears Point International Raceway, now known as Sonoma Raceway. Photo courtesy of the RiderFiles.com Collection.
All of us at MotoAmerica send our condolences to the family and friends of two-time AMA Superbike Champion Wes Cooley, who passed away on Saturday, October 16 at his home in Twin Falls, Idaho, at the age of 65.
Cooley aboard his Yoshimura Suzuki GS1000 Superbike at Daytona International Speedway. Photo courtesy of Larry Lawrence.
Cooley won the 1979 and 1980 AMA Superbike Championships, and he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2004.
MotoAmerica included Cooley in our “21 in ’21” series, which honored the 21 champions that have been crowned in the 45-year history of the AMA Superbike Championship.
On March 26th of this year, Pedro Acosta made his debut in the Moto3 World Championship. Four months later, the Spaniard has already clinched 4 wins and another podium and is leading the overall standings. The Red Bull KTM Ajo Rookie looks back on the first half of the year and reveals the keys to his quick adaptation to the class as well as his goals for the rest of the season.
How do you assess the first half of the 2021 season? “It was very positive for my debut season in the World Cup. We worked well in the first half of the year and in the team, and I am happy and satisfied with the way the first nine races went. “
What has been the best moment for you so far? “For me the races in the Netherlands and Germany were the most positive in the first half of the year. We crossed the finish line after two runs in which our feeling wasn’t the best, but when I got to the Sachsenring I felt strong again – both in practice and in the race that we won in the end. In Assen we had a bad crash during training, but we were in front on Sunday. I think we did our best at these last Grand Prix before the summer break. “
What was the key to adapting at an amazing speed? “The key was hard work and the help the team gave me. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve the results that I have. Everyone in the garage is important and each of them has an essential function. The sum of all enables us to get on track and achieve results. “
How has your lifestyle changed in terms of training, daily routine etc. since you became world champion? “All of my routines have become a bit more professional. I spend many hours training on a motorcycle as I consider it a fundamental part of rider preparation. Fitness is also an important aspect and before the Qatar Grand Prix I started paying much more attention to myself. In the end I did all of this before But what has changed is the intensity and the time I devote to each of these things. “
Acosta: “If I had to change anything, it would be our way of approaching qualifying practices.”
How was your adaptation to the team and its work philosophy? “I have adapted very well to the team and their habits. In the past we already had a work schedule that required us to take responsibility, so it wasn’t a big change for me. I believe that I also understood the team’s philosophy well, just as they understood my way of driving. Starting in Montmelo, we modified our routines a bit, and that was even better for us. We have also started to be competitive in training and always be at the top. “
What would you like to improve after the summer break? “If I had to change something, that would be our way to qualifying. In the last few laps we’ve been focused on doing our job, finding a good pace, and it hasn’t gone bad for us. For this reason I would like to continue the work plan that we carried out in the last two races in Germany and the Netherlands for the second half of the year. ”
What’s the goal for the rest of the season? “The goal is still to have fun. There were only two races where I set myself goals and those were Mugello and Montmelo – where I made several mistakes in competition. That’s why I want to keep enjoying myself every time I go out on the track, because that’s the best way to do it. “
How are you going to spend the five-week summer break? “It’s important to get at least a week – or a week and a half – rest from training and our routines. The body recovers quickly, but the head needs to be clear and refreshed from time to time to continue giving 100 percent. Before the first race back in Austria, however, I would like to return to Barcelona to train with my team-mates. In general, I think that this rest period will be good for us to face the second half of the season. “
Drama at Misano: Marquez leads Repsol Honda 1-2, Pecco crashes and Quartararo secures the crown
The number 93 wins, Pol Espargaro takes his first podium with Honda, Pecco crashes from the lead and Bastianini pips Quartararo to third with a last lap lunge
Sunday, 24 October 2021
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Where do we start? First, the race winner. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was back on top in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia Romagna, backing up his stunner at COTA with victory at a clockwise circuit for the first time this season. He was followed home by teammate Pol Espargaro in the first Repsol Honda 1-2 since 2017 and the number 44’s first podium with Honda, with Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama) putting in another beast of a ride to complete the rostrum on home turf – after a last lap lunge on a newly-crowned World Champion, no less.
Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) escaped in the lead as he went all-in, searing around Misano in his bid to stop Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) taking the crown. But it was a push too far and Pecco slid out, rider ok but title hopes over as Quartararo’s 52 point advantage guaranteed him the crown – backed up by a fourth place in the race too.
Bagnaia didn’t get the best start but retained the holeshot as teammate Jack Miller declined to engage in any friendly fire from second, with Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) therefore briefly passing the Australian but Miller hitting back soon after to tag back onto the tail of his teammate. For Quartararo, the start wasn’t the best either as the Frenchman went from 15th to 17th, but he was soon back up three places to one ahead of where he started.
After only a couple of laps, there was a breakaway trio of Pecco, Miller and Marc Marquez, and some drama elsewhere: former reigning Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) jumped the start and was given the requisite Double Long Lap, but then the number 36 was out anyway, coming together with Danilo Petrucci (Tech3 KTM Factory Racing). No further action was taken, although it was investigated.
The Bagnaia-Miller-Marquez train had almost a couple of seconds in hand by then, but Miller was starting to come under some serious pressure from Marquez. And then, even more drama – Miller crashed out. Rider ok but leaving his teammate in the lead and Marquez on the charge behind him – with Pol Espargaro in third with company from Oliveira, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini).
By 20 to go, Bagnaia and Marquez were nearly three seconds clear, Pol Espargaro vs Oliveira was the fight for third and Quartararo was still down in 10th, behind Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar). Soon after though the Suzuki and the Yamaha managed to pass the Pramac machine, the tension still hanging in the air as Pecco led Marquez and Quartararo made his moves.
On Lap 13, Martin crashed at Turn 1 and Quartararo was then embroiled in a five-rider battle – with fifth to ninth split by less than a second. But the Frenchman, keeping calm, picked his way past teammate Franco Morbidelli and then front-row starter Luca Marini (Sky VR46 Avintia) to climb to P7 on Lap 15, although Pecco continuing to hold the relentless Marc Marquez at bay.
With 10 to go, Quartararo sliced his way past Rins for P6, with Aleix Espargaro then next on El Diablo’s radar. And sure enough, with nine to go, Quartararo was ahead of the Aprilia RS-GP and now in fifth. Barring a disaster from Oliveira, that was as good as it was going to get for Quartararo, with the KTM star eight seconds up the road. Or so we thought….
Meanwhile, 17 seconds ahead of Quartararo, Bagnaia was holding up his end of the bargain. All Pecco could do on home soil was win, but he had an eight-time World Champion hanging onto his coattails. Looking incredibly strong, the Italian was starting to pull clear though… before Lap 23 of the Emilia-Romagna GP became the title-deciding lap of 2021. At Turn 15, where Miller crashed earlier in the race, Bagnaia suddenly slid out. Giving it all he had but just dancing over the limit with pace Marquez would later describe as ‘unreal’, it was over. Straight back up on his feet, Pecco knew. Ducati knew. Yamaha knew. Quartararo knew: a new MotoGP World Champion was about to be crowned.
Pecco’s crash, closely followed by an Oliveira crash right after, left Marc Marquez P1, Pol Espargaro P2 and Quartararo, the new World Champion, holding a sensational third place from P15 on the grid. But Bastianini had other ideas, the Beast on an electric charge in the latter stages. He wasn’t going to allow Quartararo to have an easy cruise home to the podium, and he was homing in.
Up ahead, the chequered flag came out and Marc Marquez won his second race in a row, his third of the season, and first on a clockwise track in 2021… much more difficult turf. Pol Espargaro came home second to hand Repsol Honda a fantastic 1-2, their first since 2017, and returned to the rostrum for the first time in 2021 and first time with the Japanese marque.
Meanwhile Bastianini, with a move at Turn 14, got the better of Quartararo on the last lap, cementing another stunning rostrum to take the lead in the Rookie of the Year fight. And then came the the 2021 MotoGP World Champion: Fabio Quartararo. Jubilation erupted for the Frenchman and Yamaha after a phenomenal season.
Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) crossed the line in fifth to beat sixth place Rins by 1.2s, with Aleix Espargaro taking P7. P8 went the way of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) who claims his best result in Aprilia colours, and Marini secured his goal with a second top 10 of the season in P9 in his special Grazie Vale colour scheme.
Speaking of, Valentino Rossi (Petronas Yamaha SRT) crossed the line in 10th in his final MotoGP race on Italian soil: a fitting send-off to the nine-time World Champion in front of his adoring fans after a tougher start to the race, and now two races remain in Portugal and Valencia to enjoy The Doctor doing what he loves best – racing motorcycles.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had an eventful day. The South African crashed on the sighting lap, started from the back of the grid and ended up finishing P11 after another impressive charge. Michele Pirro (Ducati Lenovo Team), Andrea Dovizioso (Petronas Yamaha SRT), Morbidelli and Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) – the latter despite a crash – were the final points scorers at Misano.
And so the sun sets on the premier class Championship fight and a dramatic day in Emilia-Romagna. An emotional one too, as Quartararo won, Rossi bid farewell to his home crowd and Bagnaia was forced to cede. But the Ducati man came out in pitlane to congratulate Quartararo, as did Miller, and will surely be a force to be reckoned with in next year’s battle too…
Now we head back to Portugal for the Algarve GP, and the title fight may be over but the racing will remain as exciting as ever. Join us next time out for the penultimate race weekend of the season and felicitations, Fabio!!!!
Marc Marquez: “For me this is the most important win of the year. Winning at a right-handed circuit, with the corners where I struggled a lot this year, I’m still struggling a bit but it’s progress and evolution, something special. It’s something that will give me a lot of confidence for these last two races but especially in winter time, to be calmer and more patient. With time everything is going a good way and that’s the most important. Today the pace was unreal, Pecco was riding super fast. When I saw the 32 low, 32 low, I mean.. I don’t know how I was able to stay there! But on the lap where I gave up, because I saw he was so fast on that lap, he crashed. I was putting pressure on him but Pecco was the fastest rider on the track today. And aside from that, today is not my day, it’s Fabio’s day and I want to congratulate him. He deserves it, he did an incredible season and job, so congrats to him and the Yamaha team… we’ll try and make it difficult next year for him!”
Lowes wins, Raul Fernandez crashes out as drama hits for Moto2 at Misano
The Brit leads an Elf Marc VDS 1-2, Raul Fernandez crashes out the lead and Gardner capitalises despite taking seventh on a nevertheless tougher Sunday
Sam Lowes (22). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS) got his elbows out and put his foot down at the Gran Premio Nolan del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia Romagna, getting back on the top step in style at Misano. Teammate Augusto Fernandez made it an Elf Marc VDS Racing Team 1-2 despite a Long Lap penalty from qualifying, with the Spaniard just pipping compatriot Aron Canet after some late technical gremlins made life harder for the Aspar Team rider. Still, he completed the podium for another impressive race at Misano.
One moment stole the headlines, however, as Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) suffered a huge crash out of the lead – rider ok – and on a day when teammate and Championship leader Remy Gardner was suffering some of his own dramas, a way back off the podium fight. But the Australian stayed calm, dug in, overcame a Long Lap given for some contact with Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and crossed the line in seventh – doubling his advantage to 18 points ahead of the Algarve GP.
Polesitter Lowes grabbed the holeshot, with Canet making a good start to earn P2 ahead of Augusto Fernandez, with Raul Fernandez and Gardner P7 and P12 respectively at the end of the first lap. But by Lap 3, Raul Fernandez had made his way up to P4, with Gardner still scrapping away in the lower ends of the top 10.
A late lunge from Canet on then-race leader Jorge Navarro (+EGO Speed Up) at the tight Turn 14 right-hander allowed Lowes to retake the lead, while also gifting Raul Fernandez P3. The latter was then up to second on Lap 6, and with Gardner P8, as things stood Raul Fernandez was set to take the Championship lead…
Gardner then dived up the inside of Chantra at Turn 14 on his mission to make a comeback, but contact was made and the Thai rider crashed, adding a Long Lap Penalty to Gardner’s Sunday mountain to climb. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez was swarming Lowes’ rear wheel for the lead…
By Lap 11, Lowes, Raul Fernandez and Canet were 1.3s clear of now fourth-placed Navarro, and then Augusto Fernandez passed Gardner too, the Australian back down to P8. Raul Fernandez then took the lead and the news of the Long Lap came for the Aussie in quick succession, with things seemingly going from bad to worse.
The everything changed. Heading down into Turn 8, Raul Fernandez was suddenly cartwheeling through the gravel, bike obliterated and out of the race, but rider ok. Another huge and unforeseen twist that left Gardner, despite the tougher race of it, suddenly holding a lot more cards. Still, he lost another position to Marco Bezzecchi (Sky Racing Team VR46), and the race was on to try and maximise the open goal…
Back up at the front, it was now Lowes vs Canet for victory. The Brit ran wide at Turn 8 to allow the Spaniard through into the lead, and another moment for the number 22 then allowed Canet to get up to an advantage of over half a second with five to go. A lap late though and Lowes was back in P1, elbows out to make his way through but clean aggression returning him to the lead.
Augusto Fernandez was also up to third after his Long Lap Penalty, the Spaniard passing a brightly coloured Celestino Vietti (Sky Racing Team VR46) as the rookie impressed on home turf, but just unable to stay with the podium fight.
As was Gardner, but the Australian did gain a position back as Bezzecchi slid out late on, putting the Championship leader back into seventh – enough to double his advantage, which seemed an unlikely feat until his teammate’s crash.
Up front though, the Lowes show rolled on and the Brit crossed the line over a second clear for an impressive return to the top step. Augusto Fernandez produced a stunning comeback ride to pick off Canet on the run to the line – handing MarcVDS their first 1-2 since 2017. Canet was disappointed with P3 as technical gremlins halted his final push, but it’s a fourth podium of the season for the Spaniard.
Rookie Vietti rode brilliantly on home soil to bag his best result of the season, and fifth place went the way of Navarro. Manzi had a quiet but impressive ride to P6 at his home track, and the Italian finished nine seconds up the road from Championship leader Gardner. It was a tough afternoon at the office for Gardner, but after Raul Fernandez’ crash, the Aussie extends his lead in the title race to 18 points with just two races to go.
Sporting a special Gresini livery, Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) claimed P8 ahead of rookie Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and 10th place Marcos Ramirez (American Racing). Reigning Moto3 World Champion Albert Arenas (Aspar Team Moto2) was 0.6s away from a top 10 result in P11, Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) takes home a P12 as Jake Dixon (Petronas Sprinta Racing) rescues some points after his Long Lap Penalty. Tom Lüthi (Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team) and Marcel Schrötter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) picked up P14 and P15 at Misano.
That’s a wrap on Emilia-Romagna, and next up it’s a return to the Algarve and Gardner, after a rollercoaster day in Italy, has his first shot at the crown. But it’s an incredibly good venue for a few on the grid and one thing is for sure – no one will go down without a fight, whether in the battle for victory or the Championship! Come back for more in a fortnight!
Sam Lowes: “It was a complicated weekend for everybody to have the perfect setting and honestly I think the longest run I’ve ever done with the soft front is maybe 8 laps. I decided to use it cause of the conditions this weekend, the second half of the race was really difficult because it was sort of unknown for me with this tyre and I started to struggle. So I’m very happy to keep digging and keep with the pace. Normally I find a good advantage with the hard front but these conditions this weekend have been so difficult with grip with the left corners, so I felt definitely in the first half of the race I could take an advantage and then it was a bit of a struggle at the end but I dug in, I rode well and kept my pace to the end, tried manage the tyres the best I could.
“I’m really happy with the ride, I feel like all year I’ve been close to where I need to be and just missing a few results here and there. It’s all about building up these last few races. Well done to the team! Augusto also rode really well, he took a gamble with the hard front and well done to him, with a Long Lap he’s come back to second, Really good for the team, really good for me. At Portimão after crashing at Turn 1 at the start of the year I get a second chance so I can’t wait for that!” Fantastic Foggia! Italian takes vital home victory to push the title fight to Portimão
The veteran wins from P14 on the grid, but Acosta impresses to get back on the podium for the first time since the Styrian GP
Dennis Foggia (7). Photo courtesy Dorna.
The heat was on for Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) in the Gran Premio Nolan del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia Romagna, with the Italian starting 14th on the grid as he aimed to stop key rival Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) taking the title from fifth. But the Italian seared through after a tougher start to home in on the front group and then take the lead, thereafter pitching it to perfection to hold off an impressive race from Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM Ajo). The fight for third went down to the wire, but Acosta did some damage limitation as he got back on the podium for the first time since the Styrian GP, keeping a healthy 21 points of advantage heading to the Algarve. In addition, the 2-3 wrapped up the Teams’ title for Red Bull KTM Ajo.
Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia VR46 Academy) took the holeshot from pole, the veteran getting the perfect launch as Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) shot up into second and Stefano Nepa (BOE Owlride) dispatched teammate Riccardo Rossi. Filip Salač (CarXpert PrüstelGP) lost out a little to drop from the top three, but by the end of the lap the bigger surprise was Foggia losing a few positions too. However, there were plenty of laps left to run.
As the race settled a little, Antonelli had Masia for company, with Salač back into third ahead of Nepa, Acosta and Guevara. Xavier Artigas (Leopard Racing) , Darryn Binder (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Ayumu Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech3) completed the first breakaway group, with Foggia in the second group around a second and a half off the front freight train.
But Foggia was on a charge. What had been 1.7 seconds back to the second group was soon eight tenths, and only Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) was able to go with him. By 15 to go the number 7 had arrived on the scene, immediately slicing past Salač and setting his sights on Artigas, his teammate. He got through on him too, but with 12 to go Acosta hit the lead. Could this be the break?
Ultimately not, and after a strange moment that saw Antonelli swamped between turns 7 and 8, Foggia was suddenly right in the mix at the front. By 9 to go, the Italian was in the race lead and Acosta back in fifth, with a gap to the front four as well. The front four became three with 6 to go as Guevara crashed, but the trio of Foggia, Masia and Binder had breathing space and experience on their side as Acosta duelled Nepa for fourth behind.
With three to go, the fight for the win was a duel. Foggia led, with Masia absolutely glued to the back of his teammate’s Championship rival. The gap back to Binder had shot out to 1.8 seconds, but the South African also had the same in hand over Nepa, who was back ahead of Acosta.
On the last lap, Foggia remained in the driving seat but Masia was stalking. The Red Bull KTM Ajo machine was as close as ever, but just behind them it was even closer. Binder had seriously faded, and both Acosta and Nepa sliced past the South African to add another twist to the standings. For Foggia though, nerves of steel prevailed. The Italian stayed pitch perfect on the final lap to take another win: just this season his second at Misano, third on home turf and fifth overall, keeping the Championship fight alive.
As Foggia crossed the line and Masia too, the fight to join them on the podium was still hot. But Acosta stayed cool and ahead of both Nepa and Binder, doing some impressive damage limitation despite not quite securing the crown. The gap is now 21 points ahead of the Algarve GP…
Binder took fourth and a solid result as only he and Foggia repped Honda in the top eight, with Nepa taking fifth and his best Grand Prix result so far. Antonelli took sixth and some solid points but couldn’t come back from his earlier moment, with compatriot Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) just behind him. Fenati taking P7 doesn’t sound like the normal heights of the Italian’s season, but considering a tough Saturday and a mountain to climb, the veteran clawed back an incredible distance on race day.
Sasaki took good points in eight, ahead of a good P9 for rookie Artigas. Salač completed the top ten, ahead of Ryusei Yamanaka (CarXpert PrüstelGP) in some space. Next up was Guevara despite the earlier crash for the Austin winner, the rookie taking P12, with Adrian Fernandez (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team), Jeremy Alcoba (Indonesian Racing Gresini Moto3) and Andi Izdihar (Honda Team Asia) completing the points.
And so it rolls on. Next up we return to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, where last time Foggia vs Acosta was already staging a show. Now the two will be fighting over the title, and it’s 21 points in the Spaniard’s favour – but the Italian far from throwing in the towel. Tune in for that in just under two weeks!
Dennis Foggia: “It was a difficult weekend because all sessions in the wet… and in the wet I’m not good! I don’t like it. So this morning in Warm Up I was so relaxed because I knew the race would be in the dry. I started from 14th, and I said ok, ‘it’s time to attack’ because Pedro was in front, and I knew with my team I had good potential. Six podiums in a row is fantastic, my second win here and third in Italy, it’s fantastic. I don’t know about the Championship now given the points because Pedro got a podium, but I’m just happy and I want to thank my team because the bike was perfect. See you in Portimão! ”
More, from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
FABIO QUARTARARO CROWNED MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPION IN MISANO
Misano Adriatico (Italy), 24th October 2021
Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 MotoGP World Champion. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Yamaha Motor Racing Srl, and the entire Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP staff warmly congratulate Fabio Quartararo on securing his first MotoGP World Championship Title at today‘s Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider Fabio Quartararo put in a superb performance today at the Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna, taking fourth place to secure the 2021 MotoGP World Championship Title in his first year with the Factory Yamaha Team.
Quartararo showed he meant business early on in the season. From an opening Factory debut fifth place he went on to take a brilliant win at the second round in Qatar (Doha GP). He showed it wasn‘t a fluke at the next round, the Portuguese GP. Though the Frenchman had to cope with sudden Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS or ’arm pump‘) at the Spanish GP and a subsequent surgery, he didn‘t let it hold him back. He went on to score eight more podiums (French GP, Italian GP, German GP, Dutch GP, Styrian GP, British GP, San Marino GP, and the Americas GP), including three wins (Italian GP, Dutch GP, and British GP).
Quartararo‘s impressive 2021 results earned Yamaha its 755th premier class podium finish in Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.‘s 60th anniversary year of World Championship Road Racing participation, adding to the Japanese constructor‘s extensive list of MotoGP milestones.
Quartararo brought Yamaha‘s premier class rider titles tally to 18 so far, of which three were secured by Lorenzo (2010, 2012, and 2015), four by Valentino Rossi (2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009) in the MotoGP class, three by Wayne Rainey (1990, 1991, 1992), three by Eddie Lawson (1984, 1986, 1988), three by Kenny Roberts (1978, 1979, 1980), and one by Giacomo Agostini (1975) in the 500cc class.
Quartararo‘s achievements combined with his teammates‘ efforts have also helped keep both the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and Yamaha in contention in this year‘s Team and Constructor Championships with two rounds remaining. Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli (his former teammate in 2019 and 2020 with PETRONAS Yamaha SRT) reunited at the 2021 San Marino GP in the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP garage and are keen to fight down to the wire for the Team and Constructor Titles until the last MotoGP round in Valencia.
YOSHIHIRO HIDAKA
PRESIDENT & CEO, YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Fabio whole-heartedly. We already knew he was an exceptional talent who understands how to get the best out of the YZR-M1 and shares Yamaha‘s ability to think and dream big – and now he has made his dream come true through hard work, passion, and exciting yet clean racing.
“We are thrilled that we have achieved this shared goal together. Grand Prix racing makes up a large part of Yamaha‘s heritage. Yamaha Motor Company was born from ’racing DNA‘, and this racing DNA is also present in our consumer products. Yamaha had a clear objective for this year: we strived to be back at the pinnacle of Grand Prix Motorcycle racing. With Fabio we‘ve secured five Grands Prix victories and ten podiums, and after a six-year period we have won the MotoGP World Championship again – a superb achievement. Moreover, to do it in such a competitive field is an achievement we can be proud of.
“On behalf of Yamaha, I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors and partners, without whom none of this would have been possible. They have cheered on Yamaha through these last two difficult pandemic-affected MotoGP seasons, and this championship victory is therefore also very much theirs.
“The last two years have further underlined what a source of joy MotoGP and motorsports are in general to a vast audience. To many people the GPs were highlights during an otherwise dark period. I would therefore also like to take a moment to thank the fans around the world for their unwavering support, and also the Yamaha staff who this year again made significant sacrifices to adhere to Covid regulations – which meant often being away from home for weeks on end – and who unfailingly worked with 100% dedication towards the goal of becoming World Champion.
“Since its founding, Yamaha has always been striving to bring every Yamaha rider the feeling of ‘Kando’; a Japanese word for the simultaneous feelings of deep satisfaction and intense excitement that we experience when we encounter something of exceptional value. This championship win is truly one of those moments: it‘s a milestone that will bring joy to many, as Fabio‘s fan base, like Yamaha‘s, is growing.
LIN JARVIS
MANAGING DIRECTOR, YAMAHA MOTOR RACING
“I‘m extremely happy to congratulate Fabio on securing the Championship Title already in Misano. We asked Fabio to join the Factory team in 2021 because we knew full-well the extent of his talent. However, he managed not only to meet our expectations but even exceeded them.
“Fabio had obviously always dreamt of becoming a Factory rider and was very excited about what the future would hold, but the change of garage required some adjustment. He had to get used to a new team whilst simultaneously handle the added media pressure of being a Factory Team rider. Fabio had no trouble gelling with the team and finding speed on the Factory YZR-M1, and soon he secured his first two wins in Doha and Portimao. Right then we knew this year could be something special, but disaster struck in Jerez. Fabio had to cope with arm pump problems and a surgery quite early on in the season, a crucial time for a serious championship contender. This could have been a severe mental blow, but yet again this didn‘t faze him. He underwent it heroically and managed to show up at the very next GP ready to fight for the podium again.
“His mental fortitude really impressed us, and it resulted in him finishing no lower than eighth on ’bad‘ race weekends, except for when he had arm pump in Jerez, and even then he took 13th. He didn’t finish outside the points once so far this season.
“These statistics speak for themselves. They show that Fabio doesn’t leave a stone unturned yet manages to not let the pressure of a possible championship title get to him. He fights and beats the opposition fairly, purely on talent and race craft. And last but not least, he walks the tight line between relentless dedication to winning and improving while also having fun on the bike, a quality that our team has witnessed before with Yamaha‘s most successful premier class rider Valentino Rossi.
“This Rider Title is special because it has been achieved through great synergy between Fabio, the team, and Yamaha. I would like to thank and congratulate the members of the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team working directly with Fabio as well as the engineers of Yamaha‘s Motorsports Development Division in Japan and Yamaha Motor Racing‘s European based staff. All of Fabio‘s great achievements are a testament to their hard work. The big question that now remains is whether we can also win the Team and Constructor titles… With just two rounds to go we will surely give it our 100% for a thrilling climax to another incredibly competitive MotoGP season.
FABIO QUARTARARO
“I still can’t believe it! I can’t even talk… It feels amazing. Maybe later I can talk a bit more. Right now, I’m living the dream! It feels good to also have my family with me, and we will enjoy this a lot tonight and until the end of the season.
“Of course this was not the way I wanted Pecco’s weekend to end, but I’m happy he’s okay. Now we are the World Champion. I have no words and I have no more liquid left in my body to cry. It feels so good, but I can’t even describe what I’m feeling right now. To be on the podium with a big part of my family and my family from the circuit – I have no words.
“MotoGP has been going on for quite a long time. To be the first Frenchman to win it is amazing. I’m also happy for Yamaha. Since 2015 they didn’t win a title, and today we won it again. It’s an amazing feeling!
More, from another press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
FABIO QUARTARARO‘S ROAD TO MOTOGP SUCCESS
Misano Adriatico (Italy), 24th October 2021
From tipped ’title threat‘ when he debuted in the Moto3 class in 2015, to 2021 MotoGP World Champion in his first year with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team: Fabio Quartararo is a remarkable talent with an inspiring success story.
In his very first year with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team, Fabio Quartararo showed incredible speed, maturity, and heroic perseverance to secure the MotoGP World Championship Title with two rounds to spare. We invite you to have a look back with us on El Diablo‘s journey to the top of Grand Prix racing.
Quartararo was already a much-tipped name at the start of his Grand Prix racing career. He entered the Moto3 class in 2015 aged just 15, as the previous rule against participating in the Moto3 World Championship until the age of 16 had been repealed that year. Being the 2013 and 2014 FIM CEV Moto3 Champion, the Frenchman was considered a title threat from the very beginning. Like many had predicted, he impressed from the start and already stood on the podium in just his second race, at the Circuit of The Americas. He repeated this feat in Assen after claiming pole at both Jerez and Le Mans. Unfortunately, a late-season ankle injury halted his progress, but he still finished the season in tenth place in the overall standings. It was the first sign of a booming career, though it wasn‘t always an easy ride.
He took thirteenth place in 2016 with the Leopard Racing team in the Moto3 class and repeated this ranking in 2017 with Paginas Amarillas HP40 in Moto2, again without any podiums. However, his impressive pace throughout his intermediate class debut allowed him to move to the Speed Up Racing team for his sophomore season.
It was in 2018 that he made big strides in the Moto2 championship and beyond. He took his first intermediate class pole and GP win at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. He followed it up with a second place at the TT Circuit Assen and ultimately took a top 10 finish in the final standings. In August 2018, it was also announced that Quartararo would join Franco Morbidelli at the newly created Yamaha satellite team, Petronas Yamaha SRT, in 2019. A big challenge – but the Frenchman was ready for it.
What followed in 2019 was nothing short of remarkable. El Diablo was keen to show those who doubted him what he was really capable of. He silenced the nay-sayers by taking an incredible seven podiums and six pole positions. He also wrapped up the season as Rookie of the Year, winner of the Independent Riders‘ Championship, and fifth in the overall World Championship.
Still missing his elusive debut win in the premier class, that became his key target for 2020. Despite the calendar changes due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, he didn‘t have to wait long. Quartararo dominated in Jerez in July, opening his campaign with a double win. In Catalunya he scored his third win, but he struggled to carry the same performance through to the end of the season. However, over a total of 14 GPs he secured nine front-row starts, four of which were pole positions. It was clear the French prodigy had the speed, so now he would be aiming for consistency to secure his first championship win.
In 2021, Quartararo fulfilled two of his dreams in one season: following into the footsteps of his idol Valentino Rossi by joining the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team and becoming a MotoGP World Champion – and he made it almost look easy.
Quartararo had already established himself as an incredible talent, so naturally the expectations of the fans and media were high. Whilst the team tried to avoid putting any pressure on him, the young Frenchman couldn‘t help but feel a little nervous at the first round. He still took fifth place, a very respectable Factory Team debut result. The team was satisfied, but Quartararo was not. He knew he could do better, and he was determined to show it the very next week at the second race in Doha. Though it was one of only two races this year where he didn‘t start from the first row, he did secure his first win with the Factory Team.
The number-20 rider showed that his first top result wasn‘t a fluke by winning the next round in Portimão, and he could have won the next race in Jerez too for a hattrick if it wasn‘t for a sudden Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS or ’arm pump‘) problem mid-race while in the lead. However, his perseverance showed as he still completed the race in 13th place (his lowest result of the entire season). Thankfully this issue was quickly resolved through surgery, and a mere week later he was celebrating a third place, having overcome the wet conditions in Le Mans.
With one week off between the French and the Italian GP, Quartararo was ready to go all out in Mugello. He had a great weekend and scored a brilliant victory, which the team considered telling. Though a home race, the Mugello track is not typically known as one of the best tracks for the Factory Team. That El Diablo was able to extract the best from the YZR-M1 even at this notoriously technically challenging circuit was very promising for the remainder of the season.
Quartararo was again a podium contender in a somewhat chaotic Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. He had held firm in third place, but ultimately ended up sixth after receiving two 3-second penalties (one for taking a shortcut after running wide and another for unzipping his leathers mid-race). But the Frenchman took it in his stride and rode to a third place in Sachsenring two weeks later, even when again this circuit‘s lay-out is not the most suited for the Yamaha‘s smooth lines and high corner speed. The TT Circuit Assen on the other hand is, and he took a victory there one week later to close the first half of the season in the best way possible. Then teammate Maverick Viñales made it an even more memorable day for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. He secured second place, thus achieving a 1-2 for the Factory Team – its first since the 2017 Argentina GP – and making it Yamaha’s 750th and 751st podium finish in the premier class.
After a four-week summer break, the Frenchman started the second half of the season refreshed, which was much needed for the eventful Grand Prix of Styria. The first race got red flagged on lap 3, but Quartararo kept his head cool and rode his M1 to a podium finish. This stellar third place tasted even sweeter as he extended his championship lead to 40 points – at yet another demanding track for Yamaha – and became a championship winning favourite. He was keen to repeat the performance again the week after at the Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich. He was on route for a podium place, but rain in the last three laps spoiled his plans. Having swapped to his rain bike late, he fell back to P14 and had to balance wanting to score as many points as possible with not taking too much risk and hurting his championship chances. He ultimately made a quick dash to salvage a brave seventh place and extended his lead in the championship by seven points.
A fortnight later, Quartararo’s star shone bright again. The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team could celebrate a significant victory at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix. Being fully in control, nobody could match the Frenchman’s level aboard the YZR-M1. He took the chequered flag with a convincing 2.663s margin to second and left the Silverstone circuit with a 65-point lead in the championship.
The Factory Team headed into the next round, the Grand Prix de Aragon, on a high, but Round 13 proved ’unlucky‘ for the Frenchman. He had a difficult outing at the MotorLand Aragón and had to put up a strong fight. Thanks to defensive and courageous riding, he secured eighth place and collected eight crucial championship points. Keen to make a strong comeback at the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, Quartararo was on a mission – and he delivered. The Yamaha man charged until the very end of the 27-lap race to ultimately take second place and 20 crucial championship points.
The Misano podium was a boost for the championship leader heading into the Grand Prix of The Americas, but it was also the start of a change in mindset. Whereas before Quartararo had always ’lived in the moment‘ and raced for wins and podiums in every race, the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP man now decided to opt for a more championship standings orientated strategy at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA). He delivered a mature ride, balancing on a fine line between defending second place and chasing the race leader. He extended his margin in the standings to 52 points in the process, giving him his first match point for the second race in Misano.
The pressure was on during the Emilia-Romagna GP. He had to start the race from 15th place on the grid with his title rival starting from pole position. But Quartararo is the type of rider to never give up. He rode a superb race, cutting through the pack. With Bagnaia ultimately crashing out of the race in the latter stages, Quartararo was certain of a championship win. Still, he wouldn‘t be El Diablo if he didn’t get into a last minute scrap to keep the fans on the edge of their seat. He ultimately finished in fourth place after a brilliant and champion-worthy ride.
Winning the 2021 MotoGP World Championship in his debut year with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team is a dream come true for Quartararo. He achieved his life-time goal, yet it is only just the start of his already incredibly successful partnership with the Factory Team that already brought 5 GP wins, 10 podiums, 14 front-row starts, 5 pole positions, 5 fastest laps, and 1 World Championship Title up until now.
All in all, the time-old strategy of ’speed and consistency‘ was the key to success. However, what let Quartararo truly step into the footsteps of his idol Rossi was a ’secret ingredient‘. This season he was able to keep relentless focus, show calm determination, and consistently delivered point-scoring performances even on his ’bad days‘ by having genuine fun on the bike. The joy he feels in the heat of qualifying and race battles is infectious and earned him a large and quickly growing fan base, who are surely overjoyed with Quartararo‘s 2021 MotoGP World Championship Title victory.
More, from another press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
QUARTARARO RIDES TO CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY AT EMILIA-ROMAGNA GP
Misano Adriatico (Italy), 24th October 2021
GRAND PRIX OF MADE IN ITALY AND EMILIA-ROMAGNA RACE
Fabio Quartararo secured fourth place at the Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna to secure the 2021 MotoGP World Championship with a 65-point advantage and two rounds remaining. Franco Morbidelli impressed with his pace in the first half of the race, but due to his injury he wasn‘t able to defend a fifth position. He ended the race in 14th place.
LOCAL TIME: 14:00 GMT+2
AIR TEMPERATURE: 18°C
TRACK TEMPERATURE: 23°C
WEATHER: SUNNY / HUMIDITY 55%
MORE CIRCUIT INFO
4th FABIO QUARTARARO +12.775 / 27 LAPS
14th FRANCO MORBIDELLI +42.830 / 27 LAPS
Fabio Quartararo held his nerve at today‘s Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna and rode from P15 to a brilliant fourth place. By relentlessly keeping the pressure on his rivals, he earned the 2021 MotoGP World Championship Crown. Franco Morbidelli‘s true potential as a top-level rider shone through in the first half of the 27-lap race. However, fatigue meant he had the slow down in the latter stages. He finished in 14th place.
Quartararo had a cautious start from P15 on the grid and slalomed through the opening corners in 17th place, but he soon commenced his charge to the front. After six laps, he found himself inside the top 10.
El Diablo kept pushing, knowing every point could be crucial in his championship challenge. Stalking Alex Rins, they together overtook Jorge Martin and continued to ride to the front. On lap 13, the pair joined the group battling for fifth place. Two laps later Quartararo found a way through on his teammate and Luca Marini. And with ten laps to go, he also overtook Rins in Turn 4 for sixth place.
The Frenchman‘s race pace in the latter stages was as good as it had been in the San Marino GP in September. He was rapidly closing in on Aleix Espargaro and had the fans on the edge of their seats during his duel with the Aprilia rider, but he managed to keep it short and quickly opened a gap.
Quartararo was now in fifth place, and the title challenge seemed to be moved forward to Portimao, but the sting was in the tail of the Emilia-Romagna GP. With Francesco Bagnaia and Miguel Oliveira crashing out in the final five laps, Quartararo was suddenly in third place. He was keen to secure his championship title with a podium finish, but when Enea Bastianini loomed up behind him, the Yamaha man decided to make do with a fourth-place finish, 12.775s from first.
Morbidelli had a good start from sixth on the grid and defended his position tooth and nail in the opening lap. With Jack Miller crashing out on lap 4, he moved into the top 5. When a gap started to form between him and the rider in front of him, he shifted his attention to keeping a steady pace going despite his knee injury.
The Italian was put under pressure by Aleix Espargaro with 17 laps to go. The Yamaha man made his M1 as wide as possible but had to let his rival through a lap later. Fatigue in the leg made it hard for Morbidelli to defend his position. He gradually fell back to 14th place, finishing 42.830s from the front.
Thanks to today’s results, Quartararo won the World Championship Title with 267 points in total and a 65-point lead with two rounds to go. Morbidelli scored his first points after his return from injury and now has 42 points but stays in 17th place. Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP return to the top in the team standings with 364 points, and Yamaha remains second in the constructor championship with 295 points.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back in action at the Algarve International Circuit again in two weeks‘ time for the Grande Prémio do Algarve, held from 5-7 November.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI
TEAM DIRECTOR
First of all, I want to congratulate Fabio on achieving his dream of becoming a MotoGP World Champion. The way he handled a very tense situation today once again underlines that he is a worthy champion, and it shows how much he has grown. He doesn’t crack under pressure and instead turns a difficult race starting from P15 into a brilliant fourth place finish and a title win.
I do also want to take this moment to congratulate Bagnaia on his strong title challenge this year. We have nothing but respect for him. We are happy that he is unhurt. We didn’t want to win the championship in this manner, but it doesn’t take away from Fabio and the team’s amazing work.
I want to congratulate and thank the team members and Yamaha engineers for their dedication. Riding a race in the dry with little to no dry track time in the sessions before is hard to do at any time, let alone when the Championship Title is at stake. But the whole team pulled together. They contributed so much to this title win, and I can’t wait to celebrate with them.
Lastly, I want to say ’Well done‘ to Franky. He rode such a strong first half of the race, which is not at all easy to do when you’re still recovering from such a serious leg injury. We knew keeping up the pace for 27 laps would be very hard for him, but to see his potential as a rider at the top level of motorsports in the first half of the race was really nice to see. We know that it’s only a matter of time before he is fully healed and able to fight for the full race length again. He will soon be back at the front where he belongs.
The next races will be ’easier‘ for us, because we will have less pressure, but we still want to be there at the front to see if we can also win the Team and Constructor Titles. We will try to wrap up this season in the best way possible.
FABIO QUARTARARO
To be honest, I still can’t believe what I achieved today… This feels so good! It wasn’t an easy race. On the first laps I saw Miller crash, but I thought it was Marc. Then I looked at the TV, and I saw that Marc was fighting with Pecco. Then I saw another red bike crashing. At that moment I wasn’t happy. I was just thinking ’Okay, Pecco crashed‘ and I‘m glad he is okay. To try to finish on the podium was a little bit the target, but our front tyre was in a bad shape by then, and I couldn’t make it in the end. But I don’t care. I became a World Champion today. I could have finished last, and the result would have been the same. I have no words. I just want to enjoy this moment with the team.
FRANCO MORBIDELLI
I’m happy with the overall performance we had this weekend. We improved a lot. I improved the feeling with the bike and for sure my condition was better, and I was able to be faster until midway through the race. Unfortunately, I’m not fit enough to maintain the pace of this level of racing yet. I needed to slow down and cruise around in the second half of the race. But we made some good steps, so I’m happy. I want to say ’Congratulations‘ to the team and to Fabio. They did a wonderful and amazing job this year. Fabio was really on point this season and really fast. He was really the best, so he deserves this championship, and he and the team deserve this kind of result.
World Championship on the Honda RC213V-RS Open Specification motorcycle.
