Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Why is it called Andalusian GP? Second Jerez MotoGP race explained

Following a thrilling start to the coronavirus-delayed MotoGP season with the Spanish Grand Prix, the paddock will stay at Jerez for the second round of the campaign.

All eyes will be on Marc Marquez as the reigning world champion makes a heroic effort to compete in a grand prix just days after undergoing surgery on his right arm.

Alex Rins and Cal Crutchlow, who also suffered injuries during the previous weekend, have also been declared fit to race in the Andalusian GP.

Injuries for the above trio of riders means Fabio Quartararo will be the favorite for victory aboard the Petronas Yamaha.

Why is MotoGP racing at the same track twice?

The MotoGP calendar has had to undergo multiple changes in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The original season opener in Qatar featured only Moto2 and Moto3 classes, while German, Dutch, Finnish, British, Australian, Japanese and Italian GPs were all called off.

In response to the spread of the virus, MotoGP released a 13-round calendar that runs entirely in Europe, although the series is still aiming to hold flyaway events later in the year.

Given the situation, it was easier for MotoGP to host multiple events at the same venue, and the support from the government in Spain made it possible to hold a double header at Jerez.

MotoGP’s strategy emulates that of Formula 1, which also kickstarted its 2020 campaign with back-to-back races at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

What is Andalusia?

Andalusia is one of the 17 autonomous communities that together constitute Spain. Located in the southern part of the country, Andalusia is further divided into eight provinces, one of which is Cadiz – the home to the Jerez circuit.

Why is it called the Andalusia Grand Prix?

Since each MotoGP race must carry a different name, the second event at Jerez has been christened after the autonomous community in which Jerez is located. This is no different to how the second F1 race at the Red Bull Ring was called the Styrian Grand Prix.

A typical MotoGP season consists of several races in Spain and each of them carry a different name. For example the race at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona is known by the name Catalan Grand Prix.

Will MotoGP be racing at other venues twice?

Yes, the 2020 MotoGP calendar features several double headers. Red Bull Ring, Misano Motorland Aragon and Valencia will all host two races on back-to-back weekends. The 2020 MotoGP calendar can be found below.

Will MotoGP be doing anything differently to the Spanish Grand Prix?

No, the Andalusian Grand Prix will be run as per the exact same format as last week’s event. Four practice sessions will be followed by a two-part qualifying. The race will start at 2pm CEST on Sunday.

Revised 2020 MotoGP calendar:

Tips to Help You Win Photography Gear

Landscape, travel and streetlife photographers have an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on in Around the World in 7 Quests. These seven Quests were launched in honor of World Photography and submissions will be open until September 17.

Do you have photos that were taken in Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America, South America, Africa or Antartica? Then submit now for the chance to win from our round-up of prizes worth $4000 US.

There are 7 amazing prizes to be won from some of the top photography brands; Broncolor, Billingham, Rotolight, Godox, Lo & Sons, Sandmarc and Moment. In addition, there are 7 highly talented photographers who will be judging all the amazing submissions and they gave us some inside tips for how to succeed in this competition.

Tomas Havel is an award-winning landscape photographer based in the Czech Republic with work published worldwide. His images have been published on some of the biggest media channels such as National Geographic, Nasa, or Discovery. He aims to capture a pristine landscape by using his own vision and unique style to show some of the most amazing places on Earth. 

How did you get your start in landscape fine art photography?
My work is influenced by the early experience of growing up in a beautiful forest region with the ability to explore the wild and spend time with nature. My childhood coupled with a desire to create made me into the photographer I am today. I discovered my true love for photography during my first trip to Northern Norway.

What do you think makes a successful landscape photo?
It’s very hard to create something unique and new in the infinite world of landscape photography. If you want your photo of a famous viewpoint to stand apart, make sure it is especially creative or that the conditions are exceptional. A successful photo is sometimes created from an ordinary walk in the forest. It depends on the conditions and the special moment.

Do you have any tips for photographers when it comes to capturing European streetlife?
Streetlife photography is all about keeping your eyes open, being fully aware of the moment, and seeing everything happening in front of you. It’s often about good luck, but a lot of it is also about speed and how well you’ve mastered your photography. Maybe something unreal is happening right in front of you, something you’ve wanted to come across.

Your go-to lens for landscape/travel photography?
For me, the best lens for landscape photography is the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM.

Any tips for photographers submitting to the Europe Quest?
Be creative and original. Yes, it’s true but also a very general and meaningless tip. I love to see work that demonstrates innovation but also perfect technical quality. The final atmosphere of the photograph, composition and color balance is important. However, if you feel you have a photo that doesn’t follow the rules but is still perfect and original, show it to the world! 

SUBMIT TO THE EUROPE QUEST

William Patino grew up in the coastal town of Wollongong, NSW Australia and has been a full-time landscape photographer since 2014. Photography came into his life around 2011 and it has helped him see the world differently, giving him a newfound appreciation for nature and the many intricacies that he once overlooked and perhaps took for granted. His work is based around a deep reverence and awe of nature and the creator, and it’s this that I try and express through my images.

How did you get your start in landscape fine art photography?
I’ve always had an interest in visual arts and growing up, I enjoyed making skateboard videos of my friends. I eventually tried my hand at still photography and at the same time, I also came across some landscape images online. This inspired me to get outdoors with my camera and I instantly fell in love. Photography changed the way I view the world and helped immensely with my mental health. I used the camera as an outlet and committed every spare moment I had to learning and exploring. I truly love it and the way it has changed my life.  

Do you have any tips for photographers working with landscape/wildlife photography to ensure they practice ethical photography?
Slowing down and respecting the land and subject matter is important to me. As photographers, we ‘take’ a lot. We take photographs, experiences and memories but we need to give back as well. We can raise awareness with our images, be conscious of not damaging the environment we are in, and support the local communities that we visit in our travels.  

Your go-to DSLR lens for landscape/travel photography?
I’ve used mirrorless cameras for 10 years now and enjoy using a variety of different focal lengths to capture the landscape. It’s really hard to narrow it down to just one lens! Realistically, I probably most enjoy using the ultra wide 12-24mm Sony lens I have, as it allows me to create compositions with a lot of depth and layering.  

Your tried and true camera accessory for landscape/travel photography?
I’m not your traditional landscape photographer. I don’t use a tripod or any filters. Just a camera and 3 lenses. The main accessory that I’m lost without is my microfiber towel, which I use to protect and clean my gear on rainy days or in damp environments, like rainforests, seascapes and near waterfalls. It’s just so handy to have.  

What will you be looking for when it comes to judging the Oceania Quest?
When it comes to creating a photograph, I envision something that I’ve come to call ‘the 4 pillars’, which are what should equally come together and support an image. These are location, composition, light and processing. I’ll be considering all four of these when judging.

SUBMIT TO THE OCEANIA QUEST

Seth Macey is a wildlife and landscape photographer based in Ontario, Canada. Seth spends the vast majority of his time behind the lens immersed in nature, learning the land, researching, and tracking animal subjects. He is also the co-host of the Photographer Mindset Podcast where photographers in leadership roles are invited to come on the show and share ways in which listeners can build their mental fortitude, develop out of the box thinking strategies, and work smarter towards their own versions of success in photography.

How did you get your start in landscape fine art photography?
Around the same time I was showing an interest in photography, I felt my life needed some adventure, unique experiences, and excitement. My camera quickly became a catalyst or a reason for me to travel abroad and commit to adventures. Photographing landscapes became a byproduct of me living a more authentic life. I felt the need to document and share these photographs as a way of expressing my own journey into an unconventional life that was true to who I was.

What’s your go to DSLR lens for landscape photography?
I’m a loyal Canon shooter. For the longest time I shot with a Canon 6D and a 24-70mm lens for landscape photography. I pushed the camera so far until it reached its capabilities of what I wanted it to do. That’s when I knew it was time for an upgrade. I upgraded to a Canon mirrorless R with an electronic viewfinder and 33% more megapixels. Those extra megapixels help especially for larger prints. 

Your tried and true camera accessory for landscape/travel photography?
Get a lens polarizer. Ideally, we want to be shooting during the golden hour of sunset and sunrise so we get nice soft light on our landscapes and wildlife subjects, however, sometimes you just want to be able to shoot whenever you feel like it. A polarizer is a great tool that will allow you to take better shots during midday light and reduce some of the harshness we get from the midday sun. I never used to shoot with one but now I like the freedom, especially when traveling abroad, of being able to confidently shoot at any time of day.

Do you have any tips for photographers working with landscape/wildlife photography to ensure they practice ethical photography?
It’s easy to make unethical mistakes in the field especially when you’re entering a new genre of photography. Sometimes we can get so caught up in doing whatever it takes to get the shot that we often overlook the often negative impact we can have on wildlife and their environment during the shooting process.  There are some great rules of thumb to follow;
-If your shot requires the destruction of sensitive terrain, stay put. Position yourself differently so that wildlife comes to you or let that shot go. There will be another.
-Any action you perform that causes wildlife to become distressed or act out of their wild character is likely unethical. Some examples would be, yelling at animals so they move, getting far too close for shots, baiting, etc.
-If you ever get the feeling what you’re doing isn’t ethical, trust that feeling because you’re likely right.
-An animal’s well-being always supersedes your photograph.

Do you have any tips for the 500px community when it comes to submitting to the North America Quest?
Submit photos that have an interesting element to them. Having judged a couple of competitions in the past, I find the photographs that have one peculiar or unique characteristic to them stand out from the crowd. There are lots of talented people submitting tons of great work, which is why an image with something unordinary about it usually catches attention. This could be an object in the foreground, the way the clouds are formed, motion captured in an image, etc. Look for that thing that will make the photograph different from everyone else.  

SUBMIT TO THE NORTH AMERICA QUEST

Matt Meisenheimer is a photographer based in Wisconsin. His artistry revolves around exploring the wilderness and constantly seeking out new adventures. He strives to capture those brief moments of dramatic light and weather, which make our grand landscapes so special.

How did you get your start in landscape fine art photography?
Like many others in the profession and hobby, I love the outdoors and exploring new places. I spent time working in US National Parks out of college and that gave me the opportunity to explore a lot of the Pacific Northwest. I bought a camera to document my trips and hikes there, and that eventually turned into much more.
After that stint, I purchased my first full-frame camera and dove head-first into landscape photography. It quickly became my passion and driving force in life. I attended a Marc Adamus workshop when I first became ‘serious’ about photography, and it totally changed my perspective on being a creative and capturing landscape images. I felt like one week with Marc made up for about 5 years of photography time. 
From that point, I started taking my own personal trips, each one geared towards creating images. I built up a portfolio and eventually started leading workshops with Backcountry Journeys. 
Photography is the best thing to ever happen to me, and it is undoubtedly my passion in life.

What do you think makes a successful landscape photo?
The most common answer is composition, right? I couldn’t agree more. Composition is everything, it relates to how you arrange the available elements of a landscape into a visually pleasing and enticing image.  
But, what I really think separates the very best photographers out there, is their ability to take a complex scene and simplify it. That means taking multiple elements (i.e. flowers, streams, mountains) and composing them in a way that provides a clear flow for the viewer – a simple image.
Sometimes the most important decision you make as a photographer is what to NOT include in your image, versus what to include. In the field, I’m always thinking ‘simple’!

Your go-to DSLR lens for landscape/travel photography?
I love Nikon’s mirrorless offering. I am currently using a Nikon Z7 with a 14-30mm f/4 and a 24-200mm f/4-6.3. The 14-30mm f/4 is an innovation from Nikon. Excellent image quality, 14mm on the wide end, 82mm filter thread AND it’s so small and portable. Same goes for the 24-200mm f/4-6.3. Excellent quality for what it is, and incredible coverage from 24-200. I highly recommend this setup to all landscape photographers. 

What’s your favorite camera accessory in your photography kit? Why?
My favorite camera accessory is a bit unusual but extremely useful. It’s neoprene socks or waders. Sometimes, getting the best shot or vantage point involves getting wet. Whether it’s sitting in an alpine stream or getting soaked by ocean waves, I find that landscape photography involves quite a bit of water. Neoprene socks are lightweight and a great solution for cold water shooting situations where you may get wet – like waterfalls, streams, rivers, seascapes, etc. I always carry a pair in my camera bag for that type of shooting. They can help you stay warm and comfortable when you’re sitting in the water trying to align a composition. 

Any tips for photographers submitting to the South America Quest?
South America has so many fantastic locations, too many to list. Some of these locations have become extremely popular over the last decade – Patagonia, the Andes of Peru, the Amazon, and more. We’ve all seen a lot of shots from some of those iconic South American locations, and rightfully so.

I think the images that stand out are the unique ones. Whether it’s unique conditions, unique compositions, or unique places. That’s what I’ll be looking for as a judge, something unique that combines technical, compositional, and post-processing prowess at a high caliber. 

SUBMIT TO THE SOUTH AMERICA QUEST

Sara Zanini is a travel and aerial photographer. She works with a Mavic 3 drone which gives her the possibility of infinite points of view that allow her to recreate, in the moment of the shot, the emotions that she felt in front of the wonders of the world and nature.

How did you get your start in landscape fine art photography?
I have always been a traveler thanks to my parents and I believe that starting to photograph the world around you when you travel is just a natural evolution of traveling.

What do you think makes a successful landscape photo?
Obviously the composition, the light, but most of all the ability to convey the same emotion that you experience in the moment of the shot

You also work a lot with drones, what drew you to them and where do you suggest people start with drone photography?
Surely seaside or desert locations are the best place; no obstacles and ample opportunity to test oneself.

Your go-to DSLR lens for landscape/travel photography?
Landscape 24-70mm f2.8 Travel 70-200mm f2.8

Your tried and true camera accessory for landscape/travel photography?
My Peak design tripod in carbon fiber: light weight and small ?

Any tips for photographers submitting to the Antarctica Quest?
Try to excite and intrigue the viewer by bringing the emotion that this remote landscape conveys into your shot.

SUBMIT TO THE ANTARCTICA QUEST

Segun-Kabir Sani is a visual storyteller and a firm believer in passion and creativity as core ingredients to his craft. Either hunting for inspiration or waiting patiently for food at his favorite restaurants, he always has a camera nearby. His images mainly use natural light and are structured around real authentic moments rather than posed photos. He continually aims for the real thing, hunting for those strong emotions that result in beautiful, honest, and raw images.

How did you get your start in photography and why do you love it?
I started photography when I got into the university. At the time most of my friends were into one thing or the other, some music and others drawing. I started as a music producer, struggled a bit, till I found photography. 
I love it so much because I’m able to bring ideas in my head and make them real through my photographs

Do you have any advice for photographers working in Africa on how to respect the culture?
I advise any photographer to always keep shooting, this is the best way to sharpen your skills.  Be polite and be very respectful of your environment. 

What do you think makes an impactful image?
Impactful images are made through the manipulation of light and shadows. 

What camera accessory do you consider a must-have?
I consider having an ND filter a must have camera accessory. It will help u get the right exposure anywhere and anytime. 

Any tips for photographers submitting to the Africa Quest?
Pay attention to what is in front of your camera at all times, shoot what it feels like not what it looks like.

SUBMIT TO THE AFRICA QUEST

Kosuke Kurata is a talented Nikon and Drone photographer based in Japan. His photography is diverse, artfully capturing busy urban spaces as well as the more serene landscapes in remote parts of the world.

How did you get your start in landscape fine art photography?
I had the privilege of traveling around the world and seeing different landscapes from a young age, I think it all began there. 
And when I got my first camera, I was driven by the want to share the sights and experiences I had with my friends and family, and that passion gradually grew from there.

Any suggested locations in Asia that you’ve captured in the past and think provide a great canvas for photographers?
I’ve been to various places in Asia and loved the sights I’ve seen, but Mt. Fuji will always have a special place in my heart. 
It’s a subject that’s been captured many times before, because of the many faces it has. The time, the season, the weather. It all matters, especially in Japan where we have all four seasons (and of course, the sakura in spring, and Japanese Maple in fall).

Your go-to DSLR lens for landscape/travel photography?
I usually carry 3 lenses to minimize the amount of weight in my bag! 

  1. 15mm f2.8 – when I visit distant cities, I love shooting the city’s buildings as well as the nature and this lens help me capture it extremely well! 
  2. 24-70mm f2.8 – the best versatile lens when I just want one lens in my bag. 
  3. 70-200mm f2.8 – long lenses are always a must when you’re shooting landscapes and this one is my favorite due to its versatility and the 2.8 that’s constant throughout its focal length. 

A special addition is a drone of course. Mavic air 2 is my favorite due to the weight and ease of use!

Your tried and true camera accessory for landscape/travel photography?
A polarizer is the best for sure! It provides vivid colors and contrast by erasing the unwanted haze and reflections. For example, the polarizer removes the reflections on the surface of the water to capture the ocean more clearly as well as allowed the sky to be a deep and vivid blue.

What will you be looking for when it comes to judging the Asia Quest?
Use of light, style of editing, originality, a story that I can feel from it (especially appreciation, and respect for the culture it’s from) and the impact on the viewer.

SUBMIT TO THE ASIA QUEST

The post Tips to Help You Win Photography Gear appeared first on 500px.

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MotoGP: Marc Marquez: “Step By Step We Are Getting Stronger” – Roadracing World Magazine

© 2021, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By Repsol Honda:

Repsol Honda Team primed for French GP

Round five presents another weekend of opportunity for the Repsol Honda Team as Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro arrive ready and rested after a grueling Spanish GP.

It’s off to the Le Mans circuit in France for the fifth chapter of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship. Best known for hosting the 24-hour race, the French track has been a happy hunting ground for the Repsol Honda Team in recent years. In 2019, Marc Marquez claimed Honda’s 300th premier class win as he took his first back-to-back wins of the season. Then in 2020, rookie Alex Marquez put on a masterful wet-weather performance to earn his debut MotoGP podium in Repsol Honda Team colours.

Marc Marquez’s return to Jerez was an overall positive as he reduced the distance to the race winner after a complicated weekend. Continuing this trend of closing the gap to the front is again Marquez’s primary objective for the weekend as his recovery and return to competition moves forward. In previous visits to Le Mans Marquez has achieved four podium finishes, including three wins.

After a busy but productive one-day test in Jerez, Pol Espargaro arrives in France with an even deeper understanding of the Repsol Honda RC213V. Working through a number of options across the Monday helped the 2013 Moto2 World Champion improve the overall feel of his Honda. The Le Mans circuit has produced some of Espargaro’s most consistent results in the premier class with five top ten finishes and a podium from seven visits. With weather almost always an unpredictable element in Le Mans, round five may also present Espargaro with his first chance of running on the Honda in the wet.

Action at the French GP begins at 09:55 local time on Friday, May 14 with Free Practice 1 for the MotoGP class. The 27-lap premier class Grand Prix around the 4.2-kilometre-long circuit will commence at 14:00 local time on Sunday, May 16. Rain is currently forecast throughout the weekend in France, but it won’t dampen the spirits of the Repsol Honda Team.

Marc Marquez

“It has been a good week between races, I have been able to rest and continue my training and recovery. The goal for this weekend is to have fewer complications and continue working to improve. Step by step we are getting stronger and our goal is to continue the progress we have been making. The weather at Le Mans can always make things a little bit tricky but we will handle whatever happens.”

Pol Espargaro (44).  Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.Pol Espargaro (44). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.

Pol Espargaro

“The test we had on Monday was very helpful for me and the team, we tried many things and were able to understand more about the Honda. Last year we were able to finish on the podium in the wet at Le Mans, of course we would prefer it to be dry this weekend but the weather will be the same for everyone and it will give me an opportunity to try this bike in new conditions. The motivation is as high as always, I’m excited for another weekend.”

MotoGP: A New Chassis for Honda

Honda’s test rider has been in chats about a potential new chassis for his team – and we could be seeing updates as early as later this season.

By later this season, we mean later this year; Stefan Bradl states on MotorcycleSports that his team has continued to work on the HRC, and now has an idea of ​​what needs to be fixed for MotoGP’s next round of challenges.

Stefan Bradl, test rider for Honda.  Media sourced from MotorcycleSports. Stefan Bradl, test rider for Honda. Media sourced from MotorcycleSports.

“We have begun to understand why we have been so weak until now,” imparts Stefan.

“It will take some time to find a solution; it will not be done in an instant. Our problem cannot be solved until the next Grand Prix, nor in the next two months…there are serious parts in the chassis area that need to be changed, but it can be done.”

“I think we will see more updates this season. There will definitely be something coming to the track that will lead to significant change.”

Stefan Bradl, test rider for Honda.  Media sourced from LCR Honda. Stefan Bradl, test rider for Honda. Media sourced from LCR Honda.

With the Silverstone round next on the docket, we look forward to seeing how Honda adapts to an ever-exciting season.

What do you think Honda has in the works for the circuit? Comment down below, letting us know what you think, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.

*Media sourced from MotorcycleSports, RideApart, and LCR Honda*

Joan Mir Signs Two-Year Contract With Repsol Honda Team

Suzuki’s announcement that it will leave the MotoGP at the conclusion of the 2022 season stunned the racing community. It goes without saying that what the future holds for both Alex Rins and Joan Mir is a hotly contested issue given that two of the most skilled riders in the racing series are sporting Suzuki leathers. The two riders’ futures have been the subject of rumors, but it has now been verified that Honda holds the key to both Spaniards’ futures.

At first, it was believed that both riders’ contracts with Suzuki would be renewed. This appears to be completely off the table now that Suzuki’s decision to leave the racing circuit is all but definite. Fortunately for Joan Mir, Honda Racing Corporation has stated that he will sign a two-year deal and join the Repsol Honda Team in 2023. The 2020 MotoGP World Champion will accompany current colleague Alex Rins in switching from Suzuki to Honda, in Rins’ case , the LCR Honda team, when the 2022 season is over. He will be Marc Marquez’s new teammate for the next season, as well as in 2024.

“I’m very excited to officially announce that I will join the Repsol Honda Team next year. Thanks to HRC for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to defend these historic colors, which are full of history and world titles. We will take advantage of all my experience accumulated over the years in MotoGP with Suzuki to contribute as much as possible to the project and to fight together to become world champions again.” Said Joan Mir in the MotoGP official press release.

Mir added that he is now focusing on getting back in shape following an ankle injury as a result of a vicious highside crash. “Now it’s time to continue focusing on my recovery to return to the circuits as soon as possible and have a great end of the season with Team Suzuki Ecstar.”

Joan Mir High Side Crash

Mir, a 24-year-old Spaniard with an incredible record of 12 Grand Prix victories and 33 podium finishes to date, became a two-time World Champion in 2020 after following up his Moto3 championship in 2017 with a victory in the premiere class. Needless to say, Joan Mir certainly has his work cut out for him next season, as the Honda RC213V has gained notoriety for being one of the most difficult MotoGP machines to pilot, as expressed by none other than Marc Marquez himself.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Mike Tyson, Martina Navratilova and unnamed canine take in Serena Williams’ opening round match. #USOpen https://t.co/UTn1TawIUS


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Aragon MotoGP: Vinales: ‘Big jump’ in lap time, feeling. More to come | MotoGP

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Maverick Vinales began his first MotoGP weekend for Aprilia MotoGP 20th on the timesheets during Friday practice at Aragon, but within 1.2s of fastest man Jack Miller (Ducati).

The former factory Yamaha rider cut 1.5s from his morning lap time during FP2 and kept his RS-GP on two-wheels throughout, although he did suffer a scare when he clipped the inside kerb through the almost final corner.

“I felt very excited and also very nervous,” admitted Vinales, whose only prior experience of the RS-GP was in a private two-day test at Misano.

“For me it has been very positive because from FP1 to FP2 we make a big jump not only with the lap time but also with the feeling and I think tomorrow we will make another,” Vinales said.

“It is true that it is very different [to the Yamaha] so the way I do the track is on another way. It is hard to still continue doing it in the way the bike wants because I’m used to a different way and that’s why I could not combine all the sectors in a perfect way.”

If he had been able to combine all of his best sectors in one lap, Vinales would have set a best Friday time of 1m 48.299s rather than 1m 48.755s and almost halve his gap to the top from +1.142s to +0.686s.

That is also the equivalent of 14th place and would have put Vinales within 0.42s of team-mate Aleix Espargaro, who backed up his Silverstone podium with an impressive second on the Friday timesheets behind Ducati’s Jack Miller.

Vinales said he is still using Espargaro’s set-up and yet to fine-tune the RS-GP for his own preferences, another reason why he is still, “far from the top performance of the bike and also myself.

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“This is a learning process. The way to make the lap time is completely different. I need to understand it better.

“At the moment we are using the base from Aleix from Misano and we didn’t touch nothing. We keep working on the same: we keep riding, riding and understanding.

“For sure tomorrow if we need to put a harder spring then we will try, but at the moment I am far away from the maximum.”

Vinales got some laps behind his team-mate where he was able to get a better idea of ​​the difference in cornering lines for the V4-powered Aprilia compared to the Inline 4 engine at Yamaha.

“We didn’t make any special plan with Aleix, it was more to see the lines he does and they are completely different to the lines I was used to doing,” Vinales confirmed.

“I am still braking too early, that is the main issue because I was used to a different kind of riding style but we are getting much closer. In Misano I was getting closer and here by the days and the practices we will get closer.

“For me the most difficult part is the braking because the acceleration is very good and I can control well the slide. It is not an issue but I need to get used to the braking area because it is different to what I used to ride and makes a difference to the lap time.

“I think we will arrive. It is about doing laps and trusting the front more than anything else.”

Suzuki’s Alex Rins, who followed Vinales in opening practice, commented:

“I rode a little bit with Maverick in FP1 and he was struggling a little bit to make the bike turn. For sure it’s a different engine compared to the Yamaha with has the Inline 4 and the Aprilia a V4. So maybe it’s a little bit difficult for him, but he already rides fast.

“I mean the level in MotoGP is super high and it’s not easy to change the team, change the bike and be fast again. For sure his team-mate Aleix was second today, super fast, but also he was quite impressive.”

Meanwhile, Espargaro was delighted to carry his Silverstone speed straight over to Aragon.

“I am extremely satisfied with today’s results, both on the time attack front and in terms of our work with used tires in view of the race,” he said. “If I’m honest, I still don’t have that perfect feeling. I’m able to be fast, but in terms of feeling, I think there is still room for improvement.

“This morning, the grip on the asphalt was very poor and then it gradually got better, but thinking ahead to Sunday, when high temperatures are expected, we will clearly need to work well on tire choice and setup.”

MotoGP: World Championship Fight Heading To Misano – Roadracing World Magazine

Rumble on the Riviera: will Misano host another key showdown in the fight for the crown?

Bagnaia arrives having joined the exclusive club of three wins in a row, Quartararo from his own serious statement in Spielberg

Monday, 29 August 2022

Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli has already staged some crucial showdowns between Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), and the colourful, Adriatic stage is more that set for another. Bagnaia arrives from three wins in a row and could become the first Ducati rider ever to make it four, and Quartararo arrives from a truly stunning ride to second; so Yamaha’s best ever result at the Red Bull Ring. Oh, and for Bagnaia, Misano is home turf…

The Italian has shown incredible speed and won at the venue before, that speed unrivaled despite some bad luck. But the Frenchman made for close company, Yamaha are the most successful factory at the track and Quartararo also won the title at the venue last year, forever making it part of his story too. So will the two come face to face once again, and could we see a proper duel to the flag? We’ve not yet seen the gloves come off between the duo as yet, but both are more than ready to rumble.

Elsewhere at Yamaha, Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) also has good memories of Misano as he’s won there, and it’s a home venue, so he’ll be looking for more than his recent struggles. Darryn Binder (WithU Yamaha RNF) will also want more points at a venue that should suit the Yamaha, and there’s an emotional occasion for Andrea Dovizioso on the other side of the RNF garage.

After the second most starts ever, wins on two different bikes and podiums on three, the time has come for Dovi to hang up his leathers. One of the biggest protagonists of recent years, the Italian has had a tougher return with RNF but remains of the best-loved and most successful on the grid. Where will he finish as he bows out?

For Ducati, meanwhile, the charge continues to get the word armada adopted into Italian. ‘Pecco’ has three wins in a row but his Borgo Panigale stablemates are no slouches. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) was back on the podium in Austria and has been a consistent threat at the front of late, whereas Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) wants a little more from the weekend.

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) also wants to bounce back after his late crash in Spielberg, and he arrives from the Ducati 2023 decision going public. He will likely feel he has a point to prove, and there could be another duel with Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). And speaking of the beasts…

The trajectory that has led Bastianini to the factory Ducati team from next year began at Misano as he stormed through to podiums, his first visits to the rostrum before he made a habit of visiting the top step with Gresini. His record at the venue also goes back some in his career, and it’s home turf, and the pressure is off… so what can Bastianini bring to the party?

Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and rookie teammate Marco Bezzecchi also have form at Misano, and increasingly great form in the premier class. Marini arrives from his best ever finish of fourth in Austria, and Bezzecchi was once again top rookie in Spielberg. What can they do? Bezzecchi also wants to pull further clear of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) in the fight for Rookie of the Year as the two Italians continue to hold first and second there.

Now, on to Noale. Austria was certainly a more muted outing for Aprilia Racing, but that says a lot when it was still a weekend of two multiple-point hauls for Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales. By 2022 standards, they want much more. So the Noale factory will be hoping they can prove that was a blip as we arrive on the Riviera di Rimini, and Aleix Espargaro certainly will want to get back in that fight right at the front for the podium as Bagnaia continues to close and Quartararo just pulls a little further clear at the top.

Viñales, meanwhile, may well be rubbing his hands at the prospect of arriving at Misano. He’s already been on pole and won at the venue, and it’s where the adventure began with Aprilia. Can he get back in that trend of upward results and fight for the podium again?

For KTM, the hunt for progress continues, but the Sunday heroics of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) got back on track in Austria as the South African stormed up to seventh. Binder’s comebacks – all the more remarkable given the number 33 often starts well back in the pack but has only one DNF so far this year – continue to impress, and teammate Miguel Oliveira has also been consistently scoring some good chunks of points since Mugello. The Austrian factory have a front row and a podium in their past at Misano, but it will likely be more the top six and top five that proves the aim in 2022. Rookies Remy Gardner and Raul Fernandez at Tech3 KTM Factory Racing, meanwhile, look for some more points on the Riviera di Rimini.

At Suzuki, 2020 World Champion Joan Mir will be sidelined so it’ll be down to Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) to lead the charge. It’s been a tougher run of late for the Hamamatsu factory in the final half season (for now), but every new race weekend is a chance at a result. It’s also a chance for Japanese rider Kazuki Watanabe, replacing Mir fresh from a podium at the Suzuka 8H, to try out a prototype MotoGP™ bike.

Finally, the difficult run continues on-track for Honda, but the positive headlines coming out of Camp MM93 certainly make for interesting reading. Now able to train on motorcycles and with consistent rumors about a return to the track at the test following the San Marino GP, there seems plenty to be positive about for Marc Marquez.

Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu) is moving to within striking distance of the number 93 in the standings if he can continue scoring, too, and Pol Espargaro (Repsol Honda Team) is only three points further adrift. The number 44 has good memories from Misano since a podium last year too, with Marc Marquez leading a Repsol Honda 1-2. Alex Marquez (LCR Honda Castrol), meanwhile, will likely be looking for a solid finish and a good springboard for Aragon as well; one of the venues at which he took a stunning rookie podium in MotoGP™.

There are enough stories to fill a library in 2022, and Misano will add another chapter in what has already been an incredible season. Make sure to tune in at 14:00 (GMT +2) for the Gran Premio Gryfyn di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, with everything finely poised for a rumble on the Riviera!

MotoGP™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 5

1 Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) – Yamaha – 200

2 Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) – Aprilia – 168

3 Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 156

4 Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) – Ducati – 125

5 Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Team) – Ducati – 123

Can Ogura keep his hold on the lead?

The Japanese rider has wrestled the momentum from his rivals as the paddock heads for Misano

After another twist in the tale it’s only a single point between Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) at the top of the table, and the Japanese rider leads. He leads in style too after a convincing second Grand Prix win, putting an end to Fernandez’ run of form. As the paddock heads for Misano, the two will be key contenders once again – but it’s also the home race for former Championship leader Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), who now needs a result.

The Italian now trails by 26 points and has Aron Canet (Flexbox HP 40) on his tail, and there’s the extra complication from the likes of Jake Dixon (inde GASGAS Aspar Team) as the Brit now has three podiums in a row, and Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) fresh from his stunning ride in Austria. There’s also Alonso Lopez (+Ego Speed ​​Up) continuing to show serious speed. If that weren’t enough, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was also immediately back at the sharp end on his return from injury, only just missing out on the rostrum…

The Italians – including another appearance for veteran Mattia Pattini with the GASGAS Aspar Team – will be eager for home turf glory, but of late it’s been Spain vs Japan. Who will rule in San Marino? Tune in on Sunday at 12:20 (GMT +2) to find out!

Moto2™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 3

1 Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) – Kalex – 183

2 Augusto Fernández (Red Bull KTM Ajo) – Kalex – 182

3 Celestino Vietti (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) – Kalex – 156

Is Sasaki a dark horse for the crown?

After a history maker of a race last time out, the Japanese rider is already fourth overall…

A few races ago, Moto3™ seemed like the GASGAS show but after a recent rollercoaster of glory and a dash of disaster, everyone is talking about Ayumu Sasaki (Sterilgarda Husqvarna Max). He won for the first time at Assen, he crashed out at Silverstone earning two Long Laps and denting Sergio Garcia’s (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) charge, but then he had something to prove at the Red Bull Ring… and prove it he did.

As low as 24th at one point in the race, the Japanese rider came back from those two Long Laps to win, and what a statement win it was. He’s now fourth overall and only a handful of points behind Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing), who had a tougher Austria, and not so far from the top. Is it too late for a charge at the crown?

Garcia and teammate Izan Guevara won’t go down without a fight, but looking ahead they need to start hitting back soon. Misano is familiar turf, Aragon has seen Guevara stun in the past with three wins from three in JuniorGP™, but then we head for the flyaways and that could prove very good turf for former Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion Sasaki.

Before that though, there are also the home heroes this weekend to consider. Foggia will certainly be confident of some good form given his previous glory at the venue, and on home turf. His compatriots will be pushing hard too, and the likes of Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snipers Team) have shone on the Riviera di Rimini. Can they strike back?

Sasaki, former Misano winner Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing), David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech3) all arrive with their own roll, but the GASGAS duo and the home heroes are eager to fight back. Tune in for another Moto3™ spectacular at 11am (GMT +2) on Sunday!

Moto3™ CHAMPIONSHIP: TOP 3

1 Sergio Garcia (Gaviota ASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 193

2 Izan Guevara (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) – GASGAS – 188

3 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) – Honda – 144

MotoGP: Vinales Tops Final Test Before Jerez Season Opener

This weekend the 2020 MotoGP World Championship kicks off in Jerez for the Spanish Grand Prix, as grand prix motorcycle racing returns after its lengthy lay-off due to coronavirus.

This weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix will mark the latest start to a Grand Prix season since the very first year of the World Championship back in 1949, when the opening round was held on the Isle of Man – the TT taking place on 17 June that year. The 2020 season is sure to be a bizarre one, with face masks and social distancing the order of the day, but as we have seen with other series, such as Supercross and Formula One, those things do not necessarily mean that the quality of the racing will be hindered, and hopefully this weekend MotoGP can prove that for itself.

Miguel Oliveira at last season’s post-race official test in Jerez. Credit: Philip Platzer

Historically, Jerez is perhaps not the best circuit for racing, at least not in the premier class and not in recent years. Not since 2012 has the winning margin in the MotoGP race in Jerez been less than one second, and on that occasion it was Casey Stoner who was victorious over Jorge Lorenzo.

On that occasion the battle was between Honda and Yamaha, and it could prove to be the same this weekend, as well.

Before proceedings get underway for the first race weekend of the season for the MotoGP class, there was a day of testing on Wednesday – somewhat necessary after a four-month break for most of the riders without touching their MotoGP machines. Almost all of the riders got up to speed fairly quickly, but – perhaps unsurprisingly – none more so than Marc Marquez who was underneath his race lap record, set in last year’s Spanish Grand Prix, in the first session on Wednesday morning. This was enough for Marquez to top the morning timesheets, proving the discoveries Honda made in the final hour of the Qatar test were true, and it is notable that none of the Honda riders used the 2020-spec aerodynamic package in this Jerez test. That said, the turning problems that Honda encountered last season appear to remain, as both Marquez and Cal Crutchlow attested to at the end of the day.

Marc Marquez leaves pit lane at the Jerez test. Credit: Honda Pro Racing.

Marquez did not top the times in the more representative afternoon session. On this occasion it was Maverick Vinales who was fastest, just over one tenth ahead of Marquez’ fastest time from the morning. Vinales has shown before that he can be fast in the test sessions, but often when it comes to races the story can be different. However, it is noticeable that Vinales appears relaxed off the bike, and content with his performance, and his ability to be fast in the scorching afternoon is promising for Yamaha, with their recent history of suffering in hotter conditions where the grip is lower.

Similarly, Vinales’ 2021 teammate, Fabio Quartararo, was very fast in the afternoon. The Frenchman was second behind Vinales aboard his Petronas SRT satellite Yamaha, but the same 2020 version that Vinales was using. Quartararo’s time was also faster than Marquez’ best effort from the morning, and proves that last year’s Spanish GP polesitter is once again here to embarrass the factory riders. The sophomore rider was also in need of as much track time as possible, due to the penalty he has been given for riding a motorcycle that does not comply with the regulations for training bikes a couple of weeks ago in Portimao. That penalty is to miss the first 20 minutes of FP1 on Friday morning. Not the end of the world, especially when he is riding so well and his bike is working for him so well, but no doubt he will be glad it happened on a weekend where he had three hours of testing before the race weekend started.

Marc Marquez was the third fastest in the overall times, but Alex Rins made sure it was three manufacturers in the top four of the combined times at the end of the day with his fastest time from the morning, a 1’38.193. Suzuki are perhaps the factory that lost out the most from the period without racing, as they looked the most prepared of any of the factories to race back in March. On the positive side, they’re speed looks intact from the winter, and their riders, with the confidence and security of new contracts to see them until the end of 2022, appear to be ready to take profit from that, with Joan Mir also posting competitive times in the afternoon, less than two tenths off his more experienced teammate.

Valentino Rossi at last year’s Spanish Grand Prix. Credit: Milagro/Monster Energy.

Valentino Rossi was fifth fastest on the combined times with his best effort coming in the morning. The nine-times world champion is currently confirmed to be in talks with Petronas Yamaha SRT to replace Fabio Quartararo in 2021, and that deal seems to be all but done. However, the pace in the afternoon will be a worry for Rossi, who admitted at the end of the day he is still suffering with the balance of the bike in the high temperatures. Fortunately for the 41-year-old, he and his team have one extra day to work on the bike this weekend, courtesy of the test. No doubt the Italian will have plenty to try on Friday, but whether any of it will work might be a different story.

Behind Rossi and completing the top six in the combined times of the final preseason test was Aleix Espargaro, who once again allowed the Aprilia to impress with its speed. One areas where the new RSGP did not impress, however, was its reliability, which still seems to be an issue with the Noale marque’s grand prix prototype, Espargaro’s #41 RSGP dumping oil in the afternoon session which in turn brought down Alex Marquez and Danilo Petrucci, who injured his neck and head, although is expected to be able to ride at the weekend.

Cal Crutchlow at the Sepang test during the winter. Credit: Honda Pro Racing.

The aforementioned Cal Crutchlow, struggling to turn, ended the day seventh fastest overall, ahead of top Ducati rider Jack Miller. Whilst the Australian is confirmed to be heading the way of the factory team in 2021, for 2020 he remains in Pramac, and so remains his speed. The #43 had an interesting time during lockdown, out motocrossing with the likes of Toby Price and restoring a 125cc two-stroke dirtbike, and it seems to have worked well for the one-time MotoGP winner who on Sunday might be Ducati’s best bet at ending their fourteen-year run without a win in Jerez.

This is because, in addition to the injuries sustained by Danilo Petrucci in the aforementioned crash on Aleix Espargaro’s oil, Ducati’s number one factory rider, Andrea Dovizioso is still recovering from the collarbone fracture he sustained in a motocross crash whilst racing motocross a few weeks ago in Emilia Romagna. Dovizioso did not complain of any pain with the collarbone in the test, but whether after another two days of riding he will be able to complete the race at full pace, and a pace fast enough to make a good result, is up for debate. In addition to this, Dovizioso’s record in Jerez is not good, as the Italian has failed to reach a MotoGP podium at the Spanish circuit. It is not the place that Marc Marquez’ closest challenger of the past three years would like to start the season, much less with back-to-back races, but a good damage limitation job in Andalusia can put him in a good position later on when the calendar takes the paddock to Austria, where Ducati are undefeated since 2016 and where Dovizioso has won on two occasions.

Miguel Oliveira at the recent Jerez test. Credit: Polarity Photo.

KTM were somewhat underwhelming in the Jerez test. Miguel Oliveira, who will replace Pol Espargaro in the factory KTM team next season, was the top RC16 on the combined times with his satellite Tech 3 machine. The Portuguese was eleventh, which sounds disappointing although his fastest time was only 0.633 slower than that of Vinales, and just under two tenths clear of Pol Espargaro who was thirteenth, 0.799 seconds off Vinales.

One thing that is absolutely clear from the test is that the temperatures will be critical this weekend. The rider and team that best manages these unusual conditions will be the one to come out on top.

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Joan Mir joins Marc Marquez at Repsol Honda for 2023 an…

Compare the market

Repsol Honda has formally confirmed Joan Mir will join its team on a two-year contract for the 2023 and 2024 MotoGP World Championship.

The deal – which has been strongly speculated for some months – will see Mir switch to the factory Honda squad from Suzuki, which is exiting the premier class at the end of the season.

While he remains one of the younger, less experienced riders on the MotoGP grid, Mir made history by clinching a shock MotoGP World Championship title in 2020 with a campaign built on the foundation of consistency during a truncated COVID-19 affected season.

Securing Suzuki’s first World Championship title in 20 years, Mir took the crown in only his second season of MotoGP despite achieving just a single win en route.

That win – in Valencia – remains his one and only victory in MotoGP across almost four seasons, though he backed his title up with a strong run to third overall in 2021 with a further six podium results.

However, Mir has struggled for form this year, particularly since news of Suzuki’s impending withdrawal broke during the Spanish MotoGP weekend in May, with six DNFs from the last nine races.

Nonetheless, Mir remains a savvy choice for Repsol Honda, which had been seeking a reliable pair of hands on his bike alongside six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez in light of his injury woes.

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The Spaniard is currently on the sidelines having undergone surgery on his troublesome shoulder, the legacy of his Spanish MotoGP accident at the start of the 2020 MotoGP season that has hampered him since.

Mir wants to follow the path traveled by his current Suzuki team-mate Alex Rins, who also joins Honda in the LCR set-up.

Monday, August 29, 2022

Canadian MiniSBK: Lalande Captures Inaugural Championship

Lalande caps off inaugural Canadian MiniSBK season with another win in Lombardy

 

Benjamin Hardwick (19) was no match for champion and eventual race winner Vincent Lalande (13) in the final race of the CMSBK season at Lombardy. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP.
Benjamin Hardwick (19) was no match for champion and eventual race winner Vincent Lalande (13) in the final race of the CMSBK season at Lombardy. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP.

 

Lombardy, ON – Vincent Lalande added one more tally to his resumé before departing the Canadian Mini Superbike National Championship on Sunday, winning the season finale of the feature Motul Canada Cup at Lombardy Raceway.

After clinching the inaugural national title on Saturday, the 14-year-old returned with only pride to play for on Sunday, but the situation didn’t change Lalande’s determination as he continued to set the pace over rival Benjamin Hardwick – albeit in finer margins than usual.

Lalande secured pole position earlier in the day but faced intense pressure doing so, with Hardwick smashing a new outright track record with a time of 36.767 and nearly snatching the heat race victory aboard their mandatory Pirell-mounted Ohvale machines.

The 13-year-old Hardwick wouldn’t be able to replicate his late comeback in the final race, however, as Lalande crushed the field off the start and never looked back en route to a comfortable victory.

The win – his tenth in eleven races this season – will put a bow on what was an illustrious debut season in the Canadian MiniSBK paddock, making himself known as a future racing star as he graduates to the Canadian Superbike Championship for 2023.

As for Hardwick, the youngster will return to the Motul Canada Cup grid to battle it out for next year’s championship alongside Michael Galvis, who completed the podium once again in third. The 10-year-old Galvis won’t be CSBK eligible for a number of years, leaving him and Hardwick to stake their claim as the next CMSBK champion.

Lalande added another pair of support-class victories to close out the year aboard his own SpeedFactory67 Buccimoto machine, winning the GP-1 and Moto-1 classes despite more pressure from Hardwick.

The two rivals traded fast laps early, with Hardwick showing better late pace aboard his Ohvale GP-190, but it wasn’t enough on either occasion as he was forced to settle for second in both races.

Galvis, meanwhile, would score added victories in the Sport-1 and Moto-2 ranks, coming out on top of a pair of close battles with Pierre Lalande, as the Colombian continues to shine aboard both the Ohvale and his Kawasaki KX65 machine.

Newcomer Jack Dunwoodie would win the Moto-3 and Sport-3 classes with a couple of strong efforts, as the 11-year-old celebrated his CMSBK debut with four victories on the weekend as he potentially turns his focus to the Canada Cup next season.

The inaugural season of the Canadian Mini Superbike National Championship will officially come to a close after a successful campaign that brought a number of future racing stars to the forefront, most notably Lalande – who will continue his progression into CSBK, likely as a member of the Super Sonic Race School Lightweight category.

As for the remainder of the CMSBK field, youngsters like Hardwick and Galvis will return to duel it out for the second edition of the Canada Cup, with many other names sure to join them in the quest to become Canada’s next national MiniSBK champion.

 

 

 

More, from another press release issued by CSBK/PMP:

Lalande clinches Canadian MiniSBK title with race one victory in Lombardy

Lombardy, ON – Vincent Lalande will head into the final Canadian Mini Superbike Championship race with only pride to play for, after securing the Motul Canada Cup national title with another dominant victory at Lombardy Raceway on Saturday.

The 14-year-old MiniSBK star looked set for a perfect campaign after winning the first eight races of the season, but a crash in last weekend’s race two handed the victory to rival Benjamin Hardwick and kept his championship hopes on hold.

That sentiment didn’t last long into the final weekend of the year, however, with Lalande comfortably pacing the initial timed qualifying session and dominating the heat race to put Hardwick on the brink entering race one of the season finale aboard their Pirelli-mounted Ohvale machines.

As has been the case in almost every race this season, Lalande got a brilliant start from pole position and grabbed the holeshot into turn one, but with Hardwick pressuring close behind in second. The latter would pressure him throughout the early part of the lap, but it was only a matter of time as Lalande put the hammer down and quickly pulled away out front.

Despite what looked like a late comeback from the 13-year-old Hardwick, Lalande’s pace was too much to match as he cruised to a ninth victory in ten races, clinching the inaugural Motul Canada Cup national championship in the process.

“I feel really proud to be up here, thanks so much to everyone that helped us this season,” Lalande said. “It was another hard race, but I got a great start again and was able to hold off Ben.”

 

Vincent Lalande (center) was joined by rival Benjamin Hardwick (left) and newcomer Michael Galvis (right) on the Canada Cup national podium. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP.
Vincent Lalande (center) was joined by rival Benjamin Hardwick (left) and newcomer Michael Galvis (right) on the Canada Cup national podium. Photo by Colin Fraser, courtesy CSBK/PMP.

The Canadian Superbike Championship-bound phenom would beat his title rival Hardwick once again, who will return to the MiniSBK paddock again in 2023 as the title favourite – but not before ending his 2022 season with one more shot at Lalande on Sunday.

Completing the podium was debutant Michael Galvis, a star of the support classes who joined the feature Motul Canada Cup national class after just recently turning ten years old to meet the category’s minimum age. Galvis would celebrate his birthday with a brilliant third-place finish, joining Lalande and Hardwick on the rostrum.

Lalande would add two more victories onto his historic day, winning the GP-1 and Moto-1 class races aboard his SpeedFactory67 Buccimoto machine as he inches closer to two more championships on Sunday.

Both victories would come in front of Hardwick, who alternated between his own Ohvale 190 machine and the spec-class 160, while newcomer Benoit Belair completed the podium on both occasions.

Galvis would add two extra trophies of his own on the day, winning the Sport-1 and Moto-2 category races aboard his Kawasaki KX65 to cap off a three-podium day. The ten-year old Colombia native managed to fend off Pierre Lalande in the former race, before winning a thrilling battle with newcomer Fiona Koenig in the Moto-2 class.

Koenig would get some revenge in the Sport-2 category, winning her first MiniSBK race against fellow debutant Jeff Rilley. The first female winner in CMSBK action quickly got up to speed on Saturday, running similar times to Galvis at the front.

The final two races of the day were won by eleven-year-old Jack Dunwoodie, who captured the Moto-3 and Sport-3 trophies ahead of Mason Archer. One of the youngest names in the CMSBK paddock quickly made a name for himself, running near the front in the combined class races late in the day.

The entire slate of support class championships will be handed out on Sunday, with titles still available in the GP-1, Moto-1, Moto-2, Moto-3, Sport-1, Sport-2, and Sport-3 categories, on top of one final national Motul Canada Cup battle between Lalande and Hardwick.

The inaugural Canadian Mini Superbike Championship season will wrap up on Sunday with more action from Lombardy Raceway, concluding a thrilling first campaign of the junior racing series.


Gresini debuts striking MotoGP livery for first Ducati season

Gresini Racing riders Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio have unveiled their 2022 MotoGP machines, with a fresh look for the bikes as the team reverts to fully independent status with Ducati after seven seasons as Aprilia’s partner.

The new livery, produced by veteran MotoGP designer and long-time Valentino Rossi collaborator Aldo Drudi, features a predominantly light blue/grey color that’s unique on the grid and should ensure that the bikes will stand out when action gets underway early next month for the start of pre-season testing.

Enea Bastianini Fabio Di Giannantonio Gresini Ducati MotoGP

The launch marks an emotional day for the Gresini Racing squad as it lines up without team boss Fausto, the former world champion who brought the team to top-level status in the series but tragically died early last year after contracting COVID.

But, with Fausto’s partner Nadia Padovani taking over the squad for 2022 and continuing with the plans already set in motion for its return to satellite status, she says that despite the challenges of the past year, she’s excited to get things underway.

“We’re finally presenting a project we strongly believed in and one we have been working non-stop for during the last year,” said MotoGP’s first female team boss.

Enea Bastianini Gresini Ducati MotoGP

“We’re very motivated and we ended up being the first MotoGP team to present itself; plus, I believe our bikes are beautiful – and I hope all the others will like them, too.

“I would like to think Fausto is looking at us from above and that is proud of his family. There is almost no distinction between natural and work families, we’re one.

Fabio Di Giannantonio Gresini Ducati MotoGP

“I must say that I saw both Diggia and Enea in great shape and eager to start: we’re aiming at being among the protagonists and show up at the parc ferme sometimes.”

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Off Track Podcast: Colin Barton – MotoAmerica

Colin Barton is the colorful, larger-than-life motorcycle racing fanatic who is the man behind BARTCON Racing, which currently competes in the MotoAmerica REV’IT! Twins Cup Championship with South African Dominic Doyle at the controls of the team’s Yamaha R7. Oh, and Barton is as Irish as they come as you’ll no doubt notice when you start listening to this week’s episode of Off Track With Carruthers And Bice. Listen in on how Barton got here, why he’s here and why he’s not going anywhere. Colorful language included.


British Superbike: Sprint Race One Results From Cadwell Park

R1

R1 Points

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:

Fantastic four for Ray as Buchan takes first podium of 2022 Bennetts BSB

Bradley Ray delivered a masterful performance in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship eBay Sprint race at Cadwell Park this afternoon, claiming his fourth win of the season to close the deficit at the top of the standings, with Rory Skinner and Danny Buchan completing the podium.

The restarted race got underway with Ray launching off the Omologato pole position into the lead ahead of Skinner, who had been alongside him on the front row, with Danny Buchan and Jason O’Halloran in close contention.

Ray was pushing at the front to make a break, edging ahead of Skinner and the chasing pack by 0.786s at the chequered flag, but the battle for third was on. Buchan moved ahead of O’Halloran on lap seven as he battled for his first podium finish of the season for the SYNETIQ BMW team and despite the championship leader’s best efforts he couldn’t get back ahead.

The leading trio remained as Ray, Skinner and Buchan with O’Halloran holding fourth place; meanwhile Tommy Bridewell had carved his way up the order on the Oxford Products Racing Ducati to move into fifth place ahead of Peter Hickman on the FHO Racing BMW.

Andrew Irwin was another rider to move up the order; he had a scrap with Leon Haslam for seventh position over the closing stages, meanwhile Glenn Irwin and Josh Brookes were elevated up the order to complete the top ten.

Following the race, Christian Iddon was issued with a 2 second Long Lap equivalent time penalty and a three position grid penalty for Race 2 following an incident on the penultimate lap which caused Tom Sykes to crash out of the race.

The race was initially red flagged on the second lap following a crash that involved Dan Jones, Lee Jackson and Takumi Takahashi. Jones was taken to the circuit medical centre and was conscious, before he was transferred to Hull Hospital for assessment and treatment.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park, eBay Sprint Race:

  1. Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha)
  2. Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) +0.786s
  3. Danny Buchan (SYNETIQ BMW) +1.293s
  4. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +3.340s
  5. Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +3.667s
  6. Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW) +8.388s
  7. Andrew Irwin (SYNETIQ BMW) +12.418s
  8. Leon Haslam (VisionTrack Kawasaki) +12.719s
  9. Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) +13.136s
  10. Josh Brookes (MCE Ducati) +14.294s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

  1. Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 344
  2. Bradley Ray (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) 332
  3. Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) 219
  4. Rory Skinner (Cheshire Mouldings FS-3 Kawasaki) 219
  5. Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing UK) 199
  6. Kyle Ryde (Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha) 177
  7. Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 175
  8. Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 169

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Bradley Ray

Rich Energy OMG Racing Yamaha

“It feels good to win again. It is hard especially in the sprint race with less laps. Everyone is just going to go as quick as they can, I knew if I got the holeshot and led the first lap or two I could put the hammer down.

“In sector one and two I’m ok, but in sector three I was able gain a little bit of time on everyone. I just kept my cool, hit my markers, made a reference lap time that I wanted to do majority of the laps.

“I lost a bit of rear tyre towards the end but overall I am super happy with the Sprint race.  I think tomorrow is obviously going to be a little bit more difficult with two 18 lappers.  I am happy with the package and it is nice to get my first win at Cadwell.

“These next six races for me are about gaining as many podium points to try to close the gap to Jason for when we start the Showdown towards the end of the year. I am over the moon to get the full five podium points for that win and gain those on Jason O’Halloran in the standings.”