Qatar MotoGP: Vinales explains strategy that took him to Qatar victory | MotoGP

Maverick Vinales started the 2021 MotoGP season in sublime form as he took victory at the Qatar Grand Prix.

After starting third on the grid, the Monster Energy Yamaha rider was eighth by the end of the first lap, but regrouped to come through the pack and take his tenth MotoGP career win.

Vinales spoke on Saturday after qualifying about having a good strategy for the race, and that this would play a key role.

That included working together with teammate Fabio Quartararo. The pair made their way from sixth and eighth on lap one, to third and fourth by the end of lap four, and were able to close in on the Ducati riders out front.

However, it became quite clear early on that Vinales had more speed than Quartararo and it was only a matter of time before the overtake would happen.

Speaking about that important phase of the race, Vinales said: “Well I was quite comfortable behind Fabio as I could see the Ducati’s were not going away.

“Fabio was closing the gap and I was trying to save as much tire as possible, especially the rear tyre.

“And with the slipstream off Fabio we were closing the gap, so I didn’t take too many risks, only when I saw that I could have the chance to push and overtake Fabio, Johann and Pecco was when I pushed.

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“These six or seven laps I pushed and I think we managed quite well to make fast laps, and even when we overtake we were very fast. And after that I just tried to manage the tyre.

“Honestly we worked really well this weekend and in the FP4 with the used tire and we understand when the tire is used how to get grip with it.”

One of the issues Vinales seemed to have in 2020 was the lack of grip after the Moto2 race. But this was a none issue for the 26 year old today.

Vinales himself did not expect to have quite this level of performance after the Moto2 race saying: “It is something I didn’t expect because as you know after Moto2 the grip level was very down, but today I had good grip.

“It is a good sign, a really good sign for us because it means we improve that condition where we struggled a lot.

“For the next race I have some ideas where to improve because at some points I was sliding with the rear on the entry of the corner so we need to improve that area.”

Tire degradation can have a huge effect in Qatar as we saw with Jack Miller and especially Jorge Martin who was fourth after the first lap but finished 15th.

Vinales had a clear plan going into the race on how to get the best while conserving the tyres.

“Basically I had a really good feeling with the front tyre. What I did a lot in the beginning of the race was ride with the front tyre, so I don’t burn the rear tire on gas,” said Vinales.

“Yes I did it when I needed to overtake but then I was riding really smooth. So much more than during the weekend.

“This gives me the opportunity with ten laps to go to push and increase the speed.

“Overall I’m really happy and I get back the feeling with the front which was many races that I had without this feeling, but I felt fantastic on the bike.”

MotoGP: A Brilliant Start for Aprilia Racing

Aprilia’s MotoGP team has been kicking serious butt this past weekend.

A recent press release from Aprilia states the weekend’s antics of two riders in particular (Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales), both of which showed excellent times and form after the first two practice sessions.

Aprilia Racing leaning into the twisties this past weekend, during which Espargaro and Vinales claim 1st and 2nd place. Photo courtesy of Aprilia Racing’s press release.

The team has apparently worked a huge amount on tire grip (the vulnerability that plagues every team in the circuit), with the result being that both Espargaró and Viñales “demonstrated great speed, resulting in the two best times of the day and already clear in the morning session.”

(The morning session in question showed equally great results, by the way, with Maverick snatching the second best time and Aleix with the fourth best).

As for how they’re feeling – you could say they’re starting to relax into their paces a bit more.

Aprilia Racing leaning into the twisties this past weekend, during which Espargaro and Vinales claim 1st and 2nd place. Photo courtesy of Aprilia Racing’s press release.

Aleix Espargaró (1st place – 1’39.402):

“It’s always important to start well and to find the right feeling with the bike and with the track. Obviously it’s only Friday, but Maverick and I were both competitive and that renders merit to the team’s hard work. On this track grip is really low, so tire choice and how to manage them to the end of the race are fundamental issues.”

“Now we’ll have to carefully analyze the spin levels and the speed on corners for each different tire in order to make the right choices and set up the best strategy.”

On Aprilia Racing machine. Photo courtesy of Aprilia.

Maverick Vinales (2nd place – 1’39.705)

“I am very, very happy and not just because of the fast lap. On this track, the true difference will be made by knowing how to manage the tires and from this point of view, we’ve done a good job. I’m convinced that tomorrow in FP3 the times will drop even lower.”

“When you put the new tire on here, it almost seems like you’re riding a different bike! In any case, we’ll keep moving forward. We’re on the right track and it would be fantastic to take that last step right here, on my home track and with my fan club trackside cheering me on.”

Aprilia Racing: The logo. Photo courtesy of Aprilia Racing.

We wish the two racers the very best as they continue to find the sweet spot relationship between tire and pavement.

For other stories like this, be sure to checkback at our shiny new webpage, where we source the best of the latest.

Drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as always – stay safe on the twisties.

*Media sourced from Aprilia’s press release*

Yamaha MotoGP Boss Lin Jarvis Not Onboard With Hybrid Engines

Apparently, MotoGP believes it needs to ride the coattails of Formula 1 (F1). On March 14, 2022, the Grand Prix motorcycle race series debuted MotoGP Unlimited on Amazon Prime, mimicking F1’s highly-successful Drive to Survive Netflix series. Unfortunately, a botched rollout and waning interest never moved the needle with non-racing fans.

Most recently, MotoGP organizing body Dorna Sports took another page from F1’s playbook, announcing one sprint race for every round in 2023. In 2027, the series will mandate the use of 100-percent sustainable fuel, but Ducati Race Director Gigi Dall’Igna recently called for more drastic measures. The masterful engineer wants MotoGP to consider F1-esque hybrid drive units with energy recovery systems by the 2027 season.

Those thoughts ruffled the feathers of many MotoGP bosses, and Yamaha Managing Director Lin Jarvis recently sat down with German media outlet Speedweek to relay his thoughts on the matter.

“It is very important that our sport remains sustainable in terms of costs,” Jarvis told Speedweek. “At the same time, it must remain relevant in relation to the technologies that we may use in production for the series motorcycles that can be bought. At this time, Yamaha has no plans to use hybrid power units on production machines. So, we’re not in favor of going in the hybrid direction.”

In F1, hybrid drive regulations have forced teams to utilize Kinetic Energy Motor-Generator Units (MGU-K), Thermal Energy Motor-Generator Units (MGU-H), and Turbochargers. In 2013, F1 upheld a 642-kg (1,415-pound) weight limit. Due to hybrid drives, that number has ballooned to 798 kg (1,760 pounds) in 2022. Production costs have also spiked as a result, with some teams spending three times as much on a hybrid unit.

While Jarvis isn’t on board with the costly and weighty hybrid engines, he happily supports the use of sustainable fuels.

“Yes, we are too confident that by the time Bio Fuel is used, engine performance could be very similar to that of today,” the Yamaha Boss admitted. “You may lose some power immediately upon introduction, but you may recover over time.”

Both racing and the consumer market are adapting to new technologies. But before blindly tagging along, MotoGP should also consider whether Formula 1 solutions will actually make sense for two-wheeled racing.

MotoGP: Honda Repsol Signs on Joan Mir from Suzuki

It’s official; 2020’s MotoGP champion has just been signed on to the Honda REPSOL team – and considering Suzuki’s intentions to exit MotoGP, Honda’s plans to have Mir alongside Marc Marquez for the next season couldn’t be better poised.

Of course, the young racer must first fix the fracture endured to his right foot from his bit of bedlam at the Redbull Ring; with the last 9 races sporting six DNFs (Did Not Finish), new blood on a new steed means new results for Mir’s transcript, allowing him to gracefully round off his time with Suzuki.

And that’s definitely something to celebrate.

Honda’s REPSOL team. Media sourced from Motorsports.

“Thanks to HRC for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to defend these historic colours, which are full of history and world titles,” Mir celebrates in a report from MCN.

“We will take advantage of 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.”

“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, currently racing for Suzuki Team Ecstar. Media sourced from MCN.

Honda currently sits with one podium for the 2022 MotoGP season, thanks to a combination of machine configuration and Marquez suffering an injury that provided complications later on in the season.

With all the team positions officially filled for 2023, we anticipate a tight set of twisties from all involved.

Honda’s REPSOL team rounds the bend at a MotoGP circuit. Media sourced from MCN.

What do you think? Drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.

*Media sourced from VisorDown, MCN other motorsports*

MotoGP: Marquez is pushing for Misano

The Ant of Cervera is on the road to a full recovery!

With a broken humerus diagnosis and a list of reconstructive surgeries, the multiple Grand Prix world title champion has been pressed hard to get back on the asphalt for a proper run since pulling out in early June.

Now, Marc Marquez has just been back on the bike, having swung a leg over a Honda CBR600 at Aragon for the ultimate test: Is he ready for Misano?

Showing up for the Misano test would ultimately ‘help provide vital feedback for the 2023 bike after this year’s machine slipped to sixth and last in the constructors’ standings (per crash) – but the big question everybody wants to know if his body can take the strain.

Based on his grin, we’re thinking the answer’s ‘hell yes.’

Updates on Marc Marquez from Honda Repsol. Media sourced from Twitter.

“Today I can’t stop smiling,” enthuses Marquez in the report.

“After a huge effort I’m back on the bike again. Thanks to all of you who are always pushing me! Let’s keep it up!”

Repsol Honda team manager Alberto Puig will also be looking to see the young racer’s endurance or the coming trials:
“Even if it was not for 100 laps, just 4, it would be very important.”

Marc Marquez walking in the paddock. Media sourced from AutoSports.

All the best to Marquez for the rest of the season, and a hefty congrats to the new Honda Repsol teammate in Joan Mir for 2023!

For other related news, be sure to check back here at our shiny webpage. Subscribe to our newsletter for the best of the latest, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.

*Media sourced from Crash, AutoSport, Twitter, and Box Repsol*

Is 2022 The Closest MotoAmerica Superbike Championship Of Them All? – MotoAmerica

From the very first round of the 2015 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, Cameron Beaubier (6) and Josh Hayes (1) did battle and with two rounds left in the championship that year they were both tied on points. Photo by Brian J. Nelson

With 16 of 20 races complete in the 2022 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship and just one point separating Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC’s Danilo Petrucci in the point standings, it begs the question: Is this the closest Superbike Championship battle in the eight-year history of MotoAmerica?

Believe it or not, the answer is no.

In the very first season of MotoAmerica’s ownership of the AMA Superbike Championship, the title chase was even closer as Monster Energy/Graves Motorsports Yamaha’s Josh Hayes and Cameron Beaubier went into the final two rounds of the 2015 series tied at the top.

Yes, after 14 of 18 races both Hayes and Beaubier were Even Steven on 286 points.

The 2015 season featured an intrasquad battle between Hayes and Beaubier for the duration of the championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

In 2015, the 13^th and 14^th of 18 races was held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and when the dust settled on that weekend of racing, both Hayes and Beaubier had won a race with Hayes winning race one and finishing third in race two while Beaubier won race two after finishing second in race one.

Hayes’ win at Laguna was his eighth on the year; Beaubier’s victory was his sixth of the season up to that point.

With two of his wins at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Beaubier took over the points lead and, going into the season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park, he led the title chase by 18 points. Veteran Hayes did all he could and won both races while the 22-year-old Beaubier did exactly what he needed and raced to the podium in both.

Thus, the closest MotoAmerica Superbike Championship ended with the pair separated by just four points, 372-368.

“I was riding so timid. I was doing everything I could not to risk crashing or anything,” Beaubier said with his first Superbike Championship in pocket. “I was making sure I was staying off the inside curbs… I was definitely riding pretty timid.”

That was then and this is now, and Gagne and Petrucci take their fight to New Jersey Motorsports Park on September 9-11 for round nine of 10 with four races left to go in the war.

MotoGP: Recent Failings Break Decades of Historic Achievements for Honda and Yamaha

Naturally, here at wBW, we are all about the successes of the motorcycling industry.

Attempts toward the world land speed record, triumphs in the electric lab courtesy of…well…Triumphand new tech being integrated for a new age of riding – all of the above get us gunning for the riding season; and unfortunately, writing on the industry’s latest also means logging a few records being broken in the opposite direction.

Such is the case for MotoGP’s team Honda other Yamahawho have, according to AMN, “been stricken with historic failings that break the serial achievements of many decades.”

The crash from Emilia-Romagnia. Media sourced from Auto Sport.

Before bonnets are twisted, admit it – we kind of knew this was coming.

Recent coverage on a potential new chassis for Honda is now shared with the results of the recent race at Emilia-Romagna, where “Taka Nakagami crashed out, Pol Espargaro retired in pain, Alex Marquez’s ride-height gizmo giz-didn’t and Stefan Bradl overheated and finished last.”

The end result? A four-decade streak where ‘there was not a single race without at least one Honda in the points.’

Marc Marquez crashes out. Media sourced from Auto Sport.

Poor Yammie’s not much better; back in November, Quartararo insisted that he wouldn’t sign on to the blue Japanese motorcycle manufacturer until their bikes got better for the MotoGP twisties.

With that bit more or less resolved, Assen’s contributions from the Japanese manufacturer saw ‘the third race this year that none of them – Franco Morbidelli, Andrea Dovizioso, [or] Darryn Binder – finished in the points,’ making Quartararo’s crashing out the more pivotal a problem for the team’s performance.

Fabion Quartararo crashes out. Media sourced from Motorcycle News.

Now, Ducati’s eight machines wreak havoc all over the result sheets, and AMN points out why the other teams’ riders (Marc Marquez in particular) are struggling so much this season:

“Honda and Yamaha have disappeared down the same design wormhole. They have built fine racing bikes that only one rider can use to win races.

A REPSOL bike (Marc Marquez) with a Ducati Lenovo bike on his heels. Media sourced from Motor Sports.

It’s been like that at Honda for the past several years. Understandably. Marc was brilliant from the start, and all development centered around him.

But his brilliance masked that the RC213V was becoming more and more of a handful, and tossing other fine riders, whose skill was never in question (Cal Crutchlow, for one), into the gravel with painful regularity.”

Honda REPSOL’s team. Media sourced from Box REPSOL.

We look forward to seeing what Team Honda and Team Yamaha continue to give us in the coming season.

Stay tuned via our shiny new webpage, drop a comment below, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.

*Media sourced from Motor Sport Magazine, The Guardian, AutoSport, MCN, Box Repsol, and T3 Middle East*