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Rosberg wins in Spa race, Third “more than I hoped for” – Hamilton

2016-08-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Lewis Hamilton says finishing on the podium in the Belgian Grand Prix was more than he hoped to achieve after starting from the back of the grid.

After a grid penalty of sixty places for multiple excessive power unit component and gearbox changes left him starting on the back row, Hamilton avoided the chaos in front and picked his way through the field to claim third place.

“It’s more than what I hoped for,” said Hamilton after the race.
“I didn’t really know what to expected after yesterday with the tyres the way that they are, blistering a lot. I was thinking a top ten was going to be difficult but obviously there was a lot of commotion up front and that definitely helped. But the pace was quite good, so I definitely enjoyed it.”

Mercedes made a strategic decision to change Hamilton’s engine three times over the course of the weekend and incur multiple penalties to avoid the risk of Hamilton facing further grid drops later in the season.

“It’s been quite an unusual weekend,” said Hamilton.
“I’ve never really experienced anything like that. So much work for the guys in the garage and so easy for any of them to make a mistake and none of them did so congratulations to them and big thank you to them and all the guys back at the factory.”

With Hamilton’s team mate Nico Rosberg taking the victory at Spa, Hamilton’s lead in the drivers’ championship has been reduced to nine points, But Hamilton believes this is a good outcome given the circumstances.
“Up to now it’s kind of worked out perfectly in terms of how the last races have gone,” Hamilton said.

“A nineteen point gap was just enough going into the break and to come back here and only lose ten points – of course I never want to lose ten points but it could be a lot worse. I could’ve not finished today – there were some drivers who didn’t – and could’ve been in a much worse position.”

Memory Challenge: Circuito de Jerez

2016-08-27T04:01:00.001-07:00

Check out who remembers the most about one of Europe’s most loved circuits

WorldSBK heads to Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain for the penultimate Round of the 2016 season, so we asked the grid what they could remember about the Andalucian track ahead of the race weekend. Who knows their stuff and who could do with a little revision? Find out in the second of our Memory Challenge specials: Jerez edition!

Schrötter to partner Cortese in Moto2™ for 2017

2016-08-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

All-German line-up once again at Dynavolt Intact GP next season

Tags Moto2, 2016

As Moto2™’s most recent race winner Jonas Folger prepares to move up to MotoGP™ for 2017, Dynavolt Intact GP have announced compatriot Marcel Schrötter is set to join the German outfit in 2017. The German will join Sandro Cortese in the team and keep the all-German line-up intact.

Schrötter has been showing solid progress in the Moto2™ class in 2016 as he rides for the AGR Team, and will join more-experienced Cortese to create a strong line-up as the team look to take more victories after their recent first win in Brno.

Marcel Schrötter: "I am really grateful for their trust in me and for the opportunity to ride and develop my skills as part of what is in my opinion one of the best teams in Moto2. I am super excited about the new challenges ahead of me and I hope that we will be able to reach the final breakthrough as a team. Together with Dynavolt Intact GP I would like to be a regular part of the battles for future podiums and more. A huge thank you to the Intact GP team for giving me this once in a lifetime-opportunity. Before the start of our collaboration I am eager to show an improved performance during the second half of this season. On the one side I would like to leave the AGR team on a high and on the other side I would like to justify the trust that has been shown towards me. I am really looking forward to 2017."

Sandro Cortese: "I'm just happy and grateful to get another chance in the Dynavolt Intact GP despite the recent difficult season. It's nice to know that my team still believes in me. Some races were a bit unfortunate, but I believe that we still will be able to manage a good overall result. With so much bad luck, as it has happened to us this year, it can only get better. Of course it was not easy to come back after my knee injury. But we are now on the right track and the season is not over yet. I'll give everything that we can do a good second half of the season. It is important to never give up in difficult times and to go through this together. Next year we will keep pursuing our goals and I'm looking forward to it."

Folger takes faultless wet win

2016-08-21T17:45:00.001-07:00

German takes commanding victory after taking the lead in Turn 1

Dynavolt Intact GP rider Jonas Folger has taken an incredible win in torrential conditions at the Automotodrom Brno, taking his first win in more than a year. Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40) and Sam Lowes (Gresini Racing Moto2) completed the podium in P2 and P3 respectively, both taking a chunk out of championship leader Johann Zarco’s (Ajo Motorsport) lead as the title defender crossed the line in only eleventh place.

Folger: "I tried to pull away in the beginning"

Folger took the lead by sweeping round the outside into Turn 1, and the German was simply unstoppable for the rest of the race. With one small wobble the only drama for the German, he managed the gap to perfection to cross the line for his first win in 2016 ahead of his graduation to MotoGP™ next season.

Rins: "Happy to get more points than Zarco"

Alex Rins had a stunning turnaround in the wet on race day, as the Spaniard took a solid P2 after having struggled so much more in the dry in Brno. The ride to the podium cut the gap to title leader Zarco by 15 points, keeping the championship in the balance in the second half of the season.

Lowes: "This track is great in the rain"

Sam Lowes also benefitted from the wet in Brno, as the Brit impressed with a calm ride to complete the podium. With Zarco having such a difficult day at the office, Lowes was able to capitalize along with Rins to keep his title hopes alive.

There was drama on the final lap as Sandro Cortese (Dynavolt Intact GP) and Mattia Pasini (Italtrans Racing Team) collided, with Cortese unable to collect his top 5 finish after an impressive ride through the field and Pasini crossing the line in fourth.

Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) had a fantastic ride into P5, as the Spaniard converted his front row start into a top five finish. Marquez, who slotted through Turn 1 impressively on the inside, fought with the front before choosing a solid finish at the flag, calm under pressure as he rebuilds his confidence with another top result. Hafizh Syahrin (Petronas Raceline Malaysia) made good on his nickname of “the Fish” to finish in P6, ahead of Leopard Racing’s Danny Kent in P7 after both moved up the timesheets in the wet.

Franco Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) crossed the line in P8 after taking less risks than those that saw him crash out of contention in the wet German GP, with the second Leopard Racing machine of Miguel Oliveira crossing the line in ninth.

The man in tenth place was Anthony West (Montaze Broz Racing Team), who took his 3-year old Suter chassis from last place on the grid into the top ten - as a wildcard – in one of the most stunning displays of the day.

Moto2™ now head to the UK for the next Round, with Silverstone ready to fire up the engines on the 4th September.

Tags Moto2, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, RAC, #CzechGP, Report

Rossi: "I wasn't as brave as Cal!"

2016-08-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

9-time world champion goes from desperate to podium finish in chaotic Brno

A fast-charging Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) took a P2 finish in the HJC Helmets Grand Prix České republiky, coming through the field from a “desperate” P12 near the start to hone in on the front and slice through to follow winner Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) home. Rossi, who chose the harder option rear tyre but the softer option front, took some time to get up to speed before the red sectors started to appear and the veteran Italian used his superior grip to haul himself back into contention.

Valentino Rossi (P2): “At the beginning I was desperate because I thought we made a mistake. But after? Lap-by-lap the harder rear was coming better and it was a very long race. You have to stay concentrating and not making any mistakes. It was a great race and I’m very happy for these 20 points, because now I’m second in the championship and I think today we did a good job. And we made the right choice on the rear tyre. Unfortunately we didn’t choose the hard front, that was because in the morning I already didn’t have a good feeling with the soft. I wasn’t as brave as Cal.”

After the parc ferme interview, Rossi was further quizzed on the result – gaining P2 over teammate Jorge Lorenzo and moving closer to Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) in the championship – and whether he thought the 53-point mountain was on he expected to be able to climb.

“No,” was the response, with the Italian saying the goal was simply to do his best in the second half of the season and see what happened.

Tags MotoGP, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, RAC, Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, Reaction

Loris Baz and Barbera give Avintia a dream double top 5

2016-08-21T17:18:00.002-07:00

Different strategies but similar, solid finishes see the Frenchman and Spaniard take a P4 and P5 after recent contract renewals

Avintia Racing riders Loris Baz and Hector Barbera took a fastastic double top 5 finish for the team in Brno, with two different strategies paying off for both in different ways. Baz, who went for the same hard compound front and rear tyres as eventual winner Cal Crutchlow, saw his pace improve and improve throughout the race until the former WorldSBK rider took the flag in an impressive P4. Barbera, who challenged at the front throughout the race in an impressive display of wet weather control, suffered more towards the end with the softer option tyres – as did those around him – and a mechanical problem that saw him eventually collect a P5 behind his teammate.

For Baz, who is coming back from injury, the result was a welcome injection of both points and confidence as he equalled his best MotoGP™ result from Misano in 2015. For Barbera, the top five sees him pull to within only 5 points of Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Pol Espargaro at the head of the Independent Teams’ rider championship.

Loris Baz (P4): “We had a great race and we took the right decision with the tyres. Because I weigh so much more than everybody else, I have to use harder tyres and before the race the hard rear seemed to be the right choice for me – but you never know if you’re right because you don’t know if it’s going to rain. We were getting closer and closer but we were missing a bit to be able to get further up. I think we were missing a bit of experience with this tyre, the bike was quite hard and it was difficult to overtake. I’m very happy and this is the best way to thank the team for my renewal. As well, I wanted to have a good race to dedicate it to Luis Salom.”

Hector Barbera (P5): “I’m happy because we had a great race. On lap 12 I had a mechanical problem and I was a bit limited for the further ten laps. I tried to do my best, save the tyres, try to be as smooth as possible, but at the end of the race I had some problems. Anyway, I’m happy because we’re closer every time and sooner or later a great result will come. And I want to congratulate Loris, I’m very happy for him because he’s a great guy and it’s been a tough start to the season for him.”

Tags MotoGP, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, RAC, Hector Barbera, Loris Baz, Avintia Racing

Lorenzo’s gamble that wasn't

2016-08-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

Reigning champion sees comeback interrupted by a tyre problem

Both Movistar Yamaha MotoGP riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi had a difficult start to the Czech GP, crossing the line at the end of lap 1 much further back than their qualifying positions and both having chosen the harder option rear tyre. That seemed a mistake in the first few laps, before the rubber began to come into its own and both riders started to make a big impression on the timesheets – with Rossi eventually crossing the line in P2. Lorenzo, who was at one stage out of the points-scoring positions, also started to see his laptimes drop dramatically as the rear tyre choice began to pay off, and moved back up into the top ten on an impressive charge. Then, with seven laps to go, the reigning champion seemed to make a huge gamble – and came into pitlane to change bikes.

Going back out on his second bike, the decision seemed a wrong one as the Mallorcan then dived back into the pits a lap later to get back on his first machine. However, the lap on the second bike was to give the Movistar Yamaha team time to be able to change the front tyre on the number 1 machine - after the rubber had suffered irreparable damage. Going back out in a last dash few laps, Lorenzo unlapped himself past some key rivals, but was unable to regain the gap on the field.

Jorge Lorenzo (P17): “It‘s a big pity because I was doing a great race. I only had some difficulties stopping the bike at the beginning when there was a little bit more water, and especially with the hard tyre on the exit I didn‘t have grip. I needed to be very careful and that is why I was quite far from the top. But little by little, as the track dried, the rear became better and I started to gain confidence. Seven laps before the end the front tyre tore up so I had to change bike twice - and then finished the race on the first bike in seventeenth. Rossi was unlucky in Mugello and I was unlucky today."

Crutchlow charges through to make history

2016-08-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

The first British win in 35 years – and the second independent team win of the season

After a torrential Moto2™ race at the Automotodrom Brno, it was the turn of the MotoGP™ machines to head out as the rain was just starting to stop – leaving the prospect of a flag-to-flag hanging over the race. In the end it wasn’t to be, and it was Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) who sliced through the field in one of the most spectacular victories in recent years, taking the flag to become the first British winner for 35 years. He also follows Jack Miller (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) into the history books as a winner with an independent team in 2016, with wet weather opening the door for many on the grid.

Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) completed the podium in a chaotic race, with the 9-time champion making a small gain on title rival Marquez as the two crossed the line in P2 and P3 respectively.

Polesitter Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had the worst start off the front row as Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and Andrea Iannone (Ducati Team) swept past the championship leader, before both Movistar Yamaha riders Lorenzo and teammate Valentino Rossi began to drop through the field. Marquez played it safe to slot into the middle of the top ten as his title challengers suffered, as Iannone, teammate Dovizioso and Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Yakhnich) escaped at the front.

Cal Crutchlow then proved the man on the charge, with a tyre combination of a hard front and hard rear coming into its own as the Brit charged from P15 to stunningly catch the front of the race. Dovizioso suffered a tyre problem that saw him pull in, as Crutchlow fought to take over at the front on an incredible roll.

The softer tyre compounds of the frontrunners soon began to see them suffer, and it was Crutchlow leading the charge ahead of Valentino Rossi as the 9-time world champion suddenly clicked into gear and followed the Brit into the lead. The two, after seeming an almost lost cause after Lap 1 as they circulated well outside the top ten, proved unstoppable in their climb through the field and overcame what had seemed almost impossible to take the 1-2.

Marc Marquez then chose his moment to fight back, taking Andrea Iannone and Hector Barbera (Avintia Racing) in the squabble for the podium and protecting his title lead with a steady ride home behind Rossi. Now 53 points clear of Rossi, who took over in P2 in the title fight, Marquez has seen his lead grow through some of the most challenging races of the season - and ridden with a level head to make sure that was the case.

Late chargers as the tyre wear proved decisive saw Loris Baz (Avintia Racing) suddenly appear and overtake his teammate Barbera, and Eugene Laverty (PULL&BEAR Aspar) join the fight as he overtook Iannone for P6.

Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Yakhnich) also overtook his compatriot to end the race in P7, with Iannone coming home just ahead of Maverick Viñales (Team Suzuki Ecstar), who crossed the line in P9.

Tito Rabat (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) kept his head to take his first top ten finish in MotoGP™, ahead of Yonny Hernandez (PULL&BEAR Aspar). Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) had a tough race to come home in P12, with old rival Jorge Lorenzo suffering the worst in Brno as the title contender suffered with a front tyre problem.

Lorenzo fell backwards through the field in the early laps like teammate Rossi, and when he got back on the pace proved to be one of the fastest out there - also like teammate Rossi. With 7 laps to go the 'Spartan' then seemed to make the shocking decision to come into the pits to change bikes, but later revealed the front tyre on the first bike was unridable. The Mallorcan headed back out in the race for a number of laps on the second bike in order to not retire, before switching back to his first machine with different front rubber and trying to salvage a better finish.

Next up? Silverstone, as Crutchlow heads back to his home track for the British GP.

Tags MotoGP, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, RAC, #CzechGP, Report

Rossi: “I could have been on the front row”

2016-08-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Top six for the Italian legend after failing to find a clear bit of track

9-time world champion Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) will begin the Czech GP from the second row of the grid, after a session that saw him encounter traffic and struggle to get a clear run. With a possibility of changed conditions overnight, the Yamaha rider is satisfied to be on the second row rather than third, but waits to see how race day unfolds.

Valentino Rossi (P6): “It‘s a shame for me because I have a better potential and could‘ve arrived on the front row because my ideal time would have been the third one. I pushed a lot on the second tyre, because I knew I could improve by half a second, but unfortunately I got stuck in traffic and we arrived there with everybody waiting, it becomes like a big casino, you have to risk a lot, it‘s a disaster. At the end I hadn‘t done a clear lap, but anyway the second row is not so bad, because if you are on the third it‘s more difficult. The second is for sure worst than the first, but anyway you are in the top group, so we need to wait for tomorrow and understand the conditions, if it will be wet or dry and also the temperature, if it‘s colder it will become more difficult for the front tyre.”

Tags MotoGP, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, Q2, Valentino Rossi, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP, #CzechGP, Reaction

Czech GP race guide: Saturday's fastest in stats

2016-08-20T18:36:00.001-07:00

A guide to the fastest men in qualifying at the Automotodrom Brno

Marc Marquez starts from pole for the fifth time in 2016. From his previous four poles this year he has had three wins and a second place finish. This is the 63rd pole of his career, which equals the number of career poles for Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

- Jorge Lorenzo, the winner of the Czech GP last year, is in second place on the grid. This is his first front row start since the Catalan Grand Prix.

- Andrea Iannone, who starts from third place on the grid, is aiming to be the first Ducati rider to take back-to-back MotoGP wins since Casey Stoner won at Aragon and Motegi in 2010.

- Aleix Espargaro heads the second row of the grid riding a Suzuki, making it four different manufacturers filling the top four places on the grid. This is the Team Suzuki Ecstar rider's best qualifying result since he was fourth on the grid at Valencia last year.

- The top Independent Team rider is Hector Barbera in fifth place on the grid.

- Valentino Rossi takes the final place on the second row. This is his worst qualifying result since he was in 7th place on the grid at Le Mans.

- Andrea Dovizioso, who is making his 250th successive grand prix start, heads the third row of the grid.

- Starting from eight place on the grid is Maverick Viñales, who has been the first Suzuki rider across the line at the last six races.

- Dani Pedrosa is in ninth place on the grid, which is his best qualifying result since the Catalan Grand Prix

- Heading the fourth row is Cal Crutchlow, who finished third at Brno in 2012 to score his first podium finish in grand prix racing.

- Bradley Smith is in 11th place on the grid. This is his best qualifying result since the Italian GP at Mugello.

ags MotoGP, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, Q2, #StatAttack

Stunning Marquez races to record Brno pole

2016-08-20T18:27:00.001-07:00

Championship leader overtakes Rossi in the final corner to take a record pole position

Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) has taken pole position in Brno, as the points leader in the title fight left it late to overcome an ominous-looking Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) in the final minutes of Q2. Marquez, who topped Friday but had since been overshadowed by compatriot Lorenzo in FP3 and FP4, pulled out an incredible laptime in the session – including overtaking the provisional polesitter’s Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi into the final corner in a spectacular move. Poleman last time out Andrea Iannone (Ducati Team) completes the front row in P3.

Marquez had an orange first sector after Lorenzo’s second attempt saw him move further clear at the top, before the timing screens went red in sector 2 and 3 – with the final part of the track the decider. With two tenths to play with, Marquez came up behind the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 of Pol Espargaro and Movistar Yamaha of Valentino Rossi at the final corner – and slotted between the two through the final apex.

Jorge Lorenzo has shown sublime form all Saturday in Brno, including proving the first man to break the lap record in FP3, and also topped FP4 before just losing the pole position to compatriot and championship rival Marc Marquez. Lorenzo’s race pace looks ominous however, with memories of Brno 2015 also sure to be high in rivals’ minds.

Andrea Iannone had an up and down Saturday before just pipping Aleix Espargaro (Team Suzuki Ecstar) to complete the front row, with a technical issue earlier in the day and a crash. Iannone was the last man to cross the line and had to wheel the bike back up pitlane to parc ferme after not having realized how far up the grid he had qualified.

Behind Espargaro in P5 was Hector Barbera (Avintia Racing), who recovered from a difficult FP3 for a great qualifying result. The Spaniard beat 9-time world champion Valentino Rossi to the top 5, as the Italian completes row 2 in P6.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) had a number of issues in the session and got out of sync as he changed the front tyre and tried to make the best of the limited time, but managed a P7 result ahead of the second Team Suzuki Ecstar machine of Maverick Viñales. Repsol Honda rider Dani Pedrosa completes the third row in P9 after moving up from Q1, ahead of LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow to round out the top ten.

Marquez’ pole takes the Spaniard equal on pole positions with Movistar Yamaha MotoGP pairing Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, with the top 3 men in the title fight now - incredibly - tied on a record 63 pole positions each across all classes…sharing the honours, for once, at the top of the table.

The Sunday showdown sees the lights go out for the race at 14:00 local time (GMT+2) at the Automotodrom Brno.

Tags MotoGP, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, Q2, #CzechGP, Report

Points leader makes stunning save to top the timesheets

2016-08-20T02:02:00.001-07:00

Marc Marquez’ (Repsol Honda Team) Friday in Brno looked set to be defined by a stunning save in FP2, before the championship leader went back out on a fresh tyre and decimated his previous laptime - taking back the top spot from reigning champion Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP). The championship leader saved a crash just before the entry to pitlane, heading back to the garage in the aftermath and then preparing another assault – the one that saw him drop his previous laptime dramatically to go fastest on Friday.

In the final few seconds, Austrian GP winner Andrea Iannone (Ducati Team) put in a final dash to knock reigning champion Lorenzo into P3 after also showing good pace in the morning, as both Iannone and teammate Dovizioso (P6) made sure the momentum from their team’s stunning return to winning ways continued to push them forward.

Jorge Lorenzo was the fastest Yamaha on Friday, as the 3-time MotoGP™ world champion built on a good morning to improve in the afternoon and challenge at the very front. Topping the session – characteristically – with more than one hot lap, Lorenzo was only a tenth down after Marquez and Iannone struck back and will be hoping to build on a good Friday to find the same form that saw him dominate the 2015 Czech GP from lights to flag.

Hector Barbera (Avintia Racing) used his Ducati horsepower wisely and was P4 - and top independent - on Friday, ahead of 9-time world champion Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) as the ‘Doctor’ completed the top five after a solid first two sessions in Brno. Aleix Espargaro (Team Suzuki Ecstar) was seventh behind Dovizioso with an impressive effort despite a finger broken at the Red Bull Ring, with Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Bradley Smith having a good day at the office in P8.

Maverick Viñales (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) completed the top ten in P9 and P10 respectively, with one more practice session remaining to determine direct entry to the Q2 qualifying session.

For full FP2 result

Brno, Friday, August 19, 2016

Pos.	Num.	Rider	Nation	Team	Bike	Km/h	Time	Gap 1st/Prev.
1	93	Marc MARQUEZ	SPA	Repsol Honda Team	Honda	307.8	1'55.840
2	29	Andrea IANNONE	ITA	Ducati Team	Ducati	311.0	1'55.944	0.104 / 0.104
3	99	Jorge LORENZO	SPA	Movistar Yamaha MotoGP	Yamaha	307.2	1'55.977	0.137 / 0.033
4	8	Hector BARBERA	SPA	Avintia Racing	Ducati	307.7	1'56.124	0.284 / 0.147
5	46	Valentino ROSSI	ITA	Movistar Yamaha MotoGP	Yamaha	307.7	1'56.174	0.334 / 0.050
6	4	Andrea DOVIZIOSO	ITA	Ducati Team	Ducati	312.3	1'56.235	0.395 / 0.061
7	41	Aleix ESPARGARO	SPA	Team SUZUKI ECSTAR	Suzuki	305.9	1'56.441	0.601 / 0.206
8	38	Bradley SMITH	GBR	Monster Yamaha Tech 3	Yamaha	308.0	1'56.494	0.654 / 0.053
9	25	Maverick VIÑALES	SPA	Team SUZUKI ECSTAR	Suzuki	306.4	1'56.615	0.775 / 0.121
10	26	Dani PEDROSA	SPA	Repsol Honda Team	Honda	309.6	1'56.662	0.822 / 0.047
11	35	Cal CRUTCHLOW	GBR	LCR Honda	Honda	306.6	1'56.837	0.997 / 0.175
12	76	Loris BAZ	FRA	Avintia Racing	Ducati	304.9	1'56.957	1.117 / 0.120
13	9	Danilo PETRUCCI	ITA	OCTO Pramac Yakhnich	Ducati	306.2	1'57.052	1.212 / 0.095
14	45	Scott REDDING	GBR	OCTO Pramac Yakhnich	Ducati	308.0	1'57.090	1.250 / 0.038
15	44	Pol ESPARGARO	SPA	Monster Yamaha Tech 3	Yamaha	306.1	1'57.335	1.495 / 0.245
16	50	Eugene LAVERTY	IRL	Pull & Bear Aspar Team	Ducati	308.3	1'57.336	1.496 / 0.001
17	6	Stefan BRADL	GER	Aprilia Racing Team Gresini	Aprilia	304.3	1'57.471	1.631 / 0.135
18	19	Alvaro BAUTISTA	SPA	Aprilia Racing Team Gresini	Aprilia	303.4	1'57.569	1.729 / 0.098
19	68	Yonny HERNANDEZ	COL	Pull & Bear Aspar Team	Ducati	306.9	1'57.724	1.884 / 0.155
20	53	Tito RABAT	SPA	Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS	Honda	305.5	1'58.054	2.214 / 0.330

Weather Conditions:

| Track Condition: Dry| Air: 21º| Humidity: 68%| Ground: 30º

Records:

Fastest Lap:	Lap: 14	Marc MARQUEZ	1'55.840	167.9 Km/h
Circuit Record Lap:	2014	Dani PEDROSA	1'56.027	167.6 Km/h
Best Lap:	2015	Jorge LORENZO	1'54.989	169.1 Km/h

CzechGP: Riders focus on the points now back on known soil

2016-08-19T06:46:00.003-07:00

Pre-event press conference sees discussions center around the championship battle after Ducati’s win in Austria

The pre-event Press Conference for the HJC Helmets Grand Prix České Republiky saw Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Yakhnich), Andrea Iannone (Ducati Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) meet the press ahead of the event, with the focus of the session squarely set on the championship, and how cards have shuffled after the Austrian GP.

Marc Marquez was the first to speak, and the championship leader first discussed his shoulder – after a crash in FP3 at the Austrian GP caused a brief dislocation.

“The shoulder we can say it’s not 100% - but it’s fixed and won’t be a problem for this weekend,” affirmed the 2013 and 2014 World Champion. “At the moment if I work well in the gym the shoulder will be fixed but who knows in the future. Everything looks fine at the moment, and it looks like Brno will be a better circuit for us. It was an important fifth place in Austria because Lorenzo only took 5 points more, and Valentino only 2. So I’m happy about that because we were struggling at the Red Bull Ring and could have lost a lot of points. But here we’ll try and fight for the victory, and if it’s not possible to win just try and not lose too many points to the Yamaha riders.”

Whilst Marquez defends his 43 point lead, Jorge Lorenzo is the man on the chase and got back on the podium in Austria after some more difficult races.

“I needed a good result,” said Lorenzo of his impressive ride at the Red Bull Ring. “I didn’t doubt that sooner or later I would get back there but the result helps. And now here we’re at a circuit that historically and theoretically is good for us, and good for my riding style. So let’s see if theory matches reality and we can fight for the win. These tyres can change things dramatically at every track. One race you can dominate and win the race then the next one you can be fifth. And now, with the Ducatis being competitive, you can finish easily down in fifth. You can lose a lot of points or recover a lot of points, so this can change things a lot.”

This battle in the top echelons of the points was a point of focus in the Press Conference, with the riders agreeing there were 7 riders that could fight for a victory – the Yamaha, Honda and Ducati factory team riders – as well as Maverick Viñales (Team Suzuki Ecstar).

Valentino Rossi was focused on trying to fight with Marquez and Lorenzo at the venue, after not having been able to in the recent race weekends at the track. The Italian took his first win in the 125 world championship in Brno, as a rookie in 1996 – meaning the track does have a special memory as he returns to it once again, 20 years later.

“This year seems like the opposite of last year with a lot of good qualifying, a lot of front rows…but then more problems in the race,” said the rider from Tavullia. “We need to understand the level of the others because the Ducatis could also be very strong here, and the Hondas. Marquez, but also Pedrosa because he always goes very well in Brno. It’s a great track and also the scene of my first victory so it’s unforgettable. But in the last few years I haven’t been able to be as fast as Marquez and Lorenzo. The target for this weekend is to be a bit faster and fight with them.”

Andrea Iannone was present for the Ducati Team after taking the win last time out at the Red Bull Ring, but is very much back to business, expecting Brno to be more challenging.

“The victory was incredible, but now it’s important to remain focused on the second half of the championship because there are some very strong riders,” said the Ducati winner. “I know Dovizioso will be pushing hard in the final part of the season but so will I, to close out our relationship positively.”

Another Ducati rider present was Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Yakhnich), who is hoping to keep his 2016 momentum going after a podium, a P4 and a top open finish in the last three races.

“The beginning of the season was difficult when we were a bit unlucky,” said Redding. “But the last race was quite good and the target is always to finish top 8 - so I was happy with that. I like this circuit, but in the past on smaller bikes my size has seemed like a bit of a disadvantage at Brno.”

Alvaro Bautista has recently been announced as returning to the PULL&BEAR Aspar Team for 2017 to ride a Ducati, with the Spanish veteran having shown great progress on his current Aprilia Racing Team Gresini machine. “I’m so happy to go back to the Aspar team,” beamed the former world champion. “And it’s a team I had great results with in the past.” Those results included winning the 125 world championship with the team in 2006, during a long relationship that the Spaniard is eager to return to.

With initial press duties now over, riders will be back on track at Brno on Friday 19th August at 9:00 local time (GMT+2), as Free Practice gets underway.

Tags MotoGP, 2016, HJC HELMETS GRAND PRIX ČESKÉ REPUBLIKY, Press Conference

Back with a bang: Ducati domination of the #AustrianGP

2016-08-16T05:09:00.002-07:00

Iannone and Dovizioso end the drought for the legendary manufacturer

Tags MotoGP, 2016, NEROGIARDINI MOTORRAD GRAND PRIX VON ÖSTERREICH, Report

After testing ahead of the NeroGiardini Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich, the word penciled in next to the victory was undoubtedly Ducati. Following the timesheets from the test on the horsepower-dominated circuit, the venue appeared to be neither a ‘Honda track’ nor a ‘Yamaha track’ but a new breed altogether – a ‘Ducati track’. That left the Borgo Panigale factory’s riders fielding questions throughout the weekend about the possibility of the first Ducati win since 2010 as the pressure mounted, but both Iannone and Dovizioso stayed cool and topped all the sessions but one heading into the race. In that race, the two red machines made a break for it and history was made.

"A lot of people at Ducati have worked a lot of hours - really a lot of hours - for four years. So I want to thank them for creating this situation."

Andrea Dovizioso
Iannone was the only rider to switch to the medium tyre allocation, which proved decisive in the final laps as the 'Maniac' held off teammate Dovizioso in the veteran's 250th GP. 'DesmoDovi' didn't have enough grip on the right hand side of the tyre. Iannone's victory ended a six year drought for the team – as well as being his first win – and Dovizioso crossing the line second for a 1-2 marks the 2016 Austrian GP as the first time since Phillip Island 2007 that the Ducati Team has achieved that feat. The project has been a long one for Borgo Panigale – but it also seems to be gradually changing from a project of goals into one of achievements.

The Ducati domination at the Red Bull Ring locked out the 25 and 20 point-scoring positions for the men fighting at the top of the table, and championship leader Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was the man who suffered most as the Spaniard crossed the line in P5. Even before the gloves came off, the championship looked as though it could have been thrown wide open on Saturday morning as Marquez lost control of his Honda and narrowly avoided collecting teammate Dani Pedrosa – who had also run wide – on his trip towards the gravel trap. Marquez uncharacteristically took some time to get to his feet and shake the crash off, with the 2-time MotoGP™ champion holding his shoulder as he walked back towards the scooter.

Smith: “We really turned things around”

2016-08-16T04:53:00.001-07:00

Brit reflects on a tricky weekend overcome at the Red Bull Ring

Tags MotoGP, 2016, NEROGIARDINI MOTORRAD GRAND PRIX VON ÖSTERREICH, RAC, Bradley Smith, Monster Yamaha Tech 3, Reaction

Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) is having a tough season in 2016 ahead of his move to the factory KTM team, but the Brit turned around a tough Friday into a top ten in the race in Austria and beat teammate Pol Espargaro over the line as the Tech 3 duo completed the top ten. Despite disappointment at missing out on crossing the line as top independent rider to compatriot Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Yakhnich), Smith is nevertheless happy with the weekend.

Bradley Smith (P9): "Overall, I have to be happy with the result and we really turned things around today. Having said that, I am also a little bit disappointed because the top satellite position was the aim, especially after the pace that we had in warm-up and I knew that we had a good chance. I was lucky at the beginning of the GP with all the jumps starts around me but I lost a large amount of time on the opening lap and then there were quite a few mistakes by other riders, which cost me. I was pleased that I managed to cut the gap to Laverty and Redding and I believe that I was really strong in the middle part of the Grand Prix. The only issue was that I put a lot of stress on my tyres to close that deficit to those riders. As we weren’t too sure about the fuel consumption, we had to play it safe and slightly dial down some of the power, which meant that I wasn’t able to get close enough to Redding to make a full attack. However, we already knew it would be a challenging weekend, but from where we were on Friday to where we are now, it’s clear to see that we’ve made a big step and I have to say that I’m very proud."

Andrea Iannone pole position at the Red Bull Ring in Austria,2016

2016-08-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Andrea Iannone has taken an incredible last dash pole position at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, as the Italian came out top in a four-way shootout at the front. Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was just beaten to the top spot and will start from the middle of the front row, ahead of the second Desmosedici of Andrea Dovizioso.
See the full qualifying timings here

Tips driving an automatic car

2016-08-12T18:00:00.001-07:00

So that we are safe when driving on the highway automatic transmission may be some way we have to do:

1. Make sure the gear lever is in the P (parking) or N (Neutral) when you turn on the ignition. Matic transmission manufacturer to design a car engine can only be switched on when the lever is in that position.

2. Once the machine is turned on, allow some time for the working temperature of the engine and automatic transmission is reached. For some types of automatic transmission, the shift speed automatic transmission can not occur in transmission work perfectly when the temperature has not been reached

3. Make sure to press the brake pedal when going shift lever / run cars. For example when the shift lever from P to R and then to N and D, or from D to N, then R and to P. Braking time shift lever is needed to avoid potential mechanical damage.

4.To start the trip in normal road conditions, slide the lever to position D (drive) to walk forward and R (backward). For road conditions uphill, downhill roads or slippery roads, requiring the help of engine braking (engine break), slide the lever to position 2. When the streets very sharp uphill or downhill is very steep, slide to position 1 or L.

5. Select the operating mode or Power Economist (when available). Economist mode is generally selected for conditions that are sometimes jammed city streets, to use less fuel or you want a more relaxed drive. On the mode selection Economist, the displacement speed automatic takes place earlier. Power mode allows the transfer slower speed automatic, so that the car can be invited accelerated. In some types of automatic transmission, the operation mode selection Power, the same as the operating mode selection S (Sport). 5. Select the operating mode or Power Economist (when available). Economist mode is generally selected for conditions that are sometimes jammed city streets, to use less fuel or you want a more relaxed drive. On the mode selection Economist, the displacement speed automatic takes place earlier. Power mode allows the transfer slower speed automatic, so that the car can be invited accelerated. In some types of automatic transmission, the operation mode selection Power, the same as the operating mode selection S (Sport). 5. Select the operating mode or Power Economist (when available). Economist mode is generally selected for conditions that are sometimes jammed city streets, to use less fuel or you want a more relaxed drive. On the mode selection Economist, the displacement speed automatic takes place earlier. Power mode allows the transfer slower speed automatic, so that the car can be invited accelerated. In some types of automatic transmission, the operation mode selection Power, the same as the operating mode selection S (Sport).

6. Make the OD button or slide the lever to position 3 ( when available ) to help you accelerate using third gear , ahead of the car when driving at speeds above 60 km / h , or when eating long climbs that require you to use your teeth 3. OD / OFF light means the displacement speed automatic transmission is limited to 3rd gear .

7. Use the selection of the operating mode M (Manual) ~ if this facility is available, when you want to drive a car matic like driving a manual car. With facilities matic manual (tiptronic or other terms), allowing you to add and reduce the rate of acceleration / gear according to taste. The trick is to slide the lever to position M (can when the car stops or when the road with any speed), then slide the lever to (+) to add dental or (-) to lower the gear. For specific car equipped marshal shift behind the wheel, having lever is shifted to M, just pull marshal the right (+) to add teeth and left (-) to lower the gear.
For mobilmatic that no manual-matic facility, if they want to make the shift speed / gear manually could have been. Suppose you start the way of gear 1 / L. To add speed, simply move the lever to 2. If you want to add speed to the third gear (for auto matic operation selection P R N D 2 L), before meggeser lever to D press the first button in order OD OD / OFF. Can also reverse the sliding lever to D and then immediately press the OD. This was done in order to avoid automatic gearshift from 3 to 4. Furthermore, when it would move into 4th gear enough to hit the back button OD. To auto matic P R N D-3 2 1 / L, when you want to move from gear 2 to 3 simply shift lever from 2 to 3. Next to enter the gear shift lever 4 enough from 3 to D.

ATTENTION! Be careful if you want to shift the gear lever from upper to lower, for example from 3 to 2 and then to 1 / L. Or from D to 2 and then to 1 / L. Notice the speed of vehicles before you shift lever. Try not at high speeds because of the potential damage the planetary gear set (gearbox). Generally each matic transmission has a maximum speed limit on every level of acceleration

That's seven ways that we are safe in driving an automatic car, may we be quiet and relaxing ride

Puccetti Is Kawasaki Boss Talks 2016 So Far: Sofuoglu, Krummenacher and Winning

2016-08-06T19:46:00.002-07:00

The team boss of Kawasaki Puccetti Racing discusses the season up to the summer break

Kenan Sofuoglu and Kawasaki Puccetti Racing came into 2016 as defending Champions in WorldSSP, but there was one key difference as the lights went out for the new season: the guy next door. Randy Krummenacher, former 125 and Moto2 rider, joined the team from Moto2 and immediately got to grips with the WorldSSP category, with the Swiss rider winning the first Race of the season in Phillip Island – a first for him, a first for Switzerland, and making himself into only the sixth rider in history to have won his first Race. Partnered with the most-successful rider of all time in WorldSSP, the duo have been frontrunners since that first weekend of the year. Manuel Puccetti talked to WorldSBK.com about the reigning Champion, the Swiss rookie, and the San Carlo Team Italia bikes that the team also field in the FIM Europe Supersport Cup.

“It’s been a great season so far,” says Puccetti. “We knew that Kenan was the king of the category but no one thought Randy would be so fast, so I’m so happy that we have both of our bikes in front – always or very often – and I hope it can continue like this!”

The team in green have more often than not been the pacesetters and enjoyed the podium Prosecco, so how is it having the two riders fight week in, week out?

“Kenan has a lot of pressure from inside the box and that helps a lot – we can push each other and we want to keep doing that. And Randy says he’s very happy here. He feels very good on the bike and compared to Moto2 it’s heavier, but he prefers the tyres. He’s very happy with the crew chief and the team as well. It’s not easy having two riders who can win but I like it because they both want to win and both have the package to win – they can fight until the end of the season.”

The teammates are at the top of the title standings, as they have been for most of the season, and with four Rounds left the team seems to be enjoying a good position. But that’s not the only involvement Puccetti have in WorldSSP, as the team also run the San Carlo Team Italia outfit in the ESS, with Axel Bassani and Alessandro Zaccone – who are also 1-2 in the points standings of their category.

“Zaccone and Bassani are very good talents and very good guys,” says Puccetti of the younger generation. “We’ve given them the same bikes as Kenan and Randy so it’s a very good package and with the talent they have they can do a very good job. They have a bit of an easier time than other European Supersport riders because they can look at the data of Kenan and Randy, but it’s not easy to stay in front.”

The media centre, echo and loudspeaker for the MotoGP

2016-08-05T19:47:00.002-07:00

Behind the cameras, in a place little known by the MotoGP fans, hundreds of journalists cover each GP from the press office. For them, the Grand Prix is even longer than for the riders.

"More than 10,000 press credentials are processed each year for the #MotoGP, do you know how many just for TV?

The GP is very long at the media centre

In a European Grand Prix, on a Sunday at three in the afternoon, the MotoGP winner has just been announced. The riders still have some work ahead of them: parc fermé, the podium, the press office, the meetings with the team afterward to analyse the day... But for the journalists on the circuit, at least a lot of them, they have many hours of work to do.

The media centre is their base camp, their second home. It's there that journalists, camera operators, and photographers meet, with more than 50 different nationalities. To give us a clearer idea: the GPs can be broadcast for up to 83 TV channels. Sometimes, the time difference between the circuit and its country of origin obliges many journalists to stay in the media centre until very early in the morning to finish their respective reports on the race.

Other times there are journalists from specialized magazines who sometimes need to have the magazines out on Tuesday. In any circumstance, there's no other option than to work on Sunday until the job is done and ready to appear in the publication's next edition.

It's not a small amount of work either. The minimum coverage that we see in this type of magazines, reporting every detail of the recently raced GP, is 12 pages. But it generally goes beyond that, and it's not unusual to have to write 18 or 20 pages in the end.

The second World Championship family

All this work goes on until late and begins quite early. One could say that the Grand Prix begins on Thursday. In the afternoon, the official press office opens the GP, with the presence of the main players, but in the morning is when the movement really begins. It's media day, when the most famous riders give interviews, pose for photographs and do special promotional events and even themed events on occasion.
Photo: meme "What makes a GP go"

However, even though it's clearly a demanding job, it's a different atmosphere, and atmosphere of community, of constant collaboration. Many of the journalists have known each other for decades and that helps create a good collaborative atmosphere. You need a specific photo but unfortunately you were on the other side of the circuit and couldn't get it? There's no problem at the media centre: it's teamwork, and you're going to find the help that you need, or that photo that you couldn't get. Quid pro quo.

Monitors, times, sheets

This work centre has rows of monitors that offer the journalists two options that they have to do at the same time: broadcast each session or each race (there's nothing like seeing each bend in a GP), and the time monitors, because in the end the differences between the riders have to be watched.

Data like fastest laps can also be seen on these monitors, as well as the information that every journalist is hoping to read after each fall: "Rider OK". The total times of each session are also printed and delivered to the scoreboard on time.

THE MEDIA CENTRE IN DATA:

•    The media centre has a high speed internet connection and satellite connections to transmit the television signal.

•    More than 500 credentials are given per GP, to media from throughout the world, whether television, magazines, digital media, or radio.

•    In total, more than 10,000 credentials are processed per year, of which more than half are for TV.

•    Dorna has their own team for filing and editing the GPs live, with more than 200 people, not including the local people that help the team.

•    In each GP there are more than 70 tons of equipment, with seven main control units, some 30 cameras for different parts of the circuit, and more than 70 micro cameras for the motorcycles (including gyroscopic cameras). There are also the high frame rate cameras that move through the paddock and the pit lane ,the high speed cameras, and the helicopter cameras.

•    The system used by Dorna allows for the simultaneous viewing of multiple cameras in HD. This can always be seen in the media centre. It also allows for the new pay TVs that offer these services.

Tags:

2015 - MotoGP - Dani Pedrosa - Marc Márquez

How Dani Pedrosa's helmets are made

2016-08-05T19:14:00.001-07:00

The manufacturing process of a helmet is a highly complex task. Our two MotoGP riders, Marc Márquez and Dani Pedrosa put their trust in Shoei and Arai respectively to get the job done. We begin a series of two reports in which we talk to both brands to really find out how a World Championship rider's helmet is created, starting with Arai.

How are MotoGP helmets made?

There is no difference between the manufacturing process of Arai helmets for customers and the process used for MotoGP riders. All our helmets meet the same standards. We do not distinguish between the riders and our customers as they all need the best possible protection. In general, Arai offers helmets that meet the ECE 22-05 and SNELL standards both for MotoGP and regular riders alike.

Do you take into account the size and shape of the rider's head?

Most riders are supplied with standard size helmets, but there are some whose head shape is slightly different from the norm. When this happens, Arai provides a special assistance service: the MotoGP Racing Service that has decades of experience adapting and customising riders' helmets. The size and shape of the rider's head is carefully measured and this information is recorded for each rider. Basically, these modifications are done by adjusting the helmet lining.

Do the riders tend to make specific or demanding requests?

Some riders do. If they sweat more than normal, for example, sometimes we adjust the materials and structure of the lining to better meet their needs.

What feedback do you get from Dani when he tries out a new helmet?

Dani’s greatest concern is comfort and his line of sight, judging by his most recent instructions. Like him, other riders also give us feedback about our products, and this sometimes helps us to inspect them and improve on them.

How many helmets do you bring to the Grand Prix?

Each rider supported by Arai Racing Service takes with them at least four customised helmets with their individual design. We also have a reserve of helmets at our factory that can be sent immediately.

How many helmets are manufactured for Dani in a season?

The rider receives at least six helmets.

How have the competition helmets improved and changed over the last few decades?
Our high-range models have got better and better over the years. The last RX-7V, for example, has a variable-axis visor system that makes the shell even bigger, smoother, and stronger. We've improved various aspects of the helmet: better ventilation, an improved fit, and increased comfort.

Ten Kate Talks: Jacobsen in WorldSSP

2016-08-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Honda World Supersport Team boss on PJ Jacobsen and the year in World Superspor

American PJ Jacobsen joined the Ten Kate squad at the beginning of 2016 after coming runner-up in the title in WorldSSP the season before, with aspirations of another push at the title. Having been challenging at the front and for the podium all season, some early mistakes have undermined the points total the New Yorker now counts on, and he is yet to snatch that elusive first win. But the title is not over yet and Jacobsen once again has proved himself a key protagonist in WorldSSP. Ahead of the summer break, Team Manager Ronald Ten Kate talked to WorldSBK.com about the season so far.

“We’ve always been frontrunners this season although it has unfortunately been a bumpy road for us,” says Ten Kate. “Not finishing a few times and crashing out when battling for the lead doesn’t help but it’s an exciting season so far. We’re still waiting for the win to come but I’m quite confident it will come this season.”

A crash at MotorLand Aragón out of the lead of the Race, and a similar incident in difficult conditions at Assen have been lows of the season for the squad, but the pace shown by the American rider is consistently quick – and since then, the podium has been a regular pit stop for Jacobsen.

“At the start of the season we were having some problems with the setup because we changed some things over the winter,” explains the Dutchman. “But once we found our way we have been up at the front all the time. It’s just been lacking consistency in the first couple of Rounds; it’s not like we have been missing a lot. But we could have done with some more testing in winter I believe.”

Interest in both team and rider is high, with Jacobsen also sharing Ten Kate with 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, who was another incoming rider from the USA at the beginning of the season.

“There’s a big USA flavor in the team now, that’s clear,” says Ten Kate of the two Americans. “They are friends and they talk to each other but it’s not that they are constantly pushing each other around. You want the excitement that comes from winning Races, but certainly having riders like PJ who bring so much interest to the team is always good. And if they’re doing good on track and showing great winning potential, then yes. In a way PJ is already getting senior in the team and in the class, and he’s growing and growing. We’re very happy with what we’ve seen from him – but he’s only forgotten to win!”

All three Ten Kate riders are set to ride at the Suzuka 8h in the summer break too, with Hayden and van der Mark sharing a team and Jacobsen also riding. So the break before Lausitzring will see plenty of track time for the three, with hopes for a test before the Pirelli German Round and then a last push through the last four Rounds of the season.

“We want to see if we can test at Lausitzring before, although we’re pretty tied up with our riders in the Suzuka 8h,” the Team Manager explains. “So we want to and we’ll see what we can do. With the pedigree the team has and with a rider the quality of PJ, you’ve got to aim for the title. It ain’t over yet – just one DNF from the green boys would mean we were very close up again. We’re counting on our own strengths to become winners, but it’s not over.”

Those last four Rounds to cap off another thrilling season begin in Germany in September, before Magny-Cours and Jerez lead the way to the finale at Losail International Circuit in Qatar, with 100 points in WorldSSP still up for grabs.

6 legendary bikes: the Honda RC211V of Valentino Rossi

2016-08-05T03:48:00.003-07:00

1. Mick Doohan (Honda NSR 500), (1995-1998)

The name of the rider Mick Doohan will always be linked to this legendary bike. Five world titles vouch for the Australian rider, four of which he won in the colours of the Repsol Honda Team.

This is how Doohan's title-winning bike developed:

Debuting in 1984, the NSR500 was and still is a legendary bike, with specifications for its time that few riders managed to maximise. As you can see, we are talking about a model that had a long journey in the World Championship. In 1992 Honda developed the “Big Bang”, a new engine with a completely different firing order and with a characteristic exhaust sound, which was an even greater leap forward compared to the specifications of its rivals.

We are talking about more than 180 horsepower, which made it an aggressive machine that demanded a very high level of riding skill.

World Championships: 4
Wins with Doohan from '95 to '98: 35
Podiums with Doohan from '95 to '98: 47

2. Álex Crivillé (Honda NSR 500), (1999)

In addition to Mick Doohan, if there is another rider who fans associate with the NSR500, it is Álex Crivillé. His 1999 world title marked a historic milestone for Spanish motorcycling.

This is how Crivillé's title-winning bike developed:

When Álex Crivillé started riding the NSR500 it was the best bike in the World Championship. Honda had already incorporated the “Big Bang” system, a new engine that was the greatest evolution and discovery of its time: with a very characteristic exhaust sound, the NSR500 was a huge advance compared to its rivals in the World Championship with more than 180 horsepower. It was said to be a very aggressive bike.

Doohan proved that he was the perfect rider for it but then Crivillé came along to demonstrate that the Australian was not the only one.

World Championships: 1
VWins with Crivillé in '99: 6
Podiums with Crivillé in '99: 10

3. Valentino Rossi (Honda RC211V), (2002 y 2003)

Valentino Rossi is without a doubt one of the greatest legends in Motorcycling History. During the 2002 and 2003 seasons, the Italian claimed both world titles wearing the colours of Repsol on the Honda RC211V.

This is how Rossi's title-winning bike developed:

In 2002, with the change in regulations that allowed four-stroke engines to be used, Honda created the RC211V. Using the “Big Bang” system on which it had been working for several years (for the NSR500), the Japanese manufacturer designed a 990cc V5 engine that quickly proved to be a cut above the rest. On these bikes, the riders reached speeds of more than 330 km/h on some tracks, thanks to its more than 200 horsepower.

Valentino Rossi knew how to get the most out of the capabilities of the RC211V.

World Championships: 2
Wins with Rossi in 2002 and 2003: 20
Podiums with Rossi in 2002 and 2003: 31

4. Nicky Hayden (Honda RC211V), (2006)

For various seasons Nicky Hayden knew what it was like to ride the Honda RC211V. Eventually, in 2006, he was able to get the most out of it and win the world title.

This is how Hayden's title-winning bike developed:

The Honda ridden by Nicky Hayden in the 2006 season was actually a development of the Honda that the Repsol riders had ridden in previous seasons. It was, for example, a development of the RC211V with which Rossi won the world title in 2002 and 2003, a powerful machine built on the “Big Bang” system, with a 990C V5 engine.

In 2006, it was a more powerful machine and with several modifications to the chassis, giving it more than 240 horsepower.

World Championships: 1
Wins with Hayden in 2006: 2
Podiums with Hayden in 2006: 10

5. Casey Stoner ,Honda RC212V (2011)

Casey Stoner came to the Repsol Honda Team in 2011. In his first year wearing the colours of Repsol the Australian was able to match his aggressive riding style with a perfectly developed machine by Honda and Repsol.

This is how Stoner's title-winning bike developed:

With the new maximum cylinder capacity of 800cc, Honda developed a new V4 engine, improving the electronics, using a pneumatic valve system and making improvements to the traction control system, all of this to optimise mass centralisation to create a bike that was even more manageable. In 2011, Honda incorporated the ‘seamless’ transmission.

And the maximum output exceeded 200 horsepower, which meant a slight drop in the top speed but the capacity to brake later and accelerate sooner when coming out of a turn.

World Championships: 1
Wins with Stoner: 10
Podiums with Stoner: 16

6. Marc Márquez, Honda RC213V (2013 y 2014)

In the 2013 season Marc Márquez made the leap to MotoGP after taking the Moto2 title with Repsol. He thereby formed a dream team with Dani Pedrosa. Both riders got the most out of the RC213V

This is how Márquez's title-winning bike developed:

With the new regulations allowing up to 1000cc, Honda worked hard to create a new V4 in this cylinder capacity, using latest generation materials and the pneumatic valve system. Thanks to the joint research and development of Honda and Repsol, the output was increased and exceeded 230 horsepower despite restrictions on the fuel tank capacity.

This, along with the chassis design and improvements to the transmission, resulted in a bike that performed well under practically any conditions and on almost every circuit.

World Championships: 2
Wins with Márquez: 17
Podiums with Márquez: 27

Where does Marc Márquez keep his treasures?

2016-08-05T02:32:00.002-07:00

Marc Márquez made history when he won the MotoGP World Championship with Repsol Honda when he was only 20 years, 8 months and 24 days old. This adventure started when, at the age of 4, he received his first motorbike for Christmas (a Yamaha Piwi), and he reached the top when he was named youngest World Champion in history in 2013. Now, at the age of 23 and with the title of MotoGP Champion under his belt, he has many more miles left to cover and a lot more triumphs to celebrate.

After 19 years of sacrifice and hard work he has reached the top by winning the MotoGP World Championship with the Repsol Honda Team. During these years Marc Márquez beat categories and rivals and won competitions in different categories until he reached the elite level; miles and miles of triumphs and memories that you can now find at the museum located in his hometown, Cervera (Lleida).

The Repsol rider's museum is located in Cevera's the city centre, within the Lleida Museum, and just a few meters away from the Marc Márquez Fan Club. On display at the rider's museum —an exhibition area made up of large rooms— are numerous materials covering the Repsol rider's career since the beginning of his adventure in motorcycling, when he was just 4 years old.

The most precious exhibits of the museum are the two motorbikes that helped him win the MotoGP World Championship: the 2013 MotoGP Honda RC213V and the 2014 MotoGP Honda RC213V. Furthermore, the museum project is based on a design made up of images and press documents on the rider's sporting life. It is an authentic treasure for motorcycle lovers.

Trophies and bikes Everyone who visits the Cervera museum will find an endless amount of trophies, helmets, jumpsuits, photographs, memories, and medals but what will really attract visitors' attention is the bike collection that represents his career in Repsol Honda since the start.

It is possible to see the first bike riden by Marc —a Yamaha Piwi— which he received for Christmas, as well as many other bikes such as the 50cc 356 Conti Copa RX, the Honda CR85, the 125cc Honda RS, the 125cc KTM 2008, the Derbi RSA, with which he won the 125cc World Championship, the Suter, Moto2 World Sub Champion, and, of course, the 2013 MotoGP Honda RC213V and the 2014 MotoGP Honda RC213V, with which he won the World Championship in the highest category.

You will also find peculiar objects, such as cups and medals won by Marc at the start of his career in motocross and enduro. Also on display, are the helmets he used when he won the 4 World Championships, as well as the commemorative t-shirts with the number 93 on them of the World Championships he won.

The most precious objects
The oldest trophies kept in the Marc Márquez museum are the ones he won in the 125cc category, such as the trophy that marks his first time on a World Championship podium, or when he reached third place at the British Gran Prix in June, 2008. However, the most precious ones for Márquez are the medals and the helmets that prove he was World Champion in all the categories: Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP.

Márquez is most probably making more room in the museum for all the trophies he is winning this season, and who knows, whether he aims to replace the 2014 World Champion helmet in the centre of the display case with the 2016 World Champion helmet.

Tags: MotoGP - Marc Márquez

Temperature and asphalt: key factors when choosing a tyre

2016-08-04T17:54:00.001-07:00

In every Grand Prix, tyre technicians working for Michelin, the official MotoGP World Championship provider, can be seen measuring the temperature and assessing the asphalt conditions on the track. They do this for every race, to test all of the factors that influence the best choice of tyre for the teams and riders.

"Advice from Michelin technicians let the riders focus on their performance"

All MotoGP World Championship teams have a tyre technician who works for Michelin, the official tyre provider in the 2016-2017 season. The technician carries out a comprehensive analysis of the conditions at the Grand Prix, offering any necessary advice for the team and rider to be able to choose the most suitable tyre when required.

Their work and understanding of the task are crucial for the team's performance and the rider's safety. Their advice is based on an analysis of the temperature and position of the track, tyre temperature and pressure, and the rider's comments during training and the race. The professionals who work with the teams in each Grand Prix emphasise that: “the estimated temperature of the track is not the only consideration. For each race, we assess the layout of the track, including the shape and direction of turns, the micro and macro-granularity (compactness) of the surface, and the lateral and longitudinal forces applied to the tyres".

Each tyre is designed to provide the highest level of performance and sustainability within specific temperature parameters. Data analysis and the choice of tyres affect the rider's performance on the track. If the tyre overheats, it loses grip and the motorcycle begins to slide and turn. Bubbles can also appear in the rubber lining. At low temperatures, the wheel loses its full grip potential and the motorcycle begins to slide. This can cause a phenomenon called graining, where the rubber develops small ridges across the edge of the tyre.

As confirmed by Michelin technicians who work closely with the Repsol Honda Team, "temperature has a direct impact on tyre grip and sustainability". They are designed to be highly versatile, which means a consistent performance in a wide range of temperatures”.

Choice of tyre

Michelin provides a wide range of different tyre varieties at each MotoGP Grand Prix to ensure that the ideal solution is offered according to the conditions in each race. Before going to the circuit, Michelin staff work closely with member teams to assess the different possible circumstances. However, they emphasise that "tyre pressure and motorcycle adjustments help, but ultimately the riders themselves adapt most effectively to changing conditions, and can change their style at the wheel to ensure the highest output from the tyres in order to achieve the best results".

The choice of tyres for the front and back wheels depends on both the team and rider, and in most races they make the correct decision, since all of the tyres provided by Michelin are adapted to the track and range of temperatures. The team's experience and the advice from Michelin technicians let the riders focus on their performance on the track, although depending on their position on the grid and qualifying requirements they can also have the last word on the decision, as confirmed by the Michelin experts: "When there are changing circumstances, some pilots decide to try a more aggressive strategy with the choice of tyres, using different designs to their opponents. If they do this, they need to adapt their style to achieve a higher level of performance and sustainability from the tyres".

Melandri: "I can’t wait to get started!"

2016-08-04T17:37:00.001-07:00

Italian back on the grid next year with Ducati

19-time WorldSBK Race winner Marco Melandri was recently announced as the teammate to Chaz Davies from 2017 at Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, with the rider from Ravenna coming back to World Superbike with optimism and drive to get the project started. Melandri spoke to WorldSBK.com after the recent announcement, about what the future could hold and how he feels about his return.

“On one hand the first feeling was happiness,” says Melandri. “On the other hand it hasn’t really sunk in that it’s a return with such a top bike and top team. After such a difficult time it’s still hard to believe that an opportunity like this has come along. My desire to race and do well is even bigger than before. A time away from racing has made me reflect, improve on my weaknesses and made me keener than ever to race and get results.”

During his break away from the track, Melandri has stayed motivated: “This winter I trained a lot with motocross until a few months ago. Then when I saw there was a chance to come back to WorldSBK I slowed down a bit…because it’s always risky! I concentrated on the bicycle, and kept going to the gym to stay in shape. And spent some quality time with my family, then with the help of my sister and Manuela we’ve been working on a new project that will be revealed in September.”

About the negotiations, Melandri doesn’t know much: “As to how everything went, I just said ‘Yes, ok!’ For me the priority was to have a competitive bike and a top team like them. The Team Manager knows me well because we worked together for a year and he knows I need to be 100% convinced and I’ll work to the best of my ability. I have a good relationship with Ducati.

“My expectations are high. I wanted to come back only if I would be able to fight to win. It won’t be easy because the level is so high and the Kawasakis are so strong – and Chaz has years on the Ducati and he’s the reference on this bike. And I’m sure other bikes will improve next year, so it won’t be easy.”

At Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, Melandri will partner Welshman Chaz Davies, who has been with the team since 2014 and took the first win for the Panigale – as well as having emerged as a surefire title contender. It’s not the first time the two have shared a garage, however. “I was teammates with Chaz in 2013 and everything was fine. I like to concentrate on my own way and he does the same – the important thing is to respect each other and then it’s normal that your first rival is your teammate. In my opinion it’s better to have a fast teammate, because it makes you have to push all the time to stay on top.”

An Italian on an Italian bike could be said to have a certain extra special responsibility in the role, something Melandri is ready for: “For sure, I know there are a lot of expectations. But when you have everything you need to be able to give your best, that’s ok. It’s just another reason why I can’t wait to get started! I’m sure that a lot of people are expecting a lot of us, and I’m ready to face the difficult moments – which I’m sure there will be – but I see it all as a positive.”

Melandri will need a little patience before he’s back racing in WorldSBK in 2017, as the 2016 season has four more Rounds to go before a Champion is decided. The next Round will see the grid back at a modified Lausitzring for Round 10: the Pirelli German Round. ( WSBK.com )