The World Superbike circus arrives at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in the south of Spain this weekend, for the final European round of the season.
There is somewhat of a party atmosphere running through the paddock as the championship has been decided. Gone are the long nights for team bosses working out title permutations, and sleepless nights for the contending riders.
Instead, the racing can return to its purest origins – every man for himself.
For Jonathan Rea, this weekend is about celebration. He arrives at the Spanish round as a triple world champion – and the first to win his three titles in consecutive seasons. Its fair to say that the champagne will be flowing all weekend for he and the Kawasaki Racing Team. Metaphorically speaking as there are, of course, two races to win. Jerez is one of the few circuits on the calendar where Rea has never secured victory at. That is something he’ll be wanting to have changed by Sunday night.
In contrast, the circuit has been a very successful hunting ground for Tom Sykes (KRT). The Yorkshireman has been a regular podium finisher in recent years, including victory in 2015’s opening race. In a season which has been utterly dominated by his teammate, this weekend presents a timely opportunity for Sykes to remind the world of his prowess, as well as lay down a marker for next season’s campaign.
One man who will be relishing this weekend will be Aruba.it Ducati’s Chaz Davies. There is something about circuits on the Iberian peninsular for the Welshman, who has made habit in recent seasons of making his own. Whilst Motorland Aragon is undoubtedly Davies’ de facto track, the Circuito de Jerez is certainly another haven for him, with three wins in the last two years. This weekend and the series finale in Qatar will be targeted by the Italian team – not just to end the year on a high, but to give their Panigale-R machine a fitting send off, before it is replaced for next season with their new V4 contender.
The Pata-Yamaha team arrive at the Spanish circuit full of confidence. Their double podium finish last time out at Magny-Cours was a major breakthrough for the team – and perhaps the sport too. World Superbikes desperately needs more teams to be finishing at the front, rather than just Kawasaki and Ducati, and a resurgent Yamaha outfit is just what the doctor ordered. Both riders, Alex Lowes and Micheal van der Mark, are locked in a fierce duel for fourth place in the championship standings – Lowes leading his teammate by only 11 points. With the bike constantly improving, and both riders pushing to the limit in every session, they are bound to break onto the winners’ step in the near future.
Elsewhere battles will be raging amongst the privateer teams. Xavi Fores (Barni Racing Ducati) and Leon Camier (MV Agusta) will once again be pushing hard to get amongst the front runners. The duo have provided some of the highest quality on-track duels this season, and are within touching distance of the Yamaha riders in the standings.
Finally, WSBK welcomes back Sylvan Guintoli this weekend. The Frenchman has spent the season competing for Bennetts-Suzuki in the British Superbike Championship, and now joins the Pucetti-Kawasaki team until the end of the season. Its remarkable to think that his entry means that Guintoli is the first Frenchman to participate in this year’s championship. He has a good machine under him, and will be looking to make a solid impact over the final two rounds of the campaign.
Max Verstappen continues to race for Red Bull Racing for a further three years. The 20-year-old Dutchman, who won this year’s Malaysian GP, is happy with the decision. “Their support, from the guys and girls in the factory through to the crew in the garage, no matter what plays out on the race track, has always been 100 per cent. We’ve also had some fun times! I’m very happy to commit further to Red Bull Racing.”
Max started his F1 journey as a part of Red Bull’s young driver programme. “Red Bull has always shown their faith and belief in me with actions; inviting me in to the young driver programme as a 16-year-old, then giving me my start in Formula One when I was just 17, and then the opportunity to race with Red Bull Racing where I had such a dream start with this team. They have always backed me and my ambition and I know we share that ambition.” He expects more successes in the future.
Credit: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
The Team Principal said: “We are delighted that Max has agreed to extend his contract with Red Bull Racing. We had a phenomenal start together in Spain last year and Max has only pushed on from there. It was a great moment for the whole team to see him put the frustrations of this season behind him in taking that fantastic victory in Malaysia last month. He is pure racer, with an undeniable talent at the wheel and a rare instinct for what it takes to compete consistently at this level. Coupled with a committed work ethic and a mature approach to learning his craft that belies his years, Max is right to be hungry for success”. Christian Horner belives that Red Bull Racing is the right team for Verstappen to win the championship. “As we now look to the long term with Max he is in the best place in the sport to build a team around him to deliver our shared ambition.”
The Moto3 series returns this weekend to the stunning Philip Island circuit, Australia. A venue now infamous for its uncertain weather conditions is sure to provide similarly unpredictable racing.
Once again all eyes will be on series leader, Joan Mir (Leopard Racing). The Spaniard had a nightmare last time out at Motegi, and will be looking to bounce back and wrap up the championship in style here. The title permutations remain the same as last week: If Mir wins, he’s crowned champion. Equally, should Mir outscore Romano Fenati (Marinelli Rivacold Snipers) by five points or more, he will be champion. Mir now also doesn’t have to worry about a possible challenge from Aron Canet (Estrella-Galicia 0,0) anymore. The Spaniard failed to finish on the podium in Japan and, despite Mir not scoring a point, has been eliminated from the fight for the championship.
Not that Fenati will have any intentions of yielding up his challenge so easily. The Italian took a stunning victory in Japan last weekend, and will be looking to repeat that performance in Australia. It is still a very tall order for him to wrestle the crown away from Mir’s grasp – if he is to realistically win the championship he needs to win all three remaining races, with his rival slipping up along the way. However, this is Moto3 – where nothing is certain and anything is possible.
This weekend the paddock also welcomes back Maria Herrera to the fold, as she fills in for the injured Albert Arenas at the Mahindra-Aspar team. Philip Island is a circuit where the 21-year old has traditionally produced good showings (having scored points here in 2015 and 2016 respectively). She will be racing with the team until the end of the season and will be hoping to find a full-time ride on the grid for next season.
Expect action galore from a multitude of riders this weekend, including the likes of: John McPhee (British Talent Team), Andrea Migno (Sky VR|46), Enea Bastianini (Estrella-Galicia 0,0) and Phillip Oettl (Schedl GP) – all of whom are fighting over sixth place in the championship. The competition between these riders could not be more fierce, with only 11 points separating sixth placed McPhee from tenth placed Phillip Oettl. With the former still yet to secure a ride for next season, expect a no-holds-barred effort from the British rider as he aims to consolidate his position at the sharp end of the championship standings.
MotoGP heads Down Under for round 16, as we go to the Australian Grand Prix, coming from the high-speed, high-stakes Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, near Ventnor, Victoria. The track oozes fast bends and long, sweeping corners, as well as dead-stop hairpins and undulations. After their battle in Japan, Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso will be looking to reignite their title fight and go head-to-head once more. Likewise, Maverick Vinales will want to give Yamaha something to cheer about as the manufacturer is still yet to win a race in the second half of 2017. Phillip Island has consistently hosted some of the best GPs over time and can also spring a few surprises. Last season, it was Cal Crutchlow who took the win and back in 2006, Marco Melandri took a surprise victory. Who will it be this time?
Marc Marquez’ championship lead has been whittled away after losing a last-lap last-corner battle with Andrea Dovizioso at Motegi. The Spaniard has a terrible form in Australia, finishing just one race in the premier class, of which he won, in 2015. A disqualification in 2013, crash in 2014 and likewise again last season place Marquez on the back foot going into the Australian Grand Prix. Marquez is one of just three Spaniards to win at Phillip Island in the premier class, the others being Alex Criville in 1997 and Jorge Lorenzo in 2013. Will be become the first Spaniard to win two?
Andrea Dovizioso will be desperate to prove a point at Phillip Island. The smooth Italian left it late to take victory in Japan but, like in Austria, he beat Marquez on the run to the line. Ducati as a manufacturer have enjoyed endless success in Australia, winning four races with Casey Stoner. ‘Dovi’ has also won at the circuit, back in the 125cc class in 2004. He was 4th last season but 13th the season before, whilst his last podium was back in 2011 on a Repsol Honda. He has just one other podium in 2007 in the 250cc class, finishing 3rd. In 2016, Marquez outscored Dovizioso in the last three races by the just three points. Will it be the same again this year?
Maverick Vinales is 41 points back of Marc Marquez and 30 behind Andrea Dovizioso. You’d have to say that it really is over for a championship challenge from the new Yamaha rider. Another disappointing result in Japan – where he was 9th – now means that Vinales can’t hand more than 9 points to Marquez or more than 20 to Dovizioso if he is to remain in the championship race. Vinales was third at Phillip Island last season and 6th in 2015, both results coming for Suzuki. He was a winner in Moto2 in 2014 and 2nd in Moto3 in 2013. Vinales isn’t out of the title race just yet but it’d take bad luck to go the way of the two ahead. Anything is possible in GP racing.
Dani Pedrosa’s championship charge is now realistically over, as he is 74 points back off leading teammate, Marc Marquez. The Spaniard retired in Japan, meaning he must win every race and hope that Marquez picks up just one point from the remaining races. On top of that, Pedrosa doesn’t go well at Phillip Island, with his light body weight often being the reason he can’t generate heat into his tyres on an often cold track. Pedrosa didn’t start last season’s Australian GP and was 5th in 2015. His best result was 2nd, in 2013 but he’s never won in the premier class. Could he shock us all come Sunday?
Valentino Rossi mathematically can’t win the MotoGP championship in 2017, as he is now 76 points back of Marc Marquez with just 75 points left for the taking. Rossi has endured one of his most injury hit seasons of his career this year and of late, that has been detrimental to the Italian’s fall in form. He loves Phillip Island however, taking 2nd last season, 4th in 2015 and winning most recently, in 2014, as well as a podium in 2013. Rossi won every Australian Grand Prix from 2001-2005 and had won at the track in 1998 and 1999. ‘The Doctor’ is the only rider to have won more times than Casey Stoner at the venue and he will be looking to extend that margin this weekend, as he is out there purely to race.
Johann Zarco completes the top six in the standings. The Frenchman started from pole at Motegi before dropping back to 8th in the closing stages – although he still finished top Yamaha. Tech 3 as a team have been successful at Phillip Island before, with a 3rd place back in 2014, with Bradley Smith. Zarco hasn’t had a top five at the Australian Grand Prix since 2012 in Moto2 but did score a podium there in 2011. There has never been a French winner in the premier class at Phillip Island and the last time a French rider won at all in Grand Prix at Phillip Island was 2008, with Mike Di Meglio in the 125cc race. The last French rider to stand on the podium at Phillip Island in the premier class was Regis Laconi, also on a Yamaha, in 1999. The only other Frenchman to stand on a premier class podium at Phillip Island was Christian Sarron, in 1989. Could Zarco set the record straight?
Jorge Lorenzo is the 7th rider in the standings. He has won at Phillip Island three times; once in MotoGP and twice in the 250cc class. Lorenzo finished 6th in Japan and he hasn’t had back-to-back 6th places since Donington Park and Assen in 2008. That is one record Jorge Lorenzo will not want to break.
Danilo Petrucci is closing in on Lorenzo for 7th. Petrucci, currently 8th, took his fourth podium of 2017 and will be hoping to make it five at Phillip Island. The Australian circuit is one of just two tracks at which Petrucci has finished every race in the points – the other is Valencia. His best result is 9th, coming last season.
Cal Crutchlow has mixed memories of Phillip Island. The Brit, who is 9th in the championship standings, won last year’s race – the first time a British rider had ever won the Australian Grand Prix in any class. However, he crashed out of 2nd on the penultimate lap in 2014. He has one other podium, coming in 2012, when he was 3rd.
Jonas Folger isn’t racing again this weekend. His seat is filled by Broc Parkes. The Australian has four World Supersport podiums to his name at the track as well as a 5th way back in 2001 in WSBK, for NCR Ducati. He has never scored points at Phillip Island in his GP career.
Suzuki looked well and truly back in good shape at Motegi, taking 4th and 5th with Iannone and Rins. This was the first time Suzuki achieved a double top-5 placing in a GP since the 2016 Japanese GP, when Vinales was 3rd and Aleix Espargaro was 4th. Suzuki haven’t had back-to-back double top-5 placings since Brno and Misano in 2007, with John Hopkins and Chris Vermuelen.
KTM arrive in Australia, looking to improve on a mixed Japanese GP. They haven’t had all of their fielded bikes in the points since Misano. Both riders have scored podiums at Phillip Island at some point in their careers, with Smith scoring one in MotoGP. KTM have never raced at Phillip Island so we will get a better indication of their performance after practice.
Aprilia had a good Japanese GP, with Aleix Espargaro finishing 7th and Sam Lowes finishing 13th, a personal best for Lowes. It was the first time that both of their bikes had scored points in the same race since Valencia last year. Stefan Bradl scored a third row start for the manufacturer last season at Phillip Island and they will want the same again from their riders this season.
The Aspar Ducati team will want more from their riders at Phillip Island. Both failed to finish at Motegi and they haven’t had back-to-back non-point-scoring rides since Eugene Laverty and Nicky Hayden in 2015, at Malaysia and Valencia. Bautista has had a win and two podiums in the smaller classes but neither rider has finished higher than 5th in the premier class.
Scott Redding’s difficult 2017 continued in Japan, when he finished 16th and out of the points. He was 7th at the Australian Grand Prix last year and has two podiums at Phillip Island from Moto2, in 2010 and 2012. His Moto2 championship challenge in 2013 came to an end at Phillip Island when he suffered a bad wrist injury, so he will want to make happier memories.
The Marc VDS Honda team are back to their normal line-up this weekend, with Jack Miller returning from injury for his home Grand Prix. Miller was 10th in the race last season and won the Moto3 event in 2014. Tito Rabat has just one podium at Phillip Island back in 2014 in Moto2. That was also the last time he scored a point in Australia.
The Avintia Ducati team had both of their bikes in the points at Motegi, with Baz 10th and Barbera 14th. That was the first time since Silverstone, back in August. They haven’t had back-to-back double point-scoring rides since Losail and Termas de Rio Hondo at the start of the year. Baz has never scored a GP point at Phillip Island, although he was 2nd in a WSBK race at the track in 2014. Barbera was 2nd in the 250cc class in 2009 but that is his only podium. The Spaniard hasn’t scored a point at the track since he was 5th there, in 2014. This is his best result in the premier class at the venue.
The championship can’t be decided this weekend but it could take a turn in either Dovizioso’s or Marquez’ direction. One mistake or bad weekend could prove costly to their title charge and allow the pendulum to swing in either direction. Maverick Vinales will be there to pick up the pieces if the two leading riders in the championship tangle. You can never discount Valentino Rossi at the Phillip Island circuit and just watch out for Danilo Petrucci, who could spring a surprise come race day.
Formula One is travelling to the United States and more specifically in Texas for the American Grand Prix which will be held in Austin.
Lewis Hamilton needs to score 16 more points than Sebastian Vettel in order to secure his fourth title in his Formula 1 career, considering Ferrari’s performance in the last races, it is not an unachievable target for the British driver.
Ferrari was not able to be competitive in Asia and now Lewis Hamilton has the upper hand in the drivers’ championship. Scuderia, must finish ahead of the two Mercedes if they want to stay in the game and go to Mexico, a track which suits Ferrari, with more confidence and hopes.
Austin entered Formula 1 in 2012, it is an anti-clockwise circuit which is contained by 20 corners. The 5.5 kilometre track, designed by Hermann Tilke in collaboration with local architects, the layout of the circuit was inspired by other tracks.
Circuit of the Americas
Laps: 56
Circuit Length: 5.513 km
Race Length: 308.405 km
Lap Record: 1:39.347 (Sebastian Vettel – 2012)
Pirelli will provide three tyre compounds to the teams, Ultrasoft (purple), Supersoft (Red) and Soft (Yellow).
Lewis Hamilton is the only driver, on the grid, who have won more than once in COTA, Sebastian Vettel have won only one time in the American Grand Prix, Kimi Raikkonen’s best finish was second, whilst Daniel Ricciardo have finished two times on third place.
Brendon Hartley will make his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso, the New Zealander will replace Pierre Gasly, who will race for the Super Formula series in Japan.
Carlos Sainz will make his debut with Renault in COTA, the Spanish driver said:
“I’m very excited to joining the team and I hope to hit the ground running. We have some hard work ahead of us going into Austin with lots of things to learn and many people to meet. I’m going to give everything to be on the pace as soon as possible even though I know it can take a bit of time to adapt, but I’m confident we can do it. It’s key to have this immediate taste with Renault and get to know the people and the car. It’s a big challenge, but it motivates me. We have this last push for the season and I have to find where the limit of the car is, get used to the steering wheel, things like that. That’s the procedure and I will embrace the challenge. It’s good to see the people at Enstone putting the work in to get back to the top. They can be sure all the effort being put in is being matched on my side of things and I will be pushing flat out to help the team. Austin is one of my favourite tracks and I had one of my best races in Formula 1 there last year, finishing sixth. I can go there with confidence as I know how to go fast in Austin. I just need that adaptation to the car and the engineers. The first sector is special, it’s one of these modern tracks which is well designed, very fast with quick changes of direction and high G-forces. I love these sort of tracks and it’s a good opportunity for me to test the limit of the R.S.17.”
Red Bull Racing was competitive in the final races and they want to keep up the pace. The Bulls aiming for another podium, if Ricciardo finishes on the podium, it will Daniel’s 10th podium this season.
“Everyone knows I love the city of Austin but I also love the circuit. It’s certainly unique with the wide apexes, you can pass in more than three areas, it’s fast, it flows well and it’s definitely one of the best tracks on the calendar for overtaking.In the city there is so much to see, I like going to the well-known places like Pete’s Piano Bar but also some of the more local places for live music and food. I have done Barton Springs, visited a ranch and this year I’m doing Austin City limits, there’s so much to do and it’s all so good.Some people are asking if I have a beard plan for Austin this year, I haven’t thought that far ahead yet but I still feel my little beard in 2014 was my best, so I might just bring that one back.”
Watch Max Vertappen’s preview for the U.S. Grand Prix via Mobil 1 The Grid.
I am expecting to see a fast and strong Lewis Hamilton who will give everything for the pole-position and the chequered flag, the British feel comfortable in COTA and he wants to secure his fourth title as soon as possible.
There aren’t many riders who have been around for a long time and still have the determination to become champion but Jakub Smrz shows no signs of slowing down. He talks to us about his BSB life so far, his Lloyds and Jones/PR Racing team and his plans for the future.
How have you found BSB so far?
It has been difficult. In the beginning, it was very tricky, especially the tracks. There is nothing in Great Britain that resembles anything in World Superbikes. The tracks are so, so different. In addition, I spent a lot of my time in World Superbikes riding the Ducati. I also sustained a few injuries, which have held me back a little bit but now, we are getting better.
British Superbikes in general is getting quicker and quicker, so it is definitely not easy to be successful. In FP2 at Brands Hatch, I was 18th in the session but only a second from the top. It was frustrating but I am enjoying it, especially this season. It is my 2nd season in the UK with the BMW and it is really nice. The atmosphere within the team is great and although the start was difficult, we as a team have grown and improved. The team in years gone by have not been very lucky and lacked experience with BMW.
In the last couple of rounds, we have understood a lot more. It would be nice to start next season where we are now. It is going in the right direction and the main thing is that we improve each time, both me on the bike and the team in the garage.
What are the main differences between a V-Twin and a 4-cylinder?
Obviously, as you say, one has four cylinders and the other has two cylinders. You use a lot more torque with a V-Twin and with the Ducati, the chassis is different. The characteristics of the bike in general are just very different.
The BMW is a difficult bike for me and it did take me a while to understand it and get used to the it, also with the BSB regulations. However, like I say earlier, it is going in the right direction, round by round and that is very important.
How would you sum up BSB 2017 so far from your perspective?
What we were aiming for was to get in the points in every race. We didn’t know this season would be so difficult but lets say, we score points quite regularly. Two races at Brands Hatch in July, I did not race because of an injury from a crash in FP3, with the bike being on the fence too.
Given your World Superbike experience, are you surprised that you haven’t gone straight to the top?
Of course, it is a little bit frustrating. In the past in World Superbikes, there are riders that are in front of me now that I would beat. I know this is different. Many riders race in the UK for a long time; they grow up here and ride the circuits so already, there is an advantage for them. I think I am not far away now. Fingers crossed that we are better next season because I feel this season has gone quite well.
How are the Lloyds and Jones/PR Racing Team to work with?
I would say that they are probably the best team I have been with. It is a little family team with a little budget. I like to work with everyone in the team and hopefully, they like working with me! I feel really good and that is probably more important to me than having a big team with a bigger budget. What I like is that at the start of the season, we could see that things were going well and they have invested in the parts through the season. This has allowed us all to develop and work harder and for that, I am truly thankful of the team.
Is a return to WSBK likely?
Not at the moment, I think I still have things to do here and things to prove in the UK – not just to doubters but to myself too. I did World Superbikes for one round this season and it didn’t go very well. Things didn’t work out, especially with the bike. I am enjoying the racing a lot more in the UK. Even to be 18th, you have to be very fast! In WSBK, you can be 18th and one of the last riders and it just isn’t much fun.
What are your plans for 2018?
I can say that I am staying in the UK and hopefully with the Lloyds and Jones/PR Racing team.
Romano Fenati took his third victory of the season to slash Joan Mir’s points advantage from 80 to 55 at the Japanese GP. Fenati was the first of a trio of Italians to mount the podium in Moto3, whilst Mir finished outside of the points.
“The Championship is never lost until the arithmetic confirms it. Today I didn’t think about that. In these days we worked well and in the morning we did a modification which helped us to improve”, began the Italian, who heads to Australia needing to take more than five points off Mir to remain in the title race.
“I felt comfortable on the bike and everything went well. It was not easy, it was very cold and I was totally wet but staying ahead is easier! Why I am so strong on the wet? Probably I trust my team and my bike. I enjoy this victory now but I am also thinking about Australia and Phillip Island is a track I love”.
Fenati’s record in Australia is not amazing, as he has never scored higher than 6th place. On the other hand, Joan Mir has likewise had a poor set of results at Phillip Island, never finishing a race. Honda have never won a Moto3 race and their last win in the lightweight class was in 2005, with Tom Luthi.
Michael Laverty has made a shock switch back to Tyco BMW for 2018, completing the team’s line-up, alongside Christian Iddon. Laverty will leave McAMS Yamaha, after a difficult season saw him take just one podium, at Silverstone.
“I’m delighted to be returning to the Tyco BMW squad for the 2018 season,” Laverty said. “We enjoyed success together taking race wins in 2015 and 2016. A dip in form lead to a year’s sabbatical, which didn’t prove fruitful, although the experience gained this season will make me a stronger rider”, began Laverty. The Ulsterman has failed to win a race in 2017 for the first time since returning to BSB from GP.
“I’m thankful that Philip and the guys within the team have belief in my ability and looked beyond my results this year. To get back on-board the Tyco BMW S1000RR and work with the TAS engineers once again, is the perfect scenario for me”, he continued.
The decision ends speculation about Dan Linfoot going to the Ulster team, after some reports suggested he would leave Honda. It also closes down speculation about Peter Hickman joining the team, although he is now expected to remain at Smith’s BMW. The signing also means there will be no room for Andy Reid, although some suggest he will be riding the teams Superstock 1000 bike.
Not one person in the British Superbike paddock, nor in the crowd, wanted to see a championship decided by an error. Leon Haslam’s spectacular crash on Sunday afternoon has touched hearts of everyone across the motorcycle world but his sportsmanship when being carried to congratulate Shane Byrne has won the hearts of the people in the sporting world. It was a scene that demonstrated the utmost respect that both Haslam and Byrne have for one and other, having been locked in combat from the very start.
“I’m not where I wanted to be on Sunday night after the race with a broken ankle and a broken wrist. It wasn’t my day. I had a few issues in race two which dropped me back and I had to jump off at the end of the straight in race three”, said a heartbroken Haslam, who led the championship by 32 points ahead of Brands Hatch.
“I’m absolutely gutted for the team and the effort that everyone’s put in. However, it’s been a good year and I’d like to thank everyone for all their hard work. The season has not ended how I wanted it to but I don’t think we could have done much more and it’s only made me more determined to come back stronger”, continued the ‘Pocket Rocket’, who slipped to third overall after Josh Brookes won race three.
“I’ve got an operation to get the ankle sorted and thankfully the wrist is a clean break so that shouldn’t take long to heal. We’ve got a plan for winter testing and few areas we want to work on to make sure we’re raring to go next year”, he concluded.
Haslam finished just six points from Byrne, taking third in the championship.
