Category: MotoGp

Alex Rins has shown that injury doesn’t always hinder you, as he goes to 9th place on the second day of testing. The Spaniard, who was way down the order on day 1, was keen to try the team’s solution to chassis issues, trying a variety of configurations.

The GSX-RR rider is still getting used to his new surroundings, but reports from the team suggest that his relationship with them is getting better, as his confidence with the bike is beginning to shine through.

The same could not be said for Austrian Grand Prix winner Andrea Iannone, who, after finishing 3rd on day 1, didn’t improve his time on day 2, placing him in 12th place. Iannone is also a new signing, with team boss David Brivio putting it down to “not being able to find a style that suits his needs.

“Today we tried different things; some new specs of the chassis and the new fairings. I feel comfortable. We took a big step since yesterday. Step-by-step, lap-by-lap, I can take better lines and so I can be more consistent”.

The Moto2 title challenger from 2016 went on to say: “We could improve a lot in the third sector. We are more consistent than yesterday, we gained a lot of corner speed and I’m happy we are working in the right direction.”

As for Andrea Iannone, he was not as optimistic. “Today’s been hard because we could not find a way to improve the lap time”, he began. “We are at a point where we still have work to do. Although, looking at the pace, I’m not that bad and it’s better than yesterday. I still don’t have 100% control of the machine; it’s only the second test, little-by-little”.

The Italian went on to say that his understanding of the behaviour of the bike must improve: “I need to understand how to attack the track to achieve a better lap time and how to best read the GSX-RR, but I believe this will come with time, after riding longer and longer. Now, we are focused on many aspects. We have many positives and we are working hard on our negatives.”

The test resumes tomorrow, for the final time.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Aleix Espargaro has shown that he is one of the most versatile riders in GP, as he completed day 2 of the MotoGP Test at Phillip Island in 6th place for the Gresini Aprilia Team. The Spaniard, who was further down the order on day 1, trying out new chassis settings as well as working on a new riding style that will suit the Aprilia more.

The former Suzuki GSX-RR rider is still getting used to his new surroundings at the Italian manufacturer, but little by little, things are looking up for the former GP podium finisher. Although the bike has remained much the same, he is the one who is adapting to it, and not the other way around.

“We are improving. Yesterday we had already started in the right direction. Today we did a lot of chassis tests. I am more than satisfied with both my flying lap and with our pace during the race simulation, which is very important”. Aleix does however feel that the work is not done, and that they bike still needs refinements.

“The bike has not changed much compared with Malaysia, but my feeling on it increases constantly, especially with the front tyre and that is very important for my riding style. Now we need to keep improving our package.”

Although down the rear end of the timesheets, Sam Lowes, the teams 2nd rider was full of confidence. The plucky Brit and twin brother to Tech 3 replacement Alex Lowes, remains upbeat after shaving over a second off his time from day one.

“Today we worked well. I am happy. I continue discovering how these bikes need to be ridden and I’m beginning to figure out what I need to get my times down”, the 26 year-old stated. Lowes has faith that tomorrow, the test will bring better things.

“Riding the RS-GP here at Phillip Island is something special. I like the track and I am sure that tomorrow we will be able to take another step toward a good starting base for the 2017 season.”

Testing resumes tomorrow at the Phillip Island circuit.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

On a second sunny day at Phillip Island, it was former Moto3 champion and Movistar Yamaha’s new kid on the block Maverick Vinales who was sitting pretty at the top of timesheets. Fellow countryman Marc Marquez was in a comfortable 2nd and Britain’s Cal Crutchlow, who won the Australian Grand Prix last season, was in the bronze medal position.

Vinales, who was fastest in both the Valencia and Sepang tests, set his quick time early on, during his 21st lap out of a colossal 80 come the end of the day. His 1.28.847 was under the pole time from last season but still around 8 tenths off Jorge Lorenzo’s absolute best, set in qualifying for the controversial 2013 Australian GP.

Whilst I describe Vinales’ lap count as colossal, Marc Marquez put in the most of the day, registering 107 come the chequered flag at the end of the day. The reigning champion also set his time early doors, this time on his 20th lap. Despite suffering from a cold – and by that I don’t mean the wind chill factor at The Island – Dani Pedrosa clambered out of Repsol Honda hibernation and completed 40 laps, the fastest of which came on the 38th attempt, leaving the former double 250cc champion down in 16th.

Valentino Rossi’s electric start on day 1 had subsided into a power cut on day 2. Whilst the veteran Italian racked up 70 laps, he couldn’t match the time set on his 18th, leaving him way down the field in 8th place, despite fractionally improving on yesterday’s time. Valentino, like his helmet, may well be snowed under, perhaps his reasoning will be jet lag. The Yamaha corporation has been to Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines in the last 3 weeks, meaning that both riders will be drained, but of course, it would only effect the elder statesman of the team.

Although he may not like the term, Crutchlow was the top independent rider, finishing the day in 3rd. The Brit went faster than what he managed during race conditions in the Grand Prix last season, and was just 0.478 off of a scorching Maverick Vinales. Alvaro Bautista continued his impressive form ahead of 2017, proving that he still has what it takes to be a top half-dozen rider. The former 125cc champion took 4th place, finishing top Ducati – oh what a punch in the guts for the Factory Team.

Talking of a factory team, you’ll be wondering where Ducati got to. Dovizioso took 5th place on board the 2017 version, 0.6 off Yamaha’s Top Gun at the top. The new Ducati signing of five-time champion Jorge Lorenzo wasn’t looking to good down in 15th place, but the Spaniard is still adapting to the Italian bike. Lorenzo’s best time came on lap 32 of his 64, leaving him just over 1.3 seconds off the fastest time.

German Jonas Folger was in 7th place, the Tech 3 Yamaha rider taking the top rookie honours from Phillip Island. He was only marginally quicker than his fellow rookie and teammate Johann Zarco, who completed the day in 11th, a tenth and a half further back.

Carrying on the form from the back end of last season, the Factory Gresini Aprilias look the business in 2017. Aleix “Versatile” Espargaro took a great sixth place for the team, setting Aprilia’s fastest ever lap around Phillip Island, including both MotoGP and World Superbikes! His teammate and rookie to the class Sam Lowes stayed down the order in 22nd place but improved hugely, knocking one and a half seconds off his time from day 1.

The first Suzuki was that of Alex Rins. The rookie showing that he – and the Suzuki – have gelled immediately, despite the initial setback with his injury. He was within a second of the top spot, by former Suzuki man Vinales, so that will be his reference point as he continues to adapt to new surroundings in the dizzy heights of MotoGP. His teammate, Andrea Iannone was somewhat languishing on day 2, failing to improve on day 1’s time.

Completing the top 10 was Jack Miller. The Aussie at home looked like a good combination as he continued his pre-season preparations. The Dutch TT winner was the only Estrella Galicia machine out on the course, as Tito Rabat recovers from injuries sustained in a crash during the Sepang test.

Karel Abraham was a bit of a shock up in 13th place. The Czech and former GP winner is returning to the Grand Prix circus this season after a woeful season with Shaun Muir’s Milwaukee BMW squad over in WSBK. The Czech will be out to silence his critics – including myself – and so far, he’s doing a rather sterling job of it. He led a string of Ducatis, with Petrucci and Lorenzo in behind and rounding out the top 15.

After being a revelation of 2016, Hector Barbera was somewhat off the pace during the Phillip Island Test. The Spaniard rounding out day 2 in a lacklustre 17th, albeit only 1.5s off Vinales. Barbera, like many, set his fastest lap very early in the session. He was ahead of Brit Scott Redding, who begins his 4th season in the premier class. The Pramac Ducati rider completed 90 laps, setting his best on the 83rd. Although the placing may not be too clever, the former GP winner took a hefty 1.3 off his time from day 1, as well as jumping up the order by a couple of positions.

Behind him were the Red Bull KTM pairing of Pol Espargaro (19th) and Bradley Smith (22nd). In between them was Loris Baz, who in turn was just fractionally ahead of Aprilia’s Sam Lowes. The Red Bull KTMs took over half a second each off their times from day 1, as they continue to search for the machine’s sweet spot. Bradley Smith is said to be trying to change his riding style, the one which he picked up over the last four seasons on the Tech 3 Yamaha.

There are many things to withdraw from testing, but I personally feel that the Phillip Island test has proved the most fascinating, and maybe, the most indicative. Ducati struggling and Aprilia improving, as well as the Yamahas and Hondas warring, this could be yet another vintage season of Motorcycle Grand Prix racing. And there is yet more to come, tomorrow the testing continues and we will be in for a treat as the teams try to make the gains on the final day.

You can follow @PitCrew_Online for all the updates throughout the MotoGP season, including live text commentary for all the races and qualifying sessions from all the Grand Prix! You can also follow me, @MotoGPKiko for all things original, controversial and entertaining. I also put the odd statistic up to, so be sure to check that out too.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Under more seasonable skies than have sometimes greeted the MotoGP paddock upon arrival for the race weekend at Phillip Island in October, the second Official Test of 2017 saw blue prevail over ‘The Island’, but a stiff breeze keeping the grid from heading out straight away – with new Ducati Team arrival Jorge Lorenzo one of the first to get down to work. By the end of Day 1, it was compatriot Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) who topped the timesheets, as the Spaniard put in a 1:29.497.

There were some crashes for the field including Hector Barbera (Reale Esponsorama Racing) and Sam Lowes (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini), and two Red Flags on Day 1. One saw animals on track cause a short stoppage, before a crash for Lowes at Turn 6 – rider ok – damaged the tyre barrier and necessitated some repair work.

Marc Marquez, the reigning champion, was proving exactly why he is just that, as he spent the day working with the engine specification chosen in Sepang alongside teammate Dani Pedrosa. The reigning Champion put in 68 laps and set his best on his 53rd, which would seal the deal as Test Day 1 concluded with the 5 time champion on top. Team-mate Pedrosa, who spent most of the day in 4th before a late charge from some others in the top ten, ended the first session in seventh on a 1:30.281, after 55 laps.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP held second on the timesheets for most of the latter part of Day 1, first with Maverick Viñales after the Spaniard had led the way, and secondly with 2015 and 2016 series runner-up, Valentino Rossi – who ended the day in P2 on a 1:29.683. The rider from Tavullia also saved a potential crash earlier in the session, as the Italian continues his rivalry with Marquez even in the crash department. Viñales, who did a best of 1:29.989 after 64 laps, didn’t better his time towards the end as his Suzuki replacement and Rossi’s fellow countryman Andrea Iannone did, moving down to P4.

Iannone rapidly climbed the timesheets for Team Suzuki Ecstar near the end of the day, taking third overall with a 1:29.926 after having spent much of the session outside the top ten. The “Maniac” completed 70 laps and set his fastest on number 68. Teammate and rookie Alex Rins did 66 laps as he gets to grips with MotoGP, setting a best of 1:31.432. We would like to report that no seagulls were injured in the making of Iannone’s fast lap.

LCR Honda rider Cal Crutchlow completed the top five with a 1:30.065, almost a second faster than his time from the official Grand Prix Qualifying back in October. Putting in a late charge to move up, the Brit did over 60 laps and set his fastest on his final run. Cal was another rider testing a version of the new specification engine for Honda, as well as Marc VDS rider Jack Miller.

Miller did 82 laps of his home track with a best of 1:30.426 – impressively ending the day in the top ten in P9. Miller’s teammate Tito Rabat is not at the test following a crash at Sepang, but is hoping to return for the Qatar test. Miller continues to come of age, following on from his win at Assen last season, as well as his impressive performances which saw him break the top 10 a total of 5 times from the 13 races he started.

Danilo Petrucci was another late charger as he moved up to end the session in sixth, just ahead of Pedrosa and fastest Ducati on Day 1. Putting in 87 laps as he gets used to life on his new GP17, the Italian also set his quickest lap on his last – a 1:30.262. Petrucci has so far stayed safe, after his horrendous accident at the pre-season test last year. His hand injury was so bad that it was thought it may curtail his season by around 7 or 8 races.

Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) was the next Ducati machine, and the 2016 Malaysian GP winner ended the day in eighth with a 1:30.410. Charged with testing new parts and continuing the progress of the Desmosedici, “DesmoDovi” did 64 laps. New teammate Jorge Lorenzo continued his progress as he focuses instead on adaptation to the machine, spending much of the day in the top ten and one of the first out on track. The “Spartan” did 61 laps with a best of 1:30.631, just pushed down to P11 in the latter stages. It is clear that the Ducati team need to work hard at a circuit which they haven’t podiumed at since the departed Iannone took 3rd back in 2015.

Completing the top ten was the fastest rookie of the day: Jonas Folger (Monster Yamaha Tech 3). Impressing once again after a solid debut in Sepang, the German posted a 1:30.578 and did 62 laps. Folger’s form indicates that he isn’t making up numbers for 2017, and given the tumultuous form of MotoGP in the last couple of seasons, Folger will be looking to become the first German premier class winner since Edmund Czihak in 1974.

Teammate Johann Zarco, reigning Moto2™ World Champion, did 80 laps with a best of 1:30.867 to go P15.Alvaro Bautista (Pull&Bear Aspar Team), Hector Barbera and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) completed that top fifteen, ahead of Zarco.

Red Bull KTM Racing continue their progress in MotoGP™ as they prepare for their full-time debut in Qatar, with Pol Espargaro putting in a 1:31.200 as the fastest Austrian machine on Day 1.

Action resumes at Phillip Island on Thursday afternoon, or morning if you’re in a not-so-warm and sunny blighty, with the teams eager to get back out and squeeze in as much time as possible before the floodlights in Qatar come on, and the green lights in Qatar go out!

Marc Marquez – Fastest – Honda – 1.29.497

“We had a quite a busy day because we worked a lot on the engine, which of course is different from the one we used here at Phillip Island last year. That meant we had to readjust everything during the morning and spend a lot of time in the box. In the afternoon we found a base for the electronics, but we still need to work harder in this area. I’m fast, but like in Malaysia we want to double-check how it’s working in some areas. We also worked on the setup, and overall it has been a positive day. The weather was good, which is always important, so hopefully it will stay the same for the next two days.”

Valentino Rossi – 2nd – Yamaha – 1.29.683

“It was a good day, I’m quite satisfied. We started in a difficult way this morning. Before the break I wasn’t strong enough and because I couldn’t push at the maximum I didn’t have a lot of feeling. We worked well during the break and in the afternoon the situation changed, I was a bit better. At the end, with the new tyre, I was able to do a good lap and second position is positive for the first day. For sure, we still have a lot to do, especially on the long distance and we hope to have good weather also in the next few days.”

Andrea Iannone – 3rd – Suzuki – 1.29.926

“This morning was very difficult for us. The team couldn’t find the proper setting to feel confident. I struggled a lot. But then in the afternoon, we changed some settings and improved step by step. At the final stage I was happy because the machine improved, as well as the feeling of the bike and the pace. This is a very positive outcome, because it means we have the capability to overcome very hard situations and turn them into a positive. As of tomorrow, we have the chance to work on pace as well as single lap performance, and also introduce some more improvements. We are on a good path. My crew chief is as new as I am with the GSX-RR and it’s very important for us to learn and get to know it at its best.”

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team didn‘t rest on their laurels in between the first and second 2017 official IRTA MotoGP pre-season test. After a first successful stint of Yamaha‘s ‘pre-season media tour’, Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi went on to meet their fans and the media in Thailand and Vietnam to complete their Asian promotions and get in the right mindset to start the 2017 MotoGP season.

Energised from the first half of the ’Asian media tour’ that had brought him to Indonesia and the Philippines, Viñales travelled to Thailand on Febuary 11th to start the second half of the promotions the day after.

Following a morning photo shoot, the young Spaniard attended the Yamaha Custom-Made Battle and was happily surprised by the large crowd that had assembled at the EM Quartier in Bangkok to see him take part in the presentation on stage.

After posing with the creators of the Yamaha Custom-Made Battle bikes and the fans, Viñales headed straight to the Yamaha Rev Community where again a large sea of spectators had assembled to catch a glimpse of the new Movistar Yamaha MotoGP rider. Warmly greeted as he entered the stage, Viñales stayed for a while to help present the Yamaha YZF-R15 before he quickly had to make his way to the airport.

After his lightning stop in Bangkok, the young Spaniard jetted off to visit Vietnam. There he was joined by Valentino Rossi the next day when they attended a press meeting. During the presentation the riders got to add the flag of Vietnam on the YZR-M1 as a token of appreciation for Yamaha Motor Vietnam‘s support to the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team.

After the press meeting in Hồ Chí Minh, Rossi and Viñales were in the mood for some action and headed to the YRider Event, where Rossi was surprised with an early birthday cake (he will turn 38 on February 16th). Taking time to talk on the podium and wave, the riders also made sure to entertain the fans off stage and grabbed their helmets to head out on a small circuit aboard 2017 Yamaha Exciter and NVX 155 scooters.

These final days constituted a successful ending to the Yamaha‘s ‘2017 Asian promotional tour’, which has brought the entire Yamaha-family – including the Yamaha dealers, distributors and fans – closer.

The Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team now make their way to Australia for the Phillip Island MotoGP Official Test from Febuary 15 – 17th (circuit time).

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Times have moved on in the world of motorcycle racing. Gone are the days of the Isle Of Man TT being on the calendar, and the days where you’d ride over train lines at Imatra. The tracks today are super modern, multi-purpose facilities that tend to run many more things than just races, ranging from executive conferences to charity car rallies and bike shows. But for heaven sake, some of the circuits that MotoGP go to are what I call sanitised. Everything about them is false, there’s little ‘feeling’ as a fan and if I’m honest, the circuit itself isn’t that great. In this article, I take a look at five tracks that MotoGP misses and why they should make a return to the calendar, before we lose more historic venues.

Suzuka, Japan

The blossoming trees in the Land of the Rising Sun. Suzuka is set in a picturesque backdrop of Japan’s Ino area. Once upon time this fast and flowing circuit hosted the Japanese Grand Prix, usually at the start of the season, and it treated us to some absolute belters!

In 1990, Wayne Rainey ran away with the win, but in 1991, it was Kevin Schwantz who mugged Rainey, Doohan and rookie Kocinski to take the verdict. In 2001, Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi had their infamous elbow barging and finger-flicking session, but despite these memories, it was one tragic afternoon that would spell the end of Suzuka as a MotoGP race circuit. Former 250cc champion Daijiro Kato lost his life in a freak accident at the chicane whilst braking.

In a way, it was great because it showed that unlike in previous years, Dorna were acting on a truly disastrous event that day. However, the fan in me is still mourning the loss of not just Kato, but of Suzuka. Yes, it is dangerous, but the final chicane could be fixed or tampered with to make it a Grand Prix circuit yet again.

The stunning opening section where it is just left to right left again, all whilst undulating and with a mix of positive and negative cambered corners made Suzuka one of the most exciting circuits on the calendar. It’d be welcomed with wide open arms by some of the more aggressive and old school riders, such as Valentino and Marc, however I’m not too sure Jorge Lorenzo would approve, but he would have every right to, seeing as the circuit was taken off for the ultimate reason.

Istanbul Park, Turkey

Lasting only three years, the Turkish Grand Prix was held around 20km outside of Turkey’s second city, at Istanbul Park. The track is one of few that has been designed with MotoGP in mind, and it was clear to see once the boys got out there in 2005.

It was won by Marco Melandri and although there wasn’t a classic head to head battle, there was a great scrap in 2006 across all classes. The 250cc race saw Alex De Angelis have a huge coming together with Hector Barbera on the run down towards the ‘M’ section that ended the lap, both miraculously stayed aboard.

2007 would prove to be Turkey’s final Grand Prix, and even the F1 boys stopped going after the 2011 race. The circuit was famous for having four consecutive left handers, and the fastest corner in MotoGP, which peaked at 170mph.

Sadly, although the circuit is still in use for national and regional championships, there doesn’t seem any signs of a return to Turkey in the near distant future. World Superbikes went in 2013 but never returned, and one of MotoGP’s greatest additions is going begging. Political and social unrest in Turkey and the complications of neighbours Syria don’t make this the most sort-after circuit on the calendar. A huge shame.

Laguna Seca, USA

Home to the corkscrew, Laguna Seca has provided thrilling battles over the years. In 1988 it burst onto the scene and witnessed a truly heroic comeback from Eddie Lawson, beating Wayne Gardner and Niall Mackenzie to take the win from well down on the grid. In 2008, 3 years after returning, Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner went head to head at the Californian circuit, with shoulder charging and contact being made around the track, especially at the Corkscrew.

It is synonymous to American motorsport, up there with the likes of Indianapolis, Daytona and Sebring, but maybe, just a step above even those historic venues. Dangerous, challenging, fast and technically demanding are just sine ways to describe the frightening Laguna Seca.

Nicky Hayden won the first two Grand Prix there upon its return to the calendar in 2005, but since then, the Americans haven’t been able to repeat. However, in 2013, the shock decision to take the race off the calendar completely was one that didn’t go down well amongst fans or riders. After all, World Superbikes do still go there, so if it’s good enough for them, surely it’s good enough for the Grand Prix warriors?

To add to the pain for us fans, the chance of Laguna returning for a 3rd stint at hosting a Grand Prix look over. It would cost too much money for the event organisers at Laguna Seca to run, so they decided to keep to the World Superbikes. Also, like before, there wouldn’t be enough room in the paddock for all three classes, and I’m not sure that having just one race is financially viable. Again, it’s a crying shame, but one that is accepted.

Nurburgring, Germany

Before the days of the Sachsenring and during the days of the Hockenheimring, the Nurburgring has hosted some of the most thrilling races of all time. The circuit which witnessed the sensational Chili-Doohan synchronised high-side, along with one of the most dramatic World Superbike races of all time back in 1999. Steeped in history, but no longer serving a purpose, I will come out and say that the Nurburgring is the best race circuit in Germany.

One thing that makes the Nurburgring special is the unlimited opportunity for overtaking around the track. Apart from a couple of fast chicanes, you can pass virtually anywhere on the circuit. This is particularly highlighted when the bikes race there. In 1997, the 250cc race was hectic, with greats like Harada, Jacque, Waldmann and Biaggi going at it right until the final corner, crossing the line 4 abreast. 0.135 covered the top four in a truly remarkable race.

Sadly, those times have vacated the current era of elbow bashing MotoGP stars. Although, having said that, the WSBK paddock did go there up until 2013, and the German F1 race was held there for many seasons. The circuit is effectively bankrupt, and if it can’t afford to host a WSBK meeting, then I’m sure it wouldn’t be able to cough up the money for a multi-million Euro MotoGP event. It is a massive shame, especially as there is so much heritage surrounding the circuit. It is without doubt one of the most entertaining circuits, where greats of both two and four wheels have graced the German asphalt. Unless miracles happen and money is found, the Nurburgring may as well cease to exist. ‘Tragic’ doesn’t cover it.

Kyalami, South Africa

Fast, exciting, undulating and terrifying, the South Africans didn’t half make Kyalami into one of the fiercest circuits in the world. The Rainbow Nation became home to bikes again back in 1992 and it was Kyalami where the likes of Rainey, Schwantz, Kocinski and Chandler would do battle. Sadly, this would also be the final time that it would host the South African Grand Prix, before the Phakisa Freeway in Welkom took over. But wow, we have some amazing memories.

World Superbikes’ arrival in South Africa back in 1998 was the first motorsport event in the country since Nelson Mandela came to power in 1994. Over 65,000 fans flocked to the venue to see the return of motorcycle racing in the modern time, and they got a treat!

Catastrophically, the Kyalami circuit would yet again be wiped off the WSBK calendar after the 2001 meeting and briefly re-joined for 2009. The track itself hasn’t held a Grand Prix since 1992, and the South African Grand Prix has been missing since 2004, when it was last held at Welkom, and signed off with Valentino Rossi becoming the first rider to win back to back races on different bikes.

The circuit has undergone a makeover. The fast, downhill esses that started the lap have been removed and the incredibly fast Mineshaft corner has been made into a more obtuse and scary left hander before a hairpin. Although most the track remains unchanged, the ferocious turn one and two combination was a spectacle that only Kyalami had, but despite this substantial change, the circuit itself is wonderful. One can only hope that the FIM gives back Grade 1 to the track for Rossi and Marquez to take their rivalry to a new continent, and the country of Gold.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

The premier class of motorcycle racing has always been great for the true head-to-head title fights, the dramatic off and on-track moments and the scintillating pace at which the front runners set. However, there is often a battle that gets very little coverage. Welcome to the battle of the energy drinks.

It hasn’t always been energy drinks. Once upon a time, Marlboro, Lucky Strike and Rothmans all went head to head in a battle for cigarette bragging rights. However, as cigarette advertising becomes more regulated and energy drinks become more popular, there has been a shift in just how much energy drink sponsorship can mean.

Red Bull are the long-serving sponsors as far as energy drinks are concerned. They have sponsored the Yamaha WCM team back in the late 90s and early 2000s, they were also sponsors of Ben Atkins’ Reve Red Bull Ducati team in BSB in 1999, which fielded John Reynolds and Sean Emmett, with James Haydon joining Reynolds a year later. They sponsored the US Grand Prix at Laguna Seca in its comeback years as well as continuing to sponsor many riders, like Marc Marquez and Maverick Vinales. However, the tide is turning and now, there’s some good, healthy competition.

Monster burst onto the scene back in 2009 with James Toseland, who was in his 2nd season in MotoGP on the Tech 3 Yamaha, also sponsored by Monster. Incrementally, they’ve got onto the shirt tails of Red Bull and now Valentino Rossi, Cal Crutchlow and the Tech 3 boys all sponsored by the energy drink giant. In fact, they have so much input that now they sponsor Grand Prix, the French Grand Prix most notably. Above and beyond this, MotoGP is having an influence on their products too! The Monster Energy VR46 ‘The Doctor’ drink smashed its ways onto the shelves of British supermarkets last year and have gone down a treat with not just bike fans, but the public, promoting the sport we love in markets that aren’t afraid of mass consumerism.

However, there is one more big name energy drink. Rockstar. And they back Jorge Lorenzo. Despite him winning the championship in 2015, there was no limited-edition drink or much say from anyone in Rockstar at all come to think of it. They’re a relatively new sponsor to the sport, although they had a lot of involvement in Yamaha when Fiat left at the end of 2011, when the team didn’t have a title sponsor.

So now you know the background of each drink, what significance does it carry? Well, you could say it promotes healthy competition. For many years it was tobacco brands that would carry ‘unhealthy’ healthy competition, but due to tobacco promotion regulations, that has faded away and been replaced by the energy drinks market which is worth a staggering £40bn.

It is also promoting the sport. As I have already said, Valentino Ross tribute drinks are readily available but it goes another step further than that. Not only does it sell products and expose MotoGP to a worldwide players, but it allows for other sponsors to chip in to. To come away from energy drinks for a split second, I’ll give you an example. Repsol are the main oil sponsors for Honda, however, Castrol have made some appearances on the side of Cal Crutchlow’s Honda and Eneos have been on the Yamaha. In effect, back to energy drinks, once one of them does it, all of their rivals have to do it, and this neo-liberal idea of competition and individual gain is having massive positive effects on our sport across all series, and not just MotoGP.

Energy drink competition give us another on track battle. Now, it isn’t just about winning as a rider, team, constructor or because of your nationality, but it’s about taking your own energy drink sponsors to the top of the podium. The battle last year with Rossi and Lorenzo was Monster VS Rockstar. This year it has been Monster VS Rockstar with Rossi and Marquez. It adds yet another dynamic to our sport, where it gives us something else to read into or analyse. It may have absolutely no interest for some, but it might form a rivalry for others.

One may argue however that energy drinks should have no place in sport of any form, not just motorcycle racing. After all, they are unhealthy, and that isn’t what’s needed to carry out sporting tasks such as racing, running, etc. Similar things happened with the London Olympics, where Coca Cola and McDonalds stepped up as the two big sponsors. Maybe we need to have Tropicana VS Capella instead, maybe stick an innocent smoothie in there somewhere too.

I personally, totally disagree with people who believe energy drinks shouldn’t have a place in sport. They are ENERGY DRINKS. Energy is required if you are going to compete in any sports, and the extra 150 calories that you consume will be burnt off by the time you’ve finished. Unless of course you play the very active sport of golf or bowls, then it may take longer.

Conclusively, the roll of energy drinks in MotoGP is bigger than tobacco was in the 80s and early 90s. The competition dynamic between the different brands is sizzling and the outcome for our sport isn’t bad either. It adds that extra dimension of rivalry and gives MotoGP that extra edge over most other sports, as it has sponsors from the same field, but from different brands, coming together at the top of the championship tree.

And after all, who’s to say that before too long, we will have a watermelon Marquez drink from Red Bull, and a Lime and Orange Lorenzo alongside The Doctors Lemon fizz on the shelves of Asda. Now that would make an incredible front row.

“And down to checkout 1”…

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

The 2016 MotoGP™ season finale already has its place in history secure. The curtain call for a new era as half the grid move teams, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing make their debut, and the history-making 2016 season draws to a close, the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana is primed for another incredible end-of-season party. And after a history-making Malaysian GP, there’s that chance of a tenth winner.

No one could have imagined an honour roll with nine names on it when the season began. But that’s the incredible outcome of a truly historic season in the premier class of Grand Prix racing, after Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) became the ninth different winner of the year in Malaysia.

With the Championship wrapped up, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) will be one of the first attempting to assure victory in Valencia for one of the nine who have already won this year. An error in Phillip Island when the pressure was off followed by an easy mistake to make in Malaysia mean the newly-crowned 5-time World Champion will be fired up as the paddock gets back on home turf – but so will the only other men to have won at the venue in over a decade: Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team).

Lorenzo especially will be out for glory. Trying to secure third in the Championship and looking to end the season on a high, the race also sees the end of an era for the Mallorcan before he moves to the Ducati Team. After 3 MotoGP™ World Championships, 43 race wins and 106 podiums before the Spaniard’s final race in Yamaha colours approaches, the relationship is one that has played a key role in defining an era of MotoGP™. With wins at the track in 2010, 2013 and 2015, Lorenzo’s last dance in blue could be one to remember.

Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) has a more difficult record at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo but, having secured P2 in the Championship in Sepang and finished the tough race on the podium, the Italian’s focus is solely forward and he has a point to prove behind enemy lines once again – having already spoiled the hometown party in Jerez and Catalunya, and staged a stunning fight through the field in Valencia in 2015.

As Lorenzo leaves the other side of the Yamaha garage, Rossi’s 2017 teammate will be another out for glory at home. Maverick Viñales (Team Suzuki Ecstar) is already a winner in 2016 at Silverstone, and will want to close out his incredible run with Suzuki as far towards the front as possible. With weather less likely to make life harder for the Hamamatsu factory machines, Viñales and teammate Aleix Espargaro will have their sights set squarely on the podium once again – at least – as they prepare to say goodbye to Suzuki.

Dani Pedrosa is the other man, along with Lorenzo, who has an incredible record at the track – but isn’t yet sure whether he will be fit to return after his highside in Motegi and collarbone break. Hoping to be able to contest the round on home turf, the venue will be a kind one for Pedrosa if he makes the grid – another of those circuits that sees his name penciled on a trophy before arrival, like Sepang: a race Pedrosa sat out.

Sepang winner Andrea Dovizioso will be one to watch after his incredible ride in Malaysia on a roll of good form, as well as teammate Andrea Iannone – who is another of the many on the grid whose future lies down a different path. His last race for the factory Ducati Team, after taking their first win since 2010 in Austria, will mean the ‘Maniac’ is sure to put on a good show once again. A frontrunner in Malaysia despite his ongoing recovery from cracked vertebrae, Iannone was back with a bang in Sepang.

After Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) crashed out in Malaysia, Valencia gives the Brit his final shot at securing the title of Top Independent team rider in 2016 – with Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Pol Espargaro the only one in mathematical distance of the Brno and Phillip Island winner, and counting on home support. Espargaro is another of those who will be moving teams in the end of season shuffle – this time to KTM – and is set to remain alongside current teammate Bradley Smith in 2017.

The eyes of the world will be on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the season finale. Their first appearance, with test rider and GP winner Mika Kallio on board, will be the first benchmark for the Austrian factory as they prepare to line up on the grid full time next season – with a reputation for winning built on their incredible success in Moto3™.

Whatever hand Valencia deals for the season finale, one thing is sure: 2016 has been one for the record books – or more accurately, it’s rewritten them.

The final call for 2016 goes out at 9:00 local time on Friday (GMT +1), with lights out for the race on Sunday at 14:00.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Team Suzuki Ecstar riders Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaró scored sixth and 13th places under difficult weather and track conditions during the Shell Malaysian MotoGP™ at Sepang today.

Following a 20-minute delay on the start because of a heavy tropical storm, making racing too dangerous, Viñales – who was fastest in the morning’s ‘dry’ warm-up – and Espargaró both had good jumps on the start, moving up into the leading places. Espargaró was in the fight for fourth position until running wide and dropping down to 13th, so spent the race trying to catch-up, while Viñales lost some places at third-race distance before gaining some after a couple of riders slipped-off.

Maverick Viñales: I didn’t want to high-side!
“Although sixth place is not so bad, I’m disappointed with the race result. We had a very positive weekend and I performed very fast in the dry, I really had hopes for a podium and also for a victory, but unfortunately in wet conditions we are not competitive yet. We struggle to find a good configuration with the electronics, which makes my riding very hard, in particular when it comes to acceleration. I can’t feel confident with the traction control, therefore resulting in me riding very carefully as I didn’t want to incur a high-side that could prevent me finishing the race. We have made many improvements on the machine and now we have reached a positive competitiveness in dry conditions, but the progress we’ve made in the wet is not enough. This result also proved the positives of the last three races; they were at three completely different circuits and we’ve proved we can adapt and be strongly-competitive in any kind of layout. Now the objective is to have the same competitiveness no matter what the weather conditions.”

Aleix Espargaró: I felt competitive in the dry
“I’m disappointed with the final result because the weekend overall had been positive, but then in the race I couldn’t feel competitive. I decided to go with a soft rear tyre, hoping the conditions of the track would stay wetter, but at the end this proved to be the wrong choice. From the very beginning I realised that my performance was not good and I lost the feeling with the grip right after four-or-five laps. I also made a couple of mistakes, and doing them at the very beginning of the race, when all the riders were still packed together, meant I lost many positions and then it was really hard to recover. It’s a pity, we’ve made a lot of progress in the last few races and I felt very competitive in dry conditions, but we still need to improve our capability to have the same performance also in the wet.”

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team rider Pol Espargaro concluded the Malaysian Grand Prix in 9th position after powering through the treacherous conditions today at the Sepang International circuit. The beginning of the race was delayed due to a sudden downpour at the scheduled start time. However, once the GP commenced, Espargaro bolted forward from 11th on the grid and he completed the opening lap in 9th. During the next few laps, the 25-year-old slipped back to 13th, yet the Spaniard remained resolute and after running a strong and consistent rhythm, he moved into 10th on the 13th lap. Espargaro maintained his solid pace as he continued to run at speed at the physically demanding circuit and he closely monitored his times in order to keep a comfortable gap to the pursuing riders. After pushing relentlessly, the 2013 Moto2 World Champion shot across the finish line in 9th place, which marks a positive close to the penultimate round of the championship. Now, Espargaro confidently eyes up the next GP in Valencia where he will seek to seize the top independent honours in what will be his final appearance on the Yamaha YZR-M1.

On the other side of the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team pit box, Bradley Smith bravely battled through to 14th to conclude the triple back to back GP’s with another determined performance. Smith began the 20-lap sprint from the head of the fifth row of the grid and he expertly navigated his way around the opening lap, whilst impressively climbing four positions, before concluding it in 11th. From here, the British star stuck into a solid rhythm, yet despite giving his all, he was shuffled back to 16th after one-third of the race distance. However, the determined 25-year-old remained focused and pushed through the challenging conditions all the way to the chequered flag, which he met in 14th. This result marks a third successive point scoring finish since his comeback at the Japanese GP, from his knee injury, with Smith’s displays highly exceeding expectations in the flyaway races despite not riding at full fitness. Now, the British star aims to conclude his six-year partnership with Tech3 on a high note in his final appearance at the next round in Valencia.

Pol Espargaro: It’s been complicated

“It was a very hard race today and especially at the beginning where there was a lot of water on the track but I am glad to walk away with a top ten finish and some valuable championship points. Because of the rainwater on the asphalt, the visibility was limited and the more behind you were, the more time you lost in the first few laps as there weren’t any reference points regarding where to brake or accelerate, so it’s been really complicated. In addition, I didn’t want to risk making any mistakes, therefore we have to be content with this 9th position. However, this result has ensured my 8th place in the Championship standings, plus I am classified ahead of a couple of the factory MotoGP riders so it is pleasing to have ended the oversea races in this way. Now, we’ll head back to Europe for the final round of the 2016 season, which will also be my last event with Tech3 so I’m highly motivated to do the best job that I can.”

Bradley Smith: We have to look at the positives

“I have to start by saying that the three back to back races have been fantastic and I am more than satisfied with the results. To come back from my injury and score three point scoring finishes is much better than what I was expecting. If we look at the bigger picture, the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team did a superb job as well as the Clinica Mobile medical staff who made sure that I could compete in every session. In terms of the race, it certainly was tough due to the conditions but we have to be content with another finish in the points, even if we were hoping for more. I decided to risk using the hard rear tyre but it is not a compound that I have liked in the past, even though my feeling with it in FP4 was OK on the whole. Unfortunately, with the amount of water that was on the track today, I wasn’t able to generate the right temperature into the rear tyre so it was tricky but I did my best and I don’t think that I could have given any more. It’s a pity to end up in 14th because we’ve had really good pace throughout the weekend, yet we have to look at the positives and take them onboard. Now, we will have a weekend off and then I will head to Valencia, ready for my final appearance with the Tech3 team, where I will do my absolute best.”

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko