Tag: Kiko Giles

Posted on

From Brands to Buriram…

Over time, surroundings change. Patterns are often tampered with or erased all together. Even when the most drastic of changes do happen though, there are somethings that persist to remain just as they were back when they were formed, or in some cases, found.

The same rule applies to what was at one point, the only 4-stroke motorcycle racing series that was international. Since its Golden Era of the late nineties and very early naughties, World Superbike has been revamped. From the forests of Hockenheim to the grandstands of Portimao, the calendar has been one of the most notable changes over the years (apart from the riders coming and going). Since Carl Fogarty’s last world championship victory, there are just five circuits that have stayed on the calendar; two of them (Misano and Assen) have seen changes and two others (Donington Park and Laguna Seca) haven’t been year in, year out fixtures. The only circuit that has stayed since the Foggy days is Phillip Island, and we most certainly aren’t complaining there!

Since 2012, a staggering 20 circuits have been used by the World Superbike boys, and 13 of them will be in use come the 2017 season. Circuits that have been lost are the iconic Brno and the historic Nurburgring, as well as the short-lived Mosco Raceway and Istanbul Park. Monza, Miller Motorsport Park and now Sepang have also vanished from the track list. But even though it isn’t as popular as it once was, the series has maintained one thing.

The crowd. The backing singers to the superbike chorus. The atmosphere inventers, and the avid supporters. Now don’t get me wrong, some World Superbike circuits, if not most of them, are nowhere near as popular as they were. Circuits like Portimao have almost no one in their stands and Imola isn’t the Cathedral it was back in 2002. Although Assen has good supporters, there is one circuit that seems more popular than any of them.

Nestled around 5946 miles away from what used to be the most popular sporting event in the whole of the UK (Brands Hatch), is the Chang International Circuit, or Buriram to us WSBK enthusiasts. Back in 2000, the ‘European’ meeting at Brands Hatch hooked in upwards of 120,000 people on race day alone, making it bigger than the FA Cup Final of that year when Chelsea beat Aston Villa. However, now there is a new hub for the crowds, and Buriram isn’t doing a bad job.

Over the two race days last season, over 100,000 came to the second Thai World Superbike meeting. On race day alone, you couldn’t get in if you tried. Fully booked out and you could hear it too. The crowds brought back that feeling of excitement and passion that had been lost somewhere around the Edwards, Bayliss, Hodgson and Xaus era. But why do people flock to what is now the biggest event on the World Superbike calendar?

Its location is key. Thailand is a nation that rides bikes as a normal mode of transport. Like neighbouring Cambodia and Vietnam further to the East, bikes make up a huge population of the total number of vehicles used on the roads. This automatically creates a love for all things two wheeled, so when it was announced that World Superbikes was coming to Thailand for the first time ever, anyone and everyone was jumping for joy and bouncing off their own rev limiters.

But one cannot simply put it down to a biking nation. Instead, maybe it’s because in both years World Superbikes has been at Buriram, there’s been local riders doing the business. Who can forget when Ratthapark Wilairot won for the first time ever in World Supersport at home. The country’s first race, World Supersport’s first Thai winner, and to top it all off, his brother Ratthapong took the 5th place in the race. The crowd was thrown into a frenzy, as they streamed onto the track to applaud him. It is quite similar to why Brands Hatch was so attractive. British wildcards like Chris Walker, Neil Hodgson, Niall Mackenzie, Steve Hislop, James Haydon and Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne to name all but a few, drew crowds in from not just all four corners of the United Kingdom, but all four corners of the globe. It wasn’t just ‘Superbike Sunday’, it was a festival of booze, tents and cheers from Friday morning to Monday noon.

The track at Buriram is also amazing. The perfect mix of fast, sweeping corners and hard braking hairpins means there’s action aplenty throughout the field. Grandstands which enable the spectators to glance not just over one corner, but 99% of the circuit are also a popular choice, and even one that Brands Hatch itself doesn’t feature. It almost feels natural. Like Brno or Mugello. Where everything is in a bowl, a valley. Like the city of Andorra La Vella, where everything is nestled tightly together in the mountains, but can explode into life at a moment’s notice. Only this time, the track is the city and the huge grandstands take the place of the mountains. The roar of the thousands above, descending and fuelling what is likely to be an already dramatic race.

However, having contacts out in Thailand is a little bit helpful. One reason why there is so many people is also because if you go on a guided tour of the local football ground (owned by the same people), then you were given free tickets for Sunday. Now, I’m not for one moment saying that the huge crowds are entirely down to that, but it will have an influence. The Thai race of people are hard workers, charmers and grafters, but once they have a day off, that is it. They have a DAY OFF. My dad lives out there throughout the year, and has seen this for himself. There’s a reason Thailand is known as the “Party capital of the Far East”.

So, whether you still see Brands Hatch as God’s stocking filler or Thailand as the future of motorsport, it is without doubt doing the business on the World Superbike front. Thailand is a destination, it isn’t just another round of the calendar. Instead, it’s a festival, just like Brands Hatch. It oozes atmosphere, passion and drama, like a good meeting should do. Thailand is the country, Buriram is the town, Chang International Circuit is the venue and the whole thing put together is one wild, World Superbike party.

You can keep up to date with the goings on of World Superbike here at The Pit Crew Online. Give us a follow @PitCrew_Online, and keep up with the live text commentary of all the big meetings! You can also follow my personal account on Twitter, @MotoGPKiko.

Kiko Giles

Posted on

5 Tracks MotoGP Needs Back

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

Posted on

Toxic Smoke to Positive Energy

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

Posted on

Godfrey and LED Solutions prepare for exciting 2017

Long Eaton’s Ben Godfrey will be remaining in the National Superstock 1000 class for 2017, but this time he will be on a bigger and better than ever package, with big backing from LED Solutions, from Leicester.

Godfrey had a 2016 which saw him in and out of the Stock 1000 series, starting with Morello Racing, before rounding out the season with his own team, which was also led by LED Solutions sponsorship.

The 21 year old finished joint 18th in the series last year, although with just 5 races where he competed. For 2017, the team which is run by Godfrey himself, will feature a 7.5 tonne lorry which will be used for hospitality and garage space. The rule changes in the class for the upcoming season will allow the team to play around more with the settings of the bike. There will be a huge colour scheme change and will see the team with Bitubo suspension and on the BMW.

Godfrey is the development rider for Austin Racing, who are also supporting the team for the upcoming campaign. Other sponsors include: Signet signs, Vape HQ, Austin Racing Exhausts, Held Rider Equipment, Shark Helmets, Daytona Boots, RnG Crash Protection, Pro Fibre Fairings and MHP Engineering.

The team are also on a look out for a second rider, and are in talks with several; one of them is the very well known A Someone! As well as looking for a second rider, the team are always looking for new sponsors. The Pit Crew Online looks forward to keeping up with Ben and the team for the 2017 season, and wish him and everyone around him a very successful year.

Thanks to Pete Boocock for the image.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Posted on

Doubling Up…

 

Johann Zarco took his first steps towards a life filled with racing when he began competing on minibikes in Italy, finishing second overall in 2005 and 2006. He then joined the Red Bull Rookies Cup during its inaugural year in 2007 and became their first champion, with four victories and seven podiums in eight races. Two years later, the pilot from Cannes, France made his debut in the 125 World Championship with the WTR San Marino Team, where he ended the year in 20th position – improving to 11th the following year.

In 2011 the Frenchman evolved, jumping to the Avant AirAsia Ajo Derbi team. The new combination conquered ten podiums together, pushing for the 125 title until the end. In Motegi, just four races from the season finale, Zarco took a career first victory – but finished second to Spaniard Nico Terol in the Championship. His solid performance earned him 262 championship points and also got him a ride in the Moto2™ World Championship with Team JiR in 2012.

It was not an easy rookie season for Zarco aboard the MotoBi, but he was near the podium on several occasions, including the Portugese GP. He ended the year with 95 points; inside the top ten. 2013 saw him join the Came Iodaracing Project mounted on the more competitive Suter frame and that saw Zarco deliver on his potential with two podiums – a third in both Mugello and Valencia. Again, the Frenchman became a rider to watch.

For 2014 Zarco joined the new Caterham squad, riding a revised Suter frame. It was a mixed season with four podiums and several crashes, especially during the early part of the year. Then in 2015 came the turning point, as Zarco rejoined Aki Ajo under the Ajo Motorsport banner in the Finn’s newly formed Moto2™ team – on much-desired Kalex machinery. Aside from Qatar, 2015 was a year without fault and at round three in Argentina, Zarco took his first win in the class. He took the Championship lead, and it subsequently grew with each round. Repeated triumphs were repeatedly celebrated with a trademark backflip, with a highlight of the season proving his run of three wins from the Czech GP to the San Marino GP. It was in Motegi, where he took his first victory back in 2011 on the 125cc Derbi, that Zarco was crowned the 2015 Moto2™ World Champion.

2016 has been less straightforward. It was Garage Plus Interwetten’s Tom Luthi who kicked off the year in charge of the Moto2™ title standings, as the Swiss rider took victory in Qatar – but Zarco was quick to reassert his position as reigning Champion as he took the win next time out. Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40) was the man with the toughest start to the year off the podium– but Texas saw the Spaniard rule the Circuit of the Americas to take his first victory of the year, and the fight was on.

Zarco went on an incredible winning spree throughout four of the fives races from the Catalan GP onwards, and after his win in the Austrian GP, was 34 points clear at the top of the Championship – but then the dominoes began to fall. Brno saw the Frenchman on pole in the dry but struggling on race day in difficult conditions, before a battle with Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) for the podium at Silverstone sent both off towards the gravel trap. Lowes fell, Zarco rejoined, and the Frenchman was given a 30-second time penalty for the incident, which classified him in P22 – one place behind re-mounted Lowes with neither scoring.

Zarco had a good race at Misano, finishing the race in P4 from pole, but the Aragon GP the following weekend was a difficult one for the reigning Champion; qualifying in P5 and finishing the race eighth. It was another small gain for Rins in the title fight, leaving the two rivals only one point apart at the top and seemingly confirming a two horse race as the flyaways approached.

Zarco was then back on the podium at the Twin Ring Motegi as late-charging Championship challenger Tom Luthi took victory, before the Frenchman had a difficult weekend in Phillip Island outside the top ten and Luthi was the key rival once again, taking a stunning photo-finish win. Zarco then had a new rival in second in the title fight, with the Frenchman 22 points clear of Luthi as the paddock headed for Sepang.

After a weekend of challenging track conditions in Malaysia, Zarco took his second crown. Beginning the race from a pole position that had seen him over two seconds clear of his closest rival in qualifying – Franco Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) – Zarco started the rain soaked race cautiously before choosing his moment to pounce for the lead. Once ahead and on clear track, the Frenchman simply disappeared – taking another victory to cap off the twists and turns of the 2016 title fight in amazing style. Crossing the line with a wheelie despite the wet, the Frenchman and a body double celebrated with two trackside backflips to mark the Ajo Motorsport rider’s record second title. And a record result it is, as Zarco becomes the first Frenchman in history to win more than one world title in Grand Prix racing, the first man to defend the Moto2™ title since its introduction in 2010, and the first man since 3-time MotoGP™ Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) to retain the intermediate class crown – 10 years after the Mallorcan’s first 250 title in 2006.

Six wins and another crown: the 2016 Moto2™ World Champion is Johann Zarco – with the Frenchman now gearing up to move into the premier class with Monster Yamaha Tech 3 in 2017.

 

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Posted on

Perfect 10 in the Beautiful East of Spain…

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

Posted on

MotoGP and WSBK stay on Australian TV

Dorna Sports is delighted to announce the details of MotoGP™ and WorldSBK coverage on Australian television for the next two years, following contract renewals with both Network Ten and Fox Sports. The FIM MotoGP™ World Championship will continue to be shown on both channels, with WorldSBK remaining at home on Fox Sports.

On Network Ten’s Channel ONE, every MotoGP™ race of the 18 round MotoGP™ season will continue to be shown live and free-to-air – as well as streamed online – including additional further live coverage of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island. Pre- and post-race programming on the channel will also continue to give MotoGP™ fans expert analysis and reporting on what is sure to be another stunning year in MotoGP™ after a record-breaking 2016 – before and after every race.

With Fox Sports, MotoGP™ fans will enjoy a further two seasons of unrivalled coverage, with live, ad-break free and HD broadcasts of every race, qualifying and practice session of the Championship – including use of the MotoGP™ multi-screen service to get even closer to the action, from every angle on every lap. Fans will also be able to watch every Moto2™ and Moto3™ session as part of Fox Sports’ complete coverage.

Both ONE and Fox Sports will also provide localized content specially tailored to an Australian audience – with particular focus on Jack Miller as the Queenslander makes waves in MotoGP™ and pens his name on the illustrious list of premier class race winners.

In even more good news for Australian fans of two wheels, World Superbike will also remain on Fox Sports in 2017 and 2018. WorldSBK and WorldSSP races will continue being shown live and ad-break free across the country, as will the WorldSBK Tissot-Superpole qualifying shootout. Fox Sports will also promote both MotoGP™ and WorldSBK on their website and through social media channels, providing fans with a full and in-depth repertoire of reportage on the world’s premier motorcycle racing Championships.

Network Ten Sport Manager, Adam Cush: “We are delighted to extend our broadcast deal with Dorna Sports to ensure that Australian motorsport fans can watch all MotoGP races live and free. This deal further demonstrates Network Ten’s commitment to premium motorsport.

“Network Ten has a long history of broadcasting MotoGP and we are pleased that their expert commentary and presenter team will continue to bring this high-profile World Championship to all the Australian fans.”

FOX SPORTS CEO, Patrick Delany: “This year’s MotoGP and World Superbikes have delivered plenty of the thrills, spills and heart-stopping action we have come to expect from the world’s premier two-wheel racing categories.

“Today’s announcement means fans will be able to continue to watch every event from both championships – all around the world – with live, HD and ad-break free racing on FOX SPORTS.

“Add to this line-up, the most comprehensive live coverage of the Supercars Championship and Formula 1 and there has never been a better time to be a motorsport fan.”

Manel Arroyo, Dorna Sports Managing Director, Media & TV Area: “We’re thrilled that MotoGP™ and World Superbike will remain with Fox Sports in Australia, and that Network Ten are onboard with MotoGP™ once again. It is fantastic news for Australian fans of motorcycle racing to see such incredible coverage of both Championships for two more seasons. With a new Australian race winner on the MotoGP™ grid and the future of MotoGP™ and WorldSBK at Phillip Island confirmed, these renewals are the perfect final piece in the puzzle as passion for motorcycle racing continues to reach new heights in Australia.”

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Posted on

Maria Herrera remains in Moto3, AGR make Lightweight debut

The Moto3 rider María Herrera will wear the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team livery in 2017 in a collaboration that will mean the continuity of the one started this season for the last 5 races. With this agreement, the rider from Oropesa (Toledo-España) in the businessman and chef Karlos Argiñano’s team, and it also means the debut in the smallest category of the World Championship. A new challenge for the team with headquarters in Granollers (Barcelona), which this year achieved the Moto2 European Championship title.

The agreement is valid for one season, 2017, in which María Herrera will have the new material from the Austrian brand KTM to try and improve her times and keep gaining the respect of her male rivals.

María will not compete this weekend in Valencia, as she is recovering from a fracture in her right clavicula she suffered in an unfortunate accident last October 30th at the Sepang circuit when she was fighting to get her best ever result in the World Championship; she run up to 7th. It was the second injury Herrera suffered this year, as she could not compete in Germany due to a wrist fracture she had during the Practice at the Sachsenring.

The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team will change then its shape for 2017. The team will have one rider in Moto2 (Colombian Yonny Hernández, with Kalex) and a Moto3 rider (Spanish María Herrera, with KTM), and will also continue with the Moto2 Team at the European Championship.

María Herrera: “First, I want to thank Karlos Argiñano for this opportunity. I had quite a lot of trouble this year, as everyone knows, and this chance gives me a lot of motivation. It makes me look forward to 2017, because I know I’ll have the best in the garage. The atmosphere at the AGR is amazing and we’ll do our best to achieve the good results we want “.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Posted on

Pasini’s Last Win. A True Battle with SuperSic

Back in 2009, we saw one of the most incredible 250cc championships, where Marco Simoncelli and Hiroshi Aoyama go to Valencia, which resulted in the Japanese sensation winning the final quarter-litre class championship. However, I want to draw your attention to a race that happened earlier in the season, which included Mattia Pasini and Marco Simoncelli, who went head to head in what can only be described as one of the best 250cc battles of all time.

In pouring rain, with the crowd cheering and the 250cc two-strokes screaming, the scene was set for a Mugello classic. The chaotic way of life in beautiful Italy would soon be reflected onto one of the most picturesque circuits in the world. The fifth race of the season was about to burst into life, and explode like a volcano.

After an eventful first part of the race which saw Simoncelli reeled in by Bautista, it was soon a three-man battle for the lead. When Simoncelli attempted to get back through he then collided with Bautista at the Casanova-Savelli downhill plunge, handing the lead to Pasini, whilst home hero Simoncelli and title challenger Bautista re-joined the race in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

With just one lap to go, Simoncelli went for it and hunted down Pasini – who was sporting a special “Ladies night” livery for his local club – and passed him at San Donato. The two then went side by side through Luco, Poggio Secco, Materassi and Borgo San Lorenzo, where Super Sic grabbed the advantage. Pasini tried a Rossi-style move at Casanova-Savelli and almost wiped the pair of them out.

Arrabiata1 was next and Pasini went straight back through, but Simoncelli had a better line as they exited Arrabiatta2 and took the lead once again on the approach to Scarperia. The flick left into Palagio saw Pasini snatch the lead back but a huge moment on the exit saw Simoncelli have a look up the inside into Correntaio but he couldn’t make it work. That was that. Pasini held off the ambush and intimidation from the reigning champion to win the Italian Grand Prix.

Although neither Pasini or Simoncelli went on to win the championship, both treated us to one of the most momentous Grand Prix of all time. Both wanting to win their home Grand Prix. Both eager to give their respected Italian manufactures a win too. It has been enshrined into the history books as one of those titanic scraps between two greats. An honour to witness, an honour to cheer, an honour to recap right here.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Posted on

Have the Aliens been Alienated?

In 2016, MotoGP has seen 11 race leaders, 9 race winners, 5 pole-sitters and 10 podium finishers. The competition level has never been so high, yet for some reason, everybody is winning. Now, it was only last year when we saw four winners, all from the factory Honda or Yamaha teams, and in years before, it had been even fewer. So, with that in mind, the question quite simply is: Do the ‘Aliens’ still exist?

My own personal definition of an ‘alien’ isn’t quite what some people tend to think of it as. I believe that alien status is fluid, and that just because you have won so many titles, you’re not necessarily one of the big four. An alien is someone who can challenge for a podium in every race. Whether that be wet or dry, flag to flag or tyre change, the cream will always rise. But in 2016. It hasn’t always been that way.

Dani Pedrosa’s alien status is the most controversial. Yes, he is a super talented rider; yes, he is a three-time champion; yes, he became an 8th different winner this season but one thing Dani hasn’t been this season is an alien. His first season in a few years that he was starting injury free, Dani was back on beloved Michelin tyres and many, including myself, thought that it could be Dani’s year. Three podiums have shown that it has far from been one of them. Dani was an alien once, but sadly, I believe he isn’t anymore. He didn’t launch a decent title challenge for 2016 and it took him up until San Marino to win. The Spaniard has mega talent and that could be rediscovered in the future, but for now, Dani doesn’t quite match with the requirements to be an alien. Once upon a time in the Stoner days, most certainly, but this year has been a season to forget. Can he come back and prove me wrong and reaffirm his place as an alien next season? One can only imagine at this moment.

Valentino Rossi, 9 world championships to that star-studded name but even he went through a part of his career when he wasn’t an alien. The Ducati years were arguably the worst for Rossi. No win and just three podiums, but I still heard people refer to him as an alien. Personally, I think Rossi had been alienated. As a die-hard fan of Valentino’s, it was horrible to watch but the truth is that he wasn’t an alien in 2011 or 2012. Valentino came back to Yamaha and immediately got on well, confirming his presence as an alien. But in 2016, The Doctor has endured a tumultuous season. 3 crashes and one blown engine has put Valentino’s tenth title yet another season away. However, it isn’t just the crashes, it’s his race results too. 4th in the curtain raiser, 8th in Germany, 4th again in Austria and a lucky 3rd in Great Britain have meant that Rossi has been far from consistent, which is what an alien needs. I am not saying for one moment that The GOAT isn’t an alien, but I’m saying more to the point of, ‘who is?’.

There has been only one alien this season in MotoGP. He is the only rider to have finished all but one race so far, the only rider to win multiple times and get podiums whilst title rivals were crashing all around him. Marc Marquez alienated himself as the only alien in MotoGP this year. Taking points when he couldn’t win and winning when the opportunity fell at the right moment, the 23-year-old Spaniard has been a weapon on a Repsol Honda that quite simply shouldn’t be anywhere near the top three. A superhuman effort from Marquez has seen him become champion, but it has also been the failings of others that have allowed this. Motegi for example, the most unlikely scenario to become champion (Rossi is 14th or lower and Lorenzo off the podium) comes true. The inconsistency of two other aliens has been a massive factor in deciding the championship. Marc made himself standout this year by being subtle. He took the biggest wins in 5th places, because had he gone for the big 25 points, he probably would have crashed the tenacious and difficult Honda.

The point I am making is that in the modern era of MotoGP, even the aliens aren’t aliens. The competition level is of such sheer quality and skill, that there is little difference between the likes of Andrea Iannone and Dani Pedrosa. The only difference is that one is more consistent at finishing races than the other, and we all know which one that is! Look at Maverick Vinales, he is putting the Suzuki on the podium and at Silverstone, he was numero uno. I agree, on paper there is a huge difference and of course, Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo are still your heavyweights of the sport, but they’re not aliens. You can beat them, it’s no longer impossible. It doesn’t have to be wet, nor does it have to be a flag to flag. Andrea Iannone won in Austria because Ducati worked out the best set up to their bike. Vinales won in Silverstone because he and the Suzuki gelled with a cooler air temperature and because of Maverick’s supreme talent and Cal Crutchlow won in Australia by risking everything he could and by pressuring riders ahead into a mistake.

Gone are the days of needing to be on Factory bikes to get on the podium. Now, thanks to Dorna reigning in the big Japanese manufacturers expenditure, the MotoGP class is much more of a level playing field, which has highlighted that Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Ducati can all win once again. Nobody is saying that if BMW or Bimota came into MotoGP, they’d win. However, what is being said is that with development of the right kind and with management of the right kind, you can be up there and your bike can become faster.

And it is this parity that keeps millions of fans around the world on the edge of their seats, screaming and cheering at the TV. It is this parity that gives riders all the way down the field the hope of success and not just the thought of them ‘making up the numbers’. It allows for closer racing, which brings in the fans trackside, whilst bringing out bitter rivalries that not very many other sports can say they have. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, something new comes along. Aliens or not, MotoGP will continue to provide entertainment, off track and on.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

©2014-2024 ThePitCrewOnline