Year: 2017

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Totally Toro Rosso in Australia

The week started on Tuesday for our boys, with a filming day on the beach to promote team sponsor Casio’s new Edifice watches. This meant it was time to swap their race suits for wetsuits, and for a splash in the water on some paddleboards. While Carlos was in the water he got greeted by a friend, later joking he doesn’t like shark fins.

Moving on to Thursday it was autograph day, the drivers signing photos, hats, shirts, and anything else the public wanted. Neither of the boys had press conference duties this week, so it was learning the final few bits before Friday.

Then here came Friday morning and FP1 and F1 was back for 2017 in our new livery. In first practice the boys took it steady, learning and collecting data for the team, and doing race simulations to find the perfect set-up. At the end Sainz set a 1:26.4s and Kvyat a 1:26.5s being P11 and 12 respectively, completing 49 laps collectively in the process. Then after lunch the afternoon session started and the boys completed 73 laps between them, with Carlos finishing P7 and Daniil P10, finishing Friday with no major issues.

Saturday soon came and there was one final hour of practice, one final chance for the team to make any major changes before the cars are in parc fermé. Finishing off in 8th and 9th our two drivers were split by only a tenth of a second n a close weekend between them, with Carlos always coming ahead so far.

Then it was time for a spot of lunch before qualifying. Both of our drivers sailed through Q1 and Q2 making it into Q3 where we finished P8 and P9, ahead of Ricciardo who span. So with two cars in the top 10 it was time to carry on our record of scoring points here in Australia for the 7th time in 8 years.

Finally Sunday arrived and all our hard work over the past two days came down to keeping it clean and finishing well today. After a second formation lap due to a car pulling up in Ricciardo’s empty grid spot, our boys started from eighth and ninth and made it safely through the first corner in one piece. First in the pits on lap eighteen was Carlos, who was still in eighth, changing to the yellow-walled soft tyre. Daniil didn’t make his pit stop still lap 34 which allowed him to change onto the faster supersoft tyre.

He soon caught up with his teammate, who didn’t make it hard for the Russian to overtake as they were on different strategies. After that, Kvyat was right on the gearbox of Perez in the pink Force India, until he was forced back into the pits on lap 47 to replace an empty air bottle to top up pneumatic valve system. When he rejoined he only lost one position to his teammate and was still in the points in ninth. This is how we finished our first race of the season, with Sainz eighth and Kvyat ninth and both scoring points for the team.

Richard Hindson

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Moto2 2017 Preview – New Everything

Moto2 in 2017 is set to be as fast and furious as ever before! With four of last season’s race winners moving up to MotoGP, there’s a huge hole to be filled in terms of talent. Rookies, veterans and young pretenders all combine to form what is a star-studded line up for the upcoming season and a real mix of nationalities too!

Franco Morbidelli and the Estrella Galicia Marc VDS Team must be firm favourites for the 2017 Moto2 championship. Despite having not won a race yet, Morbidelli took a stunning seven podiums in the last nine races last season, with five podiums in the final five. Aged just 22, Morbidelli has been in the sharp end of Moto2 for the last two seasons and will be hungry to put all that experience to good use. Alongside him in the team once more is Alex Marquez. The Spaniard has been rather lacklustre so far in his Moto2 career, with just one podium at Aragon last year. The 2014 Moto3 champion has been quick in testing and could make for an exciting on track dual with his teammate. The Marc VDS team had an in-team rivalry back in 2014, when Tito Rabat and Mika Kallio went head to head for the title.

Tom Luthi finished the Moto2 season 2nd last season, after starting his campaign off with a victory under floodlights at Losail. He went on to take three more victories and two further podiums but couldn’t overhaul Johann Zarco. One of his best wins last season was at Phillip Island, when he slipstreamed Franco Morbidelli to the line and pinched the win by only a few thousandths of a second. Wanting to go one step further, he could become the first Swiss rider in the history of the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship to win an intermediate class title. It won’t be easy but we know he’s quick. Alongside him this season, Jesko Raffin. The fellow Swiss joins Luthi to form a “Swiss Mafia” in the Interwetten Paddock CarXpert team. Raffin has impressed in testing and will want to improve on his best of 8th from last season’s German GP. The third rider in the team is young hot-shot Iker Lecuona, who came in late last season. Given a full-time ride for 2017, he suffered an enormous accident at the Valencia test and will miss the first race of the year (at least) and will be replaced by the recently retired and former 125cc champion, Julian Simon.

The Team Asia Idemitsu Kalex squad once again field Takaaki Nakagami. The Japanese rider took his first win last season at a red-flagged Dutch TT, holding off Johann Zarco as the Frenchman got closer to him. Looking for wins again this season, the 25-year-old comes off the back of a season where he finished 6th. ‘Taka’ always goes well at Jerez, so keep an eye on him there. His new teammate -somewhat surprisingly – is Khairul Idham Pawi. The double GP winner in Moto3 makes a very early step up to Moto2, staying in the same team. The Malaysian rider hasn’t been that much of a stand-out in testing but he has got the whole season to prove doubters – like me – wrong.

Forward Racing are back for 2017 with an unchanged line-up. San Marinese Grand Prix victor Lorenzo Baldassarri lines up alongside Valentino Rossi’s half-brother, Luca Marini. Both have shone in testing with Baldassarri potentially causing a bit of an upset in 2017. He’s quick and his experience of winning from last season will leave him seeking further success. Luca Marini is yet to break into the top five in a race yet, however two top-10 results last season (a best of 6th in Germany) show that he is quick and on his day, could be a great shout for a podium. It’s in his blood after all…

Graduating from Moto3 after taking victories last season, Jorge Navarro takes the place vacated by Sam Lowes at the Federal Oil Gresini Kalex team. Fausto Gresini was quick to snap him up last year and so far, Navarro has been a solid top-10 tester. The Moto2 rookie will take time to adapt – as has everyone else who’s moved up – but expect some good results from the off. He’s got the talent, the bike and the team to guide him in the right direction.

The Dynavolt Intact GP team field seasoned campaigner Sandro Cortese for the 5th consecutive season, partnering him with fellow German, Marcel Shrotter who will enjoy his 2nd season riding a Kalex. The team took a victory at Brno last year with MotoGP graduate Jonas Folger and will be looking to mount a serious challenge for the title with Sandro Cortese, who has so far failed to impress in Moto2. For Schrotter, the objective will be to hit the podium places by the end of the year, after taking 5th place at last year’s Austrian Grand Prix.

As well as new riders, there is also a new team in Moto2. The VR46 Riders Academy add two bikes to the Moto2 grid this year, with Moto3 race winner Francesco Bagnaia and Moto3 wild-boy and crowd pleaser, Stefano Manzi. Bagnaia has looked quick in testing and will want podiums in the season, whilst also wanting to take home the Moto2 ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. Stefano Manzi may seem a strange signing but being over 6 foot, he will need more than a Moto3 bike – which is similar to Lorenzo Baldassarri’s situation in 2013. After all, it’d be like a giraffe riding a grehound if he was to stay in the class for another season.

The Pons HP40 team have a new rider and a new livery in 2017, reverting to the 2013 look of blue and white instead of the yellow they have run for the past few seasons. Their new rider is non-other than former Moto3 podium finisher and double Junior World Moto3 Champion, Fabio Quartararo. He has proved he has pace in testing and will want to replicate what his fellow countryman Zarco was able to do last season. Whether that’ll be straight away will be left to be desired for now. Edgar Pons is alongside him this season. Edgar’s best finish last season was a mere 14th, so a top 10 will be an improvement.

The Italtrans team keep hold of Mattia Pasini, who did such a fine job last season. The veteran Italian took six top-10 positions on his way to 11th in the championship. He hasn’t had a podium since the 2009 San Marinese GP and his last victory was at the 2009 Italian GP. Pasini will surely correct at least one of them stats soon? Alongside him in 2017 will be Moto3 podium finisher, Andrea Locatelli. Equally as puzzling as Pawi’s move to Moto2, I feel Locatelli may have benefitted more from at least another season in the frantic Moto3 class. Testing has been somewhat mediocre but, like Pawi, adaptation time will be required.

Another new team join the Moto2 grid for 2017. This time, it’s reigning Moto3 champions KTM, who are starting to take Grand Prix racing a bit more serious.

Miguel Oliveira moves back to the team he left in 2015 and joins former teammate and reigning Moto3 rider’s champion, Brad Binder. Oliveira’s season in Moto2 has been helpful and that has shown throughout testing. The Portuguese rider’s best finish last season was an 8th but missed the final part of the year through injury. Brad Binder took seven victories on his way to his first world title last season. He hasn’t been as fast as Oliveira initially but the times will come for the South African. Binder will be looking to become the first South African since Kork Ballington at the Nurburgring in 1980 to take an intermediate class victory as he continues to re-write South Africa’s motorsport history whilst paving his own future.

The Kiefer Racing team move over from Kalex to Suter, not conforming to modern Moto2 fashion. Retaining 2015 Moto3 champion Danny Kent seems a good move; the Brit has been in fine form in pre-season testing and looked like the champion of old. A 6th place in the opening race of 2016 was his best result last year, showing that Danny must show us what he can do this season. Alongside him, former Moto2 winner, Dominique Aegerter. The Swiss rider comes back to his beloved Suter, of which he enjoyed a great season on back in 2014. The only downside to the team’s efforts is the wretched black and white livery they have. It really isn’t for me.

Tech 3 racing return to the championship for 2017, with Xavi Vierge and Remy Gardner. Remy comes in from the CEV Junior Moto2 championship, after doing well but often running into mechanical gremlins. He joined the world championship for some of last year on a Kalex, with a best of 12th. Vierge was something of a revelation in 2016, with a best of 8th place at Sepang. Last year’s rookie of the year will want to get his first podium for sure, to give the Tech 3 Moto2 team something to cheer about as well.

AGR reduce their output in Moto2 this season, from two riders to one. Yonny Hernandez goes to the team following his departure from the premier class. The Colombian’s extravagant style suited him when he was in Moto2 prior to the MotoGP class, with a best result of 6th place on a FTR bike. He boards the Kalex for the first time, knowing that he has to prove his worth in 2017.

Hafizh Syahrin remains in Moto2 and with the Petronas Kalex team. The Malaysian had some great rides last season, often battling away in the 2nd group of riders. 4th place on three occasions last year underlines the Malaysian’s potential and I’ll take odds on him finishing in the top five this season. There are rumours that he and the Petronas team will move up to the MotoGP category for 2018, although nothing is confirmed just yet.

The Speed Up team is all Italian this year as they expand their effort from a one rider garage to two. Simone Corsi retains his place in the team, with the hardcore Italian looking for his first podium since Le Mans last season. 10th overall proves that despite being an elder statesman of the Moto2 paddock, age is just a number. Axel Bassani joins him in the team, moving over from the European Supersport championship. The 17-year-old will make his debut after the Qatari GP.

Replacing Johann Zarco at Aki Ajo’s Moto2 Kalex team is Japanese rider, Tesuta Nagashima. The #45 rider moves back into Moto2 after having a year in the CEV Moto2 championship. Having been in the championship back in 2015 and sustaining injuries at Silevrstone, there is unfinished business for the 24-year-old to attend to.

Isaac Vinales moves into the SAG Racing Team, on a Kalex. His 2nd full season in the championship will hopefully be a better one for Maverick’s cousin, who achieved a 9th place last year at the German GP, on his way to 24th overall. The Spaniard will be looking for points in every race and may even be hoping for a top five placing here or there.

The last rider on the grid is Xavier Simeon. The former GP winner and Superstock 1000 champion is riding the Tasca Racing Kalex in 2017, moving over from the QMMF Speed Up operation. Whether he can return to winning ways is yet to be shown but he has been more competitive in testing than what he was for the majority of 2016, with a best of 8th at COTA before finishing 17th overall.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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Ferrari’s Australian Grand Prix Review: Sebastian Vettel’s victory in Melbourne is a start, now they must maintain it

Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Sunday 26 March 2017.
World Copyright: Sam Bloxham/LAT Images
ref: Digital Image _W6I4899  via PirelliThey say that one swallow doesn’t make a summer.

But in the Australian sunshine, there is no question that Ferrari will certainly be feeling a warm glow after they became the first team other than Mercedes to lead the World Championship with Sebastian Vettel’s victory.

The win was Vettel’s 43rd, but from the way the four-time World Champion celebrated his fourth Ferrari success you’d think it was his very first.

It was a disappointing 2016 for both Vettel and Ferrari, in which much was promised but little delivered and it appears lessons have been learnt.

After all the flattering to deceive in 2016, in which they never could get over the line when in a race-winning position, Ferrari have given nothing away unlike the public confidence exuded 12 months ago.

After multiple strategy mistakes like in and Canada Melbourne last year, in which the Prancing Horse managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on both occasions, their strategy became a laughing stock.

Internally they will know that after all the tricks and flicks in testing that season cannot play out in a similar fashion

So it took a lot of bottle not to just simply follow Hamilton into the pits on lap 17 and instead push it to lap 23.

By that point Hamilton had spent six laps staring at the back of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, and with Vettel having more clean laps than not, he was able to squeeze ahead of the Mercedes – and crucially the Red Bull.

It appears Vettel has his mojo back too.

His angst with everything and everyone last season a lot of critics questioned his motivation.

When Ferrari were a second or more off the pace on Friday, Vettel, who had spent the winter telling anyone who’d listen that Mercedes were the quickest, was unruffled in a way that he perhaps wasn’t towards the end of last year.

His drive to victory was calmness personified and has raised hopes that we might finally see a battle between Hamilton and Vettel for the title in a fight not too dissimilar to the days of Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher.

Kimi Raikkonen had a less illustrious drive to fourth, with his only half-battle coming in the shape of Max Verstappen chasing him from time to time.

The 2007 champion admitted the team found setup issues after qualifying – too late to make changes to the car.

Victory for Ferrari isn’t a huge shock, despite the upgrades brought in by Mercedes. The Scuderia were quick in testing and less than 0.3 slower in qualifying despite a so-so sector one for Vettel on his flier.

This result by no means guarantees that Ferrari will be at the top of the tree, or fighting with Mercedes through the season.

It doesn’t guarantee either that Red Bull, despite being slower than expected, are completely out of the running already.

The litmus test for Ferrari is whether they can maintain the pace for the rest of the season.

Indeed, one swallow does not make a summer.

But if Ferrari sustain this battle with Mercedes, they’ll have plenty more birds singing.

Jack Prentice

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Australian Grand Prix – Ferrari is back to the top

Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Sunday 26 March 2017.
World Copyright: Zak Mauger/LAT Images
ref: Digital Image _56I1907

What a race to start the season, Sebastian Vettel claimed the first chequered flag of the year and returned to the top after almost two years. Ferrari’s last victory was in Singapore in 2015.

The new regulations affected the outcome of the race, the cars were faster, last season Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest lap, 1:28.997s on lap 49, by comparing this lap with Raikkonen’s fastest lap which was 1:26.538 it is obvious that the 2017 cars are almost three seconds faster. Furthermore, overtakes are harder this season, Lewis Hamilton was struggling to pass Max Verstappen and that might cost him the victory.

This means only one thing, this season will be more interesting and looks like Ferrari have the answer to Mercedes’ dominance.

Lights Out

A clean start allowed to Lewis Hamilton to retain his lead, Sebastian Vettel was close to the three-time world champion, followed by Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen. The two Finns had their own battle at the beginning of the race, but Bottas increased his lead and remained third until the end of the race.

Ferrari showed that they have the pace to stay behind the Mercedes. Vettel was about 1.5s behind Hamilton during the first 16 laps. The Brit, couldn’t increase his lead and that forced Mercedes to take the risk and call him into the pits on lap 17.

Hamilton, re-joined behind Max Verstappen, it was one of the most critical moments of the race. Mercedes told to Lewis that he had to pass Max, but Lewis was unable to do that. Ferrari took advantage and let Vettel on the track until lap 23. The German re-joined ahead of both Verstappen and Hamilton, and he needed only two laps to increase his gap to six seconds.

We were worried about the undercut possibility, we knew we would come out behind Max and Kimi and that’s what happened. Ferrari played it very well.” said Wolff.

When Max Verstappen pitted, Lewis Hamilton was far behind Vettel and he couldn’t challenge him for the first place. Bottas was closing to Lewis in the final laps, and he finished just 1.2s behind his team-mate in his race debut with Mercedes.

Max Verstappen scored 10 points for his team as Daniel Ricciardo had a bad weekend at his home race. The Australian, took a five-place grid penalty because he had to change his gearbox. He started the race from the pitlane, as his car stopped while he was driving to take his place on the grid, due to electrical issues and finally retired after some engine problems.

Felipe Massa had also a quiet evening, the Brazilian finished behind Verstappen on the sixth place, whilst his team-mate and rookie driver retired on his F1 debut race.

It was a pleasant weekend for Toro Rosso and Sahara Force India. Esteban Ocon scored his first point in his Formula One career and both teams finished in the points. Sainz and Kvyat finished eighth and ninth respectively, whilst Perez finished seventh.

It is too early for safe conclusions, Ferrari looks strong and competitive, Sebastian Vettel had the pace to remain behind Hamilton in the first laps, whilst Mercedes seems that they have difficulties to make the right calls when they are not leading.

Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Sunday 26 March 2017.
World Copyright: Steven Tee/LAT Images
ref: Digital Image _O3I3200

Best moment of the race

Esteban Ocon’s and Nico Hulkenberg’s overtake on Fernando Alonso, a few laps before the end of the race. Three cars with three different colours (yellow, pink and orange) were running on the same line.

By Victor Archakis – @FP_Passion

Formula 1 Editor

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FANTASY AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX

 

It was the first Grand Prix of the season and every team tip-toed into the first race not knowing how drivers were going to perform.

Two teams chose Australia as their bonus circuit, therefore doubling the points they received and so we have our first championship table of the season.

In terms of drivers, the Top performing drivers so far are:

Vettel (49pts)

Hamilton (48pts)

Raikkonen (39pts)

Bottas (33pts)

Perez (32pts)

Massa (27pts)

Verstappen (26pts)

Ocon (24pts)

Vandoorne (24pts)

The bottom five worst performing drivers:

Ricciardo (-39pts)

Stroll (-38pts)

Palmer (-17pts)

Magnussen (-15pts)

Ericsson (-13pts)

So here is the first set of standings after one Grand Prix:

**please note Ford Bird Racing and The Stig Racing both used their bonus circuit as Australia

1 – FORD BIRD RACING (352)

2 – THE STIG RACING (236)

3 – OWEN RACING (207)

4 – FROM INDY WITH LOVE (205)

5 – MONTE CARLO OR BUST (199)

6 – 24 HOURS (197)

7 – RUSTY MECHANICS (186)

8 – SPEEDSTAR RACING (183)

9 – TWO WHEELS ARE BEST (182)

10 – GREEK RACE FAN (181)

11 – BLUE BULL RACING (174)

12 – SEB’S BLUE FLAG RACING (173)

13 – BURNT MARSHMALLOW (172)

14 – DOLLY DAZZLERS (171)

15 – CJ WILSON RACING (166)

15 – MURRAY WALKER RACING (166)

17 – THE HULK’S UNDERPANTS (162)

18 – NESSA GOES RACING (160)

19 – MINDO RACING (154)

20 – SAFFA MEETS F1 (147)

21 – FARMER F1 (145)

22 – BRUM BRUM (144)

23 – TAXI F1 (137)

24 – REEDY’S RACERS (131)

24 – RHODESIAN RACERS (131)

26 – MONZA PINT-F1 (124)

27 – BUTTON’S BRAWN (116)

28 – CRAZY MOFOS (114)

29 – SARNIA SPEEDSTERS (111)

29 – TEAM WELLS (111)

30 – BUTTON’S HEROES (96)

31 – CHRIS’ CHAMPIONS (85)

32 – TEAM T-DUBYA (82)

33 – SPADJ RACING (45)

34 – GUN RACING (-58)

Neil Simmons

Twitter: @world_racing

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Moto3 Preview 2017: An All Italian Job?

The 2017 Moto3 season promises to be as frantic and energetic as ever and with the mix of the last year’s rookies, this year’s rookies and lightweight class veterans, who’d bet on a championship that will go down to Valencia once again. 18 rounds, 13 countries, 31 riders but only one world champion and the chance to make history, this could be the best Moto3 season we’ve ever seen.

Let’s start with the veterans. Romano Fenati returns to the series after being sacked out of the VR46 Riders Academy set-up. The Italian, with seven wins, is now the most successful rider in the field. He returns with the Marinelli Rivacold team; the team have been in Moto3 for some time now, with three wins under their belt with Niccolo Antonelli.

Antonelli in-turn joins reigning champions Red Bull Ajo KTM, in search of a proper title challenge. The Italian has ridden the KTM before, back in 2014 for Gresini. Three race wins might look good on paper but he’s been in the class since 2012, so this time it must be a top three performance if he is to come up through the GP paddock.

Enea Bastianini has also relocated and is in the Estrella Galicia Marc VDS team. This will be the first time in his career that he has changed team so it may take him some time to adapt to his new surroundings. However, he joins a team who took the Moto3 title in 2014, so maybe that’s the experience the Italian needs to propel him to a championship title. Two wins suggest room for improvement for ‘Bestia’.

Grand Prix winner and sole Belgian rider, Livio Loi has the weight of Belgium on his shoulders for 2017. After not quite living up to potential last season, with just a best of 5th in Australia, you get the feeling that this year must be Loi’s year. He finds himself in the 2015 championship winning team, the Leopard Team – although the actual team is totally different to Stefan Kiefer’s title winning 2015 squad.

John McPhee has been one of the unluckiest riders in Moto3. Bike issues, wrong team – wrong time situations and just bad luck when it mattered, the Scot finally finds himself in a team that looks like it could be his magic key to success. Set up by Dorna, the British Talent Team is centred around McPhee – the only Brit in Moto3 this season. Hopefully BT will get some stickers on the bike too, to help with financial situations. A winner in Brno last season, McPhee is fully recovered from horrific injuries sustained at the Australian Grand Prix last year and ready to get properly stuck in.

Jorge Martin joined the paddock in 2015, with a whole year of solid results. In 2016, he finished 16th in the title and took a 2nd place in Brno. Now, he joins a team that is more than established in the class with Gresini Racing and on a bike that is more than established in winning, with Honda. Martin has been one of the fastest riders through testing and could be on for his first win at some point during the season.

I feel a bit conflicted on calling Andrea Migno a veteran but the 21-year-old from Cattolica has been around for a few years now. Entering his 3rd season with the Sky VR46 Team, Migno showed us what he is capable of last year, with two 3rd places at Assen and then Valencia but the win still eludes him. Or will it…

Phillip Oettl is back in 2017, with the same team as last season – the Schedl KTM squad. The pole-sitter from the Americas Grand Prix will be looking for his 2017 to feature a few more podiums, having not cracked open the champagne at all last year. A great ride at the Red Bull Ring however does reinforce his potential and give us journos and fans a great outlook on the season ahead.

Jakub Kornfeil is the only rider in the whole field who has started every single Moto3 race since its introduction in 2012. He took one podium on his way to 8th overall last season, but this year sees him change team once more. The Czech rider moves over to the Saxoprint team, riding the Peugeot. Whether he can take the bike to the heights that McPhee took it to last year is still unknown but Kornfeil will be wanting to check in rather than Czech out…

Last year’s rookies though will be fast from the off though and many are thinking that 2017 will go to one of the new boys from yesteryear. One of them former rookies is Niccolo Bulega. The 2015 CEV Moto3 champion has been topping timesheets all the way through testing and comes into 2017 as one of the favourites. His podium at Jerez was massively impressive and who better than Valentino Rossi to help you out?

Fellow Italian Fabio Di Giannantonio stunned all of us last season, coming through from nowhere in Mugello to take his first points and 2nd place, triggering a string of 10 top-10 placings – with two more podiums along the way. Fabio will be desperate for his first win in Moto3 and will be wanting to win the title at the 2nd time of asking. However, he’s one of a string of riders who believe the same after successes last season. He stays with Gresini Racing in 2017 but changes his number from #4 to #21.

One of them riders is Austrian GP winner, Joan Mir, who stays with the Leopard Racing but makes the switch from KTM to Honda. Mir, like Di Giannantonio, took three podiums last season and finished top rookie, a considerable way back from runaway series winner Brad Binder but only 33 points from 2nd place. Mir will be looking to add to his win tally this year.

Aron Canet is another rider searching for a win this season; the Spaniard took his first podium towards the end of the season at the Australian GP, with a third place. He crashed out of a podium placing at the Argentine GP so he has bags of potential and being a part of the Estrella Galicia Marc VDS team alongside Bastianini, experience from all around him will rub off on his form throughout the year.

Bo Bendsneyder stays in the Red Bull Ajo KTM set up for 2017, joined by Antonelli who replaces Binder. The tall Dutchman took two podiums on his way to 14th in the season overall: one in Great Britain and one in Malaysia – both of which were 3rd places. He will be looking to become the first Dutchman to win a race since Hans Spaan won at Brno in the 125cc class at Brno.

Don’t forget though, there are some incredibly quick rookies in 2017, including three Asian riders. Ayumu Sasaki is a bit of a character and he’s on the Sepang International Circuit Honda. He partners last year’s rookie, Malaysian rider, Adam Norrodin.

In the Idemitsu Honda Team it’s all change again, as the other two Asian rookies jump in. Japanese sensation Kaito Toba graduates from the CEV championship into Moto3 to join Tadayuki Okada’s wonderfully decked-out outfit. His teammate is Thai rider, Nakarin Atiratphuvapat. No, your screen has not decided to go all weird, that is his surname. Try saying it after a few pints of Thailand’s finest Singha or a few cans of the local Chang. ANYWAY, he’s incredibly quick and shone particularly well at Catalunya in the CEV. Keep your eyes peeled.

Tony Arbolino steps up to the Moto3 category, with the SIC58 team, a set-up which is run by Paolo Simoncelli, Marco’s father. Yes, he sounds like a character from The Sopranos or an associate of Ronnie and Reggie Kray but he is actually quite quick, having finished 6th in the Jerez test. It really is a wonderful tribute to Marco, who would be proud of what Italy has achieved since his passing and just how influential he was and still is in the paddock. Arbolino’s joined by Tatsuki Suzuki, who has a best finish of 10th, although that is from 2015 at Silverstone.

There are other riders too, such as Gabriele Rodrigo. The Argentine topped the crash list for Moto3 last year and will be looking to top the podium instead in 2017. Juanfran Guevara also returns, teaming up with the Argentine once again in the RBA team, who have team shirts like Myanmar budget airline, Air KBZ.

Young 16-year-old Patrik Pulkkinen joins the championship after having two seasons in the Red Bull Rookies cup. He has won the Moriwaki Junior Championship and has good pace, although it may take time to be recognised. His move underpins Dorna’s support for Finnish interaction, with the addition of the Kymi Ring in 2018 and new television rights with MTV in Finland for this season. And with Aki Ajo already in the paddock, Finland is becoming a more prominent force in the world of bikes.

Marco Bezzecchi returns to the paddock after his previous races, joining the CIP Technomag Mahindra team. Adam Norrodin is back too; the Malaysian remaining in the Sepang International Circuit team. Darryn Binder is also back, on the Platinum Bay Real Estate bike – the team switching from Mahindra to KTM. Marcos Ramirez is also in the championship, joining Darryn in the Platinum Bay outfit, with a best result of 6th at the Malaysian GP last season. Lorenzo Dalla Porta returns, under the VR46 umbrella but in the Aspar team along with Albert Arenas, starting his first full season. Jules Danilo is alongside Romano Fenati in the Marinelli Rivacold garage, whilst Manuel Pagliani enters the championship as third bike at the CIP Mahindra team, after winning two CIV Italian Moto3 championships. Appearances in the CEV series, Red Bull Rookies, European Superstock 600 and World Moto3 all add to the 20-year-old’s potential. The AGR team make their Moto3 debut with MotoGP’s only female, Maria Herrera, who will want to score more points and crack the top 10 on a regular basis.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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TeamByTeam MotoGP Preview: Marc VDS Honda

Another team that are keeping their rider line up consistent is the Marc VDS team, as Jack Miller and Tito Rabat spearhead the Marc VDS Honda outfit for the 2nd year running. An unexpected maiden victory for Miller in the tricky conditions at Assen was one of the highlights from 2016, whilst Rabat will be looking to get a solid season under his belt after a difficult start to his MotoGP career. Although for the second consecutive year, the team suffer from a far-from-fit line up. After Jack Miller’s foot and leg injury last year, Rabat has arm and collarbone injuries, meaning that it may be a case of making it through the first rounds for Rabat and not pushing to the absolute limits.

As we know, the Honda is certainly not the easiest bike on the grid to ride, however the aforementioned injuries picked up by the two youngsters haven’t helped with their preparations for this season. The new Honda “big bang” engine though has enabled Miller at least to become more comfortable on the bike, commenting on how the bike is now “more calm for the rider and you can focus on hitting the lines.”

A repeat victory in 2017? 2016 showed how the weather can allow for people like the Aussie to win races. Jack is still only 22 years old and he’ll be looking to impress further this year in the hope a factory ride will come calling sooner rather than later. His Spanish team mate is now 27 years old and after picking up a nasty injury to both arms and collarbones at the Sepang test, the start of 2017 looks like it will be tough for the former Moto2 world champion. Miller is entering his third season with a Honda under him and his 2nd with the Estrella Galicia outfit, meaning that he will be looking to beat the 57 points he scored last season. Rabat’s best finish of his MotoGP career was 9th at last year’s Argentine Grand Prix, his only top 10 in the whole season. Rabat may be out of time if things fail to change in 2017.

Unfortunately, I’m expecting another tough year for the Spaniard. I’m sure were all hoping he can stay injury free and challenge for some decent points every weekend, as we all now the talent he posses. As for Jackass, I feel he can certainly penetrate the top 10 on more than one occasion. If the weather throws up a surprise, expect the Aussie to be challenging for the the top six and maybe we can see him add to his sole victory.

The team itself is one that has fingers in many pies. CEV Junior Moto3 championship, Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP – there’s definitely a ladder that riders in the lower ranks can look forward to following. The question is for this season is whether the team can transfer the form from the lower classes into the premier class and give Rabat and Miller the results they deserve. One thing is for certain, if the team get another freak win, there will be a party long into the night, with the likes of Jack Miller in the team, there’d probably be a party anyway.

Elliott York @journoyork

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DAVIS BACK FOR TEAM HARD

 

Team HARD are happy to announce that Toby Davis returns to the VW Racing Cup for 2017.

The former karter, who finished 3rd in the Junior KTM championship before moving to F250 National’s, entered Tony Gilham’s scholarship competition in 2015.

Toby won and was awarded a fully funded driver in the VW Cup last season. He took 5th place in his first race at Rockingham, coming from last on the grid after the car had a few technical issues. This showed the tenacity and determination of Toby, the same traits which awarded him the drive with Team HARD in the first instance.

He attained two pole at Donington and again showed his race craft in the final round at Brands Hatch. He did not start Race 1 due to technical issues and had to start from the back of the grid for the second race. He came through the field to finish 5th and in the finale took 3rd to round off a competitive season.

In preparation for 2017, Toby had this to say:

“The pre-season for me has been a lot of hard work, building relationships with local companies and bringing new partners on board. That said, I realised I could always be physically fitter, so I’ve joined a local football team in Cardiff, which has helped a lot in getting me ready for the new season!”

Speaking with Toby about winning the scholarship to drive for Tony Gilham, he found it overwhelming to describe his emotions.

“I can’t describe the feeling! Honestly, it was like winning the lottery. Throughout my career to date, it’s been my father and I scraping together a very small budget to go kart racing and have fun competing at a much lower level. It goes without saying that we had a great time, and I was lucky to be racing at all. But the scholarship that Tony puts on, it offers people like myself the opportunity to show what we can really do, and I honestly can’t explain how grateful I am for that opportunity. I don’t take it for granted and I try to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground!”

Like any racing driver at this time of year, Toby’s thoughts switch to the 2017 season and we asked him what his ambitions were for the forthcoming year as he builds on his first season from 2016.

“Last season was very much a learning curve for me. I had a lot of pace, we had a few mechanical issues and I made quite a few mistakes as well. To win in my second ever car race shows what might have been, and I had a couple of pole positions and some podiums to boot, which was great. I would love to compete for regular race wins and if I can sort out the mistakes, I’m hopeful we can fight for the title. Beyond the racing, the main goal is to continue to work closely with Team-HARD. to find the budget for 2018 and beyond and stay with the team as a fully-fledged car racing driver, and to earn my place as the Scholarship winner.”

His team boss, Tony Gilham, had this to say about Toby.

“Toby is an exceptional young talent and one that we recognised as a potential future champion after winning our Team HARD scholarship last year. He went on to take a race win on his debut weekend which was an amazing achievement and just highlighted the quality of the talent that came through the scholarship programme with no less than 6 other drivers progressing to race with is in 2016.

It was very important to move into year two with Toby and continue his progression and we have been working so hard over the winter to put together a package to get him back out. He has been very good with our partners and shown that he has what it takes on and off track. Now we look forward to seeing what Toby can produce with the experience of last year under his belt.”

This seemed the perfect time to sit Toby down and ask him the Quick 10 questions:

QUICK 10 WITH…..TOBY DAVIS

1. What is your favourite circuit and why?

Snetterton – in my karting days we raced on long circuits in Superkarts and my first race win came at Snetterton. I love the flow of the new 300 layout and it’s very much about maximising the apex speed and carrying momentum forwards in the cars, something that comes naturally to me thanks to many years of karting.

2. Who is/was your racing idol?

That’s an easy one, and not always a popular choice – Jason Plato. Not just because he’s the most successful touring car driver, and has to be one of the most talented touring car drivers of all time, but also because of his ability to bring on board sponsors and partners and market himself and his team to them.

3. Who would you regard as your toughest opponent?

Your toughest opponent is always the one that has beaten you most recently. For me that’s Phil House. He has a lot of experience and makes very good racing decisions (knowing when to overtake, for example), and I suspect he never had any contact in 2016! He’s also the reigning champion, and I’ve learnt a lot from studying him both on and off track. He did a great job in 2016 – hopefully I can do a better job in 2017!

4. Considering racers of all time, you are a team principal and money is no object. Which two racers would you have in your team?

If I was team principal of a touring car team, it would be Jim Clark and Jason Plato. Jim Clark has to be one of the most rounded drivers of all time, and won in pretty much anything he drove.

5. If you could invite four famous people to dinner (past and present), who would you invite?

Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Tony Gilham. Think of the marketing opportunities that Tony and I could offer them!

6. Personal racing number? What is it and the reason behind it?

I was always number 20 growing up and in karting because of Michael Owen’s goal against Argentina in 1998(!) Tony’s kindly loaned me #34 as a synergy with the team, which I’d love to hold onto if I end up in BTCC – that entirely depends on whether Mr Gilham wants to have a play or not at the same time…

7. What is the best race you have been involved in?

In terms of the racing, Silverstone 2016 in the MSA British Superkart Championship. Any one of about 5 drivers could have won that race and I ended up 2nd. It was incredible! (It’s on You Tube)

8. Is there a race or series you have not competed in, that you would like to or had wanted to?

Easy – BTCC. That’s the goal for me, and I’m in the right place to eventually make that happen. I’m still a massive fanboy for BTCC and I’m like a small child whenever I go to an event!

9. How did you get into motor racing? What ignited that spark?

My father always used to watch the F1 and loved his bikes. He’s entirely at fault, we’re both petrolheads! My first memory as a young child was the 1994 Japanese Grand Prix, which was won on aggregate by Hill from Schumacher due to the weather. That was pure, out and out, who could go fastest in the wet, and Hill just held on. I have watched that race back many, many times and it’s still my favourite race of all time. They did 10 laps or so at the end of pure qualifying runs, right on the limit.

10. What is the best advice in racing you have been given?

My family as a whole have always been incredibly supportive, my mother has always been at the racing, sometimes watching between her fingers! Her advice has always been never give up on your dream. My dream is to drive in the BTCC, and through the incredible generosity of Team-HARD, I have been given an opportunity to get there. What was once a dream is now a tangible possibility, and I will never give up working as hard as I can to improve all aspects of being a racing driver to achieve that.

We would like to thank Toby for taking the time out from his busy preparations to take part in the Quick 10 and for supplying the photographs. Best of luck for 2017 Toby.

Go Hard…..or…..Go Home

Toby Davis Promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbNoHhev59Q

Toby Davis Twitter: @TobyDavis34

http://www.team-hard.com/

Neil Simmons

Twitter: @world_racing

Images courtesy of Toby Davis

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TeamByTeam MotoGP Preview: Pramac Ducati

For the Pramac racing squad, 2017 will be their 16th consecutive season in MotoGP and this year could be their best one to date. There’s a Desmosedici GP17 in their ranks in the hands of Danilo Petrucci after he won the inter-team battle against Scott Redding last season, which means the Italian will get the same package as factory boys Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso. However, that may not be the best thing in the early part of the season. Scott will have a bike that is a proven race winner, whilst Danilo’s is yet to reach such stages. It might only be a short-term advantage but Scott might have the upper-hand early doors on his Italian teammate.

So, can we expect Petrucci to be competing with the likes of five-time world champion Lorenzo? It will be a fascinating challenge for him that’s for sure, as the GP17 will be the most competitive bike he has ever ridden. He’ll be looking to get this year off to a better start, as a testing crash at Phillip Island last year meant he had to miss the opening four rounds. No such crashes this year though for the 26-year-old, who will be looking to add to his podium finish at Silverstone back in 2015. Petrucci has excelled as a rider having left the Ioda team and you get the feeling that he could produce something special in mixed conditions. And, if there is an issue with the factory team riders, Petrucci may well get a call up. It’s all experience after all.

As for Redding, he is on board a bike that has proven race winning potential, as factory riders Dovizioso and now Suzuki pilot Andrea Iannone proved in 2016. Race wins, in the dry at least, will probably be a step too far for Scott. For me, the Gloucestershire born rider can definitely challenge for the top 6 as there is no doubting that the youngest ever GP winner is quick. Redding has had a difficult pre season, however he seemed to have found a set up that works in the final pre season test, good news for us Brits. But, with tricky weather conditions always a threat at Assen and the Sachsenring, Scott could give Paolo Campinoti’s team a much-deserved victory. His 3rd place in The Netherlands last season was a real indicator of the Brit’s talents.

The Pramac team have had a lot of mixed fortunes over the last few years but podiums have prevailed. In 2015, Petrucci put the bike on the podium in monsoon-like conditions at Silverstone and a year later, Redding did the same at Assen. Petrucci momentarily led last season’s German GP, whilst setting the fastest lap of the race in Holland. More of the same in 2017 perhaps?

An intriguing battle to see who will come out on top between these two is certain and it adds yet another sub-plot to the 2017 championship. Another dimension to the series with yet another rivalry brewing. Fallouts from last year look to spill over into this season, so just what exactly lies ahead? Stay tuned.

Elliott York @journoyork

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MotoGP Qatar Preview: Arabian Nights

It. Is. Back. MotoGP returns this weekend for round one of the championship, coming from the Arab Gulf State of Qatar. The Losail International circuit has been a permanent feature on the ever-expanding MotoGP calendar for 13 years now and since 2007, it has hosted the first race of the year. The only race to be held under floodlights, the Qatari Grand Prix looks set to be yet another cracker, with rider and team changes abundant.

Reigning champion Marc Marquez hasn’t won at Losail since 2014, starting what would be a run of 11 Grand Prix victories for the five-time champion. A 3rd place in the race last year was a solid platform for his title challenge and nothing less than a podium will suffice again. Looking for his 56th win and Honda’s 3rd at the track, Marc will want to kick off his season just as a reigning world champion should. However, the 24-year-old has experienced some struggles in testing, only shadowing Maverick Vinales at the Phillip Island test. A war of words has begun between the two, suggesting that 2017 will not be without it’s intense rivalries. Will Marc deliver on Sunday? Only two wins suggest not, however, he’s only been off the podium four times at Losail in his illustrious career. Just what will happen come race day?

Runner up in the championship for the past three seasons, Valentino Rossi still hasn’t given up the dream of title number 10. He arrives at Losail off the back of a pretty tricky pre-season test, although as we all know, The GOAT is a Sunday man. Four victories at Losail see Valentino as one of the favourites to win at the weekend, although it was only 4th for the Italian in the race last year. He has never won from pole at the Qatari Grand Prix and his last pole came in 2007, when he finished 2nd. Rossi hasn’t started two consecutive seasons with 4th place finishes in his whole career and that stat could all change when the chequered flag drops on Sunday evening. There are also new factors in the Yamaha team, such as Maverick Vinales, the wing ban and the absence of Jorge Lorenzo. Could the change suit Rossi? After all, he has a reputation for reinventing himself each year. Don’t discount The Doctor in Doha just yet.

Jorge Lorenzo joins Ducati for 2017 and whilst the team haven’t won at the Losail circuit since 2009, – with Casey Stoner – Jorge Lorenzo has won six times at the venue throughout his career, with three of them coming in MotoGP. The Spaniard could be set to update the records too: having won the last race of 2016 with Yamaha, if he wins the Qatari GP on the Ducati, he will replicate Valentino Rossi’s record breaking achievement with Honda and Yamaha in 2003 and 2004 – and nothing would get the GOAT’s goat more than Jorge pinching one more achievement. Lorenzo is the only rider on the grid to win at the track in all three classes and will want to join Casey Stoner as the 2nd rider to win there on two different makes of bike. Can Jorge kick-start his championship challenge in the same way as last year or will he and the Bologna Bullet bite the Arabian dirt under the night sky? Time will most certainly tell.

Maverick Vinales took 4th place in the championship last season, with four podiums – including one win at Silverstone. Sixth in the race last season, Vinales will be looking to start the Yamaha chapter of his career in the finest style, meaning nothing less than a win will do. Just one win throughout his career at the track – 2012 in Moto3 – mean that he may not have the race form but he has the pace from testing to counter that. Topping all four tests on the Yamaha, including the Losail test earlier in the month, Vinales must be one of the favourites. His youthful exuberance will be exploiting the Yamaha to the maximum, potentially firing him into the distance in the points standings or into the distance in the gravel. One thing is for sure, Vinales will be there on Sunday. His pre-season form indicates he’s ready and it might be a situation that the only person that will beat Maverick is Maverick himself. Will he be Yamaha’s new Top Gun in Qatar?

Andrea Iannone always goes well at Qatar. But of course, we’ve only seen him on the Ducati in the premier class. How about the Suzuki? Will the combination of an Italian who rides with his heart on his sleeve and a bike that allows you to take liberties with it work under the artificial lighting? Form suggests that Suzuki as a manufacturer will not enjoy the Qatari Grand Prix, having never had a podium at Losail. But Iannone at least has pace around the tight and twisty venue. He got to 4th before crashing in 2014, he took a third in 2015 and crashed out of 2nd in the race last year, not to mention a win in 2009 in the 125cc class and two other podiums in Moto2. Iannone’s form is slightly woeful however, with just 49 points collected in the 2nd half of last year (injury was a major factor in that). Will a change of surroundings help or hinder the seagull-hating Italian? Personally, I think we have another title challenger. But what do I know?…

Now if you fancy a dark horse for a victory at Losail, look no further than Andrea Dovizioso and his Factory Ducati. The partnership has seen two – 2nd place finishes in the last two seasons, with the huge kilometre long front straight working well for the rocket-ship Ducati. Dovizioso doesn’t just have race pace either, having taken pole in 2015 and finishing the first test day at Losail this season on top. With no bowling ball teammates in the shape of Andrea Iannone knocking him down this season, a solid start in Losail could be the start of some serious momentum from Dovi if previous years are to go by. I’ll have a fiver one him for a win on Sunday.

Away from the big six and you have Dani Pedrosa, who comes to a circuit he has never won at in any class of racing. In fact, there has been no pole for Pedrosa at the track and only a fastest lap in 2005’s 250cc is his race showings. But Pedrosa does have six podiums to his name at the venue but not one of them have come from the last two seasons. It may well be a tricky start to the year yet again for little Dani. However, big changes have happened on his side of the Repsol Honda garage. He has brought in former MotoGP championship contender and fellow Spaniard Sete Gibernau as a rider coach. This follows suit with other riders, such as Valentino Rossi hiring Luca Cadalora. The word is from inside Honda that Dani is reinvigorated for 2017 and that he has quietly gone about his business, potentially ready for a title scrap. It may well be his year if he can keep it all together.

Don’t forget LCR’s Cal Crutchlow either. The Brit has a best of 4th place at Losail, coming in 2012. The double race winner comes into the 2017 season off the back of a great 2016, although he failed to finish the last couple of races in Malaysia and Spain. Whether Cal can launch a serious title challenge is questionable but podiums are possible and Cal knows it. Will he bring Britain some much needed good news in Qatar?

Don’t discount Aleix Espargaro from springing a surprise either. The Aprilia rider was on form throughout testing and as the bike improves, he too becomes quicker and more accustomed and confident with his package for 2017.

The biggest shock could be set to come from Alvaro Bautista. The 32-year-old has been flying throughout pre-season testing onboard his GP16 Ducati. He has one win at Losail, which came in 2006 on his way to the 125cc title. He is one of only three riders on the grid to finish in the points for the last seven races of 2016 – the other two are Vinales and Dovizioso.

Don’t discount the Tech 3 Yamaha pairing either. Jonas Folger has been sublime through testing and outperformed reigning double Moto2 champion and teammate, Johann Zarco. Tech 3 are fielding a brand-new line up for 2017 and the first time they’ve ever fielded a line-up consisting of two rookies. Can they be a surprise in Losail. Crutchlow, Dovizioso, Edwards, Toseland and Spies are all former team riders who have glistened in Qatar.

Other mentions through the field include the other two rookies – Sam Lowes and Alex Rins. Lowes rides an Aprilia in 2017 but his form in Losail isn’t particularly great. A crash out of 2nd in 2015 and a jumpstart in 2016 mean he hasn’t had the best of relationships with the track. Alex Rins on the other hand joins Suzuki, who, like mentioned before haven’t had great successes at the track. But Rins has had a podium, in Moto3. He has also never finished lower than 10th at the track and he’ll be looking to keep that statistic going on Sunday.

KTM also return to the championship with Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro piloting the Austrian machine. Both riders know this will be a development season but that’s not to say they won’t want points from the off in Qatar. Bradley Smith started from the front row back in 2014 and ran with the leaders until crashing out of 5th. Pol Espargaro has one win at the track, in 2013 on a Moto2 Kalex. His best finish has been 7th in the premier class at the track but that might be an end of season goal for the team more than a wishful thinking start.

Other riders making up the grid include 2016 revelation Hector Barbera and his teammate Loris Baz, who is yet to score points in Qatar. Esteve Rabat and Jack Miller on the Marc VDS Honda will want to get their season off and running, although Rabat is carrying an injury from the Sepang test in February. Karel Abraham returns from an appalling season in WSBK, partnering Bautista at Aspar Ducati, albeit on a GP15 Ducati. Pramac Ducati have an unchanged line up, with Danilo Petrucci on the factory GP17 whilst Scott Redding rides the GP16 model.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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