Category: Moto2

In the race, Marcel started from 13th and Áxel 16th. And there was a disaster. Pons crashed in the first lap, not by his fault, and Marcel had an off-track excursion in the second. The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team was literally out and there was still a lot of the race left to go. Áxel returned to the garage and had pain in one hand, while Marcel took started a great recovery. The German rider of the AGR went from the 23rd to the 11th position, finishing just outside the top 10 that he wanted so much.

Schrötter showed that he had a better pace than many other riders. Some of them he passed easily, with others he had to work harder. He also benefited from some crash ahead. He crossed the Finish line less than two seconds.

Marcel Schrotter: I didn’t have much grip

“I must ask the team to forgive me. I did a good lap, but in turn 4 of the second lap I felt someone push me, I tried to hold the ground but I was hit and went off track. Under those conditions it was difficult to fight, but I tried to push in all laps until the end. During the warm-up we had tried something that went well, but during the race the conditions had changed a lot and I didn’t feel I had much grip. I think I fought well in the end, but I’m not happy with the times. We were able to gather some points”.

Áxel Pons: We had good pace

“No luck, I was hit in the second corner and the work of the whole weekend went away. We had good pace. It’s a pity. I’m already thinking about Aragon. We are competing at home, so we have to get a good result”.

Kiko Giles

Lorenzo Baldassarri (Forward Racing) took a stunning win at Misano World Circuit in his first appearance on the top step, after a game of cat-and-mouse with Paginas Amarillas HP 40 title contender Alex Rins kept Misano on their feet. After some chaotic early laps, Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) completed the podium for his third rostrum in a row at the venue, as championship leader Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) found himself knocked down to P4.

After a Moto3 race more tactical than the usual on-track dynamite, the baton was passed to Moto2 to switch things up a gear and the intermediate class did not disappoint. With fantastic Adriatic weather beaming down from the powder blue skies, Moto2 set up a thriller at Misano. Zarco and Nakagami got the best starts from the front row, before the Japanese rider took Turn 1 too hot and then pushed Garage Plus Interwetten rider Tom Luthi wide over the run off area. With the Swiss rider rejoining easily, Nakagami then had a moment and found himself down in P8 by the end of the first lap.

Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40) had an aggressive first lap to tag onto the back of the leaders, with Luthi just ahead of him on track and Baldassari and Franco Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) shadowing championship leader Zarco. After a lap full of drama, the reigning champion then found himself wrestled down to P5 – with title rival Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Racing Moto2) right behind him on track. Lowes got past the Frenchman as the Ajo rider’s tough start of the race continued, with Zarco then finding himself down in P6 with Friday’s fastest Nakagami glued to his rear wheel – and soon past him.

With Rins able to break clear and Baldassarri following on the chase, the podium battle behind got brutal as Lowes, Morbidelli and Nakagami battled it out ahead of Luthi and Zarco. Pushing just a bit too hard with 13 laps to go, Lowes then lost it and found himself sliding out of the race – and possibly the title fight.

Nakagami broke free to chase the leaders down, with Rins out at the front but the pace starting to waiver for the Moto2 title contender. With a healing collarbone after a training accident ahead of the British GP, the Spaniard pushed to retain his advantage – one that would have seen him lead the championship on the way to his home track MotorLand Aragon – and tried to hold on in a superhuman effort.

In front of the home fans however, a healthy Baldassari gradually reeled in the Paginas Amarillas HP 40 rider ahead of him. Rins’s defense was incredible as the Spaniard pushed to keep up the pace despite the injury, but on the penultimate lap the Italian pounced. Rins, who was left with the choice of play safe or fight back, still wouldn’t let him go and stuck to the Italian’s back wheel before trying a move on the final lap. With Baldassarri defensive and nearing the line for his impressive maiden win, Rins ran wide and settled for the P2 after his superhuman display.

Morbidelli crossed the line in P5, ahead of Silverstone winner Luthi. Petronas Raceline Malaysia rider Hafizh Syahrin had a solid ride to P7, just ahead of Intact Dynavolt GP duo Jonas Folger and Sandro Cortese. Alex Marquez (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) gained some more confidence back with another solid finish to round out the top ten.

With Lowes down, Zarco off the podium and Rins taking home a haul of 20 points, the championship gap at the top is now 3 points between the Frenchman and the Spaniard. Next up? Rins’ home turf as MotorLand Aragon beckons its local hero home.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

 

Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40) must have thought his 2016 title hopes had been seriously dented when he crashed in training ahead of the British GP and broke his collarbone. With nothing going to script, however, after the end of the race in Brno had seen the gap between Rins and title leader Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) drop to 19 points, an on-track tangle between Zarco and P3 title contender Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) a week later in the UK saw both fail to score. Rins, who qualified in P19 on the grid at Silverstone as he struggled with the injury, crossed the line in P7 after a stunning ride through the pain barrier that saw him prove the only title contender on the day to make a gain. Zarco was penalized for irresponsible riding after making contact with Lowes in the fight for the podium, and was classified in P22 in the final results – with Lowes just ahead in 21st and neither scoring. The championship that seemed destined to be defended by the Frenchman is now wide open once again, with the gap only 10 points at the top as the paddock heads back to Italy.

The pressure is on. With Zarco having clawed back a sizable deficit since the earlier stages of the season to take over at the top, the Frenchman is now firmly in the crosshairs of his rivals once again. Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, which will will host the Gran Premio TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, is a good familiar hunting ground for the reigning intermediate class champion, however. With a podium in 2014 on the third step of the podium, Zarco went two better in his title winning year to take the honours last season from then-champion Tito Rabat (Estrella Galicia 0,0 MarcVDS) – which should be a good memory as he prepares for another tough battle with the grid hot on his heels.

Rins’ memories of Misano in the Moto2™ class will be a little more mixed, after a challenge for the lead gone wrong in 2015 that later saw him black flagged. Despite the error on the day, the Spaniard will know he has the pace in Misano – having taken two wins in a row in the Moto3™ class in the preceding two race weekends at the Italian venue and been challenging at the front upon his graduation to Moto2™. With another few days for the collarbone to heal and his strength to improve, good damage limitation at the very least will be on the cards for the multiple GP winner – with even more motivation being so close to his championship rival once again.

Sam Lowes led every session at Silverstone until the lights went out for the race. The man most needing to cut down the gap as he remains 44 points behind the lead, Lowes was pushed wide by Zarco in the British GP in a move deemed to be the Frenchman’s fault by Race Direction, and lost control of his bike as the two riders headed off the track. Keeping calm and carrying on, the Brit crossed the line near the back in P21 after the incident and failed to score – but Zarco’s penalty classified the reigning champion one position lower. Looking forward, 2013 WorldSSP champion Lowes has taken a pole position and a podium in that championship at Misano, and will be hoping his experience counts as he encounters the venue once again in Moto2™. He has so far taken a P18 in his Moto2™ rookie year before suffering a DNF in 2015 at the Riviera di Rimini circuit, and will be looking further back to judge his form as the next race approaches quickly.

After the drama at Silverstone, another man to gain in the championship was Garage Plus Interwetten rider Tom Luthi. Luthi, who suffered a big crash in qualifying for the Czech GP the event previous and was forced to miss that race, came back in stunning style in Silverstone as the former 125 world champion escaped at the front and let the drama roll behind. Crossing the line with a comfortable lead over P2 man Franco Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS), Luthi’s 25 point haul saw him take back P4 in the title chase from Jonas Folger (Dynavolt Intact GP) – and close to within 6 points of Lowes in P3. Luthi is 50 points down on Zarco at the top, but the landscape can change in an instant in motorcycle racing – and the experienced Swiss rider is more than aware of that. With a top ten finish or much better for Luthi in every Moto2™ visit to the Misano circuit – and a podium – the Interwetten-backed British GP winner will be focused forward as his title campaign relights.

Franco Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) will be on the lookout for another podium at his home track, as will teammate Alex Marquez as he looks for another top 5. Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) was a frontrunner in the British GP too, along with Brno winner Jonas Folger (Dynavolt Intact GP), and the Moto2™ race is sure to be another classic as the grid roll back into Italy.

The Gran Premio TIM di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini begins on the 9th September with Free Practice, ahead of race day on Sunday 11th as the final countdown to Valencia starts to loom on the horizon.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Sam Lowes was left fuming after being punted off track and out of the British Grand Prix after title rival Johann Zarco barged his way up the inside at Brookland’s corner. The Frenchman was penalised but Lowes was livid as he knew he had the pace to win the race and keep his title hopes alive.

The Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 Team leaves Silverstone with a bitter taste in the mouth after dominating almost all the British Grand Prix weekend with Sam Lowes: in today’s race the 25-year-old British rider, started from pole, could not avoid the crash after a contact caused by Johann Zarco with just three laps to go, just after Sam passed the French rider and was catching race leader Thomas Luthi.

Immediately after having been overtaken by Lowes, Zarco was right back inside of Sam with an unfair move, touching and forcing the English rider to go off the track and crash. Zarco’s maneuver, considered irresponsible riding by the Race Direction, who sanctioned the French rider with 30 seconds on his final race time, effectively put an end to Sam’s race, who still managed to rejoin the race, crossing the finish line in 21st position.

Lowes: Zarco deserves the penalty

“I had some problems early in the race, but then later it was easy for me to recover: in the final stages I was feeling really comfortable so, with three laps to go, I passed Zarco and I was already thinking about catching Luthi, because I felt to have something in the pocket. Then Zarco made a move on the inside, pushing me off track with a stupid maneuver. Zarco made something wrong, and I think he made it on purpose, so he deserved to be penalized, but at this point I don’t care about it: apart from the Championship, today was a special day for me and I wanted to win, but for this it was not possible. I worked hard during all the weekend and I was fast on both dry and wet, then in the race I was in a good position to win. I really wanted to get the win in my home race, and it’s a difficult to accept this situation, because I didn’t make any mistake. I’m very sorry for the team because they did a great job. Now the only answer we can give is to return in Misano even stronger”.
Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

So you know that Valentino Rossi kid who’s rather good at bike racing? Well, his little half brother took the time out to talk to me about his racing life, personal life and also how he got into bike racing. I really have a good feeling about his future, especially next season, once he gets a season under his belt. Enjoy this exclusive read with someone who is destined to become World Champion soon.

What was the first experience you had on two wheels?

My first experience was when I was 4, when I saw a track in Cattolica. I wanted to try because there were some children who were riding mini bikes. It was exciting and my parents gave me the opportunity and from that moment, I have got better. From there, my experience starts.

What was the aim at the beginning of the season and what is the aim now?

I think it is the same because at the beginning of the season, I wanted to get as many points as possible and stay in the top 15. For now, anyway, I think it is the same.

How helpful is the VR46 Riders Academy?

It is very important for us because it gives us an opportunity. A lot of riders in the academy do the world championship so it is very important. It is with thanks to them that we are here. All of the riders push each other, both at the ranch and at the gym too. This helps us improve ourselves because there is a lot of competition.

Do you like to know how to set the bike up or do you just ride it?

For me the setting and the set up is very important. I always ask my chief mechanic how the bike works and stuff like this.

What is your favourite food?

I don’t know. Definitely Italian food. Pasta, Fries, it is very nice.

Where would you like to travel and why?

I think that I travel a lot in the season so for that, I think my favourite holidays are at home. In my town, I am very well and I am with my friends. It is a very special place to me. When I am not racing, I always enjoy being at home.

What is your greatest achievement?

I would like to look forward! I want to reach some achievements in MotoGP!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

It would be great to be in MotoGP in a top team. I see myself in MotoGP but also doing something simple, like staying at home.

Who has the best fashion sense in your team?

It is very difficult because none of us are very cool. I would probably say Balda’s dad, he is very fashionable.

Any pets?

Yes I have 2 dogs that live with me at my house. They are two English bulldogs.

If you win a race (which I’m sure you will), what will be your first celebration?

I would probably just stand up on the bike and spray the champagne. I would be too excited to do anything there and then!

Who is your best friend in the paddock?

I have a lot of friends, but I don’t know, probably my brother because we talk a lot about everything. The bikes and also stuff away from the circuits. He is very good.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Tom Luthi (Garage Plus Interwetten) has taken the win in the intermediate class at the British GP, as the Swiss rider came back from having sat out the Czech GP to get straight back to the top. In the battle behind over the last few incredible laps of the race, Franco Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) beat Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) in a last lap duel after Johann Zarco (Ajo Motorsport) and polesitter Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) collided. Reigning champion and points leader Zarco was subsequently given a 30-second time penalty for the incident, which put him outside the points finishes.

Jonas Folger (Dynavolt Intact GP) had the best the launch off the line, as the man lining up in P3 got the jump on home polesitter Sam Lowes to lead the pack into Turn 1, as a lead group of Folger, Lowes, Zarco, Hafizh Syahrin (Petronas Raceline Malaysia) and the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS duo of Alex Marquez and Franco Morbidelli fought it out behind. The Brit had a safe lead in the initial laps, before a crash for Marquez saw the 2014 Moto3™ champion slide out of podium contention and the pack shuffled. With Folger then dropping back, it was Luthi who charged to the front, leading the pack with a safe advantage and crossing the line clear of his nearest challengers as the battle raged behind.

Luthi returned to Silverstone following a heavy crash in the qualifying session for the Czech GP, as the Swiss rider lost control of his machine in the last third of the session. The crash knocked the former 125 world champion out and he suffered concussion from the incident; heading to hospital to be kept under observation and playing no further role in the race weekend. Riding only six days later at the British GP, Luthi had a steady weekend before finding incredible pace in the race to take the win.

Franco Morbidelli had seemed outpaced by his teammate in the last race in the Moto2™ world championship, but came back in style in Silverstone to take an impressive podium finish and equal his best ever result in the category. In with the frontrunners for much of the race, Morbidelli took Nakagami in the final stages to hold onto P2 and impress once again, as the Italian-Brazilian continues to make good inroads in the intermediate category. Assen winner Takaaki Nakagami had a great race in the UK to take another podium at the track, following his impressive P2 in the British GP in 2013 behind Scott Redding. The Japanese rider stayed in the mix throughout the race and made some good attempts on Morbidelli for P2, before crossing the line to complete the podium and get another good haul of points.

Hafizh Syahrin (Petronas Raceline Malaysia) made good on his early promise to take P4, ahead of early leader Folger. Lorenzo Baldassari (Forward Racing) came home in P6 – ahead of an absolutely stunning result from title contender Alex Rins (Paginas Amarillas HP 40).

Rins began the Moto2™ race in Silverstone from P19 after breaking his collarbone in a training crash in the week before the event, and the gap at the top of the table looked set to grow once again. However, steadily making his way through the pack, the Spaniard was knocking on the door to the top ten by half race distance, with an incredible ride through the pain as he hangs onto his championship aspirations ahead of his move up to MotoGP™ with Team Suzuki Ecstar in 2017. Staying on the bike and making it into P10 with lap times almost matching those at the front, the former FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ championship winner proved his mettle as he crossed the line in P7 after the drama ahead on track. With neither of his closest rivals Zarco or Lowes scoring, an incredible turnaround now sees the Spaniard only ten points down on defending champion Zarco in the title fight.

Simone Corsi (Speed Up Racing) had a solid ride into P8 and stayed away from drama, with compatriot Mattia Pasini (Italtrans Racing Team) coming home in P9. Axel Pons (AGR Team) completed the top ten, with Lowes and Zarco classified in P21 and P22 respectively.

Moto2™ will return at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for their next showdown, as 6 races now seem like an age ahead of the season finale – with only ten points separating the top two in the table.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

Team Federal Oil Gresini Moto2 rider Sam Lowes is ready to fight in the British Grand Prix, twelfth round of the 2016 Moto2 World Championship taking place this weekend on the fast Silverstone circuit: fresh from the third place finish in Czech Republic, the 25-year-old British rider is determined to get another good result in front of his home crowd, in an attempt to close the gap in the standings from his title rivals, Johann Zarco and Alex Rins.

Started from pole position last year and currently third in the championship with 137 points, Lowes will be back aboard his Kalex on Friday 2 September for the first free practice session, while the race will start on Sunday 4 September at 2pm local time.

Lowes: Weather doesn’t bother me

“It’s always very nice for me to get to Silverstone for the Grand Prix: there will be many fans to support me and this gives me a great charge. It’s a track where I know I can be very competitive: last year I got the pole position and this year the goal is to fight for victory. We know we have what it takes to succeed, so we will give our best, trying to have fun. We may encounter variable weather, but it’s a possibility that does not bother me: the good performance achieved in Brno in the wet was a nice confidence boost from this point of view, so we are confident whatever the circumstances”.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko