Category: MotoGp

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MotoGP Spanish GP Preview: A Sherry On Top of the Cake

The first European round of the 2017 MotoGP championship comes from Jerez de la Frontera for the Spanish Grand Prix. Situated over 600km away from the country’s capital Madrid, Jerez has seen some memorable scenes acted out around the 2.7 mile track. From Michael Doohan and Alex Criville in 1996 to Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau in 2005, this circuit has seen it all and we could be in for a weekend filled with action and drama as well as thrills and spills.

Valentino Rossi, for the first time since November 2015, leads the series. The Movistar Yamaha veteran has finished on the podium in every race so far this year and arrives at a track at which he has triumphed on nine occasions, the most recent being last year. With a six point lead over teammate Maverick Vinales, The Doctor will need to bring his ‘A’ game to Jerez. Should he win at Jerez, it will be his 10th at the track and his 22nd in Spain, as well as 115th in his GP career. The scene of many incidents in his career, Jerez is steeped in Rossi history but what will the future hold for 38-year-old Italian, as he continues his quest for title number 10. He’s like a good Spanish wine: he gets better with age.

Chasing him in the championship is Maverick Vinales, making it a dream start to Movistar Yamaha’s 2017 championship aspirations. However, Vinales couldn’t handle the heat in Texas, falling in the opening laps, gifting teammate Rossi the series lead by a mere six points. Having won at Jerez in his 2013 Moto3 championship year, Maverick’s best result in the MotoGP category was 6th place last season on the Suzuki. Two wins to his name so far this year indicate Vinales’ pace but now we arrive at circuits which are familiar to all MotoGP riders. Yamaha have won at the track for the last two seasons with two different riders and Maverick will be hoping he can be the 3rd. Competition will be tough and it may well be a matter of Vinales maintaining his composure, seeing as the speed is most definitely there.

18 points back of Valentino and 12 back from Maverick, Americas GP’s winner Marc Marquez got his season kick-started in the States. The Repsol Honda rider arrives at his home GP off the back of domination but his form in Spain doesn’t indicate a certain win this time. 3rd last season and 2nd the year before, Marquez knows that he has to take points off the Movistar Yamaha men whilst the season is still young. Honda haven’t won since Marc was in his winning form in 2014 and there will be big pressure from team sponsor Repsol to end the drought. Can he perform in front of his home crowd to take his first back to back victories in 2017 and close down the leading Yamaha duo before they build an unassailable lead on the five time champ?

Despite finishing just 6th in the USA and not finishing in Argentina, Andrea Dovizioso remains 4th in the series, 8 points behind Marquez in 3rd and 26 behind leader Rossi. Dovi hasn’t had the best luck so far in 2017 but a lacklustre display in the USA highlighted that the Ducati is struggling in both his and Jorge’s hands. The Ducati hasn’t got a particularly amazing record at Jerez either, with their last podium coming in 2009 with Casey Stoner and their last win with Loris Capirossi in 2006. Will they solve the problem with Dovi? Can he return the Bologna Bullet to the Spanish GP rostrum? We will soon see! Dovi hasn’t won at the track and he’s not taken a premier class podium either, so form may suggest not this weekend.

Cal Crutchlow sits pretty in 5th place in the championship, just one point behind his former Tech 3 Yamaha and Ducati Factory teammate. The British rider has had a good start to the season on Lucio Cecchinello’s Honda, despite crashing twice under the lights at Losail. A 3rd in Argentina and a 4th in America mean Crutchlow comes back to Europe without the sense of needing to prove himself to doubters. His Spanish Grand Prix results speak for themselves, with a stunning 4th in 2012 and 2015, and a 5th in 2013. If he does manage to mount the podium, he will be the first British rider on the premier class podium at Jerez since Niall Mackenzie in 1992. Now, I will leave you with that thought.

The second of the Repsol Hondas is occupying 6th place, with Dani Pedrosa’s third place in America elevating him up the championship pecking order. Pedrosa sits just 2 points behind Cal and 3 points behind Dovi in the series standings. The Spaniard has been very successful around Jerez, accumulating three victories and 10 podiums, although the last time he stood on the rostrum was 2013. Pedrosa feels confident with the Honda now that he has a podium under his belt and this weekend could be a Pedrosa weekend if he can get away with the leaders. If he gets on the podium, it will be the first time since Sepang and Valencia 2015 that he has had back to back podiums. An astonishing statistic for such a high-profile name.

The two Tech 3 Yamaha riders are 7th and 8th in the championship, with Zarco ahead of Folger by a mere one point as they continue their battle for top rookie. Both riders have had podiums at Jerez but Jonas Folger is the only winner, back on the AGR Kalex Moto2 bike in 2015. There has never been a German or French rider on the podium of a premier class Grand Prix at Jerez, a statistic Folger and Zarco will both want to change.

Tied on 21 points with Folger is Pramac Ducati’s Scott Redding and Marc VDS Honda’s Jack Miller. Both riders finished outside the points last season and will want to change that as they try and hunt down Cal Crutchlow for top independent rider. With Jack Miller yet to finish outside the top 10 and Redding’s podium at the track in 2013, don’t expect to be seeing them vacate the top 10 at Jerez.

A difficult start to the year has seen Danilo Petrucci drop to 11th in the championship on the 2nd of the Pramac Ducatis but on the Factory version. The Italian has hit back though in the past two races, with a seventh and an 8th, with the latter involving him beating Factory Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo late-on in the race. Jerez is a track that hasn’t been too kind to him however, with no top 10 finish to date. Can that change in 2017?

Alvaro Bautista has shown us that he has some amazing pace for 2017, pace that can either be challenging the top four or throwing it on the floor. Two crashes have seen Bautista drop to 12th in the championship, despite recovering to finish 15th in the USA. His best premier class result at the track is sixth, on three occasions between 2012 and 2014. He has one victory to his name, in 2006 on his way to his 125cc title. Will he be able to cause a shock this weekend?

Jorge Lorenzo is 13th in the championship and the fourth Ducati. A wretched start to his 2017 campaign looked to be recovered when he qualified 6th at COTA, only for him to drop back to 9th come race day. He has some impressive form around Jerez, including premier class wins in 2015, 2011 and 2010, as well as podiums every year apart from 2014 and 2009. Like we have already discussed, the Ducati is a handful around Jerez and that may mean that Jorge may well be relying on his form at the track to haul the cumbersome bike onto the podium.

Aleix Espargaro leads Andrea Iannone in 14th and 15th, with the Aprilia and Suzuki rider desperate to turn their season around and rapidly. Aleix had a terrible time of things at COTA, describing the Saturday as the “worst day of his life”. Things didn’t get better for the Losail revelation either, when the team attended a private test at Mugello, only to be hindered by rain. His best result at the track is 5th. However, Andrea Iannone has got some form. Having finally finished a race in the points at COTA (7th), he can build on what he found. The trouble is for Iannone, out of 12 starts at Jerez, there’s been just 1 win and 9 results have been outside the top 10 or DNFs. Now, if that isn’t a bogey track…

Loris Baz and Karel Abraham are in 16th and 17th, with both riders failing to score points last time out in The States. Baz’ best finish around Jerez was 13th last year, although a 7th in WSBK might suggest that he doesn’t enjoy the track. As for Karel – who is injured following COTA – his best result was 7th in 2011, although this was his last points at the track to date.

Tito Rabat and Hector Barbera, whilst languishing in the championship have actually scored points in every race this season. With both riders on 8 points, they are actually level with Abraham so with some luck this weekend, positions could change. Barbera’s best result consists of 6th in the premier class but a 3rd in 125s in 2004. For Rabat, he was 18th last season but finished 3rd in 2015 on the Moto2 bike and also took his first ever Grand Prix victory at the track in 2013. Will happy memories return for the former champion?

Alex Rins sits 20th in the championship for Suzuki but following his accident in Austin that led to a broken wrist, he is missing out Jerez and possibly Le Mans and Mugello. His replacement rider is Takuya Tsuda, the Suzuki development rider who makes his Grand Prix debut this weekend. He becomes the first Japanese rider since Hiroshi Aoyama at the Sacshsenring in 2015 to start a European MotoGP race.

The KTM pairing of Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith head to Jerez hoping for a better weekend than their America visit. No points for either and a retirement along the way mean that the bike may well need a solid showing in Jerez to prove to doubters that it has the capabilities to match the skill set of both riders on board. Both have won at Jerez, with Espargaro winning in 2012 in Moto2 and Bradley Smith in 2009 (his first ever GP win) in the 125cc class. Both riders finished in the points last year (8th for Pol and 12th for Bradley) and will be looking for a repeat performance again this year, even if it isn’t to the positions.

In last place in the championship, Sam Lowes is point-less at the foot of the championship. His Aprilia has been a handful and a series of crashes at COTA won’t have done his confidence any good at all. He won the Moto2 race at Jerez last season so he will take the positives of that to Sunday but he must start to bring the bike home within the top 15. His other two GP results at Jerez have been outside the top 15 but in 2013, he did win the World Supersport championship at the track with a win.

With every rider analysed and the build up underway to an amazing weekend of racing, we now look forward to Sunday for the day that matters. Will Valentino Rossi repeat last years feat and build his points lead in the title or will Maverick fight back after a disaster in America? Can Marquez win back-to-back or can teammate Pedrosa shock us all? Those are the questions and you can get the answers by keeping up with our live text commentary across the weekend.

 

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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MotoGP Americas GP Review – Captain America is an Understatement

The Americas Grand Prix – for the fifth consecutive season – went to Marc Marquez, as the Spaniard took his first victory of the season in scorching weather conditions on Sunday afternoon. The Repsol Honda team achieved their first podium of the season and their first double podium since the Catalan Grand Prix last season, with 1st and 3rd. Splitting the two Hondas was Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi, who not only took 2nd and his best ever result at COTA but also the lead of the championship for the first time since Malaysia 2015. 2017 is already looking like a season we will cherish.

As the lights went out, it was formation flying into turn one for Repsol Honda, with Dani Pedrosa leading Marc Marquez through the first few turns. Valentino Rossi was in 3rd with the likes of Jorge Lorenzo moving through from row two to challenge him, taking series leader Maverick Vinales for 4th.

Following all the squabbling, a shock was about to rock COTA. Coming through turn 18, Maverick Vinales crashed out in a shower of sparks, throwing his M1 Yamaha into the Texan dirt for his first DNF of the year. The Spaniard looked like he had been rattled all weekend, following a fallout with teammate Rossi in qualifying and a dual with Marquez for pole position. Either way, he cost me £15 after I backed him to break Marquez’ stranglehold on the circuit.

This promoted reigning double Moto2 champion Johann Zarco to fourth, immediately giving the Frenchman hope for a podium challenge. However, with 15 laps to go, Rossi and Zarco would have their first fallout of the season. After a slight mistake by the 9-time champion at turn one, Zarco got a better run through the fast turn two, before pouncing on Rossi at turn three. Valentino, maintaining the racing line through the turn two and three section, was forced to take evasive action as the Frenchman barged his way in. Not too long after, Rossi was handed a 0.3 time penalty which was to be added on to his time at the end of the session, having gained time on Pedrosa up ahead – although in the eyes of many, it was involuntary course cutting. The incident continued in the post-race press conference, with Valentino saying that “the problem is Zarco”. More on that as the season unwinds.

By this time, Marc Marquez had taken the lead away from Dani Pedrosa and had began to clear off into the distance. Pedrosa did take another stab at retaking the lead at turn 12, but ran wide on exit and allowed Marquez to hold on, which was how it remained to the end.

Further down, there was a big scrap between Iannone, Miller, Petrucci and Lorenzo. Iannone took his best result on the Suzuki thus far with 7th, ahead of Danilo Petrucci who beat Lorenzo and Miller – the Australian starting the year with three top 10 placings.

There was a high number of crashers in the race, with Loris Baz, Sam Lowes, Karel Abraham and Alvaro Bautista all hitting the floor, with Pol Espargaro retiring his KTM, as well as Aleix Espargaro having numerous problems with the Aprilia. Alvaro did remount to gain 1 point.

Cal Crutchlow caught and passed Johann Zarco to take 4th place and remain 5th in the championship after his podium in Argentina. Zarco finished 5th with his joint best finish in the premier class.

The battle for 2nd however was yet to be settled. Valentino Rossi was closing on Dani Pedrosa and in the closing laps, he took the 2nd place on the road. He eventually pulled clear by over two seconds to take second ahead of the former double 250cc champion.

In the end though, Marc prevailed and what a sensational way to kick-start his season too! He’s flying high but as Wayne Rainey once said, “It’s the start of the ground war” when we hit Europe. Jerez is the next round and you can be sure to tune in to see who will be our Spanish Grand Prix winner. Rossi won there last season and will be looking to repeat the feat.

The gap at the top of the championship tree is a mere six points, with Vinales slotting into 2nd. 12 points further back is Marc Marquez and then it’s the first Ducati, in Andrea Dovizioso – already 26 points down on Rossi.

The next race is Jerez and as ever, there will be unrivalled coverage across the weekend, with qualifying, warm-ups and race day commentary on Twitter as well as a shed load of content flying fresh off the press online!

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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A Spartan’s Struggle

It was the worst-kept secret in the MotoGP paddock last year: Triple premier class champion, Jorge Lorenzo, was leaving the all conquering Yamaha factory outfit for Ducati in 2017. Signed to deliver the red bike’s first World Championship since Casey Stoner exactly a decade ago.

It has not gone as planned. Lorenzo’s results from the three opening fly-away races read thus:

Qatar: P11 (Started P12), 5 points

Argentina: DNF (Started P16)

USA: P9 (Started P6), 7 points

The warning signs had been evident for any rider joining Ducati: Just a few seasons after winning his title, Stoner became disillusioned with the team and defected to see out his racing days with Honda. Furthermore, since Stoner left in 2010, the Italian team have achieved victory in a grand total of two grands prix (Andreas Iannone and Dovizioso at Austria and Malaysia last season, respectively). Not even Valentino Rossi, with nine world titles to his name, could tame the Desmosedici-RR. The latter’s failure was perhaps Lorenzo’s real motivation for signing. Succeed where his arch rival could not.

Winter testing was a disaster for both team and rider. Although it is always difficult to judge the real performance of riders and teams, as we are not privy to details such as fuel loads and tyre choice, Lorenzo was constantly in the bottom half of the timesheets throughout most of the sessions. This was also because of Ducati discovering that they had lost some ground on their rivals now that the winglets had been banned. The lack of such aerodynamic aids has undoubtedly hurt the cornering performance of the Bologna-based outfit. With this in mind, the Spaniard was clearly always going to be struggling to adapt from the start.

However, in Ducati’s defence, their bike has always been much more physically demanding to ride than others. Therein lies the crux of all problems for the man known to his fans as ‘The Spartan’. Whilst the M1 has garnered the reputation of being arguably the most well balanced grand-prix bike to ever be built, the Ducati is the polar opposite. Designed around maximum straight line speed, the rider must be prepared to haul himself and the bike around every corner, combating the extreme levels of ‘chatter’ through the suspension, as the machine fights against every directional change. It takes an extraordinary rider to tame the beast. There is no place for finesse and smooth trajectories, which Lorenzo has built his career upon to date.

As a result, perhaps it should not have surprised us that the early stages of Lorenzo’s relationship with his new employers have been rocky. Both team and rider have had a stark reality check since joining forces. Ducati almost certainly won’t be able to win the championship this season, and Lorenzo has discovered how much he underestimated the challenge of riding the Ducati would be.

Poorer than expected results, and a completely disconsolate Lorenzo after Argentina, led certain media outlets into speculating how quickly he might part ways with his team. It was telling that it was Lorenzo who moved first to clarify his situation before last weekend’s American Grand Prix: “I don’t want to think about what has happened. In the team we are all optimistic. We’re working well together and this difficult moment will be over soon.”

Whilst ninth place will not bring home any accolades, it is proof that both the rider and team are improving. Lorenzo was understandably more buoyant speaking after the race. Additionally, there was more of a hint of the old bullish Jorge when on top form: “Today I was faster than ever on race pace. For sure we cannot be satisfied with our final position because our target is certainly much higher. We’re here to fight with Yamaha and Honda. But the positive is we’re much closer than before.”

Now that does not sound like a man who’s giving up just yet.

Eddie Hocknull @EddieHocknull

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MotoGP Americas GP Preview: Time to make a Marc in 2017

After two eventful opening races of the season, the MotoGP circus parades up to Texas, for the Americas Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Although having only been on the calendar since 2013, the premier class has been dominated by Marc Marquez – however, the five-time champion languishes in the championship, with just a 4th to his name so far. Can all that be changed in the states?

Although we normally start our previews with the championship leader, we have to start this one with Captain America himself. Marc Marquez has won at COTA ever since it joined the calendar in 2013. He dominated proceedings last season whilst in 2015, he did have to scrap a bit with Rossi and Dovizioso. The stop-start hard breaking and tight turning obviously suits his style but unfortunately, that may not suit the Honda’s style. Marc’s form is a little bit left to be desired in 2017. A 4th and a crash out of the lead is not what he had in mind to start his title defence but he will be hoping to continue his domination around what has become his territory on the MotoGP calendar.

Maverick Vinales will be looking to become the first Yamaha rider since Kenny Roberts Snr in 1980 to win the opening three races of the year and the first Yamaha rider to win at the new venue. Vinales hasn’t finished outside the top 10 since coming to the track with the premier class, with 4th last year and 9th the year before. In 2014, he won his first Moto2 race and was 2nd in the first ever Moto3 race in 2013. Now he is on a winning bike and in good form, it may well be time to break Marc Marquez’ stranglehold on the circuit and take the honours for Yamaha. If he or Rossi take a victory at COTA, it will be Yamaha’s 500th in Grand Prix.

Valentino Rossi comes to the United States of America in the same championship position as last year. 2nd in the world currently, the nine time champion will be looking to settle a score with what is statistically his worst circuit on the calendar. No win and just one podium hardly make for a Valentino Rossi love story in Austin. The scene was the start of his championship title unravelling last season when he crashed out and in 2014, 8th was all he could manage. Valentino hasn’t won in America since Indianapolis in 2008. There was a hurricane that day and I certainly wouldn’t put it past The Doctor causing a storm on Sunday. He’s come through the field twice already this year, so can it be lucky number three?

Despite being wiped out in Argentina for the second consecutive season, Andrea Dovizioso comes into the Americas GP in third. The Ducati rider struggled in Argentina, finding himself in 13th on the grid. He was in 8th before he was unceremoniously helped to the floor by Aleix Espargaro. The Italian may not be looking forward to COTA given recent experiences. He was taken out at the first turn by Dani Pedrosa last year, although the season before, he was 2nd and in 2014, he was 3rd. With a 30 point gap to series leader Vinales, a win would be needed for the Ducati team, who have done anything but shine this season. Ducati haven’t won in America since Casey Stoner at Laguna Seca in 2007 and that is one drought that the team will want to end.

In 4th position, Britain’s Scott Redding will be hoping for another top 10 finish. The Ducati rider has finished every race since Catalunya last year, although three of them were 0-point finishes. Redding was 6th in the Americas Grand Prix last year, meaning it was the first time that he had finished in the points at the track. There is also a psychological advantage to Redding, who is beating his teammate Petrucci, despite the Italian being on the Factory bike. The 24-year-old Brit will be hoping for his momentum to continue in the USA.

Completing the top five is fellow Brit and double winner from 2016, Cal Crutchlow. The Brit took a stunning third place in Argentina to kick-start his season following a point-less Qatar. Crutchlow’s form in the Americas GP has been mixed, with 17th last year after a crash but a 7th in 2015 remains his best result on the Honda. However, it was 2013 where Cal got his best result at the track, with 4th. In 2014, he crashed at the fast turn two, suffering horrible hand injuries which hampered him for the first part of the season. Cal sits as top Honda in the championship and will be gunning for a top five at the very least. Who’s to say a podium would be too much to ask?

Rookie Jonas Folger is the rider who occupies 6th place in the championship. The Tech 3 Yamaha rider has rode well so far in 2017, with two top-10 placings from his first two races. Folger’s best result at COTA remains a 4th in 2013 on a Kalex KTM, although last year he was 5th in Moto2. With a Tech 3 Yamaha that is obviously handling very sweetly, Folger may well be able to gel with the track on a big 1000cc bike. The last German rider to get a podium was Stefan Bradl in 2013 at Laguna Seca. Can the drought be ended in Texas?

Jack Miller is 7th in the championship and the 2nd Honda. The Australian winner from last season has had a consistent start to 2017, with an 8th and 9th in Qatar and Argentina respectively. He didn’t start in the race last year but was 14th in 2015 and won the Moto3 race in 2014. The last Australian to win in the USA was Casey Stoner in 2007 at Laguna Seca, something that Miller will want to put right, even if the odds may not be in his favour. Don’t put it past him to put in another sterling effort for a top-10 finish.

Keep your eyes on Alvaro Bautista this weekend, after an incredible ride in Argentina to finish 4th. The Spaniard has some tricky form at the track, with an 11th and 15th in 2016 and 2015 respectively, both on the Aprilia. He crashed in 2014 but was 8th when the paddock came for the first time. His 4th place in Argentina was the first time since Le Mans in 2014 that he had a top five result. He hasn’t had back to back top five finishes since Motegi and Valencia in 2013 and he has never had back to back 4th place finishes. Will he continue this stunning run of good form?

Other names include Andrea Iannone, who was somewhat unfairly penalised for apparently causing Jorge Lorenzo to crash at Argentina. Anyone blessed with eyesight could tell you that Lorenzo most certainly rode up the back of the Italian. Jorge Lorenzo is another big name who is languishing in the championship, in 18th with just five points to his name. A track he has never won at and with just two podiums to his name at COTA, it’s hardly likely we will see Jorge shine this weekend. But give him time.

Johann Zarco got points on the board in Argentina, finishing a solid 5th. The Frenchman is 11th in the championship, behind Dani Pedrosa, who also sits on 11 points. Aleix Espargaro will be hoping to bounce back from his Argentina mistake with another top six. Danilo Petrucci missed the Americas GP last year but will be hungry to return to the track and get more points on the table after finishing 7th in Argentina.

Loris Baz and Hector Barbera will be hoping for some big improvements to come their way to challenge for the top 10 once more, whilst fellow Ducati rider Karel Abraham is going to be hoping to be upset the front runners again, with another solid qualifying position – like in Argentina.

The other two rookies – Sam Lowes and Alex Rins – are going to be looking to challenge for the points again. Rins’ fractured ankle will not be making his life pleasant whilst Lowes will be in search of his first points in the premier class at COTA, a track he has won at in Moto2.

Both KTMs scored points at Termas and if they can do the same again in Texas then we know that they have got massive potential for the rest of the season. Tito Rabat’s double point scoring rides in the opening two races will be propelling the Spaniard in his challenge for a top 10.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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MotoGP Argentina Preview: Land of the GOAT

 

South America. Argentina. Termas De Rio Hondo. MotoGP. It’s time for the Argentine Grand Prix and after one round, Maverick Vinales sits pretty on top of the world championship standings ahead of Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi. The Argentine Grand Prix made a welcome return to the series in 2014, although at a different venue to previous years gone by. Ever since returning to the country, the premier class has enjoyed some fantastic racing, with Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez doing battle. Will it be the same in 2017?

Maverick Vinales topped every pre-season test and to prove that he was fast in the race too, he went and won, in Qatar two weeks ago. He comes to Argentina full of confidence but has admitted that he is under a bit of pressure coming into the meeting. The former Moto3 champion has reason to be worried coming into Argentina, as he has never had more than a top 10 at the circuit. A retirement in 2014, a 10th in 2015 and a crash whilst in the running for the podium last year means Maverick has work to do but his seamless adaptation to the Yamaha could throw all previous form out the window. Vinales will be out for nothing less than a win.

Andrea Dovizioso was 2nd in Qatar for the 3rd consecutive season and comes into Argentina with confidence that he, for now at least, is still top Ducati. Dovi’s form around the Termas De Rio Hondo circuit is slightly mixed, with a best result of 2nd in 2015 – although that could’ve been matched had teammate Andrea Iannone not wiped him out at the final corner. Andrea has shown that the Ducati has pace in 2017 and will be settling for nothing less than a podium come race day. The massive back straight at the track will certainly favour the Ducati and Dovi, so keep an eye on the #4 as it works its way through the traffic.

Valentino Rossi has accumulated more points in Argentina over the last three seasons than anyone else in the paddock. The Doctor’s recent form around the Termas track suggests he could have an ace or two up his sleeve. The track suits styles which are natural in direction changes as well as riders who like to get the bike sideways – possibly why Rossi and Marquez do battle. Rossi’s victory in 2015 eradicated any thoughts that the 9-time champion couldn’t adapt to new circuits like the younger blood in the field. Valentino Rossi has actually been around so long that he will be able to remember winning the 1998 250cc GP race in Argentina, although at a different venue. The Doctor has said the problems of pre-season testing and Qatar are fixed and that he has found a breakthrough, so is a win in Argentina possible? After all, it is the land of the goat.

Marc Marquez has more wins in the premier class than anyone in Argentina, with two. In 2014, he came from behind to beat Jorge Lorenzo and in last season, a pit stop in the middle of the race aided him, after a battle with Valentino Rossi on track. Some may say that 2015 also showed Marc’s speed around the track but a tangle with Rossi resulted in him being on the floor with just one and a half laps to go. His 4th place in Qatar won’t be too much of a concern for the reigning champion, having started his season with 3rd last year. The Spaniard may be more concerned with how close he was to being sixth, having nearly been caught by Dani Pedrosa and Aleix Espargaro. Will he make it three in Argentina and remind the likes of Maverick Vinales that he is not going to allow an ill-handling Honda to slow him down?

Talking of ill-handling Hondas, Dani Pedrosa finished 5th at Losail, his best result since winning the San Marinese Grand Prix last season. The 31-year-old has two podiums at the Termas circuit from two attempts, having missed the 2015 race through injury. His 2014 2nd place was a reminder that Dani Pedrosa could be a lethal weapon on race day, hunting down Jorge Lorenzo before snatching it away from his compatriot. In 2016, luck was on his and Valentino Rossi’s side, after the two factory Ducatis tangled on the penultimate corner. Pedrosa is still a top-six rider but whether a podium can be made may be left to be desired. Don’t rule him out just yet though.

Aleix Espargaro put in a splendid effort in Qatar to finish 6th on the Now TV Gresini Aprilia. The Spaniard took the Noale manufacturer to the best result they’ve ever had in MotoGP and will be looking to capitalise on a circuit he has a best result of 7th at, back in 2015. The start of the season marks his best since 2014 but this time, he may feel like he has a package to cause a few more upsets. The Termas circuit is one that over the last few seasons, has seen numerous accidents. Last season, Eugene Laverty finished 4th after qualifying 17th, so anything is possible. Aleix might be a good bet for a podium should conditions be mixed too.

Other mentions obviously include Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Iannone. Both riders have reasonably good form at Termas, although Jorge crashed last year along with Andrea. Jorge’s podium in 2014 is his only to date at the track, whereas Iannone is still out for his first points on the Suzuki.

Johann Zarco and Alvaro Bautista will be looking to make amends after both crashed out of great positions in Qatar. Zarco has won twice around the track so, like in Qatar, could be a front runner, just this time until the chequered flag. Bautista on the other hand has only had one point scoring ride at the track, which came last season with 10th. Will the Aspar Ducati man improve on that in 2017?

What we can be sure of is the Argentine Grand Prix is going to be incredible, like it has been since it’s addition to the calendar. Wet weather looms large on Friday and Saturday but Sunday looks to be OK so far. Will we see another rain-affected weekend in MotoGP and could that mean another upside-down grid? Could it see surprises in Moto2 and Moto3 with wet weather specialists such as Pawi and McPhee? So many questions with an array of answers, it all depends which one is chosen come Sunday.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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Zarco: It’s Part of Being a Rookie

Early race leader Johann Zarco has been magnanimous in defeat after a crash on Sunday took him out of the lead of the race. Zarco was on course to become the first French premier class winner since Regis Laconi in Valencia in 1999 but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

“Despite the end result, I am happy and it was so good to lead the field in my first race”, stated the double Moto2 champion.

“We had a longer warm up because there wasn’t any action on Saturday. The track was not perfect, but my feeling was very strong and my grid position, which was 4th, was close to the top.” Zarco was looking to become the first rider to win a race for Tech 3 Yamaha and to get their first podium in over a year.

Johann continued, saying that he wanted to take the opportunity he was presented with when he realised that he wasn’t far from the front. “Just before the start, the procedure was disrupted because it rained twice and there was a delay. When the GP finally commenced, I was focused and I could see that I was not far from first so I wanted to take the opportunity to do well.”

“I know that my starts are strong and I overtook some good riders at the first corner and I then got into a consistent rhythm. I kept pushing but on the sixth lap, I decided to relax, and maybe I went off the racing line a little bit and then I fell at the second corner”, said Zarco, who had pulled out a 1.7 second lead before he hit the deck.

However, despite the heartbreak for Zarco and let’s face it, the whole of France, Zarco remained upbeat that he has gained valuable experience. “This is a shame but we are always on the limit and I still need to learn the category so this kind of mistake is part of my lesson as a rookie in MotoGP. I am happy in the end, it’s a pity about the result but it’s important for my confidence and I am excited for the Argentina round”.

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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Rossi: The Secret Is My Team

Valentino Rossi put in a great ride on Sunday evening from a diabolical 10th on the grid to reach 3rd, racking up his 222nd podium in all forms of GP racing. The veteran Italian overcome a tricky pre-season and build up to race day and now has a solid platform to build on.

Valentino began by thanking his team, saying how the support and trust helps to his performance. “My secret is my team, it’s Yamaha. We never give up and we always keep up our concentration. I always feel the support and the trust from all the guys around me, which is great.”

The 38-year-old nine time champion also said how he had already settled when he got to 5th place. ”We know our potential and we know we have a great bike and race rider. Sincerely, when I was in the top five I already said “this is OK”, but arriving on the podium is something even better.”

The Doctor continued, saying, “I’m very happy to start the season like this, because the podium is always better and like was said, it comes after a difficult period. We have to continue like this. This result is very good for us, both for our feeling and also for the technical side, because we now understand a lot of things.”

Rossi has two weeks off now to prepare for a track which he won at in 2015, with Termas De Rio Hondo coming up for the Argentine round of the championship. Rossi has scored the most points out of any rider on the grid in Argentina, with 58 accumulated over the past three season. Next up in joint 2nd is Marquez and Zarco, who have 50 (including Zarco’s 2 wins in Moto2).

Kiko Giles @MotoGPKiko

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MotoGP Qatar GP Review: Vinales Reigns in Desert Storm

 

Maverick Vinales backed up his pre-season form by taking the win at the Qatari Grand Prix at Losail on Sunday evening. The Spaniard repeated Valentino Rossi’s achievement of winning first time out on the Yamaha, after coming from as low as 5th to beat Andrea Dovizioso. Teammate Valentino Rossi also put in a super-human effort, coming from 10th on the grid to finish 3rd. This makes it the first time that the Factory Yamaha team have had a double podium at Losail since Lorenzo and Rossi achieved a 1-2 in 2013.

The race got underway after a delay of around 40 minutes, as the weather – like on Saturday – proved to be havoc for the premier class. Andrea Iannone got the drop on the field, as the Suzuki breezed into the lead. However it was Johann Zarco who made an aggressive start by swerving across the track to take 2nd position, ahead of Marc Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso. Pole-sitter Vinales was 5th with Dani Pedrosa leading Valentino Rossi and Alvaro Bautista in 6th, 7th and 8th.

At turn six on the opening lap, it was Johann Zarco who took the lead. Barging his way passed Iannone who in turn was lifted up by Marquez. The incredible sight of a Tech 3 Yamaha leading and if we’re honest, it wasn’t the one we had expected through pre-season given Jonas Folger’s incredible form.

As the race progressed, so did the Frenchman, opening up a 1.7 second advantage over the battling Dovizioso, Iannone and Marquez. However, disaster was about to strike for the #5. Into turn 2, Zarco’s front end washed out, dumping the Frenchman unceremoniously on the deck as his Tech 3 Yamaha bounced through the Qatar sandpit. The success was only short-lived but Zarco was a hero in Qatar. He’s made his mark and will be up the sharp end regularly very soon. The crash came as BT Sport’s Keith Huewen said, “So then, Zarco’s leading, Dovizioso in 2nd”. A true commentators curse if ever I’ve heard one.

Dovi was now the race leader and my five pound bet with a chef at my workplace suddenly started to have a little bit more meaning. Dovi wasn’t escaping though, with Marquez, Iannone, Vinales and a rapidly-closing Rossi all in pursuit. Alvaro Bautista was a solid 6th on the Aspar Ducati. I say “was” for a reason. The Spaniard crashed out at the final corner but like Zarco, Bautista has made his mark and will be in that top 10 on other occasions this year.

You’re probably wondering where Jorge Lorenzo is. Having run off the track at turn four on lap one, he found himself down in 15th, although the five-time champion was recovering, up to 8th at one point. He was in a ferocious battle with Dani Pedrosa and Aleix Espargaro who was riding the wheels off the Aprilia on his debut for the team.

Back at the sharp end and there was another casualty. On lap 11, Andrea Iannone’s front tyre also decided enough was enough, putting the feisty Italian on the deck at turn five in the middle of the corner. He and the bike stayed together until they both reached the gravel trap and for the 2nd consecutive season, Iannone crashed out of the Qatari GP whilst looking on for a podium at least.

Vinales was closing the gap to Dovizioso too and Valentino Rossi had also caught Marc Marquez as we came to the end of lap 11. Rossi took Marquez for 3rd at turn 15 and although Marquez fought back, Rossi had the inside for the right handed turn 16. The Doctor was third from 10th on the grid and given his woeful pre-season form, I’d say that was pretty remarkable.

Vinales took the lead from Dovizioso on lap 13, as Rossi closed ever so slightly on the leading duo. Dovizioso had chosen the soft front tyre option but that was starting to wear. Behind Rossi and a remote 4th belonged to Marc Marquez and behind that, Aleix Espargaro had got passed Dani Pedrosa and was in 5th position.

Dovi retook the lead on lap 18 but it was to prove pointless, as Vinales fought straight back, holding on for the remaining two laps to take the victory. Dovizioso took 2nd place for the third consecutive season and it was Valentino Rossi who took third – becoming the oldest rider on the podium since Australian Jack Findlay won the Austrian Grand Prix of 1977, which was boycotted on safety grounds by top riders. 4th place went to Marquez who just held off Dani Pedrosa and a heroic effort by Aleix Espargaro, who took Aprilia to new heights as they achieved their best ever MotoGP result! Britain’s Scott Redding capped a great weekend with a late charge to 7th ahead of Jack Miller in 8th, with rookies Alex Rins and Jonas Folger completing the top 10. Jorge Lorenzo suffered a terrible start to his Ducati career as he finished 11th, just a second-or-so ahead of Frenchman, Loris Baz, who continues to recover from injuries sustained last season. Hector Barbera, Karel Abraham and Esteve Rabat rounded out the points.

A scintillating start to the MotoGP season with four different leaders at one point in the race. Comebacks through the grid and shocks in the top 10, how can you not want to watch MotoGP in 2017? The next round is the Argentine Grand Prix from the Termas De Rio Hondo circuit. For the last two seasons, Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez have done battle so will it be the same again in 2017 or will we see a changing of the guard?

By @MotoGPKiko

@PitCrew_Online

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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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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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