Great racing in today's Moto3 race...Moto2 and MGP to come!
A change to Pirelli tyres from Dunlop is providing a bit of novelty...as well as the usual progression of young riders.
I’ve given up on MGP. For the first time in many years, I’ve not renewed my subscription. I suspect I’ll glance at the results, but for me just to many Spanish and Italian, riders and to many Ducatis.
T'was ever thus...remember Agostini and MV Augusta?
This year's MGP may well be another Ducati fest but watching the others improve is half of the interest. Rider skill is more apparent than in 4 wheeled racing, IMO.
Being able to see the more junior classes at the same meeting adds something to the mix as well. Then it's off to WSBk, BSB and the FIM European championships to see where the talent comes from / ends up.
I’m only 62🤪🤪
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the WSBK from Philip Island, literally had me shouting at the screen, jumping off the couch and closing my eyes. And I can’t wait for BSB, as I have a young lad to support in the Supersport class on a great bike, so I’m hoping he has a season to give him a leg up and I’m looking forward to getting to a few rounds to watch him.
It's great to follow the progress of a young rider. In my case it has been Deniz Öncü. He was a pint sized contender (couldn't put two feet on the ground astride a motorcycle) from ATC, through Red Bull Rookies (with his twin Can) into Moto3 and now Moto2 (just took 15th place and a point as the leading rookie).
In the premier series, Ducati rule the roost...for the time being. Not long ago it was Honda or Yamaha...but not KTM are coming on strong.
MotoGP....3 manufacturers, 3 nationalities and riders aged 19 to 30 in the top 10.
The lack of UK representation says a lot about UK backers. Fortunately Michael Laverty is leading an attempt to penetrate the European (and world) series. We have decent riders but the competition from Italy and Spain is somewhat daunting.
That said, talent will out. Belgium will support Baltus (named after Sheene and carrying his number 7)...it cannot be too long before we have a Brit to shout for in the premier classes rather than the companion series.
Having just watched Danny Aldridge order a rider off the grid (where he had stalled his bike and delayed the start) I found this video from 2 years ago:
I’m watching out for Joe Francis in BSB Supersport. He’s a talented rider whom I built an R6 for some years ago, but he’s had a few poor seasons and needs a good one to get noticed again. In the past he’s beaten Kyle Ryde, Bradley Ray, Ben Curry, Tarran Mkenzie and other notable names, but since his Traction Control days, just never had the consistency to get a top ride. I’m hoping that’ll change for him this season.🤞🤞
This is the R6 track bike I built for him.
And this was his Traction Control race bike.
The other rider I’m following closely is little Sullivan Mounsey, he’s gone to Redbull Rookies this year following a strong season last year In the U.K. He’s a smashing young lad, with a wicked sense of humour. Very bright and determined, definitly one to watch.
6 ducatis in the top 7😟 Top Japanese bike 11th.
OK...KTM were only 2nd and 9th...while Aprilia finished 8th and 10th...with Yamaha 11th and Honda trailing in after that.
The interplay between manufacturers, teams and riders with the FIM, Dorna, IRTA etc is intriguing...if not entirely beneficial.
I'm entirely a spectator and cannot compete with your personal involvement as posted above. You must have a closer perspective on the interaction of sponsors, teams etc etc than I will ever achieve. I am at the mercy of the media to keep me informed about issues and developments.
At the moment I don't hold out much hope of MLav's riders getting into the top 10 (much though I would like them to) but I hope that his sponsorship will bear fruit in the junior series (ECT and Jnr GP). I applaud and am grateful for his efforts to support and promote UK riders amongst the competition from Spain and Italy. Likewise, Dorna's Talent Cup series (Northern, British and Asia) seem to show a management that is determined to promote and international interest.
PS Dorna are far from perfect, IMO. Very much family controlled and too closeted (secretive / closed) for the best interest of the sport. However, I hope that they can improve.
I also found part 2 informative: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiQsP1YxKIU
I too am now just a spectator, I only ever had a small involvement, which I enjoyed immensely at the time.
Sadly I honestly believe we’ve seen the last of British riders in MGP. Even 8 years ago when I went to Spain with BSB the tracks we visited were absolutely flooded with kids as young as 6 or 7 and all they did was ride mini moto all day long, from 10am to 5pm it was non stop. These kids were drifting backing it in, elbows down, knees down unbelievable. We have absolutely nothing like that in the U.K., and if we did someone would complain about the noise and it’d be banned.
This is where it begins, those youngsters I was watching back then are probably amongst the current crop of Moto 3 riders, and the best will move on up and so it continues. We don’t have a chance of developing young riders to these levels. It’s a bit depressing really and one of the reasons I’ve lost interest.
Anywho I’m off to the TT in June, first visit since 93, at least we’ve got something that the rest of the bike world rave about. Was also there in 92 for the Hizzy, Foggy battle.👍👍
I cant find anywhere to watch the highlights like there was last year.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Learn German...link?
Probably.
My post may have some across as condescending, but it wasn't meant that way. I had been skiving off of free streams for F1 and MotoGP for quite a while with Ch4 highlights as a backup until a subscription to Discovery+ took one of those out of the equation (plus covering BSB etc).
I don't know what to make of there being no UK main stream coverage of MotoGP. It's a time of interest IMO (see the Jake Dixon Diaries) but it's down to commercial interests and if the support is lacking then there will not be any coverage.
Live qual/races on https://www.threenow.co.nz/. Need a VPN/smartdns to watch, but free to register. But can't see any highlights listed. https://www.vidio.com/categories/519-motogp has live and catchup. Indonesian provider, about £35 for year.
Highlights are on ITV4 at 8pm tonight and Will subsequently be on ITVX.
Talking of Jake Dixon, hope he’s OK. That highside was brutal😟
Glad it’s back. Seems to have been a long winter.
Looks like normal service will resume but with the added spectacle of the KTM being on the pace and MM lurking!
Off to Austin in a few weeks, so very much looking forward to that.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by PickleB; 14th April 2024 at 21:10.
Effective 2007:
- MotoGP class engine displacement will reduce from 1000 cc to 850 cc. The maximum cylinder bore will reduce from 81 mm to 75 mm. Engines will remain 4-stroke only, with 4 cylinders
- The minimum bike weight in the MotoGP class will be 153 kg
- No ride height devices of any kind will be permitted, including “holeshot” devices activated solely for race starts
- Fuel tank capacity will be reduced to 20 litres for Grand Prix races and a maximum of 11 litres will be permitted for the Sprint
...plus some other refinements.
Just hope we don’t see worse racing, like we had in the 800cc era.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
Pleased with the ride height ban and reduced aero, though I would have thought removing/reducing just those would have cut cornering and top speed by enough not to necessitate a new and expensive engine development program. Though I wonder if the new engine is in part to help manufacturers market a new breed of emission friendly street superbikes?
MotoGP, a race full of skill, tyre tactics and mechanical prowess. Very F1-esque...until the final lap. An Italian triumph in a series where Spain tries to dominate.
Meanwhile, thrills and excitement came from the RB Rookies, Moto3 and Moto2.
All in all a good watch.
ICYMI...Jorge Martin to join Aprilia:
Aprilia Racing have confirmed current MotoGP™ World Championship leader Jorge Martin will replace the retiring Aleix Espargaro for 2025, with the #89 signing a multi-year contract.
The Noale factory announced the news at 6pm on Monday evening after the Mugello Test had ended. The breaking story that Martin joins Aprilia ends speculation about the 2023 runner-up’s potential move to the factory Ducati outfit, which was heavily mooted ahead of the Italian GP...
It’s been a good season so far.
I expect Martin’s move is substantially motivated by money as well as his burning desire to be a full factory rider.
99% certain Marquez will join Bagnia in red next year. What’s he’s done with the “basic”, not championship winning, 2023 bike is astonishing in his first year on a Ducati. A few years ago, I couldn’t stand him, but they way he’s come back from serious injury has won me over. Still hope he doesn’t beat Rossi’s record of championships though.
Acosta has been superb for a MotoGP rookie and deserves Millers seat. What next for Jack? Move down to Gas Gas or become a text rider?
WSB and BSB have been good so far too.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
Well that strategy is certainly working for Triumph in Moto2 and their road going triple range.
The other night my wife pointed out we are holidaying forty mins from Silverstone on the Friday of the race weekend. So whilst it’s only FP and shakedown runs we should still see our heroes and hopefully dodge the queues of race days. As a bonus my wife wants to come too, so win win.
Steve
Marquez confirmed on the factory Ducati which will surprise no one, but it seems Ducati first offered him a 2nd factory bike with Pramac which he refused, which then forced Martin's move to Aprilia.
https://www.autosport.com/motogp/new...play/10619755/
Link:
...Launched in 2017, the WorldSSP300 class provided a global platform for young talents, allowing them to showcase their abilities and learn the intricacies of a world racing series and quickly becoming a popular entry point for aspiring professional riders.
The final season of the WorldSSP300 series will take place in 2025, providing teams and manufacturers ample time to prepare for the transition to the new class in 2026. This period will ensure a smooth and well-coordinated shift, allowing all stakeholders to adapt to the new technical and sporting regulations.
500cc twins maybe?
Or even 650/700 supertwins
Wishful thinking but I wouldn’t be surprised if the 300cc four strokes weren’t far off that figure already.
I reckon that they could probably get closer to 100bhp from a modern racing 250 two stroke; as it’s WSB/WSS, it would need to be based on a road bike though, cue the reintroduction of the road going 250 race rep!
The last of the 250gp bikes were well over 100bhp, but you've more chance of seeing an adventure bike class introduced* than you have of seeing 2t's making a return imo.
*I honestly think this could and should happen based on the success of the Bagger class in AMA. Build them similar to Superstock rules, 1000cc and above, 230kg minimum weight and spec panniers and topbox must be attached. It'll be hilarious and it'll give manufacturers the chance to race on Sunday and sell on Monday again.
For anyone who watched Misano https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8UWG...9-4293c2440b4e
WSBK got very lucky, if you don't count the awful accident in the Women's series.