‘Crazy Joe’, ‘Maniac Joe’ or, famously and in recent times, quite simply, ‘The Maniac’. Andrea Iannone WILL make his return to World Championship action in 2024, joining the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship with Team GoEleven, aboard a Ducati Panigale V4 R. The Italian, famous for his charismatic approach and no-nonsense attitude – both on-track and off of it – will come back to action after being out for four years but is keen to show he’s still got the talent and speed.

HUMBLE START TO Moto2 MAGIC: Iannone’s rise through the ranks

Iannone’s career in World Championship racing started in 2005 in the 125cc World Championship, where he scored points in his first year. A bright start to 2006 didn’t translate into an overall improvement and it was much the same for 2007, but in 2008, his fourth year in the 125cc class, he really shone. A career-first win came in China whilst even further top ten finishes – and a career-first pole position at Sepang – confirmed the potential of the rising Italian star. 2009 would be his final year in the 125cc class, winning the opening two races of the year and three of the first seven rounds, before a drop in form resulted in him finishing seventh overall.

Into Moto2 and the unquestionably talented Iannone adapted well in the first year of the class, winning on three occasions and taking a total of eight podiums for a best Championship finish of third. He’d win a total of five more Moto2 Grands Prix, finishing third overall again in 2011 and 2012, but by now, Iannone had caught the attention of teams in the premier class.

THE BIG OPPORTUNITY: MotoGP’s opportunity and Ducati’s history maker

Moving up to Pramac Racing for 2013, Iannone started his MotoGP career with two top ten results, whilst a collarbone injury at the Sachsenring curtailed the first part of the season. In the second half, more top ten finishes came but Ducati’s redesigned Desmosedici for 2014 would help Iannone come to prominence further. A marked improvement saw him in the battle for top five results and even podiums across the first part of the year and it would go on until the end, with every race that he finished (besides the season-ending Valencian Grand Prix) being inside the top ten.

In 2015, a big break; a promotion to the factory Ducati team as he replaced Cal Crutchlow and instantly shone with a career-first podium at Lusail. Finishing every GP in the top eight until a DNF at Motegi in Japan, ‘The Maniac’ was back on the podium in Australia after a fantastic fight with nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi on the last lap – and a seagull in the opening stages. Finishing fifth and as top Ducati, 26 points clear of teammate Andrea Dovizioso – who was in his third year with the team – a lot was expected of Iannone in 2016.

However, he crashed out of victory contention in Qatar in Round 1 and wiped out teammate Dovizioso at the penultimate corner on the last lap in Argentina in what would have been a guaranteed podium. Iannone was thus surplus to requirements at Ducati and was replaced by Jorge Lorenzo for 2017. He did manage one massive achievement though, ending Ducati’s MotoGP win drought of six years during the returning Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.

CHANGE OF SCENERY: Suzuki first, Aprilia after

He moved to Suzuki’s factory effort for 2017 but struggled to adapt to the inline four machinery, scoring his second-lowest number of points since joining the class and without a podium. In 2018, his last year with the Japanese brand, he enjoyed a big improvement with two podiums in the opening four rounds before a best of the year in P2 at Phillip Island. He finished tenth overall. Joining Aprilia for 2019, a torrid season with just two top ten finishes in the Netherlands and Great Britain, before he led the Australian Grand Prix on his way to P6. However, he was sanctioned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a violation of an anti-doping rule after a positive test for a banned substance in the following Malaysian GP, coming in from December 17^th, 2019.

THE COMEBACK IS ON: “I have rediscovered the enthusiasm I had as a child”

After four years away, ‘The Maniac’ is ready to come out and play again, with the 34-year-old’s desire to succeed stronger than ever: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, I’m finally back on track, where I spent my life. I thank Gigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti, Claudio Domenicali, Marco Zambenedetti and the whole GoEleven team for their trust; with their support I have rediscovered the enthusiasm I had as a child. Special thanks also to the WorldSBK family for the opportunity. I’m fully excited.”

Denis Sacchetti, team manager for Team GoEleven, is also excited to welcome Iannone to the race-winning team: “We have worked hard to make this dream real; we have wanted to shout it out to the world for some time now, but creating such an important project is not easy and must be structured carefully. ‘The Maniac’ has decided to get back into the game, it’s not for everyone, it takes guts after everything that has happened and so much time away from racing. It is a courageous choice, for some it may seem crazy, but the right amount of madness and courage can lead to great feats. Why this bet? When we started talking to him, we were impressed by his determination, grit and desire to go back doing what he loves.

“I saw in his eyes the desire and need to race a motorbike, like a child who wants to go back playing and everything that happens around him is out of his mind, because he just wants to go back playing, he has no other thoughts at that moment. We know that it won’t be easy, that at the beginning we will have to suffer and work a lot and work hard, but this awareness unites us even more and stimulates us further.

“I want to thank Gianni Ramello for immediately accepting this opportunity, a particular thank you also goes to Paolo Ciabatti, Gigi Dall’Igna, Claudio Domenicali and Marco Zambenedetti for the support they are giving to this project and obviously thanks to Andrea Iannone for the trust in our team! Last but not least, heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors who allow us to take on increasingly important challenges every day, it is only thanks to their passion that it is possible to face new adventures!”

HUGE HISTORY: GoEleven’s rise in the ranks of WorldSBK

Stepping up to World Superbike in 2015 with Kawasaki machinery after having had a strong paddock presence since 2008, GoEleven have evolved into a front-running team over the years, with top results coming ever since joining forces with Ducati in 2019. Eugene Laverty ended his season with the team with strong results in the top six, whilst for 2020, Michael Ruben Rinaldi delivered a career-first win for himself and the team. In 2021, Chaz Davies kept their podium success going before retiring from the racing aspect of sport at the end of the season. 2022 brought a fresh challenge with rookie Philipp Oettl but he was able to achieve top ten finishes, whilst in 2023, a career-best fifth has also seen a marked improvement.

Team owner Gianni Ramello reflected on the chapters that make up their story, saying: “Since its birth, GoEleven has tried to achieve increasingly important goals and with the move to Ducati we have come closer to our desire. Despite being a private team, we achieved a victory, several podiums, we won a Best Independent world title and gave world-famous riders the opportunity to defend our colors with excellent results, demonstrating that our Team has done a great job. Now we found ourselves having to take a further step and achieve another goal, a new challenge, and this time it will be harder and more challenging.

“A rider like Andrea has not only shown over the years that he is fast and truly talented, but he is also certainly a public character of great interest. The challenge is even more stimulating because we jumped at the chance to have Iannone return to a World Championship after four years and I can guarantee that we will work hard to get to the positions that count, we strongly want to show that we have made this decision because we believe in the potential of the rider, and we are sure that he will give his all to achieve great results.

“I can only thank Andrea for choosing our team, giving us great importance and showing that the excellent work is highly appreciated, and also because he has shown the courage to face this new challenge which is not at all simple. I thank all the Ducati management who gave us strong motivation to start this project and I thank my team who have always shared our projects for better or for worse driven by motivations that excite me. All of them want to win as I do and this, added the certain desire that Andrea will also have, will be a further boost for the 2024 season!”

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada Iannone returns from ban to compete in World SBK with Go Eleven ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Alvaro Bautista and the Aruba.it Racing team will fly to Malaysia from the 10th-12th of November 2023 to take part in the Grand Prix of Malaysia, which will be held at the Sepang International Circuit two weeks after the conclusion of the Superbike World Championship, from 27th-29th October, in Jerez.

For Ducati, it will be the third wildcard of the 2023 season after participating in the two Italian Grands Prix with Michele Pirro at Mugello in May and the upcoming San Marino GP in Misano. Since last year, Ducati has further strengthened its partnership with Aruba.it by contesting three MotoGP events with the same liveries as the factory Panigale V4R machine of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the WorldSBK Championship.

Following two recent tests at Misano aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP – which provided convincing feedback – reigning World Champion and current WorldSBK Championship leader Alvaro Bautista will return to contest a MotoGP race after his last appearance at the 2018 Valencia GP.

Alvaro Bautista: “I’m really happy to be able to race in MotoGP as a wildcard at Sepang, a track that I really like and that I’m happy to be back at since it’s not on the WorldSBK calendar. The tests with the Ducati Desmosedici GP gave positive feedback: the feeling was good, and I had fun. I want to sincerely thank Ducati and Aruba.it because, without them, it would have been impossible to have this opportunity. At the same time, I would like to say that this MotoGP race will be a bonus for me and not a priority.

“That’s why we must stay focused on the WorldSBK Championship, which is the only thing that matters now. I want to stay focused for this last part of the season, which will be very demanding, with many races in a short time. The feeling with the Panigale V4R machine is good, and I hope to continue on this path. Then, when the season ends, we’ll think about going to Malaysia and having fun. Now I’ll have a little holiday, and then we’ll be back at Magny-Cours.”

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada Bautista gets MotoGP wildcard outing at Malaysian GP ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Joan Mir –

L'entrada Mir, Rins to miss German GP; Bautista set for Ducati MotoGP test ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

After withdrawing from the Spanish GP, Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) has been ruled out of the upcoming French GP as he continues to recover from his shoulder injury.

At Le Mans, former factory Ducati MotoGP star Danilo Petrucci will step in for Bastianini alongside World Championship leader Francesco Bagnaia. The WorldSBK rider is a previous winner at the French GP with Ducati back in 2020, as he gets set to compete in MotoGP again after his appearance at the 2022 Thai GP.

“It will be an honour to be able to try the World Champion bike and wear the suit that I won with in the past. It is an indescribable emotion,” said Petrucci.

BREAKING: @petrux9 is back! 😎 Danilo Petrucci will replace @bestia23 at the #FrenchGP as Enea continues recovery from the right shoulder injury suffered at Portimao.#ForzaDucati #DucatiLenovoTeam pic.twitter.com/rGCXQ2VgHk

— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) May 5, 2023

Here’s news on Miguel Oliveira and Pol Espargaro

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada Petrucci to replace Bastianini for French MotoGP round ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Honda –

Tuesday, April 25, Marc Marquez underwent a medical check at the Ruber Internacional Hospital after having been successfully operated on four weeks ago for an intra-articular fracture of the first metacarpal on the right hand.

The clinical and radiological progression was deemed satisfactory, however, due to the nature of the fracture and the time elapsed, the medical team led by Dr. Roger de Oña together with Marquez, have decided to continue with his recovery and preparation during the coming weeks and focus his possible return on the French GP, May 12 – 14.

Iker Lecuona from Team HRC in WorldSBK will replace Marc Marquez for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. “Yesterday we did another CT scan and it has been confirmed that, despite the fact that the injury is progressing favourably, the bone has not yet finished healing and racing in Jerez was risky,” said Marquez.

“Together with the medical team, we decided not to take any risks, to wait two more weeks and return in Le Mans. I am very sorry to miss the Spanish Grand Prix because it is always special, because of the atmosphere, racing at home and above all, seeing and enjoying the fans. I will continue with the rehabilitation and work to be back as soon as possible. Thank you for your messages of support.”

Ducati –

After picking up a shoulder blade injury at the Portuguese Grand Prix following an incident with Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), Ducati Lenovo Team’s Enea Bastianini will travel to Jerez in the hope he can pass a fitness test to participate in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Italian has been sidelined since that Portimao Tissot Sprint crash but ahead of Round 4 of the season, Bastianini completed 10 laps of the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on a Ducati Panigale V4 S. After having positive feelings, the ‘The Beast’ will be in Jerez and will undergo a medical test on Thursday to see if he is fit to jump back on his factory GP23 to kickstart his campaign.

After weeks of doing rehab and working hard to recover from his injury, @bestia23 took to the track again at Misano today! Enea did 10 laps and had positive feelings. He will fly to Jerez and undergo a medical check on Thursday to determine if he is fit to race at the #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/FUnCJjYiLV

— Ducati Corse (@ducaticorse) April 24, 2023

Here’s Carlos Sainz meeting Marc Marquez

Here’s Alex Marquez on less training

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada Lecuona replaces Marquez for Jerez MotoGP weekend ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

2021 Superbike World Champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu, will have a new opportunity to test the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP machine during a planned development test at the Jerez circuit in Andalucía, Spain. Razgatlioglu will join Yamaha’s MotoGP Test Rider, Cal Crutchlow, for two days of testing on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th April in Jerez.

It will be the Turkish star’s second test aboard the YZR-M1, after his first outing at Motorland Aragon in June last year was cut short by inclement weather. The characteristics of the 4.428 km Jerez circuit are well suited to Razgatlioglu’s riding style and the test should provide an ideal opportunity for him to accrue plenty of track time and adapt himself to the YZR-M1.

“I am looking forward to testing the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike at Jerez, a track I like a lot,” said Razgatlioglu. “The last test in Aragon was limited by the weather, but in Jerez it looks like we’ll have better conditions and more track time. It will give me the chance to understand better the demands of racing a Factory MotoGP bike. Thanks to Yamaha for giving me this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Lin Jarvis added: “Firstly, let me say it is our pleasure to be able to give Toprak another opportunity to ride the YZR-M1. I was unable to be present at his previous test but this time I will be in Jerez to follow the testing and I will depart straight from there to attend the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin next weekend.

“Toprak is an extraordinarily talented motorcycle racer, and I am very curious to see his speed on our Factory MotoGP machine. He will have the chance to ride alongside Cal who will be there for the ongoing development testing of our 2023 YZR-M1.”

L'entrada Yamaha gives Toprak Razgatlioglu another MotoGP test run ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the FIM held an extraordinary meeting on March 5 to discuss the matter and what’s to be done with regards to the events which Russia and Belarus are to hold, its governing bodies and most importantly the riders and officials.

The meet resulted in the them taking three important decisions. Both the Motorcycle Federation of Russia and Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport have been suspended which includes the suspension of members chosen from the bodies to work for them.

Much like the stance of the FIA, there will be no FIM-sanctioned events in Russia or Belarus, whether it is racing events and or prize giving galas. Unlike the four-wheel counterparts, the two-wheel side has readily banned riders and teams to compete.

The FIA will allow to drivers to compete if they sign the ‘drive commitment’ form which has multiple sanctions for them. Should they not sign it, they will have to forgo their chance to race in the championships, but the FIM has no such option for riders.

“We stand in sympathy and solidarity with all those suffering, as a result of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and remain in close contact with our affiliate member in Ukraine (FMU),” said President Jorge Viegas. “I would like to thank the FIM Board of Directors members in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace.

“The FIM, together with its promoters and organisers, already acted on this matter and cancelled the FIM competitions scheduled in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The decisions announced today are in line with the recommendations and statements made by the International Olympic Committee, adapted to suit our sport. The FIM family is watching the developments in Ukraine with great sadness and hope for a prompt and peaceful resolution.”

Here’s the full meeting decisions:

The FIM Board of Directors held an extraordinary meeting on 5 March 2022 in relation to the situation in Ukraine. After having carefully considered the International Olympic Committee recommendations and the specificity of our sport, the Board of Directors has unanimously condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Henceforth the following provisional urgent and protective decisions have been taken which are effective immediately and stay in force until further notice:

• To suspend, for the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR) and the Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport (BFMS), the issuance of FIM licences and the FIM licences already distributed. To suspend the functions of persons from MFR and BFMS acting as FIM Officials and as Commissions members/experts/agents of the FIM. As a result, no Russian and Belarusian riders, teams and officials can take part in any FIM Events and activities.
• To suspend the registration of and to cancel all FIM Events such as FIM International Meetings, FIM World Championships and FIM Prize Events taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and, if applicable, to relocate these FIM Events to another country.
• To interrupt any other FIM activities including but not limited to seminars, commissions meetings, training camps taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

The FIM Board of Directors unanimously recommends to all Affiliated Members and Continental Unions to apply these measures at the national and continental levels.

Here’s FIA detailing more on how Russian and Belarus drivers can compete

Here’s the full FIA WMSC decisions

L'entrada FIM shares its decisions regarding Russia and Belarus participation ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The progress at the under-construction Mandalika circuit in Indonesia is going well, after the latest visit by the representatives of FIM and Dorna Sports. The visit took place on April 7, post the double-header MotoGP weekend at Losail International Circuit.

The dignitaries included, the FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer Franco Uncini, Dorna Race Direction Representative Loris Capirossi and Dorna Sports Managing Director Carlos Ezpeleta, who were received by the promoters/organisers and Government officials.

Their list included President Director of PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation / ITDC Abdulbar M. Mansoer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) Ricky Baheramsjah.

The target for the organisers is to ready the Mandalika circuit November, for the World Superbike race on 21st of the the month. The MotoGP race, however, will not take place this year, as the COVID-19 situation has pushed it to early 2022.

They will, though, try to hold a MotoGP class test at Mandalika circuit, provided they are able to hold events in South East Asia towards the end of 2021. “The visit to Lombok was very successful and we can confirm that the Mandalika International Street Circuit will be one of the most important venues of the calendar in the future,” said Ezpeleta.

“We also know that the fans from Indonesia will attend massively and the GPs will become one of the most iconic ones of the whole season. Indonesia is a key market, not only for Dorna but for all the stakeholders of the Championship.”

At the same time, M. Mansoer stated: “We thank the FIM and Dorna for coming and conducting the technical visit which went well and met their expectations. By knowing the firm month for MotoGP event, we are assured of focusing on finishing the Mandalika International Street Circuit development project, while also maximizing the value that this great sporting event has to offer.”

https://twitter.com/MotoGP/status/1380456055587627008?s=20

https://twitter.com/MotoGP/status/1380464253031784454?s=20

While there is some positivity around the project from the MotoGP side, the United Nations Human Rights report is not so positive about the situation around Mandalika circuit. It is filed a damning report on the building of the track, while snatching homes.

Here’s the full report: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=26962&LangID=E

Here’s the last from Mandalika circuit

L'entrada MotoGP eyes 2022 race in Mandalika circuit, releases first lap video ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having lost his Ducati MotoGP ride to the pair of rookies Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini, who are to join Avintia Racing in 2021, Rabat will move to World Superbike series with Barni Ducati to be the manufacturers’ fifth rider in the championship.

The factory Aruba.it Racing team features Scott Redding and Michael Ruben Rinaldi for 2021, whereas other Ducati outfits like Team GoEleven, Brixx Performance and Motocorsa Racing has Chaz Davies, Sylvain Barrier and  Axel Bassani, respectively.

Rabat will ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R as he will look to compete at the front-end of the grid. “After many years in MotoGP I will have the chance to start a new adventure in WorldSBK and I want to show all my potential in this Championship,” he said.

“I know I’ll have at my disposal a great bike and a good team, for this opportunity I want to thank the Barni Racing Team and Ducati. For me, the new challenge started today when I jumped on the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the first time. I can’t wait to take it on track, and I will work hard to be full prepared for the first test.”

Meanwhile, team principal Marco Barnabo, stated: “I’m very happy with the agreement with Tito because when I spoke with him I saw our same approach to work: great commitment and determination trying to achieve ambitious goals. Our whole team is ready to do its best to put him in the best conditions to reach good results.”

And finally, Paolo Cibatti, Sporting Director of Ducati Corse, added: “We are very happy about the agreement between Marco Barnabo and Tito Rabat. Since many year the Barni Racing Team is a consolidated reality as a Ducati satellite team in Superbike and we are sure that in 2021 the squad will be able to put Tito in the best conditions to express all his talent. Rabat arrives in the WorldSBK championship motivated to achieve important results and we are sure he can count on Barni’s maximum support.”

Here’s the 2021 World SBK grid: https://www.worldsbk.com/en/riders/sbk

Here’s news on Gresini parting ways with Aprilia

L'entrada Ex-MotoGP rider Rabat moves to World SBK with Barni Ducati ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having tested positive for COVID-19 after the French MotoGP round, which forced him to miss the two races at Aragon, Yamaha has confirmed that Rossi is still a COVID-19 positive patient, ahead of the Valencia double-header.

Rossi underwent his test on Tuesday, which returned positive. He will have another test on Wednesday, which, if returns positive, will rule him out of the Valencia MotoGP weekend. It will also put him in danger of missing the second race at the same venue.

For now, Yamaha has roped in its World Superbike rider Gerloff as a standby to Rossi alongside Maverick Vinales. It is an interesting move, especially, with Jorge Lorenzo at their disposal already. This certainly puts the Spaniard’s future with them in question.

The speculations is of Lorenzo leaving the Yamaha test role to join Aprilia and the current move to have Gerloff, only fuels those reports. For the American it is a huge honour as he is set to make his MotoGP debut after finishing 11th in the 2020 WSBK season.

The statement from Yamaha goes:

“Following the two Grand Prix weekends in Aragon in October, where Maverick Vinales performed as the sole Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider, the team is pleased to announce it has added GRT Yamaha WorldSBK rider Garrett Gerloff to its potential rider line-up for the Gran Premio de Europa.

“Should Rossi be unable to meet the requirement of two negative PCR test results needed to be allowed to take part in this weekend’s GP event, the American will substitute for Rossi. Rossi’s last PCR test, done on Tuesday 3rd November, came back with a positive result for Covid-19.

“Nevertheless, today (Wednesday 4th November) the Italian will undergo a new test. Should he test negative, he will still have enough time to complete the required second PCR test and fly to Valencia. Should Rossi be deemed ‘unfit’ to ride in Valencia, Gerloff will be backed by the number-46 rider’s usual crew for his very first riding experience aboard a YZR-M1.”

L'entrada Rossi still COVID-19 +ve, Yamaha names Gerloff as standby for Valencia ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The proposal which they want to submit to the Spanish Government for approval, states for the 2020 MotoGP season to start during July 17-19 weekend with the Spanish GP at Jerez. Subsequently, the second round will be held at the same venue on July 24-26.

However, that race will be named as Grand Prix of Andalusia. Additionally, they also wish to host a World Superbike round at Jerez during July 31 – August 2 weekend, making it three back-to-back race weekends at the same circuit to limit travel amid COVID-19 pandemic.

It is not clear but it seems more or less certain that they will host the races without fans and a limited number of personnel from the teams. It falls in line with what the FIA and F1 is planning for a July start of their 2020 season in Austria at Red Bull Ring.

The decision for a proposal was made through an electronic meeting between Juan Antonio Marín, Vice President of the Regional Government of Andalusia; Mamen Sanchez Díaz, Mayor of Jerez de la Frontera; and Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports.

MotoGP races until Finnish GP has been cancelled/postponed with Czech GP (August 7-9) being the next round as per the original 2020 schedule. In fact, the grand prix in Qatar, Germany, Netherlands and Finland has been cancelled all-together for 2020.

It remains to be seen as to how many MotoGP races they can stage in 2020 as COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreck havoc around the globe.

Here’s Jorge Lorenzo after meeting with Andrea Iannone

Here’s how Virtual Spanish GP panned out

Here’s Carmelo Ezpeleta on latest decisions and future

L'entrada MotoGP eyes two rounds at Jerez as mid-July 2020 start targeted ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The cancellation of the Qatar MotoGP race seems like a distance move now as since then, they have had races until June start being struck off, where some have been re-scheduled while rest kept on hold as COVID-19 create havoc around the globe.

There is no certain calendar for any sporting event, including MotoGP and World SBK. The promoters, Dorna Sports, is doing everything to have some races scheduled in 2020, so that they have some action in place for the fans and not bank solely on Virtual Race.

But the Spanish body has stated that any cancellation of either MotoGP or World SBK will only be a last resort for them. Here’s the full statement from Dorna Sports: “The coronavirus pandemic is ongoing and has already resulted in revisions to the 2020 calendar for the MotoGP World Championship, including the postponement or rescheduling of a number of events.

“In light of the continued uncertainty, Dorna Sports would like to reaffirm that racing is our top priority in 2020. At Dorna, we remain in continuous discussion with the FIM, IRTA, the MSMA and Grand Prix promoters as we closely monitor the situation, keeping channels of communication and support between each pillar of our sport as open as possible.

“The aim of every party involved is to begin racing again as soon as it is safe to do so. Our number one focus has always been and will remain on trying to run the 2020 season with as many Grands Prix as possible, finishing within the 2020 calendar year.

“However, we will always act in line with health and safety advice from governments and relevant health authorities. If the pandemic continues to put our lives and sport on hold for longer than any of us are able to anticipate and travel restrictions remain in place, only as a last resort would Dorna Sports ever consider discussing cancellation of the 2020 season with the FIM, IRTA and the MSMA.

“Our number one focus for WorldSBK is likewise trying to run the 2020 season with as many Rounds as possible once it is safe to do so. The priority of all parties involved is to race, safely, and bring our fans more of what they love: motorcycle racing,” summed up the statement from Dorna.

Meanwhile, MotoE racer Aegerter shared a feel good story where he his helping trainer Pol to clean his care home in Spain amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

View this post on Instagram

Every year I come to Spain to do my physical preparation with @coachtotop When @motogp season was cancelled for the CORONAVIRUS, I decided to stay here to train online at home. Pol my coach also has a nursing home, and I offered to help him in any way I could. I said, "You always help me, now I have to help you." Every week, I buy bleach for them and disinfect the whole exterior. I train at home every morning and in the afternoons I collaborate in the prevention and disinfection of his nursing home. This virus is lethal for older people. And I couldn't be home locked up watching all the trouble. C.G. Sant Pere is the name of the nursing home, and they are one of the few nursing homes that have 0 CORONAVIRUS cases, so I am proud to help in this cause! I encourage everyone to help where possible, because together we will beat this virus! #stayathome #stayhealthy #staysafe #help #nursinghome #people #together #we #win #race #clean #friends #coronavid19 #2020 #barcelona #domi77 #aegi77 #77 #ad77 #domifighter #livefullgas www.domi77.com

A post shared by Aegerter Dominique (@domiaegerter77) on Apr 8, 2020 at 10:31am PDT

Here’s details of Virtual Race 2

Here’s latest on MotoGP postponing races

Here’s behind the scenes from Virtual Race and numbers too

Here’s note on Dorna helping MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 teams

L'entrada Dorna says cancelling 2020 MotoGP/World SBK season ‘last resort’ option ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The circuit in Portugal, which was built in the Algarve region – specifically in Portimao – 12 years ago, has made some modifications that has granted it the FIA Grade 1 license. It represents the highest safety certification confirmed by the governing body.

It, therefore, has a license now to host, not only F1 races but also tests – that is unless there is anyone to back it up to bring the sessions to the circuit. Back in time, Portugal staged the grand prix races between 1984 and 1996 at the Estoril Circuit.

Portimao, on the other hand, has held F1 tests before and it was close to secure a grand prix around 2009-2010, before it fell through. It hosts other championships like World Toruing Car, World Superbike, European Le Mans Series and more.

Upon receiving the Grade 1 license from the FIA, Paulo Pinheiro, circuit director, stated: “We have been working on this since last year, since we received an inspection and the approval of Late Charlie Whiting and Eduadro Freitas.

“The required modifications have been made and we have received the highest certification from the International Automobile Federation,” he summed up in a report on Lusa Agency. It is not certain that Portiamo will return but closed door testing can still happen.

In fact, reports from MotoGP side suggests that Portimao is being kept as a reserve for future if some of the current grand prix doesn’t happen. It is too early to talk about F1 but with the return of Zandvoort, it could be an option, for testing at least.

Here’s latest on 2020 F1 calendar with Canada postponed

Here’s the latest from FIA on 2020/2021 changes

The article was co-written by Adria Roldan Murillo

L'entrada Portimao circuits gets FIA Grade 1 license, can now hold F1-level races ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Redding, who left MotoGP at the end of 2018 to compete in British Superbike this year, will return to international level championship in the World Superbike with Ducati to replace Alvaro Bautista.

Bautista himself left MotoGP at the end of the 2018 season to join Ducati in WSBK but even without completing one year with the team, he has decided to part ways and is speculated to join the factory Honda outfit.

The Spaniard has been in a dominant form but few odd races has allowed Kawasaki’s Joanthan Rea to pounce him as he sits on top with 452 points to Bautista’s 433 – this despite the latter winning 11 races on the trot.

Ever since Bautista rumours started to make headlines, Redding’s name also made an appearance as a replacement, which Ducati officially confirmed on Wednesday alongside Chaz Davies, to ride Ducati Panigale V4 R.

In the eight rounds in BSBK so far, Redding has six wins and 10 podiums to be second after eight rounds, only 12 points apart, while riding a Ducati. “I’m so happy to join the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, which is something that I’ve wanted for a long time, because to be able to work with a team that can fight for a world title is really a great opportunity for me.

“Obviously now I have to remain fully focused on the British Superbike Championship, because I want to try and win that title with the Be Wiser Ducati before stepping back up to a world championship again.

“A big thanks to all those people who have helped to make this dream happen, and now I can’t wait to get on the factory Panigale V4 R bike in the World Superbike Championship,” summed up Redding.

L'entrada Ducati signs ex-MotoGP’s Redding to replace Bautista in WSBK for 2020 ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

With the end of the three weeks summer break, the 2019 MotoGP season kick-starts again this weekend at Brno with the Czech GP, but it has started with a sad news from the Ducati camp, with the death of its press officer, Semprini.

The Italian manufacturer noted of the death of the 35-year-old press officer after his arrival at Brno on Wednesday night in his hotel room. The cause of his death hasn’t bee revealed as both Ducati and MotoGP has paid their condolences to Semprini.

The journalist-turned-press officer joined the MotoGP grid earlier this year after spending a lot of his time in the World Superbike paddock. Semprini studied in Bologna in Italy and also in the United States of America, before his journalism work.

Following the shock death of a team member and colleague, Ducati canceled its press briefing for both Andrea Dovzioso and Danilo Petrucci, as they initiate the second half of the 2019 MotoGP season at Brno.

A statement from the manufacturer read as: “The Ducati Team is deeply saddened to inform you of the sudden death of our MotoGP Press Officer, Luca Semprini. Luca had arrived with the team on Wednesday for this weekend’s MotoGP race in the Czech Republic (Brno) and passed away during the night in the hotel room. We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to all of Luca’s family, relatives, friends and colleagues.”

From everyone at FormulaRapida.net, we pay our condolences to Luca and his family

Rins gifts his helmet to fallen marshal’s family after French MotoGP race

L'entrada Ducati MotoGP press officer Luca Semprini dies in Brno hotel ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

West left an expletive-filled message for the motorcycle racing’s governing body, the FIM, after multiple year battle against them regarding their ban on him. The Australian has twice (2012 and 2018) failed the dope test undertaken by the FIM.

In his defence, West has denied any wrongdoing in front of the disciplinary committee but they rejected his stance. Not only that, West has mentioned that FIM has been after him for long as wherever he goes racing, they create undue atmosphere.

He said of the same when he was racing in the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship. After the last debacle in the World Supersport championship in 2018, West decided to move away from any FIM-backed series and has been racing in Brazilian Superbike.

He is currently leading the standings but it seems like the FIM is still after him as per his latest message on social media. While it looks like he has decided to quit racing all-together but it could have been done in rage as his statement reads:

“F**k FIM I’m done with this sport!!!! You will never see me on another motorcycle again in my life. You win FIM, you dogs. Your really low sh*t people who should have nothing to do with the sport. FIM have pushed to make me lose my ride with Kawasaki here [in] Brazil.

“FIM have destroyed my life many times and have put me into depression to [the] point I wish I was dead. I’m done playing there bullshit political games. F**k you FIM Sorry to all my fans who have supported me all the way since 1999 when 1st went to world championship. I love you all!!!! Bye.”

West has had a long career since making his 125cc debut in the world championship in 1998. He has also raced in 250cc, 500cc, Moto2 and MotoGP along with appearances in both World Superbike and also World Supersport championships.

L'entrada Ex-MotoGP racer Anthony West quits racing in an expletive note to FIM ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Barbera had a tough 2018 after leaving MotoGP in 2017. He started off competing in Moto2 with Pons Racing but the contract was terminated due to sponsorship issues. He joined Kawasaki Puccetti Racing in WSSP to see-through the year.

He scored points in the four races he entered and was classified 17th with 27 points. For 2019, he secured a ride with Team Toth by Willirace abode a Yamaha YFZ-R6 but even before the season started, the problems continued to follow him.

The Spaniard rode with an old engine in Australia and Thailand and had only handful of spare parts but still was able to finish fourth and seventh respectively. He then started his home event at Aragon on backfoot as the financial issues persisted.

Barbera qualified 12th for the Sunday’s WSSP race but the news soon spread that his Yamaha R6 was stolen from the garage with the police already informed about the theft by the team. With no progress to find the missing bike, Barbera couldn’t take part in the race.

Following the drama, the Spaniard took to Instagram to explain what happened where he informed that he had no choice but to pull out from the race and possibly the championship as well due to safety as he used an old engine amid continuing financial issues.

“So far we have come,” he wrote. “For my safety and for the safety of the other riders, today I will not be able to start the race, we do not have the means. and what started as a dream ends as a nightmare.

“The problems of defaults and compliance with the agreement between the one that had to be our main sponsor and the team made this SSP adventure end today, at home, in a race that made me especially excited, without even being able to run the race.

“We started this project with great enthusiasm, premiering all the material in Australia and without training, with a bike practically on the street and even then, with the minimum necessary in the technical part we managed to finish fourth.

“After that race began the financial problems and that made him have to play the race in Thailand with hardly any spare parts and with an engine with too many kilometers. Here the situation is the same, but we can no longer stretch what we have, and out of responsibility I must not even go out on track.

“I’m fourth in the championship [dropped to eighth], and I think with normal equipment I could have been very competitive and have fulfilled my goal for this year, which was above all to enjoy and feel like a pilot again.

“The team also had that illusion, from the owner to the last mechanic. It makes me very angry, because I feel very well and I am working like never before. But I’m not going to give up and I’m going to continue training to be prepared if there is any possibility of continuing with what I love most, which is driving.

“I feel a lot of anger and helplessness, in the third race with these means and after being QUARTERS in the general classification, we have no choice but to accept this situation and continue fighting as I have done in these years.

“I am sorry in the soul for everyone who has come to watch the races and I can not be on track, for all my followers, and for all the people who are always supporting me.” [Note: Barbera’s quote has been translated using Google Translate]

While the decision seems clear now, it is not entirely firm if the bike was stolen or it was pre-decided by the outfit not to start the WSSP race at Aragon. Apart from Barbera, the team has not yet released any statements so far.

View this post on Instagram

Hasta aquí hemos llegado. Por mi seguridad y por la seguridad de los demás pilotos hoy no podré salir a la carrera, no tenemos medios. y lo que empezó como un sueño acaba como una pesadilla. Los problemas de impagos y de cumplimiento del acuerdo entre el que tenía que ser nuestro patrocinador principal y el equipo hacen que esta aventura en SSP termine hoy, en casa, en una carrera que me hacía especial ilusión, sin que ni siquiera pueda correr la carrera. Empezamos este proyecto con mucha ilusión, estrenando todo el material en Australia y sin entrenar, con una moto prácticamente de calle y aún así, con lo mínimo imprescindible en la parte técnica conseguimos acabar cuartos. Después de esa carrera comenzaron los problemas financieros y eso hizo que tuviese que disputar la carrera de Tailandia sin apenas recambio y con un motor con demasiados kilómetros. Aquí la situación es la misma, pero ya no podemos estirar más lo que tenemos, y por responsabilidad no debo ni salir a pista. Estoy cuarto del campeonato, y creo que con un material normal podría haber sido muy competitivo y haber cumplido mi objetivo para este año, que sobre todo era disfrutar y volver a sentirme piloto. También el equipo tenía esa ilusión, desde el dueño hasta el último mecánico. Me da mucha rabia, porque me siento muy bien y estoy trabajando como nunca. Pero no me voy a rendir y voy a seguir entrenando para estar preparado por si surge alguna posibilidad de seguir con lo que más quiero, que es pilotar. Siento mucha rabia e impotencia, en la tercera carrera con estos medios y después de estar CUARTOS en la clasificación general, no nos queda otra que aceptar esta situación y seguir peleando como he hecho en estos años. Lo siento en el alma por todo el mundo que ha venido a ver las carreras y no podré estar en pista, por todos mis seguidores, y por toda la gente que siempre me está apoyando.

A post shared by Héctor Barberá (@hectorbarbera8) on Apr 7, 2019 at 2:17am PDT

L'entrada Ex-MotoGP racer Barbera explains Aragon WSSP pull-out amid theft news ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

On Hamilton’s recent visit to the Qatar MotoGP race, he revealed that he bought a Yamaha R1 in December after winning his fifth F1 title, which he then took to Jerez to test it along with the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team superbike riders.

The superbike test was such that even Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 boss Wolff didn’t know about it. In fact, Hamilton got few of his team members along as well for the run. “I’m always worried, and we had a laugh last year because I couldn’t get hold of Hamilton.

“And also I couldn’t get hold of my chief strategist and one of the race engineers – and found out they were racing motorbikes in Jerez and nobody would pick up the phone. And then they were a bit apologetic,” said Wolff in Australia.

The Austrian was answering to query put on by the media about contracts for their drivers and whether more freedom disrupts the driver’s mindset or helps with the racing. Adding more to the case, Wolff said:

“Hamilton is not an 18 or 19 year old young man any more. He’s a five-time World Champion. He knows exactly what works for him and what doesn’t. All these activities, in my experience, are not a negative distraction but on the other hand something that he enjoys that he enjoys doing.

“Some things are just a hobby: like sports; others are more of a passion, like the fashion business and every time he’s able to decompress from motor racing, he comes back stronger. We mustn’t be judgemental.

“Some people go on a meditation seminar to India. Others do Sky-diving. Others are out for the ladies. Let’s accept how everybody is. He is justified and has shown that he is one of the best out there.”

Other team principals also joined in with Renault’s Cyril Abiteboul sharing his experience of signing Daniel Ricciardo. “We have a different type of contract,” he said. “It’s mainly, I guess an insurance and a financial topic.

“Because there is a way that you are managing the relationship with your drivers and there is a ‘what if’ scenario in case something bad occurs. We have two mature drivers who know what they should be doing and should not be doing.

“So it’s pretty much their call to decide. Obviously the financial consequences can be on their side if they commit something that causes them to not be in a position to honour their obligation any more.

“So, I would say that the generic, for younger drivers, you would want to have more control on what he does – that’s what I’ve seen in previous life. That’s the situation.” A more open approach comes from Red Bull as the company thrives on multi-work.

“We’re Red Bull at the end of the day and y’know, no risk: no fun,” said Christian Horner. “We don’t actively encourage our drivers to go and take a lot of risks but they’ve got to live their lives and have some fun along the way.

“It’s great to see that our drivers take that seriously. We sent them surfing the other day. Max Verstappen demonstrated restraint where he was nervous to get on a surfboard for fear of being eaten be a shark.

“So, obviously, I think it’s an important thing that they take care of themselves but it’s good for them to enjoy and experience other activities.”

L'entrada Hamilton did not inform Wolff about Jerez December Superbike test ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Last year, the FIM informed about helmet homologation where from 2019 onward, only the regulated helmets will be allowed in the FIM-backed championships as they moved on from the existing international standard to a more in-house homologated helmets.

As per the last information, the helmets from Bell and Shark had passed the FIM homologation test with the likes of AGV, HJC, Kabuto and Shoei having passed the normal homologation tests but awaited the FIM’s.

At the same time, the FIM’s homologation website has put helmets from Airoh, Arai, LS2, Nolan/X-Lite, NHK, MT, Scorpion, Shiro and Suomy/KYT under the ‘homologation tests pending’ category, while few others under forms pending.

With large number of late requests coming in from the manufacturers to allow them some time for the laboratory tests, the FIM’s panel convened an e-meeting on February 5, with them deciding to defer the mandatory use until June 3, 2019.

The riders competing in MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and World SBK can use the existing helmets until June 2 with them having to switch to the new homologated ones coded from June 3. The other FIM-backed series’ can use the older helmets until the end of 2019 season.

However, from 2020 onward, all the championship riders will have to use the new ones as per the table added below. The panel who took the call had Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna), Paul Duparc (FIM), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) & Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA) from MotoGP side.

The SBK Commission composed of Gregorio Lavilla (Dorna), Franck Vayssie (FIM) & Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA). Here is the table which showcases the timeline plus for more information, fans and all can check frhp.org:

L'entrada FIM postpones use of regulated helmets to until June in MotoGP, WSBK ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The 2006 MotoGP champion died in an accident in Italy in 2017 while preparing for a Superbike Championship round. In a special tribute to the fallen rider, it has been decided that the #69 which he rode with, will be retired from grand prix racing.

The official retiring of the number will take place during this year’s MotoGP’s Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of the Americas in Texas which is scheduled for April 12-14 weekend. The #69 will forever remain as the number of the ‘The Kentucky Kid’.

L'entrada Number 69 to be retired from grand prix racing in Nicky Hayden’s honour ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.