rennie

You should try working nights! I have cider for breakfast!

Such a shame!

First stepping into the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship paddock back in 2008 and having a team of their own since 2010, Team GoEleven have been a part of the WorldSBK family for a long time. Enhancing their support in 2015 by stepping up into the World Superbike class, they no prepare for their seventh and arguably most anticipated season yet. Clinching a first victory in the class last year during the Teruel Round at MotorLand Aragon with Michael Ruben Rinaldi, the team wrapped up the Independent Teams’ Championship at the final round at Estoril. However, their path to front-runners has been different; stepping up from WorldSSP in 2015 with Kawasaki machinery and with Roman Ramos aboard, the team were consistent point-scorers. That remained in 2016 and 2017, with Ramos having multiple top ten rides, whilst 2018 saw them struggle in comparison. 2019 saw their biggest switch yet, going from in-line four-cylinder machinery at Kawasaki to V4 machinery and the all-new Ducati Panigale, in the hands of Eugene Laverty, who took them to top six finishes and their best results. 2020 was their breakthrough year however, and Michael Ruben Rinaldi came into the team and delivered the goods with victory and podiums. Now, with their new livery about to be unveiled, we look back at the brand’s colour schemes from the past few years, right back to their first voyage into WorldSBK in 2015, to their race winning success of 2020. With Chaz Davies coming into the squad in 2021, the future looks bright for Gianni Ramello’s team, managed by Denis Sacchetti. Follow the team’s charge to the top with Chaz Davies in 2021 with the WorldSBK VideoPass![1] References^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

As preparations ramp up for the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship campaign and the off-season well and truly underway, Tom Sykes (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) sat down on social media with his team to engage in a virtual question-and-answer session as he spoke about the new M 1000 RR, where the improvements came from and much, much more. The 2013 Champion joined the BMW outfit in 2019 and remains with the team for a third campaign as the German marque brings the brand-new BMW M 1000 RR into WorldSBK competition and will be looking to push forward after a challenging 2020 campaign where he claimed one pole position but was unable to stand on the podium. Discussing goals for the new campaign with the new machine, Sykes said: “Of course, that is the ultimate target. I have to say I’m very much looking forward to it. In answer to the question, I believe there has been quite some upgrade with the M 1000 RR. I’ve heard a lot of great reports. It looks like I’m going to have to see for myself next week when we finally get to put it all on track in the south of Spain at Jerez. Looking forward to it all, blow out the cobwebs and see what we have got. We all share this target to become World Champion again and I just believe with the new upgrades, with the new M 1000 RR, this will put us back into the playing field and ballpark of where we need to be.” Sykes’ 2013 Championship glory came with Kawasaki where he stayed until the 2019 season when he switched to BMW where he claimed four podiums. While he wasn’t able to add to this in 2020, he did claim a milestone 50th pole position in 2020. Discussing moving from Kawasaki to BMW and his aims, Sykes said: “I always like a challenge, and, for me, my ambition was to win a World Championship with at least two different manufacturers and certainly I have been patient but I’m very lucky to be with a great manufacturer with BMW. The whole of the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team is aiming towards that target and that goal. I do believe, with our current understanding of the previous few seasons, now with the new M 1000 RR, I do believe we have the key ingredients to put us back where we need to be and to continue our work and our development. Given time, like I said, I do believe we’ve had some big steps forward and I’m very excited. This, for me, will put us where we need to be.” The German manufacturer are bringing a new machine to WorldSBK for 2021 as they introduce the BMW M 1000 RR, including a new engine to bring more power and a new aerodynamic package including winglets. Sykes, when asked about the new bike, said: “It was difficult last year. It was no secret that we were definitely underpowered, and this meant I was having to ask a lot more of the tyres in the middle of the corner which is not really what you need to do on a superbike. It’s all about getting the bike upright and using the power of the engine to do the talking. Power was certainly an issue. We still had some limitations on where we needed the chassis set up to be. But this is just time, this is development and certainly now with extra power… this is the biggest thing we’ll notice inside the team! But then on top of that, we’ve had small changes to where we needed to on the chassis/swingarm. We’ve learnt a lot about many other small things, electronics, suspension and these little key ingredients, when you put them all together, they make a big difference on the track. I’m excited to pick up with testing. “Winglets have been a discussion inside the racing activity and, of course, like everything for me, I always feel whenever you do something in racing there’s always a positive and a negative. Doesn’t matter what you do, even if there’s one change there could be five positives but there’s always that negative. For me, with the winglets, I was pleasantly surprised at certain areas on the track which gives quite a big step in rider confidence and also in performance. There are still one or two areas where I need convincing, but I’ve got some great engineers around me to do that convincing. It’s only going to add to the package and, given that with more power, I’m hoping all these little steps help bring us closer.” You can watch the full interview with Sykes on the BMW Motorrad Motorsport Facebook page[1]. Follow the progress of Sykes and the new BMW M 1000 RR throughout 2021 using the WorldSBK VideoPass[2]! References^ the BMW Motorrad Motorsport Facebook page (www.facebook.com)^ VideoPass (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship took another step closer to starting as the recently staged test at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” gave a good insight into the competitive year ahead for the Championship. Topping day one was Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team), whilst the Turkish star was toppled by Italy’s Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) on day two, with Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) also at the sharp end. The Adriatic Coast is always a spectacle to behold, and the testing season is no exception. Take a closer look at the best track action, innovative tech and the new-look some riders are sporting for the 2021 season through the lens, enjoying every detail as 2021 nears its kick-off. View the best photos from the Misano test here! DON’T MISS OUT! Enjoy all of the 2021 season’s excitement and drama with the WorldSBK VideoPass![1] References^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

Good Morning

I wish it wasn't quite so cold at 0545! A bit warmer and I'll use mine for work a couple of times

I thought he did pretty well! Could easily have panicked and there would have been a much worse outcome

The Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” continued to host the final portion of day two testing for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, as a variety of teams continued their preparations for a titanic tussle in the year ahead. Having led the way for more or less the whole time, Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was displaced at the top by Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in the final two hours of the test, as the Italian star hit lap record pace to take the advantage away from Yamaha. Over at the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad, Michael Ruben Rinaldi was using the new front brake calipers and he cemented his feelings in the final hours of the test by rocketing to the top, right on Tom Sykes’ Superpole lap record. Rinaldi had a crash in the afternoon at Turn 8 but was uninjured. Scott Redding continued getting a feeling for his machine after trying out the new front brake calipers. Feeling like he can bring more to the table if he was to ride a bike that isn’t always evolving so that he is able to make a step within himself, Redding completed 64 laps at Misano, continuing to make progress on his way to fourth. Aiming at improving the stopping and turning of his YZF-R1, Razgatlioglu and crew chief Phil Marron got to work on the feeling between rider and machine and making the improvements on one of Toprak’s biggest problems in 2020. Using the new Brembo front brake caliper once again – having used it at Jerez in November last year – as well as a new air-intake designed to increase speed and reduce lift and with the upgraded 2021 engine, Toprak was able to finish second. Teammate Andrea Locatelli was likewise impressive as he continued to get vital laps under his belt on a bike that is more or less new to him, even in regard to the November test at Jerez, to conclude the test in fifth and with good sensations moving forward. Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Japanese rookie teammate Kohta Nozane were working on finding new base settings for their season ahead. For Gerloff, his aim was to get back into the rhythm of things and to get accustomed to the 2021 Yamaha, having been on the 2019 version last year. It was a strong second day, with Gerloff running inside the top three throughout and even leading at one point before finishing third at the flag. With Nozane, who is fresh from MotoGP™ testing[6], he aims to continue to adapt to Pirelli rubber as well as the team surrounding him, with the hopes from the team being that he is at the sharp end by the end of the season. He finished eighth at the end of the day, scalping Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) who was ninth. The Kawasaki effort was solely resting on Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), with him graduating up from the Puccetti Kawasaki WorldSSP team to enjoy a first full year in WorldSBK. With 2020 ZX-10RR equipment but with 2021 parts to put through their paces, Mahias was around a second off the pace in the closing hours and finished a hard-earned sixth overall. At the Motocorsa Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R set-up, Axel Bassani continued to impress quietly and steadily, as he continued to get up to speed in consistent weather conditions. Testing the 2020 bike on day one before switching to the 2021 machine for day two, Bassani has had to adapt his riding style slightly between the two. He was happy with his work but will be focusing on working in the braking areas. For Tito Rabat, he continued to get used to WorldSBK machinery and put in over 100 laps. The Spanish rookie clocked the greatest number of laps out of anyone at the test on day two and will hope to put all of the data acquired into good practice in their upcoming tests, in order for Tito to bridge the gap to the leading group. At the Alstare Yamaha set-up, Christophe Ponsson had a difficult day after suffering a big crash towards the end of the morning session. Come the end of play on the second day, Ponsson was tenth. In WorldSSP, Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was the best rider on track, marginally ahead of South Africa’s Steven Odendaal (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team). Oettl has an all-new Kawasaki ZX-6R and was looking at working on suspension feeling, whilst Odendaal is bedding himself in with the reigning Champions, as they work together on finding a bike that suits his riding style. Randy Krummenacher (EAB Racing Team) was third overall and continues to readapt to Yamaha machinery after a year off it in 2020; the Swiss rider set 67 laps, more than anyone in WorldSSP. Can Öncü (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) completed WorldSSP running in fourth after a crash in the morning, although he was able to get back on track as he gels with the new squad. 1 Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’33.688, 59 laps 2.) Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’33.886, 69 laps 3.) Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’34.013, 67 laps 4.) Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’34.361, 64 laps 5.) Andrea Locatelli (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1.34.794, 69 laps 6.) Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 1’34.806, 58 laps 7.) Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) 1’34.847, 57 laps 8.) Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’35.003, 60 laps 9.) Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) 1’35.210, 106 laps 10.) Christophe Ponsson (Alstare Yamaha) 1’36.392, 27 laps Follow all of the World Superbike action across 2021 with the WorldSBK VideoPass![14] References^ @toprak_tr54 (twitter.com)^ @PataYamahaWSBK (twitter.com)^ #WorldSBK (twitter.com)^ pic.twitter.com/QBWzVXbTJc (t.co)^ March 16, 2021 (twitter.com)^ MotoGP™ testing (www.worldsbk.com)^ @PuccettiRacing (twitter.com)^ #WorldSBK (twitter.com)^ @toprak_tr54 (twitter.com)^ @Mahiaslucas (twitter.com)^ #WorldSBK (twitter.com)^ pic.twitter.com/2PHf3Tlvba (t.co)^ March 16, 2021 (twitter.com)^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

The sun was beating down once again at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” in Italy as the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s stars took to the circuit for a second day of testing. With innovative new technology, new team line-ups and the competition level getting higher, testing has never been so important. Despite three Red Flags in the morning, it was Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) who was on top once again. Fastest on the first day[1], Toprak Razgatlioglu continued setting the pace aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1, getting down to 1’34.305 after just an hour and a half of being on track. Testing a new fairing and working with the Brembo front brake calipers he first tried at Jerez in November, the 24-year-old Turkish star was busy throughout the morning on his way to first place, although he did suffer a Turn 2 crash just before the midday break but was OK. On the other side of the garage, after doing a staggering 94 laps on day one, Andrea Locatelli was back in the saddle as he continued his adaptation to the WorldSBK class. His first feeling was good, and he highlighted that the bike now lifts less courtesy of the front air-intake. Locatelli was fifth after an impressive morning session. After being the first rider to try out the new Brembo front brake calipers at Misano, Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was back on track in the morning session as he continued to work on himself and his feeling with the Ducati Panigale V4 R. The 2020 runner-up said that the shakedown on day one was good and that the initial feeling with the new calipers was good, but hard to tell how effective they were in the cooler temperatures; Redding was second after the morning session. Michael Ruben Rinaldi also adapted to his new team and was on track, trying out the new Brembo technology[2]. Not looking for an outright lap time, Rinaldi’s methodical approach saw him in third as the paddock went for lunch. Dusting himself off from yesterday’s Turn 15 crash in the morning, American Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) seemingly “surprised” Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing manager Andrea Dosoli [3]with his quick adaptation to Misano, a track he’d never seen. His primary aim was getting back into the rhythm of things, whilst teammate Kohta Nozane was also at Misano for the first time and trying to work it out. Both Nozane and Gerloff were also using the new Brembo front caliper, with both having plenty to adapt to. After the morning session, Gerloff and Nozane were fourth and ninth come midday, with Gerloff just 0.144s from the top. 2014 Moto2™ World Champion and WorldSBK rookie Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) continued to get to grips with his Ducati Panigale V4 R at a circuit he knows well. Rabat was inside the top six throughout the morning, ending up in sixth. Impressive on day one and once again featuring well on day two was Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing), with the youngest rider on the grid making his jump to WorldSBK rather seamlessly. Seventh after the first session of the day, the Italian rider wasn’t the only Ducati rookie improving throughout. Team GoEleven opted not to take part today with Michele Pirro. Getting back to work with new crew chief Mick Shanley, 2017 WorldSSP Champion Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was back on track and continuing to get up to speed with WorldSBK machinery. Still with the 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10RR but with some 2021 parts, the Frenchman suffered a small crash at Turn 14 which caused a brief Red Flag but was OK and finished eighth. He was joined by fellow countryman Christophe Ponsson (Alstare Yamaha) as he continued his preseason testing schedule, but suffered a crash just before lunch, bringing out the third Red Flag of the day, finishing tenth before lunch. In World Supersport, four riders took to the circuit with Steven Odendaal (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team), Philipp Oettl (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and teammate Can Öncü being joined by 2019 WorldSSP Champion Randy Krummenacher (EAB Racing Team). Oettl was on top by just 0.041s ahead of Odendaal whilst Krummenacher was half a second further back in third. Öncü suffered a fast crash which brought out the first Red Flag and finished in fourth. 1 Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’34.305, 30 laps 2.) Scott Redding (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’34.361, 32 laps 3.) Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’34.365, 24 laps 4.) Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’34.449, 32 laps 5.) Andrea Locatelli (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’35.173 6.) Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) 1’35’324, 56 laps 7.) Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) 1’35.942, 22 laps 8.) Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 1’35.943, 18 laps 9.) Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’36.135 10.) Christophe Ponsson (Alstare Yamaha) 1’36.392 Watch all of the drama of the 2021 racing season unfold with the WorldSBK VideoPass![4] References^ Fastest on the first day (www.worldsbk.com)^ trying out the new Brembo technology (www.worldsbk.com)^ Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing manager Andrea Dosoli (www.worldsbk.com)^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season has got preparations in full swing, as testing continues for some of the Championship contenders at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” in Italy today. As always with testing, technical innovations are on display and no matter how big or small they may seem, the difference can be game-changing. The latest tech update comes from brake manufacturer Brembo, who have brought some new front brake calipers to WorldSBK. “It’s the first time that Scott tested this brake caliper. The weather conditions were good one day one, and he tested the new finned caliper. These are not the best conditions for sure, in Barcelona we will have more severe conditions to test but we are all quite happy. Scott finished the session with the finned caliper and was happy, along with the new finned disks. The finned calipers come from a MotoGP™ version but this is the specific version for WorldSBK. We are confident that the system will work well and that we can give more performance with this system.” Derived from MotoGP™ technology, the first impressions are good from those who put them to good use on the first day. Scott Redding said: “We had some small things to test but for Brembo, they’re quite big. We had some calipers to help with the temperatures, but we aren’t in 35 degrees to feel the difference, so the performance was the same, which is always good. We just need to see how they are acting in the hotter conditions but first, it is just about making a good shakedown and that’s what we did today, and I was happy with that.” “The good thing with WorldSBK now is that it is quite close to MotoGP™,” continued Redding. “Some things are being filtered down, which for me is good because I have some experience there from some years ago. I wouldn’t say it helps me, but I already have a feeling for some of these things, and I am happy with that.” More riders are set to test Brembo’s new tech in the not-too-distant future too, something that will enhance the feeling across the paddock about the new product. Follow all of the WorldSBK action in 2021 in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass![1] References^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid has a variety of stories up and down the grid before the season has even begun, one of which will see an iconic brand and team manager return to the Championship. The Alstare Racing team, run by Francis Batta, will make a surprise comeback in 2021 as they join forces with the Gil Motorsport Yamaha effort, now becoming known as Alstare Yamaha. The team will continue with Christophe Ponsson for the year as planned, with Francis Batta becoming general manager and team manager, whilst Jean-Christophe Ponsson remains a part of the team in a marketing and financial capacity. Having taken Supersport World Series glory in 1998 with the late Fabrizio Pirovano, the Alstare Team stepped up to WorldSBK to take over the Suzuki operation, hiring Pierfrancesco Chili as their lead rider. Taking victory on two occasions, he remained with the team for 2000 and 2001, picking up a win in each. In 2002 and 2003, Gregorio Lavilla led the team, achieving podiums, finishing fifth in 2003. A year out in 2004 saw them back with a bang in 2005, winning the first seven races on the new Suzuki motorcycles with eventual Champion Troy Corser and rookie, Yukio Kagayama. On the podium for 16 consecutive races, the team were in a class of their own as they took their first and only WorldSBK title, as well as giving Suzuki the manufacturers’ title too. Relinquishing their title in 2006 but still taking wins with Corser and Kagayama, 2007 saw ex MotoGP™ star Max Biaggi join the team, fighting for the title and even winning his first ever race. Two more wins would follow, and he’d finish just 16 points off the title, won by James Toseland. 2008 saw a change for the team as they fielded three riders: Fonsi Nieto, Max Neukirchner and Yukio Kagayama. Nieto won Race 2 of the year at Losail whilst Max Neukirchner picked up his first win at Monza in Race 1 and then again at Misano in Race 1. 2009 saw Neukirchner lead the team as a title contender but injury at Monza ruled him out. In 2010, it was Leon Haslam who took up the title fight for Batta’s outfit, winning the closest race of all time in Race 1 of the year at Phillip Island, before going on to finish runner-up. 2011 welcomed Michele Fabrizio and just a sole podium, before a year away. The team then partnered Ducati in 2013 with mild success and then with Bimota in 2014, but due to the bikes not being homologated, weren’t eligible for points. This new adventure will see them race with a fourth manufacturer in WorldSBK, having primarily run Suzuki machinery from 1999 – 2011, before joining up with Ducati in 2013 and Bimota in 2014. During their time in WorldSBK, besides the title in 2005, they’ve also taken 28 wins, 114 podium places and 17 poles, showing the pedigree of the team. The new collaboration with the Gil Motorsport Team will see them return to the paddock, whilst fielding just one bike, centering attention exclusively on Christophe Ponsson. Follow Alstare Racing’s return in style with the WorldSBK VideoPass![1] References^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

Testing provides teams the perfect opportunity to try new components on their machine to give them the best chance of claiming victory in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and the two-day test at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” has been no different. In the gallery at the top of the article, you can view the best pictures of the new fairing attached to the Yamaha YZF R1 machine which includes a new design of the air intake as Yamaha looks to challenge for both Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Championships in 2021. Follow more action from WorldSBK in 2021 using the WorldSBK VideoPass[1]! References^ VideoPass (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

Good Morning

Good evening by the way

I'm constantly buying suspension parts! I've got steel wheels on my current car cos I was fed up of having to have alloys fixed/replaced. It has to be due to the state of the roads

Me too!

Hello and Welcome

More laps and more mileage was the order of the day at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” as riders from up and down the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship continued testing in Italy along with counterparts from the FIM Supersport World Championship, with Red Flags in the afternoon session interrupting running while the top three all lapped faster than the race lap record at Misano. After going fastest in the morning session, Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) continued his form throughout the afternoon as he posted a 1’34.265s, faster than the race lap record from Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) when he set a 1’34.720s in Race 2 in 2015, as he continued to focus on turning and stopping his Yamaha YZF R1, including new components on his machine. Teammate Andrea Locatelli continued to his customisation to his new surroundings and new team with the reigning WorldSSP Champion completing 76 laps, five more than Razgatlioglu, posting a best time of 1’35.605 and going fifth overall. Scott Redding (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) was setting lap times close to the race lap record throughout the afternoon session, posting a 1’34.265s as he focussed on confirming new components on his Ducati Panigale V4 R as well as checking details on the machine. Redding was joined by Ducati’s new factory rider, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, with the young Italian looking to continue working with his new team. Rinaldi posted a time of 1’34.609, a tenth away from his teammate as he completed 61 laps with Redding adding a further 77 to Ducati’s total, with both riders under Rea’s record. Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) finished the standings in fourth place after completing 68 laps throughout the day as the youngest rider on the grid impressed with a 1’35.076s. Independent teams were also at the testing with satellite Yamaha team GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team at Misano with American star Garrett Gerloff and rookie Kohta Nozane. Nozane’s machine was the cause of a Red Flag during the day when his bike came to a stop at Turn 10. Despite this setback, the reigning Japanese superbike champion was able to complete 57 laps with a best time of 1’36.523s. For Gerloff, this test was a chance to continue building on a sensational rookie season where he claimed three podiums with the American posting a best lap of 1’35.253 after completing 34 laps. Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) took to the track with his team following his move from WorldSSP to WorldSBK with the same team, as the Frenchman looks to embark on a full WorldSBK campaign for the first time. Using the 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Mahias completed 46 laps with a best time of a 1’35.849s. Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport – Yamaha) continued to get used to his new Yamaha machine with 57 laps across the day, setting a best time of 1’36.978s. All three Ducati satellite teams were present with Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team), and Michele Pirro (Team GoEleven) joining Motocorsa Racing’s Bassani on track. Rabat’s best time was a 1’35.680s, completing 93 laps, as he continues to adjust to WorldSBK following his switch from MotoGP™, while Pirro, standing in for Chaz Davies after the Welshman tested positive for Covid-19, was helping GoEleven continue their testing programme and completed 11 laps during the day. In WorldSSP, four riders took to the track with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing duo Philipp Oettl and Can Öncü joining EAB Racing’s Randy Krummenacher and Steven Odendaal (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team). Oettl ended the day fastest out of the WorldSSP riders with a 1’38.081s, after completing 38 laps. Odendaal completed the most laps out of the four World Supersport riders with 62 despite a crash at Turn 6 in the latter stages of the session, with the South African rider okay afterwards. Krummenacher posted a time of 1’38.78s to go third in the WorldSSP standings with Öncü just two tenths behind him. The WorldSBK order following day one of testing at Misano 1.) Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’34.265s, 71 laps 2.) Scott Redding (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) 1’34.478s, 77 laps 3.) Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) 1’34.609s, 61 laps 4.) Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) 1’35.076s, 68 laps 5.) Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’35.264s, 34 laps 6.) Andrea Locatelli (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’35.605, 76 laps 7.) Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) 1’35.680s, 93 laps 8.) Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing), 1’35.849s, 46 laps 9.) Kohta Nozane (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) 1’36.523s, 57 laps 10.) Christophe Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport – Yamaha) 1’36.978s, 57 laps 11.) Michele Pirro (Team GoEleven), 1’37.162s, 11 laps Follow more action from WorldSBK and WorldSSP in 2021 using the WorldSBK VideoPass[17]! References^ #YamahaRacing (twitter.com)^ #WeR1 (twitter.com)^ pic.twitter.com/2Fhgm3Rw6C (t.co)^ March 15, 2021 (twitter.com)^ @circuitomisano (twitter.com)^ #YamahaRacing (twitter.com)^ #WeR1 (twitter.com)^ #RevsYourHeart (twitter.com)^ #WorldSBK (twitter.com)^ pic.twitter.com/vOvErCF9R2 (t.co)^ March 15, 2021 (twitter.com)^ @Mahiaslucas (twitter.com)^ @PuccettiRacing (twitter.com)^ #WorldSBK (twitter.com)^ pic.twitter.com/3NagwctRWg (t.co)^ March 15, 2021 (twitter.com)^ VideoPass (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

The Italian coastline played host to the latest round of testing ahead of the 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship campaign as teams and riders from up and down the paddock heading to the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” for the first of two days of testing action, with WorldSBK stars being joined from riders competing in WorldSSP in the upcoming campaign. Toprak Razgatlioglu (PATA Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was the first rider to venture out on track with around 20 minutes of the session gone, with the Turkish star looking to confirm some parts from a test at Jerez towards the end of 2020. The aim with these new parts is to help Razgatlioglu with turning and stopping, with the first day of the test helping the five-time race winner get back up to speed. Razgatlioglu is being joined by new teammate and WorldSBK rookie Andrea Locatelli, with the reigning WorldSSP Champion aiming to get some important mileage under his belt as he steps up to WorldSBK. Razgatlioglu recorded a best time of 1’34.760s to top the timesheets in the opening session while Locatelli posted a 1’36.132s. 2020 runner-up Scott Redding (Aruba.It Racing – Ducati) made his return to the track on the Ducati Panigale V4 R as he looks to confirm a few items from a recent half-day test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. Redding’s time of 1’34.853s was enough to go second fastest while new teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi posted a time of 1’35.143s to finish third, just behind his teammate, as the Italian continues to get accustomed to his new team and surroundings. American sensation Garrett Gerloff (GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) had a crash at the left-hander of Turn 15 due to cold tyres, with Gerloff able to return back to the pits and get back out on track. After impressing in 2020 with three podium finishes, Gerloff will look to continue that form in 2021. His time of a 1’35.264 was enough to go fourth fastest in the morning session while rookie teammate Kohta Nozane, fresh from his outings at the Official MotoGP™ Test in Qatar[1], posted a best lap time of 1’37.925s using the Yamaha YZF-R1. Tito Rabat (Barni Racing Team) continued his acclimatisation to WorldSBK as he took to Misano on his Ducati Panigale V4 R, posting a time of 1’35.680s while Motocorsa Racing’s Axel Bassani, the youngest rider on the WorldSBK grid in 2021, was sixth fastest with a time of 1’35.902s. Team GoEleven have been represented to Michele Pirro after Chaz Davies tested positive for Covid-19, with the Italian posting a best time of 1’37.162s, with the team not losing out on running in Italy with good but cool weather conditions. Christoph Ponsson (Gil Motor Sport – Yamaha), competing in a full season of WorldSBK after sporadic wildcard appearances throughout 2020, posted a best time 1’36.798s as he switches from Aprilia to Yamaha machinery. Frenchman Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was out on track with his new team, using the 2020 Kawasaki ZX-10RR but with some new components. Mahias, working with a new crew chief and electronics engineer, was looking to get to know his new crew for the upcoming season and posted a best time of a 1’36.460s. Mahias was joined by WorldSSP riders from the same team with Turkish star Can Öncü and German Phillip Oettl taking to the track on their WorldSSP machines, while South African Steven Odendaal (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) was also at the test as he moves to a new team for the 2021 campaign. Follow more action from WorldSBK in 2021 using the WorldSBK VideoPass![2] References^ fresh from his outings at the Official MotoGP™ Test in Qatar (www.worldsbk.com)^ VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship edges closer to kicking off and another spectacular season of racing awaits us. However, the mouth-watering prospect of seeing the bikes in all of their glory doesn’t have to take that long, with team launches already booked in for the coming weeks. The aruba.it Racing – Ducati outfit and Team HRC are planning on launching their liveries towards the end of March. The aruba.it Racing – Ducati confirmed that their team launch will take place on the 23rd March at 14:30 Central European Summer Time (CEST), with 2020 WorldSBK runner-up Scott Redding and new recruit Michael Ruben Rinaldi revealing their 2021 title-challenging Ducati Panigale V4 R machines. Both riders were race winners in 2020 and now working together in the factory team, they’ll hope to give Ducati a first Riders’ title since Carlos Checa in 2011. Team HRC confirmed their plan with an online event taking place at 10:00am CEST on the 30th March, with Alvaro Bautista, Leon Haslam and new team manager Leon Camier all in attendance to launch the Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR-R SP into its second season of World Superbike competition. Having achieved a podium and front row in its first years, the development of the Honda promises to be one of the most anticipated prospects of the 2021 season. Follow all of the action from the 2021 WorldSBK season with the WorldSBK VideoPass![1] References^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

The 2021 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season is getting nearer, and training preparations are well underway up and down the field. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) swapped racing surface from tarmac to dirt this past weekend, as he took to motocross at Rocco’s Ranch, just outside of Barcelona. Sporting his traditional #65, the most successful WorldSBK rider of all time – currently on six titles in succession – got some air as he took off around the circuit, less than 1km from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. You can see Rea’s motocross skills in full action with the gallery above! Photo gallery courtesy of MontCircuit. Don’t forget to enjoy the whole 2021 season with the WorldSBK VideoPass![1] References^ WorldSBK VideoPass! (secure.worldsbk.com)Let's block ads! (Why?) View the full article

Can't really think of much to say to that, life can be really horrible at times

Good Morning

Good Evening I'm in my least favourite place again Sue's daughters arranged for our Sunday lunch to be delivered today for Mother's day Very nice but making me even less inclined to be here!