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Post by truenorth on Mar 27, 2023 7:21:11 GMT -8
The Termas de Río Hondo Circuit is located 6km from the city which gives the venue its name, in the Province of Santiago del Estero. It was built in a 150 hectare area and officially inaugurated on May 11, 2008, during the visit of Argentina´s Touring Car Racing championship. In 2012, the reconditioning, enlargement and modernization of the circuit began, with the purpose of turning it into Latin America’s most modern, safe and vibrant circuit.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 27, 2023 7:30:27 GMT -8
2022 Results just in case you don't recall 1 25 41 Aleix ESPARGARO SPA Aprilia Racing APRILIA 41'36.198 173.2 2 20 89 Jorge MARTIN SPA Pramac Racing DUCATI 41'37.005 173.2 0.807 3 16 42 Alex RINS SPA Team SUZUKI ECSTAR SUZUKI 41'37.528 173.1 1.330 4 13 36 Joan MIR SPA Team SUZUKI ECSTAR SUZUKI 41'38.029 173.1 1.831 5 11 63 Francesco BAGNAIA ITA Ducati Lenovo Team DUCATI 41'42.038 172.8 5.840 6 10 33 Brad BINDER RSA Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 41'42.390 172.8 6.192 7 9 12 Maverick VIÑALES SPA Aprilia Racing APRILIA 41'42.738 172.8 6.540 8 8 20 Fabio QUARTARARO FRA Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YAMAHA 41'46.413 172.5 10.215 9 7 72 Marco BEZZECCHI ITA Mooney VR46 Racing Team DUCATI 41'48.820 172.4 12.622 10 6 23 Enea BASTIANINI ITA Gresini Racing MotoGP DUCATI 41'49.185 172.3 12.987 11 5 10 Luca MARINI ITA Mooney VR46 Racing Team DUCATI 41'50.160 172.3 13.962 12 4 30 Takaaki NAKAGAMI JPN LCR Honda IDEMITSU HONDA 41'50.200 172.3 14.002 13 3 88 Miguel OLIVEIRA POR Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 41'50.654 172.2 14.456 14 2 43 Jack MILLER AUS Ducati Lenovo Team DUCATI 41'51.096 172.2 14.898 15 1 73 Alex MARQUEZ SPA LCR Honda CASTROL HONDA 41'59.670 171.6 23.472 16 25 Raul FERNANDEZ SPA Tech3 KTM Factory Racing KTM 42'02.060 171.5 25.862 17 87 Remy GARDNER AUS Tech3 KTM Factory Racing KTM 42'04.909 171.3 28.711 18 40 Darryn BINDER RSA WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Tea YAMAHA 42'04.982 171.3 28.784 19 6 Stefan BRADL GER Repsol Honda Team HONDA 42'08.141 171.0 31.943 20 4 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Tea YAMAHA 42'57.640 147.6 3 laps Not Classified 49 Fabio DI GIANNANTONIO ITA Gresini Racing MotoGP DUCATI 37'02.767 171.2 3 laps 44 Pol ESPARGARO SPA Repsol Honda Team HONDA 23'21.258 172.8 11 laps 21 Franco MORBIDELLI ITA Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YAMAHA 12'20.876 163.4 18 laps 5 Johann ZARCO FRA Pramac Racing DUCATI 8'26.957 170.6 20 laps
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Post by truenorth on Mar 27, 2023 8:41:26 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Mar 27, 2023 14:28:32 GMT -8
Miguel Oliveira will not be participating in the upcoming Argentina Grand Prix due to a recent injury. Following his crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix, Oliveira underwent further testing in his hometown where further damage have been revealed, which doesn’t allow him to start the second GP of the season.
So far that's Bastianini, M Marquez, and Miguel Oliveira who will not race at Termas. One Ducati, one Honda, and one Aprilia gone.
Tardozzi says no replacement for the Beast.
Mat Oxley: It’s all a bit last minute but Savadori could replace Oliveira and Pirro could replace Bastianini. If their teams want. Both are race fit. Don’t think Pedrosa will want to replace Pol. He’s working towards Jerez. Not sure about Bradl but maybe he could replace Marquez.
Aleix Espargaro told Catalan Radio that Pol is due to have surgery on his jaw tomorrow, and is facing a 'long recovery'. Could be out for some time.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 2:11:06 GMT -8
Mat Oxley: Reverse ferret from the FIM stewards re Marc M's Portimao sanction. It will be served in his next (GP) race, because he's out of this weekend's Argentine GP.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 2:17:01 GMT -8
Mat Oxley: 18 riders at Termas, but it has been worse, much worse. Argentina 1961 was the first flyaway GP. Not many bothered. There was a riders' strike at Nurburgring 1974. Later Argentine GPs were also poorly attended. The early 1990s 500cc crisis was another low point. Then the post GFC 1961 500cc Argentine GP results. Interviewed Frank Perris for Stealing Speed. He led this race on his Manx, until a footrest fell off, then the gear linkage, leaving him stuck in third. The big single’s torque helped him limp home in third place, ahead of others in deeper trouble
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 2:37:22 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 7:19:09 GMT -8
The image that makes the whole MotoGP family happy! Pol Espargaró sends a very optimistic message from the hospital We hope to have you back soon!
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 7:20:30 GMT -8
Mat Oxley: Repsol Honda has confirmed that Joan Mir will be its only rider in Argentina this weekend.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 7:41:25 GMT -8
Mat Oxley: Latest #MotoGP medical update, from Ducati: Dr Porcellini has confirmed that Bastianini will not require surgery on his right shoulder. He must keep the shoulder immobilized & will start rehabilitation on Monday with the aim of returning at the Americas GP
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 8:09:38 GMT -8
FIM Stewards Revise Marc Marquez Penalty - Double Long Lap To Be Served Next Time He Races By David Emmett | Tue, 28/03/2023
The FIM Stewards have been forced to revise the penalty they imposed on Marc Marquez, for hitting Miguel Oliveira on the third lap of the Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday. Initially, the Stewards Notification was worded such that the Double Long Lap Penalty would have to be served at the Grand Prix of Argentina, due to take place at Termas de Rio Hondo this Sunday.
However, Marc Marquez broke his thumb in the crash, fracturing the first metacarpal in his right hand. The Spaniard has since had surgery, but has decided to skip the next round in Argentina.
By a strict reading of the Stewards Notification, Marquez would only have to serve the penalty at Argentina. But after the controversy that produced, and debates over the correct application of penalties, the Stewards have issued a second Notification, clarifying that Marquez will have to serve the penalty during the Sunday race in Argentina, or the next Sunday grand prix he races at.
Almost all previous penalties were worded with direct reference to the actual event in which a penalty will have to be served. We will see if the new Notification letters continue to contain the proviso that a penalty will be served at the next round in which a rider participates.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 8:20:40 GMT -8
RNF Aprilia pushes for harsher penalties on reckless racing The CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team have issued a statement following Sunday's collision involving Marc Marquez and Miguel Oliveira
CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team, following a recent incident of reckless and irresponsible racing displayed by Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) against Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team), is pushing for harsher and severe penalties from the FIM Stewards.
MotoGP™ races, whether it be a Sprint or main race, are high-speed and high-intensity, where every rider wants to win at all costs. However, such aggressive behavior can often lead to dire consequences, not only for the riders themselves but also for their fellow competitors.
The incident at the recent race between Marc Marquez and Miguel Oliveira should serve as a wake-up call for riders in MotoGP™, Moto2™, and Moto3™. Thus, it is imperative that they are reminded of the severity of the punishment for any kind of reckless and irresponsible racing.
CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team condemns such behavior and strongly advocates for stricter penalties to deter future offenders including the team own riders. We urge the FIM Stewards to take quick and decisive action against such reckless riding, setting examples for the younger and upcoming riders in Moto3™ and Moto2™.
We believe that safety is the top priority in any sport, and MotoGP™ must take necessary actions to ensure the safety of all its riders. We look forward to supporting the FIM Stewards in their ongoing efforts to develop a safer and more responsible racing environment.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2023 8:23:11 GMT -8
Brivio: The Sprint has changed the rules of the game The World Championship-winning Team Manager was in the paddock in Portimao and cast a watchful eye over the first-ever Tissot Sprint The Portuguese GP saw a new era of the World Championship kick off with the first-ever Tissot Sprint taking place on Saturday afternoon. In a blockbuster race, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) flexed his strength to take the first victory of the year, battling past Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) on the last lap while poleman Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) snatched the final podium place with just a few corners remaining. Prior to lights out on Saturday, there was plenty of intrigue surrounding the new format, and many weighed in with their opinions of how it could affect the Championship. One of those was ex-Suzuki Team Manager and current Alpine Racing Director in F1 Davide Brivio, who steered Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) towards a world title in 2020. The Italian spoke to MotoGP™ Pitlane reporter Jack Appleyard, and he firmly believes that the Tissot Sprint format changes the game completely and makes Saturday a crucial day for the Championship: "It's very interesting, of course, it changes the rule of the game!" "I think there are a lot of points on the table for Saturday, it's interesting to see. The Sprint can definitely change the outcome of the Championship. So, it's not another sport, but it's a different sport now," he said. The Tissot Sprint, half distance of Sunday’s event, allows riders to push themselves to the limit without worrying about some issues which typically affect longer races. Brivio finds it fascinating, but he also acknowledges that MotoGP™ has always been based on longer races where riders can recover from a poor start. In the Tissot Sprint, there’s little reprieve for a poor qualifying or launch from the line. "It's interesting to see a short race where you can play everything without worrying about tyre consumption or stuff like that. But also, let's say the MotoGP™ was based on the long distance, longer race where the rider can recover from the back or whatever. In the Sprint, the start will be very important, it will be difficult to recover, so important to qualify well, that's why it's a different game. Brivio also notes that with all 21 rounds in this format, it is a challenge for riders and they will need to bring their A-games from the get-go: "You can't even say you're going to wait for Sunday because it could be too late, you might have already lost too many points. Of course, the fact that all races are like this is challenging, so it is interesting to see.'' Overall, the introduction of the Tissot Sprint format has elevated the excitement and competitiveness of the World Championship to a new level. With more points available on Saturdays, the Championship chase will be chock full of twists and turns, making the weekend even more thrilling for fans. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long for the next edition of adrenaline-filled, heart-pumping action, with the Michelin Grand Prix of Argentina up this weekend!
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Post by truenorth on Mar 29, 2023 7:25:46 GMT -8
Repsol Honda To Appeal Change To Marc Marquez Penalty - An Opportunity To Clarify The Rules By David Emmett | Wed, 29/03/2023 - 08:15 The Repsol Honda team has issued a press release stating that they intend to protest the change made to the penalty imposed on Marc Marquez after the incident at Portimão in which he hit Miguel Oliveira.
The original Notification of Sanction from the FIM Stewards stated that Marc Marquez was to serve a Double Long Lap Penalty at the Argentina Grand Prix at Termas de Rio Hondo. When it became clear that Marquez would miss the Argentina round of MotoGP, the FIM Stewards amended the penalty to add a clause stating that if Marquez was absent from Argentina, he would have to serve the penalty at the next race in which he participated.
The Repsol Honda statement made it very clear that what they are protesting is the change to the original penalty, rather than the penalty itself. The statement says that the original penalty issued was final and definitive, and the FIM Stewards have no grounds to change it at a later date.
It's a fair cop
Marc Marquez made clear on Sunday night after the race that he acknowledged his error and would accept any penalty imposed. "I have been penalized for that mistake with a Double Long Lap Penalty, that I completely, completely agree with," the Repsol Honda rider told us.
"In the rules briefing on Thursday, by the rules which they explained, it’s a Double Long Lap Penalty," Marquez said. "But if the rules say a heavier penalty, I will accept it because it was my mistake. But the rules say that the penalty is this."
The path ahead
The Repsol Honda team have lodged their protest with the FIM Appeal Stewards, the body which is the first port of call in an appeal against a penalty issued by the FIM Stewards Panel, who respond to infractions of the rules at the event itself. The next step would be the MotoGP Court of Appeal, but the grand prix regulations say that if the FIM Appeal Stewards uphold the decision of the FIM Stewards Panel, then no appeal can be made to the MotoGP Court of Appeal. In that case, the Repsol Honda team could still appeal to the CAS, the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The basis for the protest
Whether Repsol Honda's protest will have any chance of success is a completely open question. They are, after all, not appealing the penalty, but the change to the penalty. There is very little in the rules concerning the finality of penalties issued by the FIM Stewards Panel.
The only section in the rules covering judgments is section 3.5.5 - Notification of judgments. This states the following:
The decisions of the FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel and of the FIM Appeal Stewards must be notified directly at the event venue, or failing that, addressed by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt or by electronic mail.
The crud of history
Repsol Honda's protest at the change of sanction is timely, and necessary. The FIM Grand Prix Regulations have grown as a process of accretion over the 75 years the championship has existed, and been amended to reflect changes to the series and the world in which MotoGP operates. However, there are still glaring holes in the regulations, which are only exposed when circumstances not covered in the rules arise.
That appears to be the case here. The Grand Prix Regulations state nothing about when notifications issued by the FIM Stewards is to be considered final, and whether it can be amended. It says nothing about how and when penalties are to be applied, and what happens if a rider is absent through injury.
There are plenty of other questions raised by this case. What happens if a rider is given a Long Lap Penalty, starts the race in which it is to be served, but crashes in the first corner and can't serve the penalty? Does that clear the penalty or not? What if they are injured during qualifying or the Sprint Race and can't continue?
Maintenance interval
Whatever you think of Marc Marquez' actions (and it was clear that his mistake caused another rider to crash and injure themselves), the Repsol Honda Team's protest at the revised penalty is an opportunity to test the current system in a legal setting. The application of penalties has been inconsistent to the point of seeming arbitrary in recent years, and with the financial and commercial stakes being raised every year, the current system is long overdue a thorough examination and overhaul.
The FIM and Dorna should seize this opportunity to take the current rulebook and examine and address any ambiguities or holes in the rules. It is a chance to completely overhaul the penalty framework to make it much clearer to riders and teams how it will apply, and when they can expect certainty.
That will also require an examination of the intention of the rules. If a rider gets a penalty for riding dangerously, but injures themselves as a result, is that sufficient punishment? Or should the penalty be served at the next race in which they participate?
These are fundamental philosophical questions which are often treated as unspoken rules, understood among current and former races. But we no longer live in a world where a rider's or a steward's word is good enough assurance. This is a legalistic world, and it needs a legalistic approach.
The Repsol Honda Team press release on appealing the penalty appears below:
Repsol Honda Team Statement on FIM penalty modification
In relation to the sanction imposed by the FIM on Marc Marquez for the race incident that occurred at the Portuguese Grand Prix, the Repsol Honda Team considers that the modification of the penalty consisted of a change of criteria on when the penalty should be applied, and that this modification was issued by the FIM two days after the initial sanction was final and definitive, is not in line with the current regulations of the FIM for the MotoGP World Championship. For this reason, the Repsol Honda Team intends to use all the means of recourse offered by the regulations in force to defend its rights and legitimate interests, which it considers violated as a result of the latest resolution adopted, and in particular has duly submitted an Appeal before the FIM Appeal Stewards.
MotoGP Portimao, Portugal Honda Marc Marquez
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Post by truenorth on Mar 29, 2023 9:08:08 GMT -8
Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna): No more Portimão GP in 2024? By Gunther Wiesinger 03/29/2023 Turn 7 ten days ago: Here you can clearly see that the "repair" of the gravel beds had only cosmetic effects Portimão circuit operators only made cosmetic repairs to the gravel beds following Di Giannantonio's testing accident. The Portuguese GP for 2024 is now threatening to be cancelled. At the start of the season in Portimão GP, Dorna gained initial experience with the new format with the MotoGP sprint on Saturday at 3 p.m. (half distance, half points) and has already drawn consequences for the Argentine GP. For example, there will be no more TV interviews with the drivers after qualifying 2. "We've seen that the drivers don't even have time for lunch when they give interviews after Q2," Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta told SPEEDWEEK.com. “We then said that the most important thing on Saturday is the sprint. That's why we decided on the same day after the first sprint to give the MotoGP riders a break after Q2. We always repair such situations very quickly if they don't work out." Some of the riders also complained because the MotoGP practice session is now always held (also in Europe and on Saturday mornings) after the Moto3 session and before the Moto2 session instead of after the two classes as before. As a result, MotoGP FP3 in Portugal was held at 10.10am but the competition started at 3.2pm. So at 10am you can't test a set-up for the races because of the temperature difference; As a result, some drivers did not want to take part at all, preferring to save running time on the motors and avoid an unnecessary risk of falling. Again, the Dorna will monitor the situation; the schedule is not set in stone for the whole year. «We have some ideas. If problems arise, we will solve them», assures Carmelo Ezpeleta. Due to gravel traps: withdrawal of Grade A homologation? Last weekend it was also confirmed that the Portimão circuit operator only made cosmetic repairs to the non-compliant gravel traps after Fabio Di Giannantonio's accident, something that SPEEDWEEK.com readers had already seen through the Moto3 and Moto2 tests the weekend before signed the published images. The egg-sized stones were not removed, but simply filled in with a couple of truckloads of gravel. The pebble layer was then a maximum of 3 cm high. However, the regulations clearly require a layer of gravel 25 centimeters high! The condition of the gravel beds at the start of the season was therefore an impertinence for the drivers who fell. Pol Espargaró, Luca Marini and others suffered. "Unless the state of the gravel beds is completely changed, we won't have a MotoGP event here next year," Carmelo Ezpeleta told SPEEDWEEK.com. "That's quite clear." «With the current situation, which has claimed many victims, Portimão 2024 will not have a place on the calendar. We have enough requests from other countries and circuits. I made that very clear to the Portuguese," confirmed Ezpeleta. Dorna has even rigorously demanded that the Portimão GP promoter fix the condition of the gravel traps before the Superbike World Championship race (September 29th to October 1st) in the autumn. «Without regulations-compliant gravel traps, the Autódromo will not receive a Grade A homologation for 2024; so they can't be included in the GP calendar," Carmelo Ezpeleta said unequivocally.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 29, 2023 10:05:45 GMT -8
Simon Patterson: Oh dear. Just saw an email from IRTA to the teams apologising for the 'filthy conditions' and 'low level of preparation' that the circuit seems to be in. They've been told to 'manage the situation as best you can.'
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Post by truenorth on Mar 29, 2023 10:11:28 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Mar 29, 2023 14:36:01 GMT -8
Simon Patterson: Repsol Honda's appeal will be heard on Thursday morning at Termas. The two appeals stewards for this race are local federation appointee Gaspar Taboada and former Isle of Man TT deputy clerk of course Paul King.
Not only is the circuit dirty but they've had to apologise to the teams for how bad the facilities are and how dirty they are. Riders are forced to ride around in single file trying to clean a line and find grip on a dirty surface. This is not World standard.
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kidrybot
Full Member
Dr. Jerry Punch's future son-in-law
Posts: 1,456
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Post by kidrybot on Mar 29, 2023 20:08:30 GMT -8
Simon Patterson: Oh dear. Just saw an email from IRTA to the teams apologising for the 'filthy conditions' and 'low level of preparation' that the circuit seems to be in. They've been told to 'manage the situation as best you can.' seriously?
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Post by truenorth on Mar 30, 2023 6:21:20 GMT -8
Simon Patterson: Oh dear. Just saw an email from IRTA to the teams apologising for the 'filthy conditions' and 'low level of preparation' that the circuit seems to be in. They've been told to 'manage the situation as best you can.' seriously? It sounds like Free Practice will be track cleaning sesions trying to establish a line.
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