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Post by truenorth on Aug 2, 2023 8:57:08 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Aug 2, 2023 8:59:42 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Aug 3, 2023 8:32:34 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Aug 11, 2023 6:32:39 GMT -8
David Emmett This press release is very ambiguous. Not clear whether Aegerter is staying with GRT or going to Pata Yamaha. Either way, deserved, he's been solid this year. Yamaha Racing Aegerter signs on the dotted line! Yamaha Racing extends their agreement with the Swiss rider for 2024 .
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Post by truenorth on Aug 11, 2023 6:59:08 GMT -8
Mat Oxley WSB king Alvaro Bautista will have a #MotoGP wild card at Sepang
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Post by truenorth on Aug 31, 2023 9:46:29 GMT -8
Petrucci powers to top spot at Aragon with race lap record pace Wednesday, 30 August 2023 Lap times improved dramatically on the second morning at Aragon as teams and riders worked on their bikes during the final day of testing Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was under race lap record pace at MotorLand Aragon as the lap times dropped considerably on the second and final morning of MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship testing. The Italian rider went two tenths quicker than the race lap record set last year by Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), while the #9 finished around three tenths clear of his rivals at the end of the first four-hour session. Petrucci’s best lap of the morning came on his 26th lap, out of 27, when he set a 1’49.168s. It is comfortably the fastest time of the two-day test so far with the #9 lapping almost three tenths clear of anyone else, while it was around two tenths faster than Razgatlioglu’s race lap record of 1’49.375 set in last year’s Tissot Superpole Race. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) continued showing his rapid pace at Aragon as he took second place with a 1’49.466s while reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was third after finding more speed compared to yesterday. Lecuona and Bautista were the busiest riders on track in the morning, completing 58 and 56 laps respectively. Bautista was directly ahead of Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in fourth, with the six-time Champion testing for the first time during the two-day test. He posted a best of 1’49.939s to secure fourth place, with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) taking fifth place after lapping two tenths slower than the #65. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) once again ensured two Hondas were at the top of the timesheets as he rounded out the top six. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) continued his excellent test as he stayed as the lead BMW rider in seventh, lapping Aragon in 1’50.557s. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) took eighth as he split his programme across three ZX-10RR machines with the Brit posting a 1’50.600s. He was ahead of BMW trio Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team duo of Michael van der Mark and Scott Redding. Only two tenths separated the three BMW riders. Tetsuta Nagashima (Team HRC) rounded out the WorldSBK riders as he posted a 1’51.588s.
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Post by truenorth on Aug 31, 2023 9:49:14 GMT -8
Rea pips Bautista, Petrucci as the trio display race lap record pace at Aragon Wednesday, 30 August 2023 After missing the first day of action, six-time Champion Jonathan Rea stormed to the top of the timesheets by less than a tenth The final day of MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship testing concluded at MotorLand Aragon with Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) topping the times despite missing the first day. The #65 tested only on Wednesday but he was straight up to speed as he joined Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who topped the morning session, in going under the existing race lap record. SPLIT PROGRAMME FOR KAWASAKI: one eye on the present, one on the future Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK’s race riders, Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, only rode for one day at Aragon but they made use of it with Rea leading Lowes in a 1-3 in the afternoon session, and a 1-5 overall. The pair had a split programme for their sole test day with the #22 focusing on future developments and the 2024 season, while Rea was looking at the present as he looked to prepare best for the final four rounds of 2023. Rea was fastest in the afternoon as he set a 1’49.101s, which was good enough for top spot overall as he went under the race lap record, while Lowes posted a 1’49.791s for fifth. Lowes was the busiest rider on track, completing 130 laps; including 82 in the afternoon alone. EVENLY MATCHED: Petrucci, Bautista set same lap time as Ducati try new items Petrucci used the SCQ tyre to set his best time of 1’49.168s to finish the morning session on top, and joint second overall. The #9 spent the afternoon doing some comparison work between brake disks as he looked to find time in this part of the cornering phase to maximise his lap time. The WorldSBK rookie also had some electronic setups to try with engine braking as well as small adjustments to the triple clamp. In total, he completed 47 laps after ending his testing programme early on Wednesday. At the factory team, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) got his hands on a new front fork that’s been designed with 2024 in mind, while the #1 also worked on some setup ideas they have in mind if the feeling improved compared to yesterday. He finished the day with the exact same lap time as Petrucci, a 1’49.168s, as he added 97 laps to his total. However, at the very end of the day, Bautista crashed at Turn 14. Teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi finished the day in seventh with 72 laps under his belt. HONDA’S RAPID PACE CONTINUES: Lecuona surges into the top four Honda continued to have three riders on track at Aragon with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) the fastest of the trio. He completed 58 laps, all in the morning as he opted not to go out in the afternoon and set a 1’49.466s to secure fourth overall, with teammate Xavi Vierge in sixth as he put another 87 laps in on Wednesday. Tetsuta Nagashima was also on track as part of the test team and rounded out the WorldSBK field but did add a valuable 80 laps to Honda’s test programme, with the Japanese rider improving his time, like the majority of the field, in the closing stages of the test. VAN DER MARK ON TOP AT BMW: nothing to separate the quartet of BMW riders Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) led the four BMW riders between eighth and 11thplace. The Dutchman completed 79 laps as he continued gaining fitness following his return from injury while he also tried some new brake ducts. His best time, a 1’50.362s, put him two tenths clear of Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) in ninth with Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK) completing the top ten with a 1’50.655s. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) lost a chunk of running time in the afternoon when he had a mechanical issue but was still able to add 73 laps to his tally and finish in 11th. BULEGA ON TOP AGAIN: Championship leader fastest in WorldSSP Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) continued to be the faster of the two WorldSSP riders on track ahead of Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team). The #11’s best time of 1’53.941s was set in the morning session and he racked up 37 laps while Mackenzie lapped around three seconds slower. He completed 31 laps on day two. Full results from day two at Aragon: 1. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’49.101s, 68 laps 2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’49.168, 97 laps 3. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’49.168, 47 laps 4. Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) 1’49.466s, 58 laps 5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’49.791, 130 laps 6. Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) 1’49.984, 87 laps 7. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’50.094, 72 laps 8. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’50.362, 79 laps 9. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) 1’50.557, 83 laps 10. Scott Redding (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’50.655, 81 laps 11. Loris Baz (Bonovo Action BMW) 1’50.935, 73 laps 12. Tetsuta Nagashima (Team HRC) 1’51.026, 80 laps
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Post by truenorth on Sept 1, 2023 8:53:22 GMT -8
Gigi Dall’Igna has confirmed that Andrea Iannone will ride a Satellite Ducati in WorldSBK for 2024
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Post by truenorth on Sept 4, 2023 5:42:20 GMT -8
A NEW BLUE CHAPTER BEGINS: Rea inks two-year contract to replace Razgatlioglu at Yamaha Monday, 4 September 2023 After the news he would leave Kawasaki at the end of the year, Rea’s new home has been announced: he will join the factory Yamaha team for the next two seasons Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) will switch from green to blue for the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as he links up with Paul Denning’s Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK squad after he leaves Kawasaki at the end of the season. The six-time Champion has spent nine seasons at the Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK and won all his titles with them, as well as over 100 race wins, but will now start a new challenge in Yamaha blue in 2024 as he replaces Toprak Razgatlioglu, who switches to BMW for next year. The Ulsterman will line up alongside Andrea Locatelli, who also has a contract for the same period, with the duo currently engaged in a fierce fight for third in the Championship standings. THE BIG SWITCH: the Rea-Yamaha combination goes for gold… Yamaha were the manufacturer who ended Rea’s title streak back in 2021 when the #54 claimed the crown in a final-round showdown in Indonesia. The 36-year-old remained a key figure in the 2022 season as the ‘Titanic Trio’ battled it out all season long, but it was Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who came out on top as he secured that year’s title, with Razgatlioglu in second and Rea in third. In 2023, after eight rounds, Rea has secured only one win and 11 podiums as Bautista and Razgatlioglu share most of the spoils. Can Rea’s huge switch to Yamaha turn his fortunes around, and can Rea help Yamaha win the Championship while he’s at the manufacturer? A THIRD MANUFACTURER FOR REA: Honda, Kawasaki and now Yamaha After nine seasons at Kawasaki, Rea makes the switch to Yamaha, and they will be his third manufacturer he’s raced in WorldSBK. He started his World Superbike career with Honda at Portimao in 2008, and then secured a full-time seat in 2009, Rea took 15 races with Honda before jumping to Kawasaki. It was there where Rea’s talent matched the rewards as he hoovered up WorldSBK records left, right and centre: six titles, 104 wins with Kawasaki, 256 podiums in total (214 with Kawasaki) and many more. It’s truly the end of an era as Rea makes the swap to Yamaha for the next two seasons, with the pair aiming to continue re-writing the record books. YAMAHA REACT: “We believe Rea can add to his Championship tally, confident he can achieve this with us” Eric de Seynes, President & CEO, Yamaha Motor Europe, outlined the ambitions of both Rea and Yamaha for the Northern Irishman’s stay with the manufacturer. He said: “We are very happy to welcome Jonathan to the Yamaha family and we are very much motivated to collaborate with him for the future. We have the same motivation to win, and the same passion for WorldSBK. Like him we have been world champions in recent years, and we want to be back on the top of the box once again. Jonathan’s drive, determination and hunger for success have been constants throughout his career and these attributes will contribute to our future common success. We truly believe that Jonathan can add to his World Championship tally, writing his name even larger in the history books, and we are equally confident that he can achieve this together with us. We are working hard to improve further our race proven Yamaha R1, to ensure that we provide Jonathan with exactly what he needs to achieve his and Yamaha’s goals in 2024 and 2025.” MORE HISTORY AWAITS: those who achieved big rewards with brave switches Whilst 2023 may be seeing the biggest switches of all-time in the ultimate silly season and an irrepressibly wild rider market, there have been some sizeable ones before. For 1996, Carl Fogarty switched to Honda for a year, which didn't work out and he returned to Ducati for 1997. In 2000, Troy Corser left Ducati after multiple success in 1998 and 1999 to lead the Aprilia project, which he took to race wins across 2000 and 2001. When Marco Melandri joined WorldSBK with Yamaha in 2011, he moved on to BMW for 2012, one of the biggest moves at the time. Jonathan Rea himself made headlines in one of the biggest moves when he originally joined Kawasaki in 2015, whilst Alvaro Bautista’s comeback to Ducati has been nothing short of remarkable after two years in Honda doldrums in 2020 and 2021, completing unfinished business from 2019 when he took the title in 2022. Razgatlioglu’s own leap from the Kawasaki family to Yamaha came in 2019, which proved successful with a race win on his debut and the title a year later
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Post by truenorth on Sept 4, 2023 8:36:19 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Sept 5, 2023 7:41:40 GMT -8
GRADUATING TO WorldSBK: Bulega replaces Rinaldi as Bautista’s teammate for 2024 Tuesday, 5 September 2023 The World Supersport Championship leader will head to the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati outfit for next year in WorldSBK, partnering reigning Champion and Championship leader, Alvaro Bautista A new name will make his debut on the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid next year as Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) gets the nod to race alongside Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The current WorldSSP Championship leader has long been linked with the seat next to the #1 and his future is now secure as Ducati puts faith in their World Supersport star. He will take the place of Michael Ruben Rinaldi whose future with the Ducati squad is coming to an end after three seasons, three wins and 16 podiums to date. BULEGA’S STORY: from JuniorGP™ Champion to factory Ducati WorldSBK star in the making The Italian was the first rider signed for Ducati’s World Supersport comeback in 2022, the manufacturer’s first WorldSSP appearances since 2007. Bulega switched from the MotoGP™ paddock after competing in 50 Moto3™ races, taking two podiums and two pole positions, as well as three seasons in Moto2™ where he was unable to showcase his potential. Prior to that, the 23-year-old competed in the FIM CEV Moto3™ Junior World Championship (now JuniorGP™) and claimed the title in his second season in 2015, taking one win at Jerez. However, his World Supersport success has been one of his main career highlights; 2022 promised a lot but a first race win eluded him all-season. A strong start to the year welcomed him into the class with eight podiums in 15 races, but then just one more podium was achieved in the final nine, leaving him fourth in the Championship with three fastest laps and a total of nine rostrums. For 2023, Bulega was the second-highest placed returnee to the class from the year before, with Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) set to challenge him hard. However, a majestic start to the year saw him storm to a Phillip Island double, whilst Oncu and Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) fought back in Indonesia at Mandalika. Four wins in the next five races came Bulega’s way however, whilst it was now Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) who was his main threat after Oncu’s injury. A double by Bulega at Donington Park saw his lead extend but fellow countryman Manzi retaliated with a double of his own at Imola, with his lead down to 41 ahead of Most. ON CLOUD NINE: “This is a dream come true” Speaking about his move up to World Superbike for 2024, Bulega’s is delighted of what is a dream chance: “I want to be honest: this is a dream come true. Racing for an official team is the desire of every rider. Therefore, before I talk about my emotions and expectations, I want to thank Ducati and Aruba.it Racing. And I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given already last season by Aruba.it and Feel Racing and especially by Stefano Cecconi, Serafino Foti and Daniele Casolari. They chose me to ride a fantastic Ducati Panigale V2, on which I felt immediately comfortable. I know how important this opportunity is and I will always give my best to improve myself, day after day, with the only goal of getting the best possible results. I say it again: thank you for the trust. Thinking about the history of this team, where great champions have always raced, I feel proud to be able to defend the same colours. Also, I am very happy to be able to share the box with Alvaro Bautista. Having him as a teammate will be a big plus: I will try to absorb every information I can learn from him.” DUCATI ON THEIR LATEST STAR: “Fast, talented… potential to compete with the best riders in WorldSBK” Stefano Cecconi, the Team Principal at Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, added: “Nicolo is a choice that makes us proud because it confirms the quality of the project, we undertook two years ago in World Supersport. His growth has been steady, and we expect him to continue this path riding a Panigale V4 R, as he has proven he can be very fast with this bike during testing. From the beginning, we have believed in the talent of Nicolo who, moreover, in this year and a half has shown great professionalism and attachment to the colours of the team. I would also like to address a big thank you to Michael Ruben Rinaldi with whom the professional and human relationship has always been very strong. Even if our paths separate, he will always be part of our family. Good luck Michael!" Luigi Dall'Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, said: “We are pleased to welcome Nicolo Bulega to the official Superbike team. Since last season, Nicolo has been able to give us immense delight. He is a very talented rider, and his experience, despite his young age, could be a determining factor in facing this fascinating and demanding challenge. During the test held with the Ducati Panigale V4 R machine, he has shown that he has the potential to compete with the best riders in WorldSBK, and sharing the garage with Alvaro Bautista will only help him grow. However, it will be important for him to stay focused on his WorldSSP season. The Aruba.it Racing team had the merit last year to think about Bulega and involve him in a completely new project that Ducati cares so much about. We hope he can wrap up his last season in Supersport in the best possible way.” ITALIAN RIDERS WITH DUCATI: it’s been poetic, emotional and very successful The 23-year-old from Montecchio Emilia has high hopes of joining famous Italian names who have gone on to succeed with the Borgo Panigale factory. Marco Lucchinelli, Giancarlo Falappa, Mauro Lucchiari, Pierfrancesco Chili, Lorenzo Lanzi, Michel Fabrizio, Marco Melandri and Michael Ruben Rinaldi have all won races for the Italian marque, with 90s legends Chili and Falappa tied at the most for Italian riders at 13 each. Chili, who finished fourth in the Championship in 1998 and 2000, sports 43 podiums for the brand, more than any other Italian rider. In terms of podiums, Davide Guigliano has 12 for Ducati, the manufacturer’s most successful without winning a race. Of course, most of the riders mentioned above have been in factory teams and Independent teams, but there are also plenty of other Italians from Independent teams that have achieved a fair amount of success. On the current grid, Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) is the second-highest Ducati in the standings, whilst Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) became a podium finisher at Donington Park this year. In 2008, Max Biaggi’s only season with Ducati gave seven podiums, whilst in 1994 and 1995, Fabrizio Pirovano took four rostrums. Ayrton Badovini, Baldassarri Monte and Davide Tardozzi are the other home-grown Ducati stars to take at least one podium. WHAT NEXT FOR RINALDI? Staying in the Ducati family, or time for a new challenge? Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s pace is unequivocal, whilst is consistency isn’t quite there. After three seasons in the factory red of Ducati, the #21 will move over, but does he have to move out of the Ducati family? Whilst unlikely, Motocorsa Racing haven’t announced plans for 2024; current rider Axel Bassani has out-performed Rinaldi in 2023 and is at the heart of the team’s decisions. There’s no love lost between the two Italians either, making any possible expansion to accommodate Rinaldi unlikely. The four-time WorldSBK race winner has ridden for Barni Ducati and Team GoEleven in the past, perhaps there’s an option at one of those? Denis Sacchetti stated that Rinaldi is a “big friend” of the team and that “every team” should be interested in him. Outside of the Ducati possibilities, there are a few seats still available. There’s a newly-vacated factory Kawasaki seat that Rinaldi could put his name forward for, while Team HRC are yet to announce their line-up and BMW have already got their own situation with Michael van der Mark and Scott Redding angling to be teammate to Toprak for 2024, although no announcement has been made yet.
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Post by truenorth on Sept 5, 2023 7:44:37 GMT -8
Rinaldi pens emotional message to Ducati: "It was a wonderful journey, everything was special" Tuesday, 5 September 2023 The Italian has been with the factory team for three seasons but will make way for Nicolo Bulega next season Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) has written an emotional post to Ducati following the news that he will leave the team at the end of the season. It’s been announced that WorldSSP Championship leader Nicolo Bulega will join Alvaro Bautista at the factory Ducati team in 2024, with Rinaldi looking for a seat elsewhere. Despite the news, the #21 posted a heartfelt message to Ducati on Instagram in which he thanked everyone for supporting him during his time not just at the factory Ducati team, but as a rider for the Bologna-based manufacturer. Rinaldi’s WorldSBK career started in 2018 with the Aruba.it Racing – Junior Team, before he moved to the Barni Racing Team for 2019. A year later and he was on the move again, this time to Team GoEleven, where he would get his big breakthrough. At the Teruel Round in 2020, Rinaldi scored three podiums including his first win and moved to the factory team for 2021. He’s taken 16 podiums with the team and three wins, including two on home soil at Misano. However, his WorldSBK journey with Aruba.it Racing - Ducati will come to an end when the 2023 season concludes. Reflecting on his time with the team, Rinaldi said: “Dear team, it was a wonderful journey. Thinking back to the first race together... Aragon 2016 with the Aruba Junior Team, I was a little more than a kid. I remember the thought very well in my mind since that first race in 2016: I want to ride with you in the official WorldSBK team and win the World Championship. “So many years since that race... The STK1000 title, many emotions and great satisfactions achieved together that allowed me to get to WorldSBK. Then growth, the first victory in the World Championship, the podiums, moving from the Independents’ Championship victory in 2020 to signing for the factory team. After all these years with you, and the last three in the factory team, the time has come to close this great chapter and aim for new challenges. “I always gave my all every step of the way, growing as a professional and as a person. You have supported me and endured me, and together we have always believed, pushing me in every race and never giving up and I’m proud of that. Everything was special. I’m proud to have won the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ title in 2022 and, more than anything else, to climb on the top step of the podium, together, in front of the crowd at home in Misano. Incredible moments that will drive me forward this 2023 season with grit and determination. “I want to thank all of you, Team Aruba, and Ducati Corse. A special thank you to Stefano Cecconi and Serafino Foti, what a Team Principal and Team Manager you are, but with me and for me you have been much more. Thanks to Gigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti and Claudio Domenicali for the support they have given me over the years. Racing for Ducati as an Italian is priceless. Thanks to Daniele Casolari and the whole team. The last thank you goes to the fans, both mine and the Ducatisti for your warmth, your demonstrated support, and your judgement. It has often been helpful, and I’ve tried to be, always with a distinctive smile, the best version of myself. See you at the track.”
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Post by truenorth on Sept 5, 2023 13:43:58 GMT -8
Simon Patterson Some race winning riders in WSSP are paying €300k a season for their riders. Some Moto2 racers are paying €700k to their teams. Plenty more are riding for free. People are getting sacked mid-season to make room for riders who can bring money. The system is broken.
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Post by truenorth on Sept 7, 2023 14:43:41 GMT -8
Honda introduces superconcession chassis for the Pirelli French Round Thursday, 7 September 2023 The Japanese manufacturer have had a new chassis approved under the superconcession system to run from the French Round onwards On the eve of the Pirelli French Round, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Dorna WSBK Organization (DWO) have announced that a new chassis for Honda has been approved by the FIM SBK® Technical Director. As per article 2.4.3.1 of the regulations, Honda have elected to use 15 tokens to introduce a superconcession chassis from this round onwards.
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Post by truenorth on Sept 7, 2023 14:55:38 GMT -8
STAYING PUT: Gardner signs for GRT Yamaha for 2024 alongside Aegerter Thursday, 7 September 2023 The Australian rookie finished the first part of the season strongly and will remain with GRT for next season alongside Dominique Aegerter Another piece of the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid has fallen into place. Remy Gardner will stay at the GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team for 2024 as he secured his place on next season’s grid, with the Australian rookie lining up alongside Dominique Aegerter for their second season together. With Aegerter’s renewal announced earlier, but for Yamaha with no team specified, the Independent team now have their line-up secured for next year. Gardner moved into WorldSBK for 2023 after one year in MotoGP™ with KTM, where he scored 13 points and finished 23rd in the World Championship. His year in MotoGP™ came off the back of his 2021 Moto2™ title success after he beat teammate Raul Fernandez in a season-long fight, with the title decided at the year-ending Valencian Grand Prix. Following his one season in MotoGP™, the Australian switched to WorldSBK where he has scored a best result of sixth, on three occasions including twice last time out at Most. The 25-year-old has had an up and down rookie season but ended the first part of the season in style with two six-place finishes at the Autodrom Most. He had a strong Indonesian Round despite illness as he battled from the back of the grid to seventh in Race 2 as he ended his first two rounds of the season strongly. Two more top-tens came at Assen and he was again in the top ten in Barcelona as well as Misano. However, Donington and Imola in July would prove to be difficult for the rookie as he failed to score a top-ten finish, before returning there at Most with two P6 finishes on Sunday. For 2024, he will again partner Aegerter after the two-time World Supersport Champion was announced back in August. Discussing his renewal, the #87 said: “I am really thrilled to announce my renewal with Yamaha for the 2024 season and I believe we have a promising future together. Next year will be my second year with the R1, and I couldn't be happier with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. With an additional year of experience under our belts, I have high hopes for our performance. I already feel right at home, so it's a great feeling to continue this journey, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Yamaha for this fantastic opportunity.” Reacting to Gardner’s extension, Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing Manager, Andrea Dosoli, said: “We are happy to be able to announce the extension of our partnership with Remy, and to finalise an unchanged rider line up at the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team for the 2024 season. We can see both the talent and the potential that Remy possesses and, although it’s been something of an inconsistent debut season for him in WorldSBK so far, we remain confident that we can achieve our goals together during the remainder of this season and the next. “With Remy now onboard, we are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting 2024 season, which Yamaha will be contesting with an incredibly strong line up, with the four riders racing for the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK and GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK teams counting several World Championship titles between them. This exceptional rider line up comes with significant responsibility for Yamaha, but we are committed to providing a competitive package that matches the talent of our riders and we have secured the resources and support required.”
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Post by truenorth on Sept 7, 2023 15:02:26 GMT -8
FIRST WORDS SINCE SHOCK SWITCH: "One of the hardest decisions of my career" – Rea’s 2024 move Thursday, 7 September 2023 In one of the biggest motorsport headlines of the year, Jonathan Rea speaks to the media for the first time since the announcement of his Kawasaki departure in a quest for success with Yamaha Just days after a bombshell announcement, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) spoke to the media for the first time since confirming his departure from Kawasaki at the close of 2023, joining Yamaha in 2024. In what is being widely considered as the biggest move in FIM Superbike World Championship history, the 36-year-old Ulsterman – who has achieved six consecutive World Championships and amassed over 100 wins with Kawasaki – will go into the final four rounds of the year being his last appearances in green. That final third all starts at Magny-Cours, one of his and Kawasaki’s most successful circuits, where the microphones were relatively toasty. “IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO THE FACT THAT I NEED SOMETHING NEW” – Rea on decision to leave KRT Addressing his recent announcement to break up one of motorsport’s most successful collaborations in pursuit of a new challenge and a return to title-contending form, Rea said: “As you can imagine, after six World Championships, nine years working together and so many memories, it’s been one of the hardest decisions in my career. In the end, it all boils down to the fact that I need something new, a new challenge and I had the opportunity somewhere else to find that. It’s mixed emotions because it was a very emotional time to leave such a family and a place where I’ve created so many amazing memories, not just on the track but off of it. The time is right to make the next chapter in my career and we’ll deal with that later, but it was a very hard decision.” The six-time World Champion has always had humility and gratitude towards KRT and indeed the Provec Racing force that steers Kawasaki’s WorldSBK ship. It was the team that allowed him to achieve a childhood dream of becoming World Champion, whilst both would go hand-in-hand as they ripped up previous records like a hurricane. The first rider to win three straight titles would go on to make it six; the first rider to take 100 wins in WorldSBK would go on to win more than 100 races in green and beyond that, would become synonymous with the brand the world-over. “I’LL NEVER FORGET MY FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP” – the childhood dream achieved Recapping some of the success, the first title remains the sweetest: “Of course, I’ll never forget my first World Championship or the first feelings with the team, pleading my team manager Guim to give me a chance on this bike. Rolling up to the first test, working with my mechanics and creating that bond inside the garage. There’re things I’ll take with me in life, such as dealing with people and creating an atmosphere. The team helped me with that and my childhood dream was to be World Champion and I’ll always remember my time with Kawasaki as the people who gave me the chance to fulfil a childhood dream. “Taking the chequered flag at Jerez in 2015 was incredible and the story we created after that is beyond not just my wildest dreams but you literally couldn’t dream it up. To win six World Championships on the bounce, continuing racing and to win races every year has been phenomenal. There are too many memories; I could go on for hours but it made it even tougher.” “WE FEEL A BIT SAD; IT’S A REALITY WE HAVE TO ACCEPT” – Guim Roda on Rea’s departure Team boss Guim Roda shared his thoughts too, with it being a hard pill to swallow but remaining philosophical that it’s racing and anything can happen – on or off the track: “We feel a little bit sad. It’s been a long journey that we’ve been on together. It’s a reality we need to accept, keep working and we will continue our way and try our best. It’s difficult to find one moment because we have so many, but I’d like to mark the moments people can’t see because it happened between races. Those chats, meetings and all this time where he’s been working and talking about how to improve the team, the package, the bike. All these conversations and all this effort, all the mechanical situations with how to improve, all the training programmes… all these things happen between races that people don’t see is maybe one of the key points we’ll keep apart from the success, winning and Championships.”
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Post by truenorth on Sept 8, 2023 6:16:09 GMT -8
SBK FP1 1 65 J. REA GBR Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1'36.900 14 163,876 292,7 2 31 G. GERLOFF USA Bonovo Action BMW BMW M1000 RR IND 1'37.057 0.157 0.157 18 163,611 295,1 3 54 T. RAZGATLIOGLU TUR Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.060 0.160 0.003 19 163,606 295,9 4 55 A. LOCATELLI ITA Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.142 0.242 0.082 16 163,468 291,9 5 22 A. LOWES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1'37.331 0.431 0.189 18 163,150 294,3 6 1 A. BAUTISTA ESP Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Ducati Panigale V4R 1'37.467 0.567 0.136 15 162,923 291,1 7 21 M. RINALDI ITA Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Ducati Panigale V4R 1'37.477 0.577 0.010 16 162,906 289,5 8 45 S. REDDING GBR ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team BMW M1000 RR 1'37.635 0.735 0.158 18 162,642 295,1 9 47 A. BASSANI ITA Motocorsa Racing Ducati Panigale V4R IND 1'37.662 0.762 0.027 13 162,598 289,5 10 9 D. PETRUCCI ITA Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R IND 1'37.744 0.844 0.082 12 162,461 290,3 11 60 M. VAN DER MARK NED ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team BMW M1000 RR 1'37.878 0.978 0.134 19 162,239 293,5 12 97 X. VIERGE ESP Team HRC Honda CBR1000 RR-R 1'38.068 1.168 0.190 18 161,924 294,3 13 5 P. OETTL GER Team GoEleven Ducati Panigale V4R IND 1'38.114 1.214 0.046 20 161,848 289,5 14 77 D. AEGERTER SUI GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'38.128 1.228 0.014 20 161,825 294,3 15 7 I. LECUONA ESP Team HRC Honda CBR1000 RR-R 1'38.218 1.318 0.090 15 161,677 297,5 16 34 L. BALDASSARRI ITA GMT94 Yamaha Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'38.283 1.383 0.065 17 161,570 288,8 17 76 L. BAZ FRA Bonovo Action BMW BMW M1000 RR IND 1'38.286 1.386 0.003 12 161,565 291,9 18 87 R. GARDNER AUS GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'38.316 1.416 0.030 16 161,516 291,1 19 28 B. RAY GBR Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'38.364 1.464 0.048 16 161,437 290,3 20 32 I. VINALES ESP TPR Team Pedercini Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR IND 1'39.026 2.126 0.662 16 160,358 286,5 21 44 L. MAHIAS FRA Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR IND 1'39.713 2.813 0.687 16 159,253 283,5 22 38 H. SOOMER EST PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Honda CBR1000 RR-R IND 1'40.029 3.129 0.316 16 158,750 294,3 23 52 O. KONIG CZE Orelac Racing MOVISIO Kawasaki ZX-10RR IND 1'40.471 3.571 0.442 15 158,052 286,5
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Post by truenorth on Sept 8, 2023 6:17:02 GMT -8
SBK FP2 1 21 M. RINALDI ITA Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Ducati Panigale V4R 1'36.973 21 163,753 288,0 2 31 G. GERLOFF USA Bonovo Action BMW BMW M1000 RR IND 1'36.981 0.008 0.008 24 163,739 293,5 3 54 T. RAZGATLIOGLU TUR Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.114 0.141 0.133 23 163,515 295,1 4 1 A. BAUTISTA ESP Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Ducati Panigale V4R 1'37.174 0.201 0.060 21 163,414 292,7 5 45 S. REDDING GBR ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team BMW M1000 RR 1'37.342 0.369 0.168 23 163,132 294,3 6 22 A. LOWES GBR Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1'37.356 0.383 0.014 23 163,109 294,3 7 65 J. REA GBR Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK Kawasaki ZX-10RR 1'37.511 0.538 0.155 21 162,849 291,9 8 55 A. LOCATELLI ITA Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK Yamaha YZF R1 1'37.543 0.570 0.032 24 162,796 290,3 9 87 R. GARDNER AUS GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'37.562 0.589 0.019 21 162,764 290,3 10 9 D. PETRUCCI ITA Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R IND 1'37.638 0.665 0.076 26 162,637 288,8 11 76 L. BAZ FRA Bonovo Action BMW BMW M1000 RR IND 1'37.837 0.864 0.199 22 162,307 294,3 12 47 A. BASSANI ITA Motocorsa Racing Ducati Panigale V4R IND 1'37.980 1.007 0.143 20 162,070 290,3 13 5 P. OETTL GER Team GoEleven Ducati Panigale V4R IND 1'38.297 1.324 0.317 24 161,547 290,3 14 60 M. VAN DER MARK NED ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team BMW M1000 RR 1'38.366 1.393 0.069 21 161,434 291,9 15 7 I. LECUONA ESP Team HRC Honda CBR1000 RR-R 1'38.394 1.421 0.028 19 161,388 298,3 16 77 D. AEGERTER SUI GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'38.472 1.499 0.078 8 161,260 291,1 17 34 L. BALDASSARRI ITA GMT94 Yamaha Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'39.056 2.083 0.584 26 160,309 288,0 18 44 L. MAHIAS FRA Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR IND 1'39.108 2.135 0.052 20 160,225 284,2 19 28 B. RAY GBR Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 IND 1'39.368 2.395 0.260 5 159,806 287,2 20 97 X. VIERGE ESP Team HRC Honda CBR1000 RR-R 1'39.625 2.652 0.257 3 159,394 285,7 21 38 H. SOOMER EST PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Honda CBR1000 RR-R IND 1'39.671 2.698 0.046 19 159,320 291,9 22 52 O. KONIG CZE Orelac Racing MOVISIO Kawasaki ZX-10RR IND 1'39.790 2.817 0.119 22 159,130 286,5 23 35 H. SYAHRIN MAS PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Honda CBR1000 RR-R IND 1'40.105 3.132 0.315 21 158,629 287,2 24 32 I. VINALES ESP TPR Team Pedercini Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR IND 1'40.295 3.322 0.190 19 158,329 286,5
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Post by truenorth on Sept 8, 2023 6:18:22 GMT -8
SSP FP1 1 94 V. DEBISE FRA GMT94 Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.083 18 157,095 259,6 2 99 A. HUERTAS ESP MTM Kawasaki Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'41.136 0.053 0.053 18 157,012 262,1 3 11 N. BULEGA ITA Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team Ducati Panigale V2 1'41.581 0.498 0.445 18 156,325 262,8 4 25 A. VERDOIA FRA Yamaha Thailand Racing Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.626 0.543 0.045 19 156,255 261,5 5 66 N. TUULI FIN PTR Triumph Triumph Street Triple RS 765 1'41.734 0.651 0.108 19 156,089 264,7 6 3 R. DE ROSA ITA Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2 1'41.754 0.671 0.020 20 156,059 260,2 7 43 S. JESPERSEN DEN VFT Racing WEBIKE Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.763 0.680 0.009 19 156,045 259,0 8 64 F. CARICASULO ITA Althea Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 1'41.872 0.789 0.109 22 155,878 260,9 9 48 L. DALLA PORTA ITA Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.914 0.831 0.042 23 155,814 262,1 10 9 J. NAVARRO ESP Ten Kate Racing Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.934 0.851 0.020 20 155,783 261,5 11 28 G. VAN STRAALEN NED EAB Racing Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'42.030 0.947 0.096 9 155,637 259,6 12 55 Y. MONTELLA ITA Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 1'42.054 0.971 0.024 15 155,600 261,5 13 69 T. BOOTH-AMOS GBR Motozoo ME AIR Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R * 1'42.082 0.999 0.028 21 155,557 258,4 14 86 J. GIMBERT FRA GMT94 Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'42.090 1.007 0.008 17 155,545 262,8 15 62 S. MANZI ITA Ten Kate Racing Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'42.183 1.100 0.093 20 155,404 260,2 16 23 M. SCHROETTER GER MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 800 RR 1'42.457 1.374 0.274 19 154,988 259,0 17 50 O. VOSTATEK CZE PTR Triumph Triumph Street Triple RS 765 1'42.490 1.407 0.033 18 154,938 262,1 18 54 B. SOFUOGLU TUR MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 800 RR 1'42.513 1.430 0.023 18 154,903 260,2 19 61 C. ONCU TUR Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'42.811 1.728 0.298 18 154,454 257,1 20 17 J. MCPHEE GBR Vince64 by Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'43.133 2.050 0.322 18 153,972 259,0 21 96 M. GREGORIO FRA Moto Ain Yamaha YZF R6 1'43.587 2.504 0.454 18 153,297 255,9 22 47 A. KOFLER AUT D34G Racing Ducati Panigale V2 1'43.749 2.666 0.162 23 153,058 259,0 23 22 F. FULIGNI ITA Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2 * 1'43.795 2.712 0.046 16 152,990 257,8 24 16 Y. OKAYA JPN ProDina Kawasaki Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R * 1'43.993 2.910 0.198 22 152,699 257,8 25 73 M. KOFLER AUT D34G Racing Ducati Panigale V2 * 1'44.018 2.935 0.025 21 152,662 259,6 26 71 T. EDWARDS AUS Yart-Yamaha WorldSSP Team Yamaha YZF R6 * 1'44.039 2.956 0.021 12 152,631 259,6 27 51 A. SARMOON THA Yamaha Thailand Racing Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'44.046 2.963 0.007 20 152,621 260,2 28 95 T. MACKENZIE GBR PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Honda CBR600RR 1'44.069 2.986 0.023 16 152,587 257,8 29 27 A. DIAZ ESP Arco Yart Yamaha WorldSSP Yamaha YZF R6 * 1'44.182 3.099 0.113 17 152,422 254,7 30 68 L. POWER AUS Motozoo ME AIR Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R * 1'44.298 3.215 0.116 18 152,252 255,9 31 7 A. NORRODIN MAS PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Honda CBR600RR 1'44.443 3.360 0.145 18 152,041 254,1 ----------------- Out 105% in this Session ----------------- 32 98 M. ABE JPN VFT Racing WEBIKE Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 * 1'46.379 5.296 1.936 19 149,274 254,7
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Post by truenorth on Sept 8, 2023 7:31:37 GMT -8
SSP FP2 1 11 N. BULEGA ITA Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team Ducati Panigale V2 1'41.114 17 157,047 261,5 2 94 V. DEBISE FRA GMT94 Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.178 0.064 0.064 15 156,947 256,5 3 62 S. MANZI ITA Ten Kate Racing Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.385 0.271 0.207 19 156,627 257,8 4 55 Y. MONTELLA ITA Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 1'41.465 0.351 0.080 19 156,503 258,4 5 3 R. DE ROSA ITA Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2 1'41.499 0.385 0.034 17 156,451 259,0 6 9 J. NAVARRO ESP Ten Kate Racing Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.544 0.430 0.045 14 156,381 257,8 7 99 A. HUERTAS ESP MTM Kawasaki Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'41.546 0.432 0.002 12 156,378 263,4 8 66 N. TUULI FIN PTR Triumph Triumph Street Triple RS 765 1'41.593 0.479 0.047 19 156,306 258,4 9 64 F. CARICASULO ITA Althea Racing Team Ducati Panigale V2 1'41.595 0.481 0.002 20 156,303 260,9 10 23 M. SCHROETTER GER MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 800 RR 1'41.777 0.663 0.182 19 156,023 260,2 11 25 A. VERDOIA FRA Yamaha Thailand Racing Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.813 0.699 0.036 19 155,968 256,5 12 48 L. DALLA PORTA ITA Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'41.856 0.742 0.043 21 155,902 261,5 13 54 B. SOFUOGLU TUR MV Agusta Reparto Corse MV Agusta F3 800 RR 1'41.983 0.869 0.127 22 155,708 259,0 14 43 S. JESPERSEN DEN VFT Racing WEBIKE Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'42.214 1.100 0.231 17 155,356 257,8 15 86 J. GIMBERT FRA GMT94 Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 1'42.249 1.135 0.035 14 155,303 262,1 16 69 T. BOOTH-AMOS GBR Motozoo ME AIR Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R * 1'42.305 1.191 0.056 19 155,218 259,0 17 71 T. EDWARDS AUS Yart-Yamaha WorldSSP Team Yamaha YZF R6 * 1'42.621 1.507 0.316 20 154,740 259,6 18 17 J. MCPHEE GBR Vince64 by Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'42.698 1.584 0.077 15 154,624 260,2 19 22 F. FULIGNI ITA Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2 * 1'42.957 1.843 0.259 17 154,235 256,5 20 95 T. MACKENZIE GBR PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Honda CBR600RR 1'43.040 1.926 0.083 15 154,111 254,1 21 50 O. VOSTATEK CZE PTR Triumph Triumph Street Triple RS 765 1'43.064 1.950 0.024 19 154,075 257,8 22 68 L. POWER AUS Motozoo ME AIR Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R * 1'43.085 1.971 0.021 20 154,044 255,9 23 51 A. SARMOON THA Yamaha Thailand Racing Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'43.182 2.068 0.097 20 153,899 257,1 24 28 G. VAN STRAALEN NED EAB Racing Team Yamaha YZF R6 1'43.198 2.084 0.016 8 153,875 251,7 25 73 M. KOFLER AUT D34G Racing Ducati Panigale V2 * 1'43.235 2.121 0.037 18 153,820 259,0 26 96 M. GREGORIO FRA Moto Ain Yamaha YZF R6 1'43.335 2.221 0.100 18 153,671 251,7 27 27 A. DIAZ ESP Arco Yart Yamaha WorldSSP Yamaha YZF R6 * 1'43.427 2.313 0.092 15 153,534 252,9 28 47 A. KOFLER AUT D34G Racing Ducati Panigale V2 1'43.459 2.345 0.032 17 153,487 258,4 29 61 C. ONCU TUR Kawasaki Puccetti Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R 1'43.631 2.517 0.172 17 153,232 257,8 30 7 A. NORRODIN MAS PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team Honda CBR600RR 1'44.053 2.939 0.422 17 152,611 252,9 31 16 Y. OKAYA JPN ProDina Kawasaki Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R * 1'44.869 3.755 0.816 2 151,423 256,5 ----------------- Out 105% in this Session ----------------- 32 98 M. ABE JPN VFT Racing WEBIKE Yamaha Yamaha YZF R6 * 1'46.752 5.638 1.883 1 148,752 255,3
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