#CatalanGP libere. Because of the location and time of the year, the eighth round of the season at Montmeló is once again characterised by scorching temperatures (27ºC), which were partially mitigated by a light breeze. The first day was marked by uncertainty and very levelled performance, with 15 riders covered by only one second.
 
Enea Bastianini’s Catalan Grand Prix started on the right foot as he set the third-quickest time (1’39.890secs) and was the best positioned Ducati rider in the timesheets, despite having margin to improve both in the time attack and with regards to the race pace.
 
Fabio Di Giannantonio also did a good job as he was 0.944secs away from the top and only four tenths in arrears from his teammate. Tomorrow, as usual, the FP3 session will be crucial for a direct access to Q2, while Free Practice 4 will be extremely important for tyre selection ahead of the race.

Barry Sheene’s son Freddie and racing legend Stuart Graham will lead the Barry Sheene parade laps at Suzuki Live, which takes place at Cadwell Park on Friday 10 June.  

Five of Sheene’s Grand Prix bikes will be paraded on the day, including the RT67 125cc machine raced in the world championship by Graham in 1967, before being bought by Sheene in 1970 and raced in Grand Prix in 1971. 

Sheene’s son Freddie will ride the 1984 XR45 – the last Grand Prix motorcycle his father raced in anger dressed in its famous DAF livery – while the parade will be completed by the 1976 and 1977 world championship-winning XR14s and the quirky XR23A: a 652cc, big-bore RG500 raced in the Trans Atlantic series. 

All five of the bikes have been restored to working order by Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme.

Suzuki GB’s Tim Davies, said, “It was already going to be special enough to see five of Barry’s bikes being ridden on track together, as it always is whenever one of his machines is fired up and given a run-out. But to be able to have Freddie over is fantastic and it’s great to give him another opportunity to ride the bikes that made his father such a motorcycling hero.

“And then to be able to welcome Stuart Graham along, too, is incredible. The little 125 carried him to Grand Prix wins in 1967 and then kick-started Barry’s world championship career in 1971, when he took three wins and five podiums to finish second in the championship that year. At 80-years-old it’ll be amazing to see him back on that bike.”

As well as the parades Suzuki Live will see plenty of track action, with track day sessions open for classic and modern machines alike. Split into three groups – Classic Novice for those new to track days or riding older machines, Classic Intermediate for those more familiar with track days or riding a classic model, and Open Advanced for the experienced riders on the latest Suzuki machinery – spaces cost £135 per person and can be booked online here.  

Key models from Suzuki’s on-road product range – including the new GSX-S1000GT sports tourer, GSX-S1000 naked, and third generation Hayabusa – will be available to test ride on the day on the stunning roads surrounding Cadwell Park. Those wishing to take a test ride must present a valid licence and produce a DVLA check code or National Insurance number.  

A classic bike display will comprise a 1985 GSX-R750F, the TL1000s built brand new by the Vintage Parts Programme in 2014, a 1991 GSX-R1100L, and the Team Classic Suzuki Katana endurance racer. 

For more information and to book visit https://bike.msvtrackdays.com

Enea Bastianini’s comeback drew to a close with ten laps to go as the Italian rider lost the front-end of his Ducati machine at turn four and found himself – uninjured – in the gravel. This is quite a disappointing result as the #23, who was the only rider with a soft rear tyre, was able to recover six places after what was surely not the best start to the encounter. Today’s DNF has a big impact in his championship situation, but with Montmeló around the corner there will be a chance to make amends.
 
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s result has a completely different taste, as the MotoGP rookie was starting from pole position in this year’s #ItalianGP. The #49 of Team Gresini Racing MotoGP was able to hold the pressure in the early stages and stay towards the front. He was eleventh at the finish line, his so-far best result in the premier class as he adds more points to his tally after the ones scored in Le Mans.

Motorcycle Awareness Day (MAD) at the Ace is focused on the powered two-wheeled community and is in aid of the charity “SERV”, the voluntary organisation that provide a rapid response courier service, out of hours, delivering blood products to the point of need supporting NHS Hospitals.

Whether you're thinking about taking up riding or if you are a new or experienced rider, and with bikes through the years generally getting faster and sharper, the Ace has teamed up with the experts in road safety and anti-theft protection.

For current and prospective riders, from learner to advanced, and always with Safety First, Motorcycle Awareness Day at the Ace includes the London Fire Brigade advising about Biker Down! - the free nationwide scheme that was devised to provide the tools to help bikers if they're involved in a crash.

Learn how riders can help fight crime – Lock it, tag it or lose it – as well as how to get the best from your bike or scooter. From how to position yourself in traffic to the secrets of staying safe, you will be able to find out about the skills you need to become a better rider. Learn from police motorcyclists who have to know how to ride safely in all weathers, road and traffic conditions and yes, how to go fast at times!
Whether you’re a newbie to two-wheels or wish to upskill, and knowing that “accidents don’t have to happen”, check out the links:
2 Wheels London
TFL Road Safety
Bike Safe 
Biker Down
ROSPA
IAM RoadSmart
SERV

#ItalianGP qualifying. Team Gresini MotoGP does not cease to surprise by claiming the second pole position of the season today at Mugello. This time, however, it is Fabio Di Giannantonio the one taking centre stage: the Italian rider, who has always done incredibly well around the Tuscan hills, was supremely fast both in Q1 and Q2, and at the last attempt before the qualifying chequered flag, he logged a truly incredible lap-time. The Rome-born rider will have clear track ahead when lining up on the #ItalianGP grid tomorrow.
 
Enea Bastianini also put together a good performance, as the three-time MotoGP race winner was seeded directly into Q2 despite two crashes. The #23 well managed the tricky conditions of the track and secured an encouraging 10^th place ahead of tomorrow’s race. His main rivals for the title are not too far away (6^th and 7^th).