Category: Superbikes

1. New-look Pata Honda team heads to Asia

   Posted on 7:30am Thursday 12th Sep 2013

   The Pata Honda team will compete for the first time in Turkey in this weekend’s 11th round World Superbike championship event at Istanbul Park with a weekend schedule that runs an hour earlier than other SBK events.

   The 5.338km Hermann Tilke-designed circuit, which was completed just over eight years ago, lies on the Asian side of Istanbul and, for the Pata Honda team and riders, it will be a first racing visit to the Turkish city.

   The team will be without regular rider Jonathan Rea, who broke his left femur after crashing on another rider’s oil on 1 September at the Nürburgring in Germany. The 26-year-old underwent surgery that evening and is optimistic about a relatively quick rehabilitation for his injury.

   Rea will be replaced at Istanbul Park by Italian rider Michel Fabrizio, who has been competing in the 2013 World Superbike championship with another team. The 28-year-old from Rome currently lies in eighth place in the 2013 championship standings with one podium finish in the opening round at Phillip Island in Australia.

   Fabrizio joins Pata Honda’s Leon Haslam who continues his own rehabilitation from a broken leg sustained in a practice crash at Assen in The Netherlands in April. The 30-year-old British rider has been getting back up to speed over the last few races and will be looking to improve on his season’s best result of seventh last time out at the Nürburgring.

   Leon Haslam

   I’m really excited about going to race in Istanbul, even though some of the other Superbike riders have ridden there before. I’ve seen a few of the GP races there on video and it looks pretty awesome, but I won’t really know how it is until I get out there on the bike on Friday morning. We made some more progress last time in Germany but, although I was hanging on to the back of the leading group in race two, we still had some issues. But I do feel like I’m finally in a position – both physically and with the bike – to be fighting for podiums again. We need a few more things to fall into place for that to happen, but we’re nearly there.

   Michel Fabrizio

   I am very happy to come back to the Honda CBR after my earlier experience with the DFX Honda Team. To race with the Ten Kate boys in the Pata Honda team is a real honour for me and, of course, I will do my best to get Jonathan’s machine near to the front. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Jonathan a fast recovery from his injury and I would like to thank the whole Honda Superbike team for their hard work to fix the bike in time for me to race in Istanbul.

   Michel Fabrizio – career details

   2002: 125cc GP World Championship

   2003: FIM Superstock 1000 champion (Suzuki)

   2004: MotoGP World Championship (10 races – Honda), World Supersport championship (two races – Honda)

   2005: World Supersport championship (Honda) – 5th

   2006: World Superbike championship (Honda) – 11th

   2007: World Superbike championship (Honda) – 11th

   2008: World Superbike championship (Ducati) – 8th

   2009: World Superbike championship (Ducati) – 3rd

   2010: World Superbike championship (Ducati) – 8th

   2011: World Superbike championship (Suzuki) – 12th

   2012: World Superbike championship (BMW) – 11th

   2013: World Superbike championship (Aprilia) – current position 8th

   2013 World Superbike championship, round 11

   Intercity Istanbul Park, Turkey – weekend schedule (local times – GMT+3)

   Friday 13 September

   11.45-13.15 Free practice

   15.30-16.15 Qualifying 1

   Saturday 14 September

   08.45-09.30 Qualifying 2

   11.30-12.15 Free practice

   14.00-15.14 Superpole 1

   14.21-15.33 Superpole 2

   14.40-15.50 Superpole 3

   Sunday 15 September

   08.20-08.35 Warm-up

   11.00 Race 1 (19 laps 95.226km)

   14.30 Race 2 (19 laps 95.226km)

2. The 2014 Ducati Superbike 899 Panigale unveiled in Frankfurt

   Posted on 6:45am Wednesday 11th Sep 2013

   Highly anticipated 899 Panigale unveiled by Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali, at VW Group Night on the eve of the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt

   •The stunning “Supermid”model offers a new way to access the world of Ducati Superbikes
   •899 Panigale continues monocoque concept, Superquadro engine and benchmark electronics

   Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 09 September 2013 – The highly-anticipated Ducati 899 Panigale has been unveiled at the VW Group Night in Frankfurt, Germany, on the eve of the IAA International Motor Show, which runs from the 12-22 September. The presentation made by Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali,  represents a preview of the Italian Manufacturer’s exciting 2014 model range.

   The stunning model, intended to provide a new way to access the exclusive world of Ducati Superbikes, is described as a “Supermid” version of the award-winning 1199 Panigale, designed to provide the thrill of the new generation flagship model with the refined character of an everyday streetbike.

   Its brand new Superquadro engine features a revised bore and stroke for a broad power delivery, producing 148hp (109kW) with a torque of 73lb-ft (10.1kgm). The super-smooth power unit continues to be a fully stressed member of the innovative Panigale monocoque construction, achieving both an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and ride-enhancing agility with a dry weight of 169kg (372.5lb). An 1199 silhouette underlines the family DNA, while the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) and the fully integrated Riding Mode technologies of Ride-by-Wire, triple stage ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC) continue the benchmark ingenuity introduced with the new generation Superbike.

   Ducati now offers all-round performance for connoisseurs with an authentic and stylish way to enter the world of high performance. The 899 Panigale will be priced at £12,495 and available in the UK from November onwards, in traditional Ducati red with black wheels or a stunning arctic white with red wheels.

   Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A – An Audi Group Company

   Founded in 1926, Ducati has been producing sport-inspired motorcycles since 1946. Their motorcycles are characterised by “Desmodromic” performance engines, innovative design and avant-garde technology. Covering several market segments, Ducati's range of motorcycles are divided into model families which include: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike.

   These authentic icons of 'made in Italy' are sold in over 80 countries around the world, with concentration on the European, North-American and Asia Pacific markets. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike Championship and, with an official team, the World MotoGP Championship. In Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers' titles and 14 Riders' titles and in 2011 passed the historic milestone of 300 race victories. Ducati have participated in MotoGP since 2003, and took both the Manufacturers' and Riders' titles in 2007.

3. Battle for the 848 Challenge hots up at Donington Park

   Posted on 7:31am Monday 9th Sep 2013

   Railton and Nutt go all-out for victory in front of a packed Donington crowd.

   The race for the third Ducati TriOptions 848 Challenge crown hotted up this weekend at Donington Park as the series once again provided some scintillating racing. Marty Nutt took victory in race one after pole-sitter and pace-setter Dennis Hobbs was forced into retirement with a broken gear lever early on.

   Crucially from a championship perspective, Jonathan Railton appeared to have a turnaround in both confidence and pace over the course of the weekend, setting a front-row worthy lap time in race one to give himself a great opportunity in the second contest.

   The Boast Plumbing-backed rider looked on it from the very first lap, and had soon moved into second place behind Marty Nutt with the pair pulling a big gap to the chasing pack running a blistering pace that saw the lap record broken three times. The pair were inseparable for most of the 10 lap race, but it was an incredible move around the outside of Nutt from Railton on the penultimate lap that handed the young rider victory and kept him in the hunt for the title with four races left to run in 2013.

   Railton said, “It was a fantastic race and I really enjoyed it. I had to push so hard to catch Marty and to get past was very rewarding. We’ve had a dry run of podiums recently and I’ve had a lack of confidence, but that win has certainly helped fix that.”

   In National Superstock 1000 both Tristan Palmer and Robbie Brown raced hard to fly the Ducati flag in a class recently dominated by Japanese machinery. Palmer has been something of a revelation aboard the 1199 Panigale, but started out this weekend on the back foot with his competition having raced in support of the World Superbike Championship round at Donington earlier in the season before the midlander signed to ride for Rapido Sport Racing. Track time was further reduced with Friday’s running lost to rain, but Palmer still managed to run top ten pace during the race and finished in the points in 12th across the line.

   Palmer said, “It’s not been the best weekend – we started out on the back foot as everyone else raced here earlier in the season and I didn’t. We did improve the bike in the two dry sessions we had before the race, but we just didn’t have enough track time to close the gap on the front guys. I wrecked my tyre trying to come through the field which made life difficult at the end of the race. Silverstone is a good track for me, so we’ll just get on with it and get back to the front there.”

   It was a tough weekend in the main superbike class for Rapido Sport Racing and rider Matteo Baiocco. After topping a very wet free practice session on Friday, Baiocco couldn’t replicate his pace in the dry on Saturday and Sunday. 20th position in qualifying made the job even harder, and the reigning Italian Superbike champion was forced to retire from race one with set-up issues after just eight laps. Race two proved a little more successful for the rider from Osimo, posting his fastest times of the weekend and crossing the line just outside the points in 17th.

4. Ace Cafe T3 Racing Team at Donington this weekend!

   Posted on 8:27am Friday 6th Sep 2013

   Rob Guiver looks for a top ten finish at Donington Park

   After their best finish of the season at Cadwell Park, the Ace Cafe T3 Racing team are moving the goal posts and aiming for a top ten finish.

   The team are now leading the Cup class by 56 points and are in a strong position for the rest of the season. Combined with two top 12 finishes at Cadwell Park and the knowledge that he broke the lap record at Donington Park in the Triumph Triple Challenge last year, confidence is running high.

    Guiver spoke to us about his aim for the weekend:

   “I’m looking forward to Donington, I love the place and after a good weekend at Cadwell I’m hoping to build on that and hopefully be able to fight for a top ten finish! My aim is to win the Cup race too, just keeping my fingers crossed that the rain stays away!”

   There was a new found confidence from Guiver at Cadwell Park and it was reflected out on track. The team have been working hard to find the winning formula for him and it has paid off. Team Principal of the Ace Cafe T3 Racing team Tony Scott commented:

   “We’ve been working so hard this season, at times it felt like it was one step forward three steps back, but to see it all come together has been fantastic for all the team. We knew before that a top twelve finish was possible but the way Rob’s riding and the way the bike is going, I think he’s definitely got a top ten finish in him.”

   Guiver will be out on track for the British Supersport races at 15.40 on both Saturday and Sunday. You can see more of the team by dropping into the Ace Cafe T3 Racing awning or check out the races live on Eurosport 2.

   For more race updates and information follow us on twitter @T3Racing or find T3 Racing on twitter. Alternatively you can head to www.t3-racing.co.uk or www.ace-cafe-london.com

    

5. TWO RED FLAGS IN THE PENULTIMATE LAP STOP THE RACES ON THE NÜRBURGRING

   Posted on 11:42am Sunday 1st Sep 2013

   SECOND PLACE IN RACE 2 FOR EUGENE LAVERTY WHO WAS MAKING A PLAY FOR THE LEAD WHEN THE RACE WAS STOPPED.

    

   WITH A FOURTH AND FIFTH PLACE FINISH SYLVAIN GUINTOLI LIMITS THE DAMAGE AND STAYS CLOSE TO THE LEAD IN THE RIDER STANDINGS.

    

   APRILIA CONTINUES TO LEAD THE MANUFACTURER CHAMPIONSHIP.

   Nürburgring, 1 September 2013 – Two red flags due to oil on the track, both during the penultimate lap, stopped the World Superbike races at the Nürburgring. A blown out engine for Sandi first and a crash by Smrz in the second forced Race Direction to end the competitions a lap early.

   While the finishing order had all but been decided when Race 1 was suspended, in the second race the duels between Davies and Eugene Laverty for first place and between Sylvain Guintoli and Sykes for fourth place were just heating up. In fact, the red flag kept the Aprilia Racing Team standard bearers from a direct attack on their rivals at the chequered flag.

   After a difficult Superpole Sylvain Guintoli got off to a good start in both races, immediately gaining positions. After successfully fending off attacks by Giugliano and Camier, Sylvain's race for the podium stopped short at fourth place in Race 1. In the penultimate lap an oil leak caused Rea and Camier to crash, unfortunately injured in the accident, putting an end to the race and deciding the finishing order. Race 2 followed a similar script, at least in the first part. With an excellent start followed by a series of fast laps, the French rider had closed the gap with the leading pack, nipping at Sykes' heels during the final laps. Just as the duel was about to start in earnest, a crash by wild card Smrz with fluids leaking onto the track from his bike put an end to the race a lap early. Thanks to his fifth place finish, Sylvain is now in second place in the rider standings, just one point behind Sykes.

   Sylvain Guintoli: “This was a difficult weekend on a very physical track. In Race 1 I couldn't find my rhythm in the first laps, dropping behind the leaders and having to ride alone, fending off attacks. In Race 2 the changes we made to my RSV4 really worked well. I pushed hard to catch Sykes up and when I did my plan was to attack in the last lap, but unfortunately the red flag stopped the race. My only consolation is that my shoulder responded well. I was able to push hard all the way to the end in both races without serious problems. It hurts now, but as long as I'm on the bike everything is OK. We'll go to Turkey as pursuers, but it's a track that I like where I think I can make a good play for it just as well as the other four or five riders who have proven to be consistently fast”

   It was a double-sided weekend for Eugene Laverty. Starting from the twelfth spot on the grid, the Northern Irish rider also had two good starts. However, his comeback in Race 1 was interrupted in the fourth lap when a crash forced him to head back to the garage. After the damage to his bike was repaired Eugene went back out, ending the race in fifteenth place and earning one point. In Race 2 Eugene unleashed his potential from the start, reaching the podium range within a few laps where he engaged in battle first with Sykes and then with Melandri, overtaking them both and setting his sights on frontrunner Davies. All signs pointed to an assault in the final laps, just when the red flag that ratified a second place finish for Eugene came out.

   Eugene Laverty: “It was a shame about the red flag in Race 2 when I was about to attack Chaz Davies for first place. I'm not saying I would have won it, but I would have had a go. The crash in Race 1 created a bit of a mess. I want to battle for the Championship and mistakes like that one can be costly. When you start so far back on the grid there's a lot more pressure and with that comes the risk of making some mistakes. We definitely will not be able to make any more slip ups for the rest of the season. All told we haven't lost too much ground behind the Championship leaders but we've got a hard battle ahead.”

   Aprilia leads the manufacturer championship with 369 points in front of Kawasaki (341), BMW (321), Honda (201), Suzuki (175), Ducati (144) and Yamaha (4).