MotoGP: Motegi back up plan

Following bad weather disruption to the World Championship schedule at Motegi on Friday, which saw all practice sessions of the day cancelled, Race Direction has developed a series of contingency plans in order to ensure that all three classes are able to compete at the AirAsia Grand Prix of Japan.

On Friday, all practice sessions were called off as heavy cloud cover at Twin Ring Motegi meant the medical helicopters could not be operated. On the grounds of safety, the helicopters must be operable in order to cater for any medical emergencies that could arise. This was explained in a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Will Marquez make history this weekend at Phillip Island MotoGP?

The Tissot Australian Grand Prix got underway today with the regular pre-race conference, where this weekend’s possible title contender, Repsol Honda Team’s Marc Marquez, was joined by his main rival, Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo, Repsol teammate Dani Pedrosa, Monster Yamaha Tech3’s Cal Crutchlow, Tuenti HP 40’s Pol Espargaro and Caretta Technology – RTG’s Jack Miller.

2013 Misano MotoGP wrap up

Jorge Lorenzo was able to storm off to a dominant victory at the Misano MotoGP this past weekend. Both the factory Yamaha's looked more competitive with the introduction of their seamless gearbox. Valentino Rossi finished in fourth place but was able to stay closer to the lead pack than in previous races. This bodes well for the closing stages of the season. 

Although Marc qualified on pole, he didn't manage the best of starts and dropped back to 3rd spot. Later on in turn 8 an unforced error saw Valentino slip past and relegate Marquez to fourth spot all the while Dani was in second hanging on to the coat tails of Lorenzo. 

Marc then managed to pass Valentino to regain third spot and then Dani Pedrosa to claim second, however Lorenzo was a bridge too far. 

Marc Marquez still leads the championship by 34 points with five races remaining. Dani and Lorenzo are tied for second spot whilst it is still mathematically possible for Valentino Rossi and Cal Crutchlow to win the championship, however this seems impossible barring serious injury for both Marc and Lorenzo.

The final few races may heat up as Yamaha come to terms with their seamless transmission and perhaps Marquez gets tired of crashing in Free practice and warm up sessions.  As for now, we wait and see. 

MotoGP™ Race Classification 1- Jorge Lorenzo SPA Yamaha 44:05.522 2- Marc Marquez SPA Honda +3.379 3- Dani Pedrosa SPA Honda +7.368 1st CRT 12- Colin Edwards USA FTR Kawasaki +1:03.154

MotoGP: San Marino GP

The 15th of September 2013 will see the MotoGP paddock move to Misano to continue the championship battle. Officially named Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Yamaha and Jorge Lorenzo are feeling confident after the last race where he finished ahead of Marc Marquez on the Repsol Honda. 

Valentino Rossi is also excited to be back at his home GP on a Yamaha where he has experienced 2 premier class MotoGP victories.  

We expect a good battle to be had between the Yamaha and Honda teams respectively. Can Lorenzo hold off a charging Marquez? Will Dani try to pass Marquez? And can Valentino get up to the front runners. We would also like to see the satellite teams provide some good racing as they usually do. What I personally don't want to see is Marc or Jorge storm off into the lead and win the race. 

Circuit information: 

Circuit	Misano
Location	Misano Adriatico, San Marino
Length (m)	4226
Width (m)	14
Turns	16
Turns righ	10
Turns left	6
Pole position	left

Record Lap Time 1'33.906 Rider J.Lorenzo Bike Yamaha Year 2011

Best Lap Time 1'33.138 Rider C.Stoner Bike Honda Year 2011

2012 Results 1st J.Lorenzo (Yamaha): 42'49.836 2nd V.Rossi (Ducati): +4.398 3rd A.Bautista (Honda): +6.055

Valentino Rossi: 

“Misano is next and it is my home Grand Prix and an important weekend. I like the track, I always go fast there, especially with the Yamaha and last year also I was able to do a very good race. In the past I was always on the podium with Yamaha. We will arrive very strong and we will try to do our best.”

Jorge Lorenzo:

“I feel strong again like I was at Montmeló and Mugello before the crash. The performance at Silverstone was really good, the only weak point there was the top speed compared to our rivals, but at last we achieved a great victory against Marc. I thought it was pretty difficult to beat him when he overtook me but finally I could get the win and it was fantastic. Misano is a track I enjoy a lot and also the Yamaha is comfortable there. My next goal is to fight for the victory once more and think race by race, improving our pace step by step.”