MotoGP News - Espargaro 'doesn't know how to push' with KTM on "strange" Friday at Catalan GP
https://ift.tt/2HtI28t KTM's Pol Espargaro admits "I don't know how to push" to make lap time gains at Catalunya owing to the tricky conditions during Friday's MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix practices. The low-grip nature of the Catalunya circuit coupled with high winds on Friday led to a number of complaints from riders about the conditions, with several caught out in crashes during FP1 and FP2. Espargaro was seventh on the combined times after Friday's running, 0.685 seconds off the pace, while team-mate Brad Binder was four-tenths clear in third. The KTM has worked well in the low-grip conditions at Brno in August, with Binder winning the Czech GP and Espargaro on course for a podium before crashing out. But Espargaro says he was unable to understand the limit of grip on his KTM on Friday and felt he was "just cruising" because of the conditions. "Strange and very weird, especially the morning," he said when asked about his day. "We were riding all the morning and FP1 was useless. We did a lot of laps, but for exactly nothing because I didn't learn anything. It was amazingly low grip, spinning a lot, like rain conditions in the dry. "The grip is low, but if you add some cold wind on there, then it's even worse - especially on the front. "I had the feeling that I didn't recognise with two sessions, with quite a lot of laps, where the front limit is, especially on the left-hand side. "I don't feel how much I can push, how late I can brake, how much pad pressure I can do. "For sure, in tomorrow's qualifying I'm going to push and I'm going to find it in FP3 and qualifying, but I'm wondering for the race pace especially because we need to do a lot of laps and I don't have the feeling that I'm getting tired on the bike, that I have input on the bike. "I'm just cruising and really I don't know how to push to make the lap time. "And I'm not happy because of that because I don't understand the situation, and with the wind on the straight I felt it so much. " Binder had similar issues in the morning, branding FP1 a "disaster", but was relaxed about his current race pace as his first day at any new circuit on the MotoGP bike is always a learning process. "Basically the first exit this morning was a disaster, I never got the rear tyre to come back after my first stop," he said. "So that was basically a session wasted, but this afternoon we started on the tyre we saved from this morning. "So straightaway things worked well. "I didn't quite expect the drop so quickly, and when it dropped it took me a few laps to find my feet. "We actually had to come and change the bike a little bit because I kept washing the front as soon as I lost the grip. "So, for the last exit I had the best of both worlds putting in the soft rear tyre and we had improved the setting of the bike. "Always on my first day, it's super difficult to have good rhythm purely because I'm trying different things." Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei September 25, 2020 at 12:03PM
MotoGP News - MotoGP Catalunya Grand Prix qualifying - Start time, how to watch & more
https://ift.tt/36kvVFp MotoGP completes its current triple-header with a trip to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Catalan Grand Prix. Here's how to watch qualifying Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei September 25, 2020 at 11:55AM
MotoGP News - Morbidelli: Yamaha's reduced speed deficit "best news" of Catalan GP Friday
https://ift.tt/3j2RNIR Catalan Grand Prix practice pacesetter Franco Morbidelli says the Yamaha's lessened speed deficit has been the "best news" of Friday's MotoGP running at the Catalunya circuit. All Yamaha riders have struggled with top speed this year, with the M1 regularly the slowest bike through the speed traps across the seven rounds run so far. In July, Morbidelli's Petronas SRT team-mate Fabio Quartararo warned of the troubles Yamaha could face in this area at the Spanish track because of the one kilometre main straight. Typically around 10km/h down on the fastest Ducatis through the speed traps, the Yamahas of Morbidelli and works counterpart Maverick Vinales were under 5km/h down on Friday. This is largely down to the fast third gear final corner masking the M1's acceleration deficit. When asked by Autosport if he was now less worried by Yamaha's top speed deficit, Morbidelli said: "It looks like the layout of the track and the layout of last corner doesn't affect too much top speed. "And this is maybe the best news today." Vinales, who ended Friday fourth overall, four tenths behind Morbidelli, noted that Yamaha riders will still need to qualify well and try and lead from the first lap to maximise their chances of winning owing to the difficulty in overtaking on the M1. "I said yesterday this was not the worst track for the straight because you become from a very fast corner, the last fast corner, and we have good grip out of this corner," Vinales added on the subject. "So, it looks better. But anyway, [the objective] remains the same, we need to start from the front row and push from the first lap." Brake issue thwarts Quartararo's time attack effortQuartararo topped the first session at Catalunya, but ended up sixth on the combined times and some six tenths off of his team-mate's 1m39.789s lap having been unable to complete a time attack at the end of FP2. The SRT rider was halted by a brake issue, though stressed it had nothing to do with the issues he had during the Red Bull Ring double-header. "When we wanted to do the time attack [in FP2], we had a problem with the brakes," he said. "That was not the same problem as in Austria and was something a little bit strange, but honestly I'm so happy about our day because our pace is great and we see that our potential is good." Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei September 25, 2020 at 11:41AM
F1 News - Valtteri Bottas fastest in second Russia practice
https://ift.tt/2G2LO8m Valtteri Bottas set the pace ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second practice at the Russian Grand Prix despite scruffy sessions for both Mercedes drivers. The Finn was top by 0.267secs despite sliding wide at the final corner, while Hamilton abandoned what would have been his own best lap after an error. Hamilton locked a front wheel into Turn 13 and just avoided the barrier. Bottas was a second ahead of Renault's Daniel Ricciardo in third and McLaren's Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. Red Bull appeared to be struggling. Max Verstappen was only seventh fastest after a spin, behind Racing Point's Sergio Perez and 1.5secs off the pace, while his team-mate Alex Albon was a further 0.5secs back in 12th place. Behind Verstappen, the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel were eighth and 10th, sandwiching Renault's Esteban Ocon. Mercedes appeared to be in a league of their own, while Red Bull, usually their closest rivals, appeared to have work to do. Mercedes' advantage was also pronounced on the long runs later in the session. While the session was running, F1 announced that the sport is to have a new boss, confirming the appointment of former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali as president and chief executive officer, starting in January. Chase Carey, the chairman and chief executive since January 2017 when the sport was taken over by US group Liberty Media, will become non-executive chairman. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 25, 2020 at 08:45AM
F1 News - Formula 1: Stefano Domenicali named as sport's new boss
https://ift.tt/366MbcP Former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has been named the new president and chief executive officer of Formula 1. The 55-year-old Italian, currently the chief executive of Lamborghini, will take up his role in January. Chase Carey, F1's chairman and CEO since January 2017, will become non-executive chairman. Domenicali was Ferrari team principal from 2008-14 and has since worked with the VW Audi Group. Domenicali has also been head of the single-seater commission of F1's governing body the FIA, a role he continues to hold. The appointment comes shortly after Carey has sealed the future of the sport for the next five years, having successfully signed up the teams to new contracts and overseen the introduction of a series of new rules, including a budget cap that is being introduced next year. Greg Maffei, the president of F1 owners Liberty Media, said: "Chase has done a phenomenal job leading F1. He assembled a first-class commercial and sporting organisation that has a long list of achievements, including broadening the appeal of the sport, growing its digital presence, establishing new technical regulations, securing a cost cap for the first time and reaching a new more equitable Concorde Agreement with the teams. "His actions have reinforced F1 as the pinnacle of motorsport. "We are excited to welcome Stefano Domenicali as President and CEO of Formula 1. Stefano brings a rich history of success in F1 at Ferrari and the broader auto industry at Audi and Lamborghini." Carey said: "It has been an honour to lead F1. I'm proud of the team that's not only navigated through an immensely challenging 2020 but returned with added purpose and determination in the areas of sustainability, diversity and inclusion. "I'm confident that we've built the strong foundation for the business to grow over the long term." Domenicali said: "I am thrilled to join the Formula 1 organisation, a sport that has always been part of my life. "I was born in Imola and live in Monza. I've remained connected to the sport through my work with the single-seater Commission at the FIA and I look forward to connecting with the teams, promoters, sponsors and many partners in F1 as we continue to drive the business ahead. "The past six years at Audi and then leading Lamborghini have given me broader perspective and experience that I will bring to Formula 1." Domenicali's appointment has been widely welcomed by F1 teams. McLaren said in a statement: "He is the right person to lead the sport into its new era. "Stefano has a rounded view and broad experience at team, manufacturer, regulator, brand and senior leadership levels that equip him well to build on the strong foundations Chase and his team have laid for the sport's continued development and growth." #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 25, 2020 at 08:36AM
F1 News - Stefano Domenicali: Ex-Ferrari boss confirmed as new head of F1
https://ift.tt/3hYvTox Former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali has been appointed as Formula 1's new chief executive. The sport's owners Liberty Media announced that the 55-year-old will take over from Chase Carey in January 2021. The Italian, who left Ferrari in 2014, having been there since 2008, is the chief executive of sports car manufacturer Lamborghini. Carey will move to the role of non-executive chairman. More to follow. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 25, 2020 at 08:30AM
MotoGP News - Catalunya MotoGP: Morbidelli and Zarco lead FP2 times despite crashes
https://ift.tt/2GcLyni Petronas SRT's Franco Morbidelli topped the second practice for the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix despite an early crash, with Avintia's Johann Zarco also recovering from a crash to finish second. Morbidelli took control of the timesheets in the opening five minutes of this afternoon's session, setting the initial pace at a 1m41.143s on his 'A-spec' SRT Yamaha. The San Marino GP race winner improved to a 1m40.672s on his follow-up tour, with his next effort of 1m40.573s standing as the benchmark for much of the session. Morbidelli carried on his run on the medium rear tyre, though it was halted with around 25 minutes of the session left to run after sliding off at the Turn 10 left-hander. The high wind caused havoc in the preceding Moto3 FP2, and several MotoGP riders were caught out during the first 20 minutes of the session. Zarco crashed his Avintia Ducati at the Turn 5 left-hander, while Honda's Stefan Bradl tucked the front of his RC213V going through Turn 2. Morbidelli's time was put under threat by Joan Mir's first flying lap on fresh soft rubber, with the Suzuki rider missing out by 0.062s in the end with under eight minutes to go. Valentino Rossi on the factory Yamaha got even closer on his first time attack effort, guiding his M1 to a lap just 0.002s outside of his protege Morbidelli's best effort. Mir lit up the timing screens on his next lap and took his Suzuki to a 1m40.441s to take over top spot. KTM's Brad Binder was the first rider to dethrone Fabio Quartararo's best from FP1 when he fired in a 1m40.008s to lead the field by four tenths at one stage. But his reign was short-lived, as Morbidelli and Zarco were putting in fastest sectors on their final laps. Morbidelli put in the best effort, a 1m39.789s to end Friday fastest of all ahead of the Ducati rider, who finished 0.109s behind at the chequered flag. Binder completed the top three ahead of Maverick Vinales on the works team Yamaha and LCR's Takaaki Nakagami, ensuring three 2019 bikes occupied top five spots. Mir was shuffled back to sixth ahead of the sister KTM of Pol Espargaro, while Alex Marquez (Honda), Rossi and the second Suzuki of Alex Rins completed the top 10. A late issue for Quartararo meant he was unable to get out for a time attack and ended up 14th on the timesheets. FP2 proved difficult for the GP20-mounted Ducati riders, with Jack Miller (Pramac) almost a second off the pace in 11th, while Andrea Dovizioso was 1.3s adrift of Morbidelli in 18th. Francesco Bagnaia was 20th and Danilo Petrucci 2.4s off the pace in 22nd in last, though only Miller completed a soft tyre run on his GP20. Catalan MotoGP - FP1 results
Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei September 25, 2020 at 08:28AM
F1 News - Valtteri Bottas fastest in first Russia practice
https://ift.tt/307ypms Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas was fastest in an incident-packed first practice session at the Russian Grand Prix. McLaren's Carlos Sainz and Williams driver Nicholas Latifi both crashed, while Alpha Tauri's Daniil Kvyat and Haas' Romain Grosjean spun on the Sochi track. Lewis Hamilton was only 19th fastest after a difficult session for Mercedes caused by both drivers costing themselves running after locking up and damaging their tyres. Renault's Daniel Ricciardo was second ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Bottas set his fastest time on the soft tyres early in the session and then damaged the medium tyre set he fitted next on his first lap. Hamilton, who did not set a time on the soft tyres early in the session, locked up on his first lap on his next set of tyres - hards for him - and said straight away over team radio that they were "done". Bottas' fastest lap was 0.507 seconds quicker than Ricciardo, with Verstappen 0.147secs further back. Sainz and Latifi were unhurt after their incidents, at Turn Seven for the McLaren driver and Turn 10 for the Canadian. Both were similar, the drivers turning in a little too fast with a bit too much car over the kerb and looping into a spin before hitting the barriers backwards. Sainz's incident led to a brief virtual safety car period, while Latifi's brought out the red flag, and the stop-start nature of the session meant the times were less meaningful than usual. The Racing Points of Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll were fourth and fifth quickest from Renault's Esteban Ocon, with Kvyat, Red Bull's Alexander Albon, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and the second Alpha Tauri of Pierre Gasly. McLaren were trying an upgraded nose and front wing on Lando Norris' car, which will not be raced this weekend, while Ferrari had some small aerodynamic upgrades in the area under the nose cone. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 25, 2020 at 04:42AM
Motorcycle News - 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 to Use 1158cc Engine
https://ift.tt/3kJYEqN Ducati is set to introduce a new member of the Multistrada family, powered by a 1158cc version of the Stradale V4 engine. The new model, which we’ll call the Multistrada V4 for lack of a better name, will join the 2021 Ducati lineup alongside the twin-cylinder 1260 and 950 Multistradas. The information comes to us via Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoding documents Ducati submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The documents outlines how the VIN codes for Ducati numbers are defined. According to the VIN decoder, the seventh character represents the engine type. “A” for example, is the Scrambler Sixty’s 399cc air-cooled V-Twin, and “N” is the 1103cc engine used on the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4. The latest engine code is “V” which represents a 1158cc liquid-cooled four-cylinder with four valves per engine. Ducati confirmed the new model was in the works a year ago, saying that “in 2021 the Multistrada family will expand to see the twin cylinder 1260 and 950 motorcycles joined by a version with a new, specific V4 engine.” The 1158cc engine is clearly that new version of the Ducati Stradale V4 engine that will be used for the Multistrada V4. The VIN document doesn’t describe the engine’s performance, but we expect it will be tuned for an adventure-touring application. According to the VIN decoder, the sixth character represents the product line. Letters “A” through “K” (“I” is skipped because it can be too confused for a “1”) are used for model families that we recognize from the existing lineup. “L,” however, denotes a new product line with a placeholder name: “1706 Project,” which we expect will be for the Multistrada V4.
For those not familiar with the nomenclature, Ducati uses a four-digit code for its new projects. The first two digits represent the year the project started, and the last two representing the specific projects for that year. Project 1708, for example, was the codename for the Superleggera V4. Project 1706 would therefore have began in 2017, with development started before work on the Superleggera V4 began. Spy photos of the Multistrada V4 have been popping up over the last year, with a double-sided swingarm, and both wire-spoke and cast wheel versions. We expect the Multistrada V4 will come with adaptive cruise control which Ducati said it will introduce in 2020. Ducati typically announces its new models in November at EICMA, but this year’s show has been called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, we expect Ducati will announce the Multistrada V4, and other 2021 model year updates at around the same time. Check back here on Motorcycle.com for the latest. The post 2021 Ducati Multistrada V4 to Use 1158cc Engine appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO September 24, 2020 at 03:09PM
F1 News - Alex Zanardi shows 'signs of interaction' after road accident
https://ift.tt/2HupFjT Former Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi has shown "signs of interaction" as the Paralympic champion remains in semi-intensive care after a road accident, doctors said on Thursday. In a statement, the San Raffaele hospital in Milan said he "responds with transient and initial signs of interaction with the environment" to visual and acoustic stimuli. Despite Zanardi's significant progress, doctors say it is still too early to make a prognosis because of the "complex overall clinical situation". The statement added that the 53-year-old Italian had recently undergone craniofacial reconstruction after suffering serious head injuries when he lost control of his handbike during a road race in Tuscany and crashed into an oncoming truck on 19 June. "A first intervention has already been successfully performed a few days ago, and a second is already planned for the next few weeks," it said. Zanardi had both his legs amputated after a motor racing accident in 2001 at the Lausitzring track in Germany, and has since become one of the best-known figures in Paralympic sports. He raced for Jordan, Minardi and Lotus in F1 in the early 1990s before switching to the CART championship in the United States where he was series champion in 1997 and 1998. He returned to F1 with Williams in 1999 before heading back to CART. Zanardi won two gold medals at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and four years later won two more in Rio de Janeiro. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 September 24, 2020 at 01:12PM |
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