MotoAmerica
British Superbike: Race One Results From Brands Hatch

LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider Ryan Vickers took the victory in Bennetts British Superbike Race One Saturday at rainy Brands Hatch. It was Vickers’ career-first British Superbike win.

The race was stopped prematurely due to a red flag brought out by “track contamination,” according to the series’ official website, and because the race did not reach two-thirds distance only half points were awarded.

Lovell Kent Racing Honda’s Danny Kent was the runner-up, and Christian Iddon finished third on his Oxford Products Racing Ducati.

Americans Julian Correa and Eli Banish finished sixth and 12th, respectively, in wet R&G British Talent Cup Race One Saturday at Brands Hatch.

 

Julian Correa (40). Photo by Michael Hallam, courtesy Michael Correa.Julian Correa (40). Photo by Michael Hallam, courtesy Michael Correa.

 

BSB R1

BSB Points after R1

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by MotorSport Vision Racing:

Vickers celebrates first Bennetts BSB win as Kent and Iddon claim first podiums in 2023

Ryan Vickers claimed his first Bennetts British Superbike Championship race win at Brands Hatch this afternoon in the BikeSocial Sprint race as the LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha rider held off Danny Kent before a red flag for track contamination. The race was not restarted and half points were awarded as two-thirds race distance had not been completed.

At the start, championship leader Tommy Bridewell launched into the lead, but Vickers was determined and as the BeerMonster Ducati rider had a big moment, he took advantage and made his move at Stirlings.

Kent was in close contention too and as the leading trio crossed the line for the start of lap three, he was able to get better drive out of Clearways to take second and ease Bridewell back into third place.

Vickers and Kent were controlling the race at the front, with a slight edge over their rivals as the pair, both fighting for their first Bennetts BSB race win, made a break from the chasing pack.

Vickers had a few moments, but he was able to keep Kent at bay, but behind Christian Iddon had moved his way into third and he was bidding to close down the pair. However, the race was red flagged for track contamination, and was not restarted due to track conditions.

That meant Vickers became the sixth different race winner in 2023 Bennetts BSB with Kent and Iddon sealing podiums for the first time this season, making it nine different riders to score top three finishes so far this year and the first in the series for the Lovell Kent Racing Honda team.

Jack Kennedy and the Mar-Train Racing Yamaha team also took advantage of the conditions, with the reigning Quattro Group British Supersport champion celebrating his best result in Bennetts BSB with a fourth place, edging just ahead of Jason O’Halloran and McAMS Yamaha.

Leon Haslam was sixth for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team, meanwhile Bridewell dropped to seventh, but still maintains his championship lead with 26.5 points now separating him from his BeerMonster Ducati teammate Glenn Irwin who finished in tenth place.

Storm Stacey was eighth after a hard-fought performance for Starline Racing Kawasaki ahead of Peter Hickman who led the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team effort.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Brands Hatch, BikeSocial Sprint Race result:

Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) Danny Kent (Lovell Kent Racing Honda) +0.152s Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +2.173s Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) +3.431s Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +4.566s Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team) +4.941s Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) +5.817s Storm Stacey (Starline Racing Kawasaki) +17.412s Peter Hickman (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad) +17.501s Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) +17.814s

Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings:

Tommy Bridewell (BeerMonster Ducati) 221.5 Glenn Irwin (BeerMonster Ducati) 195 Kyle Ryde (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 171.5 Josh Brookes (FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team) 169.5 Leon Haslam (ROKiT BMW Motorrad) 169 Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 138.5 Lee Jackson (Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki) 125 Christian Iddon (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 115 Ryan Vickers (LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha) 113 Jack Kennedy (Mar-Train Racing Yamaha) 85

For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com

Ryan Vickers

LAMI OMG Racing Yamaha

“I am so happy to have taken my first win and I can’t thank the team enough. It is an amazing feeling. There have been times in the last couple of years when I didn’t think winning would happen again, but I had people who believed in me, and with this team and package I am in a really good place.

“It is difficult to know what a rider is doing behind you, especially in the wet as Danny was stronger in some areas, but then I was stronger in others. You don’t know when someone will make a move, but I was riding my own comfortable pace. There was one corner that was tricky, but I was consistent and I just was hitting my markers and was focused on my own race.

“I felt comfortable leading and I felt happier being there, especially in wet conditions. I could see my pit board was +0.1 and it was difficult – I just tried to make no mistakes. We feel in a good place for tomorrow, I need to thank everyone who has supported me as without them over the last few years I wouldn’t be able to experience this amazing moment and I am going to enjoy every minute of it.”

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RADD Motorcycle Designer James Parker, R.I.P.

© 2023, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By Juan Romero:

RADD motorcycle designer James Parker dead at 76

James Parker, the maverick designer who spent a lifetime reimagining the motorcycle, has died at the age of 76. He was struck by a vehicle while walking near his Santa Fe, New Mexico home on July 1st and passed away on July 11th.

After spending his early years in California and India, Parker graduated from Claremont Men’s College and then earned his BA in Design at Stanford University. He joined the Peace Corps, returning to live and work in India, and ultimately settled in Santa Fe upon his return. Beginning in the 1970s, Parker partnered in a custom architectural design and construction firm, creating numerous unique homes in and around Santa Fe.

Parker was a lifetime motorcyclist and ultimately became an influential player in the industry over the course of the last four decades. He founded his company, Rationally Advanced Design Development (RADD), in the early 1980’s to develop and market a revolutionary swingarm front suspension system that reached production in the 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 sport-tourer.

 

James Parker with his GSXRADD, a Suzuki GSX-R1000 with his front suspension system. Photo courtesy Juan Romero.James Parker with his GSXRADD, a Suzuki GSX-R1000 with his front suspension system. Photo courtesy Juan Romero.

 

Parker’s design work spanned an impressive range, from a classic heavyweight American cruiser with an all-new engine design, to the chassis and powertrain layout for the Mission R electric road racer that dominated the 2011 TTXGP/FIM electric motorcycle race at Laguna Seca.

Several of Parker’s prototype machines are on display at the Advanced Design Center at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. When not devoting his time to all things motorcycle, Parker was an avid hiker and outdoorsman who knew the Sangre de Cristo Mountains surrounding Santa Fe better than anyone else in town. James Parker is survived by his sister Cynthia, a nephew and three nieces.

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Canadian Superbike: An Update From Flooded AMP, With Video

© 2023, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By CSBK/Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP):

Editorial Note: Scroll down to see raw drone video footage of the flooding and bridge damage shot by the TSN crew.

 

AMP Update as of Sunday, July 23

Shubenacadie, NS – Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship officials are happy to confirm that progress on ensuring the safe departure of everyone at Atlantic Motorsport Park has officially begun Sunday morning, July 23.

In conjunction with local emergency services, work has started on installing a temporary bridge on the main road in and out of the facility (North Salem Road), which has suffered significant erosion in the wake of extreme rainfall and flooding early Saturday morning.

As this is a difficult and complicated process with no estimated time of completion, CSBK officials stress that no one leaves the facility until work is finished in order to avoid delaying the exit of all involved and/or causing additional unsafe road closures.

CSBK officials will issue an update as soon as it is deemed safe to leave the facility.

This is a customary response in extreme weather scenarios like the one witnessed across Nova Scotia with record rainfall this weekend.

More updates will be provided when the temporary bridge is safely installed, at which point CSBK officials will do all they can to ensure the quick departure of everyone at AMP.

CSBK staff continue to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of everyone at the facility, and thank those for their patience during this process.

 

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ASRA: Schoff-Talley Investment Group Sponsoring Middleweight Shootout

© 2023, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By ASRA:

ASRA MiddleWeight Shoot Out Race updates for 2023, Sponsored by Schoff-Talley Investment Group

New Freedom, PA – The eagerly anticipated ASRA Middleweight Shoot Out Race has new updates for the 2023 season. For the remainder of the 2023 season these races will be sponsored by Schoff-Talley Investment Group.

Schoff-Talley Investment Group, a leading name in the financial industry known for its commitment to supporting local communities, has stepped up as the principal sponsor for this thrilling event. The partnership between ASRA and Schoff-Talley Investment Group exemplifies their shared dedication to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for individuals to engage in their passions.

“We are excited to have Schoff-Talley Investment Group as our principal sponsor for the ASRA Middleweight Shoot Out Race for 2023,” said Alex Spellman, spokesperson for ASRA. “Their support not only demonstrates their commitment to promoting active lifestyles but also highlights the importance of community engagement and camaraderie.”

Registration for the ASRA MiddleWeight Shoot Out Races for 2023 is now open, and enthusiasts from all skill levels are encouraged to participate. For further details and to register, please visit the official ASRA website at www.asraracing.com.

About ASRA: The ASRA (American Superbike Racing Association) is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting active and inclusive sporting events for individuals of all ages. With a mission to foster camaraderie, skill development, and healthy  competition.

About Schoff-Talley Investment Group: Schoff-Talley Investment Group is a family-owned financial planning practice that’s been helping individuals and families with retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, and investing for more than a decade. In 2009, after 17 years with Raymond James – one of the most trusted names in the industry – John Schoff founded Schoff-Talley Investment Group with Tom Talley as an independent branch. Tom has since retired and John’s two sons, Joe and Jeff, have joined the practice, bringing their forward thinking and obsession with research and trend-mapping with them. “Whether you’re planning for retirement, mapping your legacy, or weighing investment options, we can help you build the future you want, without sacrificing your peace of mind in the present. Put our 50+ years of collective industry experience to work for you.”

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Inclement Weather Forces Postponement Of Mini Cup Round At NJMP – MotoAmerica

The Mission Mini Cup By Motul round at New Jersey Motorsports Park, July 15-16, was rained out and has been rescheduled for September 2 at NJMP.
File photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Threats of lightning on Saturday and heavy rains on Sunday at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey, July 15-16, forced MotoAmerica to reschedule what would have been the fourth round of the Mission Mini Cup By Motul series to what will now be the fifth round of the championship at NJMP on September 2.

The September 2 make-up round at New Jersey Motorsports Park will be open to all riders who were signed up to compete in the rained-out July 15-16 round.

“Unfortunately, we encountered the worst weather possible over the weekend with MotoAmerica Mini Cup,” said MotoAmerica Mini Cup series manager Cory Texter. “We did the best we could to get the program in, but Mother Nature wasn’t having it. It’s essential we get this round complete for the riders, so I’m thankful we could come up with a make-up date for those who attended over the weekend. As for the schedule, we will run a practice in the morning, followed by four races.” There are three rounds remaining in the 2023 Mission Mini Cup By Motul Series: August 18-19 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania; September 2 at New Jersey Motorsports Park; and the series finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park, September 22-23.


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formulaone.news
2023 Ford Ranger Raptor First Look: Midsize Truck, Full-Size Aggro


Since the new generation Ford Ranger landed on our shores a few years ago we’ve looked around with jealousy to see this Ranger Raptor offered globally with large fenders, swollen fenders, a lot of space clearance on the ground, as well as a twin turbocharged Diesel engine that has a smoky 369 pounds of torque. If you’re hoping for the particular Ranger Raptor We‘re sorry to say it’s not here, and hasn‘t ever been. But we have good news for you The next one is. In 2023, the Ford Ranger Raptor isn’t only more powerful than the previous model It’s also coming to America. Wait until you receive some of its specifications.

First, that 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 diesel engine is gone. In its place is the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that was which is being redesigned to Ford Performance. In Europe it can produce the equivalent of 284 horsepower as well as 362 pounds of twist. That’s impressive, no doubt. But beware of the ponies the Australian version produces an impressive 392 horsepower and the equivalent of 430 lbs. This is the likely version that we’ll see in the United States, although Ford isn’t revealing U.S. specs just yet. This engine with a performance rating comes with an anti-lag system that is similar to the one found in the European-spec Focus ST. Power is transferred through Ford’s standard 10-speed auto and an all-time four-wheel drive system that includes a two-speed transfer system.



The off-road equipment is remarkable. The required front as well as rear differential lockers are available and there’s an array of customizable different terrain modes, such as Baja mode that allows for speedy desert destruction. In addition, the chassis has been strengthened in all the usual ways to withstand the extreme tensions on the suspension caused by for instance, hitting the rock with a moderate size at 60 mph in the playa. This implies that suspension mountings are strengthened, as are some areas of the frame are around the bed and spare tire are reinforced as have been strengthened as well. The entire frame reinforcements in the photo below and they’re identical to the ones on the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, which has the same frame.

The suspension is comprised of hefty aluminum control arms at the front, as well as an actual axle that has a Watt’s linkage at the back. Ford went back to Fox to purchase 2.5-inch Live Valve internal bypass shock absorbers to handle wheel oscillation penalties. (Interestingly they have a smaller diameter than that of the 3.1-inch units that are in the Bronco Raptor.) Ford states that the Teflon-infused oil in these new shocks decreases friction and the heat that causes performance loss by 50 percent. Ford also promises better road comfort than previous models. The Bottom-Out Control feature offers more force for damping in the final quarter of the travel of the shock to avoid back-slapping slaps that cause spine-rearranging on bump stops.

There’s some significant armor underneath the hood of this truck. 2.3mm steel plates guard weak points beneath at the top of the truck. They extend out from the bumper to give the truck an attractive underbite. The steering, the radiator engine sump, the engine, and differential are all covered.

The most important thing is that the new Ranger Raptor keeps the attractive, Maverick-inspired look and style of its “regular” next-gen Ranger and adds a huge amount of excitement. Be aware that the next-gen Ranger was not originally made specifically for the American market, but was developed to fit the needs of an international-market truck. It’s clear. The latest Ranger is truly a global vehicle, that was designed specifically with U.S. in mind from the start. We believe that the model’s new Ranger Raptor shows that there was a lot of thought that was put into making sure it appeals to buyers from each side of the ocean, people with very different notions about what an ideal pickup is supposed to be. The features you’d expect to see to see are present, including big fenders with the black arched extensions to them, an e-gutter that has the “FORD” logo you could look up from space, a hood, the fender blisters, as well as an aggressive rear end, with two exhausts that are tucked away in a neat way. The side rails and loop on the bed appear to us like more of a European-style aspect, but maybe they’ll be available to us also.

The interior is a lot more contemporary than our Ranger and, evidently, it is very similar to the world-class Ranger we first saw earlier in the year, sporting the usual Raptor accessories: bright Code Orange accents, a sporting steering wheel and bolstered sports seats.

This is the perfect time to inform people that you’re viewing this ROW version, and specifically it’s the U.K. model. Be prepared for the possibility that there are minor differences in the American-market model–head and taillamps, as well as bumpers, can differ for different regions. However, it’s an intimate glimpse of what’s to come which has been verified by Ford, an American-market Ford Ranger Raptor that was designed from scratch with our needs in our minds. It‘s something that you should be excited about.



Author: Rebecka Stuart
Category: Mercedes
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The Ultimate G-Wagon – the AMG G63 Edition 55
















AMG for over 55 years, these three letters have embodied the highest level of performance, exclusivity, as well as the highest driving dynamics in the world. AMG’s G-Class has held an exclusive position within the AMG portfolio for two decades and is the highest level of off-road driving performance. Its status as a cult vehicle is the perfect vehicle to celebrate the 55th anniversary celebration of AMG, the brand that is synonymous with performance and luxury. the Mercedes-AMG G63 “Edition 55.” Elegant details underscore Mercedes-AMG’s promise to provide customers with the best quality and most individuality. Limited to only 55 models across the U.S., the anniversary model will be on sale later in the year.

“From a two-man start-up in 1967 to a state-of-the-art development site including its own engine manufacturing facility for high-performance vehicles and more than 2000 excellently qualified employees in 2022, the success story of Mercedes-AMG over the past 55 years is simply impressive. The same applies to the G-Class, which has remained true to itself for over four decades in the course of its unique career. Its storied history and genuine character makes it the perfect first well-wisher for me on our 55th birthday. And just as the G-Class will lose none of its original character in its future all-electric variant, Mercedes-AMG is also ensuring the hallmark driving performance made in Affalterbach in its electrified future. The departure into the next 55 years of the company’s history will certainly be as exciting and challenging as the task our company founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher set themselves back then,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The Mercedes-AMG 2022 G 64 “Edition 55” is finished in Obsidian Black metallic and features the AMG emblem. 22-inch AMG forged wheels with the cross-spoke shape with a matte grey finish and a high-sheen rim-flange along with AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package II offer visually striking contrast. The cap on the fuel filler in silver-colored chrome with AMG letters further illustrates the attention to detail and quality.

The interior is distinguished by striking black and red elements. Door sill trims made of stainless steel with red-lit AMG letters greet the driver. For a similar look, AMG’s mats in black AMG floor mats made from premium velour have red contrast stitches and “Edition 55” lettering woven in red. Its AMG performance steering wheel made from Microfiber is also a tribute to the event with “AMG” and “55” badges, making this unique model a unique collector’s item. The seats of AMG are finished in Two-tone Nappa Leather in Classic Red/Black. The distinctive atmosphere that the seats provide is completed off with AMG carbon trim that is matte.

It comes with G”Edition” 55 “Edition 55” also includes an individual AMG Indoor Car Cover, constructed of a breathable and tear-resistant synthetic fiber fabric that has an antistatic inner fabric constructed from flannels.

55 Years of Mercedes-AMG story of success

Established in 1967 by two engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher the company has built on its status as an extremely popular sporting and performance car manufacturer with numerous wins in motorsports as well as the development of distinctive road vehicles. The Affalterbach-based firm is a wholly-owned company that is part of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and is the company’s leading sports organization. For each of the more than 2,000 employees the focus is on the brand promise of “Driving Performance,” which unites the core strengths of AMG: cutting-edge technology and a passion for dynamic, emotionally-appealing products.

The present Mercedes-AMG portfolio includes more than 50 cars with the power range ranging of 302 horsepower (AMG CLA 45 Coupe as well as GLA 45) up to 831 hp from system-powered power. This is the very first performance hybrid made by Affalterbach the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Performance. The range of options spans from high-performance models with a variety of body styles , to completely independent sports cars, such as the Mercedes-AMG GT 4 Door Coupe, and the brand newly launched Mercedes-AMG SL. The powertrain lineup has been continually refined to meet market demands as well as the wishes of customers. It currently , it offers efficient combustion engines that have the option of four, six and eight-cylinders. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG is consistently pursuing the direction towards what is the Future of Driving Performance: under the name E PERFORMANCE and performance hybrids are made available with a drive layout that is independent and technology that is derived of Formula 1. The range also includes electric AMG EQS along with EQE derivatives that are based of the company’s “EVA2” platform. The near-term future will see fully independently designed battery electric AMG models will be added that will be built on a completely new electrical design (AMG.EA) which was created entirely within the company.

With 145,979 vehicles sold globally in 2021, and a growth rate in the amount of 16.7 per cent, Mercedes-AMG has started the anniversary year with the highest number of vehicles.

Over the course of two decades, G-Class’s high-performance.

The first production version of an AMG version from the G-Class was introduced in 1999 worldwide to celebrate its 20th year anniversary as an legendary off-road vehicle. G 55 AMG G 55 AMG marked the start of a new extremely successful chapter in the G-Class’s history. G 55 AMG’s 5.5-liter naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine that had triple valve technology as well as dual ignition created 349 horsepower and 387 pounds of torque at 3000 RPM. In 2004, the model with high-performance was upgraded to a stronger V8 turbocharged motor that produced 469 horsepower. Another notable event was the launch of the G 65 AMG. Its V12 engine of 621 horsepower produced a staggering 738 lb-ft of torque.

The new Mercedes-AMG G 63 continues the successful story. Its distinctive position among high-performance SUVs is supported by its strong engine, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with AMG-specific driving software and the luxurious interior. Its Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine has 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. 40:60 ratio all-wheel-drive with three locking differentials, a quick-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission dual-wishbone front suspension, and adjustable damping that can be adjusted to meet the AMG brand promises to provide “Driving Performance” on- and off-road.



Author: Rebecka Stuart
Category: Williams
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Onboard the #51 LIVE race action at 24H of Le Mans 2024 | Ferrari Hypercar Part 1






Follow along with Car #51 for uninterrupted LIVE race action from a driver’s POV at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

#Ferrari499P #FerrariHypercar #WEC #LeMans24

📌 Subscribe to watch all the latest #Ferrari videos:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ferrari?sub_confirmation=1



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Author: Rebecka Stuart
Category: Ferrari
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Suzuki ready for MotoGP season


After a long wait of just under four months, the 2022 MotoGP
™
season is about to kick off in Qatar. Team Suzuki Ecstar’s riders, Joan Mir and Alex Rins, will debut their new GSX-RR in ‘racing mode’ following two useful and successful tests in Malaysia and Indonesia last month.

Losail International Circuit, just outside the Qatari capital of Doha, has become the regular location for the season opener ever since 2007. It’s well known for its desert location and spectacular formation of 3600 lighting structures which illuminate the season’s only night race.

Mir has enjoyed success at the circuit in the past, winning in 2017 in the Moto3
™
class, and taking a strong fourth last year.

Rins’ last two appearances here have seen him take fourth and sixth, and it’s a track he feels comfortable at.

Team Suzuki Ecstar will take on this first round of 2022 under new leadership from freshly-appointed Team Manager, Livio Suppo, and the Italian is keen to get stuck in straight away as the team take to the track in anger for the first time since last November.

Losail Circuit has the record for the closest Top 15 ever in the premier class MotoGP
™
era, set in 2019 when 15.093 seconds separated the winner and the rider in 15th.

Joan Mir:

“Starting the season in Qatar is fantastic, it’s what we always think of when we think about the opening round! The darkness and the lights make it a very special race with a different atmosphere compared to everywhere else. I have been taking time in this break to rest but also to train very hard, and the team have done a great job all winter, this weekend we’ll begin our work with Livio, so I feel ready to start!”

Alex Rins:

“I like visiting Qatar, as soon as you arrive you know you’re about to start another adventure and another new season! I can feel that the 2022 GSX-RR has a lot of potential and I’m eager to go on track for the first time on Friday. We will welcome our new Team Manager into the team this weekend, and I can’t wait to work all together.”







Livio Suppo – Team Manager:

“I’m very excited to start working with the Suzuki Ecstar team – Joan, Alex, and the whole crew. Of course, I will do my best to come back to the paddock and adapt as quickly as possible to the team and their way of working, I’m looking forward to starting. However, I’d like to underline that it’s important this weekend to try and give some smiles for a few hours to the people who are suffering in these moments. And good luck to everybody. Let’s make sport, not war!”
Suppo also told Crash.net:

“The team is there, the bike is there, the riders are there. The atmosphere is very good and I think again this is thanks to the job that Davide has done. So my target is to try and keep at least this level of harmony and see if there is something in my experience I can bring to the team.

“I’ve known Sahara-san for a long time, even before Suzuki left MotoGP after the 800 era, because he was there in the MSMA when I was in Ducati. So I know a little bit his character. I know very well Manuel Cazeaux, the chief technician of Alex Rins, because we worked together in Ducati and had a good relationship with him and I trust him, I know he’s a guy I like a lot.

“The details make a difference. It won’t be a revolution. It’s not that because I’m here Suzuki will instantly be stronger. It’s impossible. But hopefully it will be easier for everybody to work in Suzuki. This is my target.”

Suppo on Joan Mir and Alex Rins:

“I’ve always been lucky in my career in MotoGP because I’ve always worked with super strong riders since the beginning with Troy and Loris at Ducati. I think Joan and Alex are two of the strongest riders out there.

“The machine is also good for sure. They won the title two years ago and without the crash for Alex at Jerez probably could have been possible to do a one-two for Suzuki in 2020.

“As I think Sahara-san said, when you have two strong riders like Joan and Alex the priority is to keep them on board, because it’s not easy to replace them.

“But on the other side, maybe this is because I’m getting older, if the MotoGP paddock could come back to what we did 15-20 years ago and wait until a little bit longer in the season to take any decisions this could be good for the sport.

Shinichi Sahara – Project Leader & Team Director:

“In the pre-season test sessions, we felt progression with our bikes with some updates from the Hamamatsu factory. Those new items have been put into play by the Team, and both Joan and Alex adapted very quickly during the winter. Joan is Joan, he is one of the best riders and super motivated. Alex showed speed and consistency in the winter testing that worried all his rivals. So, I can say we are ready and in very good shape. But I also think we still have some room for another step of improvement to be even stronger in terms of bike performance and team management. The factory in Hamamatsu never stop developing and pushing, and we also plan on some further updates for the GSX-RR during the season. Our new Team Manager, Livio Suppo, will also reinforce the team’s performance. I’m quite confident his knowledge and experience will bring extra strength to us. Now what we should do for the race weekend is keep our heads cool to avoid any mistakes, we are ready!”



Author: Rebecka Stuart
Category: Red Bull
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After tests, how do the Formula 1 teams stack up for 2022 #f1


Tweet storm from MetroSport:
The new #F1 season gets underway at Bahrain this weekend, but which teams look quick, and who has work to do?We analysed each team’s performances in pre-season to see how they could rank going into the season
👇

🧵

10. Alfa Romeo
🔴

⚪

Much will depend on the performance of the Ferrari engine Alfa Romeo runs, but the team has been consistently dropping backwards for the past few years and the faster times they set were likely done on low fuel.
Image

9. Williams
🔵

Williams lost an entire day of testing due to the FW44 catching fire. Aside from that, the Williams seemed pretty reliable and Alex Albon in particular put in some solid long runs, but there was nothing to suggest especially strong pace from the FW44 in Bahrain.
Image

8. Alpine
🔵

Alpine have arguably the most difficult performance level to judge, as they are the only squad running the Renault engine.

The car moved up the laptime rankings on the final day but, their package overall didn’t seem to have any standout performance strengths.
Image

7. Aston Martin
🟢

The AMR 22 looked a little heavy at times in Bahrain, with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll locking up fairly consistently.

Nothing in Bahrain suggested they have taken a significant step forward just yet.
Image

6. Haas
🔴

⚫

Haas flirted with the top of the timesheets a couple of times, but those runs were likely done to garner potential sponsor interest.

Still, they seems to have built a car which is capable of impressive one-lap pace, though reliability will be the main concern.
Image

5. Alpha Tauri
🔵

⚪

From the top of the midfield down, it is difficult to separate the teams.

Alpha Tauri, though, appears to be towards the higher end with the AT03 seeming to deliver solid performance across multiple run programs and on each compound of tyre.
Image

4. McLaren
🟠

Front brake disk issues cost McLaren a significant amount of running this time around, and need to be resolves as quickly as possible.

The MCL36 has strong potential, but its reliability concerns drop it a touch below the front runners for now.
Image

3. Mercedes

Though Mercedes almost always talk themselves down before showing excellent performance once the season starts, their complaints this time around seem genuine.

They seem capable of challenging for the podium right now, but are off the pace of the front two.
Image

2. Ferrari
🔴

The F1-75 was very consistent on each tyre compound and demonstrated great pace on all six days of testing, with both drivers seeming assured behind the wheel.

If Ferrari can keep pace with developments, they could even challenge for the drivers’ championship.
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1. Red Bull

Red Bull’s RB18 no longer seems to suffer from any porpoising and looks glued to the tarmac through the corners, making it a very comfortable package for drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to handle
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🟡

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They look like the team to beat this weekend.
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Who do you think looks likely to start the season fastest, and which team might struggle most?


Author: Rebecka Stuart
Category: Mercedes
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