Cycle News Staff | September 3, 2023
Sunday MotoGP
Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) made history at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya as he led a historic Aprilia 1-2 over the line. Teammate Maverick Viñales led for much of the race before being caught, stalked and then passed by his teammate, but it marked a milestone day for the Noale factory. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) completed the podium.
Before that, drama on a first start saw a multiple-rider crash at Turn 1, right before a highside out the lead for reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team). Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) couldn’t avoid the #1 fully but after examination at the medical center and the General Hospital of Catalunya, Bagnaia was confirmed to have suffered no fractures in the incident.
Unfortunately, teammate Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) was found to have injured his hand and ankle in the Turn 1 crash, and he was penalized for his part in the incident too. Bagnaia’s highside and the incident at Turn 1 saw the Red Flag come out and the race restart with neither lining up on the grid.
As the lights went out for the first time, Bastianini went a bit too hot into Turn 1 and had nowhere to go as the field tipped in. The Italian caught the rear end of Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) seeing them both go down and ending in a multi-rider pile-up at the Turn 1 gravel trap, including Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) and both Gresini machines of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Just seconds later Bagnaia’s crash happened just a few meters ahead. On the exit of Turn 2 the Italian highsided out, with most avoiding both man and machine and only Binder caught up, also crashing out. That confirmed a red flag for the first start as both Bagnaia and Bastianini were then taken to the medical center.
With pole position empty and no Bagnaia, Martin took the holeshot this time around but Viñales came out the blocks guns blazing too, hitting the front quickly with a firm first-lap move. The number 12 led the way ahead of Martin, with Aleix Espargaro sitting in third with his hands full with Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team).
Viñales began to stretch out a few bike lengths on Martin as Aleix Espargaro was determined to make sure his teammate didn’t break away and proceeded to push his way past Martin with 21 laps to go. Oliveira then decided to strike whilst the iron was hot and followed, moving up into third to create a historic Aprilia 1-2-3.
Lap by lap, Aleix Espargaro bridged the gap to his teammate, stalking him once he arrived on the scene.
Just behind, Oliveira was unable to hold onto the factory duo, and the Portuguese rider started to fade back into the clutches of Martin. The Pramac rider pounced on the RNF machine with 14 laps remaining.
After piling on the pressure, Aleix Espargaro then dropped back a few tenths after a mistake with 12 laps to go. But the number 41 dug back in and inched his way back onto the rear wheel of Viñales up ahead, setting up another shot at taking over in front.
With four laps to go, Aleix Espargaro then made his move. Side by side along the main straight, he then pounced on Maverick at Turn 1 and parked his RSGP up this inside of the #12. Brutal, fair, or both at once, Viñales was sent wide and through the long lap loop as Aleix pulled away in the lead.
The roles were now reversed, with Viñales on the back foot once back on track and looking to home back in on the lead. It looked impossible, then implausible, but by the final lap the number 12 was starting to get close enough to cause his teammate a sweat if he’d had a rear view mirror. But the metres were running out, and Aleix Espargaro kept it cool and collected under the pressure to shoot over the line and make some serious amends for his 2022 lap count mistake. Viñales, although not on the top step, made it a truly historic day for Aprilia as he came up just 0.377s short in second for that 1-2.
Martin crossed the line in a lonelier third place, off the Aprilias but ahead of his teammate Johann Zarco two seconds back in fourth. Oliveira slipped down to fifth place by the time the chequered flag came out, with a battle for sixth place being won by Alex Marquez a further 3 seconds back.
The Spaniard got the better of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who finished in seventh and eighth respectively. Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) bagged P9 with a last gasp move on Fabio Di Giannantionio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who rounded out the top 10.
Luca Marini won a duel against teammate Bezzecchi for P11, just ahead of Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). Binder was a notable retirement, suffering a technical issue and DNF after the restart.
2023 Catalunya MotoGP—Sunday MotoGP
1 |
Aleix Espargaro |
(Aprilia Racing) |
|
2 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+0.377 |
3 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+2.831 |
4 |
Johann Zarco |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+4.867 |
5 |
Miguel Oliveira |
(CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team) |
+7.529 |
6 |
Alex Marquez |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP™) |
+10.590 |
7 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+10.821 |
8 |
Jack Miller |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+10.880 |
9 |
Augusto Fernandez |
(GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) |
+12.889 |
10 |
Fabio Di Giannantonio |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP™) |
+13.280 |
Sunday Moto2
Jake Dixon (Asterius GASGAS Aspar Team) showed he means business in the title fight as he put in a Moto2™ masterclass to take victory at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. The Brit was involved in a race-long tussle with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), but Acosta dropped back from the podium fight as Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) emerged in a late charge to take third in the closing stages.
The lights went out in Barcelona and it was Dixon who held the lead through the first sector from pole. The Brit led the opening laps as he had Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp) and Canet for company. Gonzalez then took over the lead with 17 laps remaining whilst Acosta was climbing up the order after starting from ninth on the grid.
Acosta joined the leading trio with twelve laps to go. Canet then took the lead from Gonzalez into Turn 1 as Acosta snatched third from Dixon. However, it wasn’t long before the Championship leader made his move on Gonzalez with Dixon following pursuit shortly after.
Whilst the top three continued to scrap it out, Gonzalez had fallen into the clutches of Arenas, who demoted his compatriot to fourth and latched on to the leading trio.
The gloves were off with five laps remaining as Acosta, Canet and Dixon swapped and changed positions. Acosta then began to fade as the Spaniard dropped back to fifth behind Gonzalez and Arenas, but it soon went from bad to worse for the Championship leader as the Spaniard ran off at Turn 1 and was forced to run go through the long lap loop and rejoin behind Sergio Garcia (Pons Wegow Los40), down in sixth.
The group had stretched out on the penultimate lap as Dixon led Canet, with Arenas in a distant third, and as the last lap started, it was clear it would be a straight shoot-out for victory between Dixon and Canet.
The Brit went defensive into Turn 1 as he could feel the Spaniard breathing down his neck, and held it round the first sectors. He also had his line covered into Turn 10 as they barrelled into the final sector, with Canet then getting squiggly and losing a few metres. The Spaniard seemed to consider a move at the final corner, but Dixon had it covered once again for a second Grand Prix win.
Canet was forced to settle for second, with Arenas taking third and that first podium in the class. Garcia made serious progress to make it up to fourth, with Gonzalez then managing to fend off Acosta for fifth. The Championship leader took sixth.
Closest rival Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team), however, concluded a tougher weekend with no points. Acosta now leads the Italian by 22 points with Dixon another 22 back in 3rd.
2023 Catalunya Moto2—Race
1 |
Jake Dixon |
(Asterius GasGas Aspar Team) |
|
2 |
Aron Canet |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+ 0.205 |
3 |
Albert Arenas |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+ 1.027 |
4 |
Sergio Garcia |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+2.258 |
5 |
Manuel Gonzalez |
(Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp) |
+ 2.662 |
6 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+ 3.664 |
7 |
Ai Ogura |
(IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) |
+ 4.239 |
8 |
Alonso Lopez |
(Beta Tools SpeedUp) |
+ 4.314 |
9 |
Sam Lowes |
(Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) |
+ 4.607 |
10 |
Celestino Vietti |
(Fantic Racing) |
+ 8.729 |
Sunday Moto3
Moto3™ delivered an absolute barnstormer in Barcelona as there was action everywhere you looked on the final lap, and plenty of drama too. David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team) took the spoils by just 0.076s after an incredible final corner overtake saw three riders squeezed up onto the apex, with Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) taking second but bringing home 20 crucial points as Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) crashed out earlier on the last lap.
Classified third, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) picked up his first Grand Prix podium after a final corner clash ahead saw Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) make contact with David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), earning the Turkish rider a penalty dropping him from P3 to P12. Amidst it all, Ayumu Sasaki’s (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) podium run may have come to an end as he took P4… but given Holgado’s crash the Japanese rider is now just 13 points off the top.
Öncü took the holeshot as he snatched the lead from Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) into Turn 1. Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing Pruestel GP) stayed firm in P3 at first, until Masia eagerly pushed his way through as they barrelled into the final sector for the first time.
It didn’t take long for Masia to take the lead as he slotted up the inside of Öncü with 16 laps remaining to lead the freight train, and the battle for victory began to take shape with a gaggle of riders snapping at the Leopard rider’s heels.
The group proceeded to swap paintwork and bang handlebars as a mix of fresh talent and proven Moto3™ big hitters got their elbows out. Holgado hit the front with 12 laps to go and a pattern began to form as Öncü, Masia, and Holgado consistently kept themselves in the top 3 despite challenges from the chasing pack.
Alonso, Muñoz, and Rueda all fancied their chances as they kept themselves consistently in the hunt, making some big moves in the leading group, with Sasaki the key player in the title fight looking set to lose ground – at that point.
Holgado led across the line to begin the last lap before Masia charged through from fourth to the lead, but when the last sector came around, the gloves came off as chaos unfolded. They were four abreast down into the hard braking Turn 10, and Masia defended as Alonso, Muñoz, and Öncü were all looking for a way through.
Masia ran wide allowing Alonso and Muñoz past, meaning it was all down to the final corner. But disaster then came for Holgado as he lost the at front Turn 10, with his title rivals still very much in the leading battle.
Back at the front, Muñoz led into the last turn as they went three abreast into a corner once deemed impossible to make an overtake. Now, it was going to be a double.
Alonso dived up the inside of Muñoz as Masia also tried to squeeze through, and both riders did make it stick. Alonso came out on top and held the victory to the line ahead of Masia. But just behind came the drama.
After losing out in those moves, Muñoz lost drive onto the front straight and Öncü was coming through the final corner. The Turk kept in pinned and then made contact with Muñoz… seeing the Spaniard bumped off and out into the gravel on the outside of the corner. Rider ok, drama still not done. Öncü crossed the line in 3rd but a 6s penalty for the last-corner incident demoted the number 53 to 12th place… promoting Rueda, who’d been right on their tail, to his first Grand Prix podium.
Behind all that came Sasaki, who was ultimately classified fourth to move within just 13 points of Holgado’s lead, and a little further back, Masia moves above Öncü.
2023 Catalunya Moto3—Race
1 |
David Alonso |
(GasGas Aspar Team) |
|
2 |
Jaume Masia |
(Leopard Racing) |
+0.076 |
3 |
Jose Antonio Rueda |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.234 |
4 |
Ayumu Sasaki |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+0.289 |
5 |
Stefano Nepa |
(Angeluss MTA Team) |
+0.401 |
6 |
Riccardo Rossi |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+0.524 |
7 |
Kaito Toba |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+0.680 |
8 |
Tatsuki Suzuki |
(Leopard Racing) |
+0.967 |
9 |
Ryusei Yamanaka |
(GASGAS Aspar Team) |
+1.060 |
10 |
Ivan Ortola |
(Angeluss MTA Team) |
+1.125 |
2023 Catalunya MotoGP News—Saturday
Roberts to join the American Racing Team
Joe Roberts will return to the American Racing Team in Moto2 for 2024 after a three-year stint in the Italian Italtrans team.
The Californian enjoyed the best year of his career riding for American Racing in 2020, when he scored his maiden podium at Brno and finished seventh overall. Now he’s decided to reunite with former personal manager Eitan Butbul and Race Director John Hopkins.
“We had a great season together in 2020 and feel we can bring that magic back again next season so I’m looking forward to continuing what Eitan, John, Avner (Kass – co-owner), and I started,” said Roberts.
“We both feel that we have unfinished business and it’s time to get together and fight for the 2024 championship,” said Butbul of the move. “I know that Joe is in the best shape of his career, and it feels great to see him coming back home to the team. With this combination, we believe we can make America great again!”
The team has ended its relationship with Sean Dylan Kelly following a disagreement on when he should return to action after serious surgery to alleviate a persistent arm pump issue.
Riders convening beyond Safety Commission
The full MotoGP grid met on Thursday evening at the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya to discuss how they could work together for common needs. The meeting took place after many were left unhappy by Race Direction’s handling of a wet session at Silverstone, which they felt should have been red-flagged.
Riders were cautious when discussing the meeting, but it appears they wanted to present a united front of certain issues that aren’t to their liking. “I think it was necessary to have us all together after Silverstone, in FP2 and the (lack of) red flag, we were quite angry,” said Aleix Espargaro. “Marc (Marquez) came to my motorhome to speak and talk a little bit but it was difficult to talk with the other riders to know how they felt.
“So, I thought it was necessary to have a group together on WhatsApp and to do the first meeting. There was no particular thing to talk about, but it was necessary and it was good. The communication is the base of everything.”
Pons closes Moto2 team
2024 will be a new era in the Moto2 World Championship after Sito Pons announced his withdrawal from the class at the close of this campaign. The former double 250cc World Champion was a mainstay in the class since its inception in 2010, and won the Championship in 2013 with Pol Espargaro.
“The decision made was that we were going to stop Moto2 because of the age, the time, the responsibility of a team for so many years,” Pons explained. In an unexpected twist he was announced as RNF Aprilia’s new Chief Revenue Officer.
“MotoGP is a category that has a global vision,” said Pons. “It’s not the same as being in Moto2. We take a very important step forward. Wilco (Zeelemberg) is the team’s team manager. I will be more involved in the team’s strategic sporting decisions.”
Saturday MotoGP Sprint Race
Local hero Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) sealed victory in the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya Tissot Sprint with a storming ride at the front, becoming the sixth different Saturday winner of the season so far. The “Captain” got the better of pole position holder Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the World Championship leader had no answer for the flying Aprilia ahead, instead forced to defend against the next one: Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). The number one plated Ducati was the meat in the Aprilia sandwich but just held on to deny Aprilia a 1-2 as Viñales looked for a way through on the final lap.
Tensions were rocketing as the grid got off onto their warm lap with spots of rain beginning to threaten the Catalan GP Tissot Sprint. Wet bikes were being prepared but the time had come for lights out and there was no looking back now. The weather, luckily, held firm.
As the lights went out, it was a clean start for Bagnaia and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), and Bagnaia defended the lead from pole as, nevertheless, the two Aprilias fended off the fast-starting Pramac machine. Viñales almost immediately shot through into second past Martin, and Bagnaia, Viñales, Espargaro was the order as they crossed the line for the first time. Espargaro then took over from his teammate at Turn 1 though, the Captain beginning his charge.
Bagnaia powered on though, the odd drop of rain not affecting the track conditions. But the number 41 Aprilia was soon locked on and the duo began to pull away from the rest of the field.
Viñales was initially left to defend 3rd place as Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) were snapping at the Spaniard’s heels.
With six laps to go, it was game on in Barcelona as Aleix Espargaro attacked for the lead. And he took it, immediately putting the hammer down in an attempt to break away from the Ducati. Bagnaia had no answer as the Aprilia stretched out half a second in one lap, doing a Bagnaia – of late – on Bagnaia.
Espargaro proved to be untouchable at the front as he went on to take the Sprint victory by just under two seconds, putting down a pace that not even the reigning World Champion could match. He had his hands full elsewhere.
Viñales was catching the Championship leader as the laps ticked down, and he was bringing Binder with him. Sure enough, Bagnaia fell into the clutches of the chasing Viñales with two laps remaining as it became a Ducati vs Aprilia scrap for 2nd place.
As the last lap arrived, Viñales was riding pillion to Bagnaia as he desperately looked for a way through. Bagnaia put in an incredible defensive performance, however, and was simply too strong on the brakes to allow the Aprilia a chance. He did consider it at the final corner, but no dice.
Binder did all he could to stay in the fight but found himself eight-tenths back from the top three by the time the chequered flag dropped.
Slightly further back, Martin bagged P5 after an eventful Sprint. The Spaniard pushed his way past Oliveira after dropping down the field early on following a run off round Turn 2. Oliveira took sixth, and will be gunning for more on Sunday.
Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing), meanwhile, was almost two seconds back from Oliveira in P7, but he nabbed that late as he pulled a VR46 on Mooney VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi at the final corner.
Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) picked up the final Sprint point in P9, as the Italian made some more steps back towards his brilliant best.
One early moment saw Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) come together in a mid-pack sandwich at Turn 1, with MM93 winning out and the latter duo sent wide. Alex Marquez came back to P10, just ahead of Marc.
2023 Catalunya MotoGP Results—Sprint Race
1 |
Aleix Espargaro |
(Aprilia Racing) |
|
2 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+1.989 |
3 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+2.040 |
4 |
Brad Binder |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+2.857 |
5 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+4.341 |
6 |
Miguel Oliveira |
(CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) |
+4.940 |
7 |
Johann Zarco |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+6.746 |
8 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Mooney VR46 Racing Team) |
+6.888 |
9 |
Enea Bastianini |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+8.068 |
10 |
Alex Marquez |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP™) |
+10.380 |
Saturday Moto2
It was a pole position to remember for Jake Dixon (Asterius GASGAS Aspar Team) as the Brit flew his way to the top with a 1:44.089, enough to deny Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) by less than a tenth. Rounding out the top three was Ai Ogura (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), with Championship Leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) down in ninth and closest rival Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) failing to make it to Q2.
It all got very intense very quickly in the closing stages of the session as red sectors came flying in from every direction. There was a lap cancelled for Acosta which would have put him inside the top five, and Dixon was following Acosta on that very lap as he set the pole position time with two minutes remaining. Strong efforts came in from Canet and Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp), but no one was able to better the Brit’s time.
Gonzalez just missed out on the front row by only 0.001s as he’s set to head Row 2 ahead of Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up). Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) will head Row 3 in P7 and will be joined by Sergio Garcia (Pons Wegow Los40) and Acosta, with Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP) rounding out the top 10.
2023 Catalunya Moto2 Results—Qualifying
1 |
Jake Dixon |
(Asterius Gasgas Aspar Team) |
1:44.089 |
2 |
Aron Canet |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+ 0.095 |
3 |
Ai Ogura |
(Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) |
+ 0.125 |
4 |
Manuel Gonzalez |
(Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) |
+ 0.126 |
5 |
Albert Arenas |
(Red Bull KTN Ajo) |
+ 0.181 |
6 |
Fermin Aldeguer |
(Speed Up Racing) |
+ 0.187 |
7 |
Alonso Lopez |
(Speed Up Racing) |
+ 0.255 |
8 |
Sergio Garcia |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+ 0.285 |
9 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull Ktm Ajo) |
+ 0.285 |
10 |
Barry Baltus |
(Rw Racing Gp) |
+ 0.330 |
Saturday Moto3
Saturday at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya saw Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) return to glory as an intense last-minute rush ended with the Spaniard taking his debut pole with a late 1:48.205. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) bagged 2nd place with Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing Pruestel GP) taking a much-welcomed front row.
The timing screens lit up with red sectors at the sight of the chequered flag as the usual Moto3™ shenanigans saw the riders leave it until the very last minute to put in their flying laps. There was a big reshuffle as the mad rush for pole position was underway, and it was Ortola who won that battle as he took his maiden pole.
On the second row, it was Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) who snatched the front spot with Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) and Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing) joining him in 5th and 6th. Rookie Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was looking strong and snapped up P7, ahead of Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) and Kaito Toba (SIC58 Squadra Corse) in 8th and 9th. Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) rounds out the top 10.
It wasn’t a great day in the office for the Championship Leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) who could only manage P11 and will be looking for more on Sunday. And likewise Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) in P13… just behind Silverstone winner David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team).
2023 Catalunya Moto3 Results—Qualifying
1 |
Ivan Ortola |
(Angeluss Mta Team) |
1:48.205 |
2 |
Deniz Öncü |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.304 |
3 |
Joel Kelso |
(CFMOTO Racing PruestelGP) |
+0.358 |
4 |
Jaume Masia |
(Leopard Racing) |
+0.436 |
5 |
Matteo Bertelle |
(Rivacold Snipers Team) |
+0.449 |
6 |
Tatsuki Suzuki |
(Leopard Racing) |
+0.538 |
7 |
Jose Antonio Rueda |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.553 |
8 |
Stefano Nepa |
(Angeluss MTA Team) |
+0.699 |
9 |
Kaito Toba |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+0.727 |
10 |
Ricardo Rossi |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+0.826 |
2023 Catalunya MotoGP News—Friday
Aprilia close to perfection
Aprilia team-mates Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales enjoyed a considerable advantage on their rivals on Friday, ending the crucial Practice session first and second. While Espargaro was under his own lap record to set the fastest time, it was their rhythm which put them ahead. “They’re on another level at the moment,” said Marco Bezzecchi.
Asked to explain why the RS-GP was working so well here, Espargaro said, “The Aprilia is the best bike on the grid, for me, when you can release the brake and rush into the apex of the corner. The consequence is that we can accelerate better because we are 4, 5, 6kph faster in the apex so that helps a little bit the traction. Yes, the traction is good but I think the bike – when you don’t have to stop at zero like in Austria – you can release the front brake and it’s amazing at 65 degrees how fast you can turn with it. It’s crazy.”
Barcelona track surface called into question
As is now customary, it didn’t take long for the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya’s track surface to be called into question. Last resurfaced in 2018, MotoGP riders across the board complained of a lack of grip, with some calling for a new surface altogether.
Reigning World Champion Pecco was the most vocal. “I think this track is over the limit by two/three years,” he said. “It is already very slippery and a bit dangerous in some parts because you can’t find the traction. You are there spinning a lot and you cannot find the traction. It’s impossible to manage it actually if you want to go fast. For me they really have to consider to resurface the asphalt if they want us back here.”
Morbidelli poised for Pramac seat
After Marco Bezzecchi confirmed he will be staying in the VR46 Ducati team next year, it appears Franco Morbidelli will be the main beneficiary: the Italian will move from the ailing Yamaha squad to ride a GP24 in the Pramac squad.
Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti said, “There is really only one person on the list for Pramac, Franco Morbidelli. We are in talks”. The Italian expressed disappointment that Bezzecchi didn’t want to move up, and said the two-time MotoGP race winner will remain in their thoughts for 2025.
Friday MotoGP
Friday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has set the stage for a potential stunner at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya! Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) had the bit between his teeth in Practice as he put down a stunning 1:38.686 to lead the field by 0.362s on his home hunting ground. His teammate Maverick Viñales made it an Aprilia 1-2 on Day 1 too, and the number 12 pulled off quite a save on his way to second overall. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was in hot pursuit however, as he kept the Noale manufacturer in his sights, finishing 3rd but just 0.013s shy of Viñales.
With Friday afternoon’s Practice session deciding who goes through to Q2, the riders spent the majority of the session working on their race packages before turning up the wick for their late time attacks.
The top 10 go through to Q2, and it was a mad rush as the soft tyres went in with fifteen minutes to go. The times then really began to tumble and it was a late charge in the final moments that saw Aleix Espargaro crush the hearts of his competitors as he became the first rider of the weekend to put down a 1:38s lap – a new record.
Both Bagnaia and Viñales spent their fair share on the top spot as the fast laps came in from every direction, but neither could get the better of the number 41.
Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) was one of those threatening the top spots as well. Red sectors and a superb final split saw the Frenchman hit the top towards the end until he was bumped down to P4 ahead of a late-charging Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who completes the top five.
It was looking as if Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) had something up his sleeve when the soft rubber went in, but the Italian was unable to compete with the flurry of fast laps and found himself almost a second adrift of the top spot in P7, just behind Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), who heads through to Q2 in sixth.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) bagged an important top 10 in P8 as he snapped up a Q2 spot. The Italian’s race pace is looking strong as well. As the clock dipped under 40 minutes remaining, the Gresini rider had been sat at the top of the timing screens with a strong run of low 1:40s.
The final two Q2 spots went to the two riders who were scrapping it out last season for the 2023 factory Ducati ride. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), who finished in 9th and 10th respectively. Bastianini will be content with a good sign of progress whilst Martin will be hoping for more on Saturday…
It’s anyone’s guess as to who will take the top two spots in Q1. Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) was the first to miss out after finishing Practice in P11. The local rider – from Granollers right next to the track – will be eager to join his brother in Saturday’s Q2 session.
It won’t be an easy task, however, as he’ll have to compete with the likes of Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), the two CryptoDATA RNF Aprilias of Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira, as well as Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team).
The struggles continued for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ teammates Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, as well as Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and his teammate Joan Mir as all failed to make the top 15.
2023 Catalunya MotoGP Results—Friday
1 |
Aleix Espargaro |
(Aprilia Racing) |
1:38.686 |
2 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+0.362 |
3 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+0.375 |
4 |
Johann Zarco |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+0.571 |
5 |
Brad Binder |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+0.660 |
6 |
Alex Marquez |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP™) |
+0.863 |
7 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Mooney VR46 Racing Team) |
+0.864 |
8 |
Fabio Di Giannantonio |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP™ |
+0.935 |
9 |
Enea Bastianini |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+0.942 |
10 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+1.007 |
Friday Moto2
Ai Ogura (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) topped the timesheets on Day 1 of the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya as his 1:44.804 proved he’s back to his brilliant best. The margins were amazingly close, however, and just 0.002s back comes Championship leader Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up) is in hot pursuit on Day 1 in third, with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) fourth but still just 0.058s off the top.
Manuel Gonzalez (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) made a big step to top Practice 2 and jumped up to the top 5 on combined times. Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) was one of many who struggled to improve as the temperatures rose in Practice 2, but did consolidate P6 thanks to his P1 time. Three afternoon improvers are up next: Albert Arenas (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and rookie Sergio Garcia (Pons Wegos Los40).
Jake Dixon (Asterius GASGAS Aspar Team) rounded out the top 10 ahead of title contender Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team), with Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) pipping 2022 Barcelona winner and winner last time out Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing). Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up) is currently on to pick up the final Q2 spot.
2023 Catalunya Moto2 Results—Friday
1 |
Ai Ogura |
(Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) |
1:44.804 |
2 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+ 0.002 |
3 |
Alonso Lopez |
(Speed Up Racing) |
+ 0.018 |
4 |
Aron Canet |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+ 0.058 |
5 |
Manuel Gonzalez |
(Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) |
+ 0.152 |
6 |
Joe Roberts |
(Italtrans Racing Team) |
+ 0.157 |
7 |
Albert Arenas |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+ 0.206 |
8 |
Sam Lowes |
(ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) |
+ 0.303 |
9 |
Sergio Garcia |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+ 0.411 |
10 |
Jake Dixon |
(Asterius GASGAS Aspar Team) |
+ 0.431 |
Friday Moto3
It’s advantage Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) as Moto3™ conclude Friday’s action at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. The Spaniard’s stellar 1:48.300 was set on his final lap of Practice 1 and remained untouched as he sat almost half a second clear of the field. Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team) made big strides as he found half a second to top Practice 2 and slot himself into 2nd place on the combined practice times. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) is also showing good form at a circuit he’ll know well from his time in the FIM JuniorGP. The Dutchman put in a solid lap in P2 to put himself into 3rd place.
Whilst Masia was in a league of his own, the rest of the grid was locked together in the usual Moto3™ fashion. Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) was just 0.040s away from the top three and is looking in fine fettle as he bagged P4. Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) also enjoyed a positive Friday to round out the top five.
Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) isn’t having it all his own way in Barcelona. Whilst the Spaniard has bagged himself an automatic Q2 spot, he sits in P9 behind Tatsuki Suzuki (Leopard Racing), Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Silverstone winner David Alonso (Gaviota GASGAS Aspar Team). Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) rounded out the top 10 with Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) taking the final provisional Q2 spot in P14 and looking for more.
2023 Catalunya Moto3 Results—Friday
1 |
Jaume Masia |
(Leopard Racing) |
1:48.300 |
2 |
Ivan Ortola |
(Angeluss MTA Team) |
+0.402 |
3 |
Colin Veijer |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP |
+0.616 |
4 |
Deniz Öncü |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.656 |
5 |
Matteo Bertelle |
(Rivacold Snipers Team) |
+0.712 |
6 |
Tatsuki Suzuki |
(Leopard Racing) |
+0.715 |
7 |
Riccardo Rossi |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+0.742 |
8 |
David Alonso |
(GASGAS Aspar Team) |
+0.807 |
9 |
Daniel Holgado |
(Red Bull KTM Tech3) |
+0.871 |
10 |
Jose Rueda |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.973 |
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