SUOMY - MARZO 24, 2024 

#PORTUGUESEGP

Quello a Portimao, in Portogallo, non è stato di certo il fine settimana che sperava il nostro Suomy rider Pecco Bagnaia, nonostante sia riuscito a chiudere la Sprint Race del sabato in zona punti.

Scattato infatti dalla quarta posizione in griglia di partenza, Pecco si porta abilmente in testa alla gara già dal terzo giro e difende la prima posizione fino al nono giro quando finisce lungo alla prima staccata, un errore che gli costa tre posizioni e che lo costringe a tagliare il traguardo della seconda Sprint Race della stagione al quarto posto.

La gara lunga della domenica ha un epilogo ancora più sfortunato per il nostro Suomy rider, che si trova in quinta posizione quando, a soli tre giri dal termine, un contatto tra Pecco e Marc Marquez causa la caduta di entrambi i piloti.

Pecco si trova ora al quarto posto della classifica generale con 37 punti, a 23 punti di distanza da Jorge Martín, ma il nostro Suomy rider guarda già alla prossima gara sapendo di avere tutte le carte in regola per poter ricucire la distanza dall’attuale leader.

“STAVO GESTENDO TUTTO BENE, COSÌ COME AVEVO FATTO IN QATAR, SIA IN TERMINI DI FEELING CHE DI MARGINE RISPETTO AGLI INSEGUITORI. PURTROPPO, PERÒ, NON HO FATTO I CONTI CON IL CALO DEL LIVELLO DEL CARBURANTE E QUINDI, QUANDO SONO ARRIVATO ALLA STACCATA, MI SI È ALLEGGERITO UN PO’ DI PIÙ IL POSTERIORE, FINO A QUANDO NON HO POTUTO FARE ALTRO CHE EVITARE DI CADERE. HO DOVUTO QUINDI ALLARGARE LA TRAIETTORIA UN PO’ DI PIÙ E HO PERSO TERRENO. DI LÌ IN POI HO CERCATO SEMPLICEMENTE DI ARRIVARE AL TRAGUARDO E MANTENERE LA POSIZIONE. LA GARA DI DOMANI SARÀ DIVERSA, CON UNA GOMMA CHE MI PIACE MOLTO DI PIÙ E QUINDI NON CREDO SI RIPRESENTERÀ UNA SITUAZIONE ANALOGA. PURTROPPO, SONO COSE CHE SUCCEDONO, MA QUELLO CHE SO È CHE OGGI ABBIAMO FATTO UN GROSSO PASSO IN AVANTI IN TERMINI DI FEELING E QUESTO SI È TRADOTTO IN UN BUON LIVELLO DI COMPETITIVITÀ ANCHE NELLA SPRINT”.
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA – SPRINT RACE 4°

“SONO PARTITO BENE, PURTROPPO PERÒ HO SCELTO LA LINEA SBAGLIATA ALLA CURVA TRE: HO CHIUSO UN PO’ LA LINEA, MENTRE SAREBBE STATO MEGLIO SE FOSSI STATO ALL’ESTERNO. NEI PRIMI GIRI VOLEVO PASSARE ENEA, PERCHÉ LO VEDEVO UN PO’ IN DIFFICOLTÀ, MA DA UN CERTO PUNTO IN AVANTI HO INIZIATO AD ACCUSARE UNA MANCANZA DI GRIP AL POSTERIORE E NON SONO RIUSCITO PIÙ A SPINGERE QUANTO AVREI VOLUTO. NON ERAVAMO A POSTO ED È CHIARO CHE NON SIAMO RIUSCITI A TROVARE UNA SOLUZIONE IDEALE, ANCHE SE IL FEELING SIA IERI CHE QUESTA MATTINA ERA MOLTO BUONO. È UN PECCATO, PERÒ GUARDIAMO ALLA PROSSIMA GARA PERCHÉ, DOPO IL WARM-UP, SENTIVO DI AVERE IL POTENZIALE PER LOTTARE E CERCARE DI STARE LÌ DAVANTI, MA NON SIAMO RIUSCITI A CAPITALIZZARE. MI SPIACE PARTICOLARMENTE PERCHÉ ABBIAMO LAVORATO BENE, MA OGGI IN GARA CI È MANCATO QUALCOSA”.
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA – RACE NC

World Standings P. 4

Prossima Gara:
Gran Premio delle Americhe
Circuito delle Americhe
12 – 14 aprile

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#PORTUGUESEGP

The one in Portimao, Portugal, was certainly not the weekend our Suomy rider Pecco Bagnaia was hoping for, despite managing to finish Saturday’s Sprint Race in the points.
Indeed, fourth at the starting grid, Pecco skilfully takes the lead of the race from the third lap and defends the first position until the ninth lap when he ends up wide at the first braking point, an error which costs him three positions and which forces him to cross the finish line of the second Sprint Race of the season in fourth place.
Sunday’s long race has an even more unfortunate epilogue for our Suomy rider, who finds himself in fifth position when, just with three laps to go, a contact between Pecco and Marc Marquez causes both riders to fall.

Pecco is now in fourth place in the general classification with 37 points, 23 points behind Jorge Martín, but our Suomy rider is already looking to the next race knowing that he has all it takes to close the gap on the current leader.

“I WAS MANAGING THE SITUATION WELL, JUST AS I DID IN QATAR, BOTH FEELING-WISE AND WITH REGARDS TO THE MARGIN ON MY OPPONENTS. UNFORTUNATELY, I DIDN’T TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DROP OF FUEL LEVEL SO WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES, THE REAR UNLOADED A BIT MORE, UP TO THE POINT THAT I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE THAN TRYING TO AVOID A CRASH. I HAD TO RUN WIDER AND LOST GROUND. FROM THEN ON, I ONLY THOUGHT ABOUT KEEPING MY POSITION AND MAKE IT TO THE FINISH LINE. TOMORROW’S RACE WILL BE DIFFERENT, WITH A TYRE THAT I LIKE A LOT MORE, SO I DON’T BELIEVE A SIMILAR SITUATION WILL PRESENT ITSELF. UNFORTUNATELY, THESE THINGS HAPPEN, BUT WHAT I KNOW IS THAT WE MADE A BIG STEP FORWARD TODAY IN TERMS OF FEELING AND THAT TRANSLATED INTO A GOOD LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE ALSO IN THE SPRINT RACE.”
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA – SPRINT RACE 4TH

 “I GOT A GOOD START BUT UNFORTUNATELY CHOSE THE WRONG LINE AT TURN THREE: I CLOSED THE LINE A BIT, WHILE THE OUTSIDE WOULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER CHOICE. I WANTED TO OVERTAKE ENEA IN THE EARLY LAPS AS I SAW HIM HAVING A BIT OF A DIFFICULT TIME, BUT AT SOME POINT, I STARTED EXPERIENCING A LACK OF GRIP AT THE REAR-END WHICH PREVENTED ME FROM PUSHING AS HARD AS I WANTED. WE WEREN’T AT OUR BEST AND IT’S CLEAR WE COULDN’T FIND THE PERFECT SOLUTION, EVEN THOUGH THE FEELING WAS VERY GOOD BOTH YESTERDAY AND THIS MORNING. IT’S A PITY; WE’LL NOW FOCUS ON THE NEXT RACE AS AFTER THE WARMUP I FELT I HAD THE POTENTIAL TO BATTLE AT THE FRONT – BUT WE WEREN’T ABLE TO CAPITALISE. I’M PARTICULARLY SORRY BECAUSE WE HAVE WORKED WELL, BUT WE WERE MISSING SOMETHING IN TODAY’S RACE.”
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA – RACE NC

World Standings P. 4

Next Round:
Grand Prix of the Americas
Circuit of the Americas
12th – 14th April

KYT - MARZO 24, 2024

#PortugueseGP

MOTOGP - SPRINT
Vince Vinales: la Sprint di Portimao va all’Aprilia

A quattro giri dalla bandiera a scacchi sembrava ormai fatta, per Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team): circa sette decimi di vantaggio sugli inseguitori, in una gara quasi tutta in testa.
Poi, alla staccata della prima curva, la GP24 che si imbizzarrisce e l’italiano costretto ad andare lungo, fuori pista, consegnando la leadership a Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing). L’ufficiale di Noale ne ha approfittato: a lui l’oro della Sprint del Gran Premio Tissot del Portogallo. 
Martin da predatore a preda
Non ha avuto vita facile, però, lo spagnolo. Nelle fasi finali Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) lo seguiva come un’ombra, sui circa 4,5 km del circuito dell’Algarve. Il ducatista sembrava pronto all’attacco, ma una sbavatura l’ha visto perdere terreno e finire nelle grinfie di Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), che all’ultimo giro ha sorpreso il connazionale alla curva 5, costringendolo a rialzare leggermente la moto mentre lo infilava in staccata. 
Bagnaia fuori dal podio
Al numero 93, dunque, l’argento di giornata davanti al compagno di marca, mentre Bagnaia chiudeva quarto a oltre quattro secondi dalla vetta.
Nella scia dell’italiano Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), che nelle fasi iniziali si era messo in testa, facendo poi il gambero.
Bastianini non ne approfitta
L’australiano ha beffato per pochi centesimi il poleman Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), che non ha messo a frutto la partenza dalla prima casella dello schieramento. Il sabato del romagnolo è finito al sesto posto, davanti al rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).

MOTOGP - RACE
Martin vince e Acosta entra nella storia

Dopo quattro domeniche di assenza, Jorge Martin torna sul gradino più alto del podio e lo fa sul circuito di Portimao, dove nel 2021 era incappato in uno degli incidenti più tosti della sua carriera, con diverse fratture. A lui la vittoria del Gran Premio Tissot del Portogallo, al termine di una gara nella quale imprevisti, voli e contatti hanno deciso la top 3 nelle ultimissime fasi.
Partenza lampo
Scattato dalla prima fila, l’iberico del team Prima Pramac Racing si è messo subito in testa imprimendo il suo ritmo e ritagliandosi un piccolo vantaggio sugli inseguitori, oscillato fra i cinque decimi e il secondo per gran parte della gara, durante la quale nessuno è mai riuscito a minacciarlo davvero.
Finale amaro per Vinales
Alla guida della pattuglia degli inseguitori si stava affermando Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing), vincitore ieri della Tissot Sprint. Al momento di superare la linea del traguardo per iniziare l’ultimo giro, però, il colpo di scena: lo spagnolo ha rallentato lasciandosi sorpassare da Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), che lo inseguiva da vicinissimo e si è così messo in seconda posizione. Il numero 12 alla prima curva è quindi uscito di pista, un problema tecnico all'origine della mossa. Ha perso il posteriore ed è finito a terra, dicendo bye-bye a un podio che sembrava ormai certo. 
L'esordiente Acosta sul podio
Il bronzo di giornata, dietro a Bastianini, è andato al rookie Pedro Acosta, che ha raccolto la sua prima top 3 al secondo tentativo. Per l’iberico in sella alla RC16 del team Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 una domenica in cui ha piegato parecchi big della classe regina: la sua rimonta, iniziata quando si era ritrovato in ottava posizione dopo le schermaglie iniziali, l’ha visto sopravanzare i compagni di marca Jack Miller e Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) prima di infilare Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) e il campione del mondo in carica, Francesco Bagnaia.
Il giovane e l’esperto
Il duello con l’ufficiale del Ducati Lenovo Team, in particolare, ha visto i due impegnati in diversi botta e risposta, con lo spagnolo che in un’occasione si è buttato all’interno alla prima curva, la moto scomposta quando era il momento di farla girare e il numero 1 che si è rimesso davanti.
Sorpasso al campione
L’affondo decisivo è arrivato al 21esimo dei 25 giri previsti, quando l’esordiente ci ha riprovato alla curva 3, a destra. È però andato largo in uscita, permettendo a Bagnaia di affiancarlo. La svolta successiva, a sinistra, ha infine favorito lo spagnolo, subito scappato lasciando l’italiano alle prese con Marc Marquez.
Frittata tra ducatisti
La coppia in sella alle moto di Borgo Panigale, già protagonista nelle prime fasi di gara di qualche episodio ravvicinato, al 23esimo giro era in piena lotta per la quinta piazza: alla curva 5 l’iberico si è messo all’intero, un po’ lungo, poi pronto a chiudere la traiettoria. Bagnaia ha provato a infilarsi nel varco lasciato aperto dal rivale, ma i due sono entrati in contatto e sono finiti entrambi nella ghiaia. 

Enea Bastianini -- P2 "È stata una bella battaglia. Non ho mai smesso di crederci fino alla fine, ma Jorge Martín ha spinto molto e ha fatto una gara perfetta, quindi mi sono dovuto accontentare del secondo posto. È un risultato speciale per me, perché Portimão non è tra le mie piste preferite. Sicuramente è un circuito molto bello, ma prima di questo fine settimana non ero mai riuscito a essere veramente forte qui. Noi tre davanti abbiamo fatto un po' di tira e molla per tutta la gara, ma alla fine la vittoria era un compito impossibile oggi. Avere Maverick (Viñales) davanti a me mi ha reso la vita un po' più complicata, perché lui era molto forte nel quarto settore e io non sono mai riuscito ad avvicinarmi abbastanza a lui nel resto del giro. Le cose sarebbero state più facili se fossi stato davanti a lui, ma ero un po' nervoso nel giro iniziale e ho commesso qualche errore di troppo. Vorrei ringraziare la squadra e la mia famiglia per il loro sostegno, perché non è stato facile tornare nelle posizioni di vertice dopo una stagione 2023 così complicata".

Augusto Fernández -- P11 "Un grande passo avanti oggi. Ho gestito la bassa aderenza dopo una buona partenza e ho avuto anche delle belle lotte. Ho commesso qualche errore perché volevo spingere di più, ma sappiamo che dobbiamo fare dei passi avanti e prendere punti. Il nostro passo è qui in questo momento, ma siamo felici di aver ottenuto dei punti e vogliamo continuare a costruire. Congratulazioni a Pedro. Incredibile!".

MOTO2
Canet centra il suo primo successo in Moto2™

Aron Canet rompe l’incantesimo che l’aveva visto ottenere quindici secondi posti nella classe intermedia senza mai acciuffare una vittoria: nel Gran Premio Tissot del Portogallo, alla sua quinta stagione in Moto2™, ha ottenuto il suo primo successo, festeggiato prima della bandiera a scacchi percorrendo l’ultimo curvone con la gamba esterna puntata verso il cielo, mentre era in piega.
Passo falso di Lopez
Lo spagnolo, che porta sul gradino più alto del podio il team Fantic Racing, è balzato in testa all’undicesimo giro, quando il leader della corsa, Alonso Lopez (Speed Up Racing), è finito a terra gettando alle ortiche la possibilità di raccogliere altri 25 punti dopo quelli già incassati nel primo round corso in Qatar. Da quel momento in poi Canet ha controllato gli inseguitori e dato lo strappo decisivo nel finale, tagliando il traguardo con oltre due secondi di gap su Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team).
La rimonta di Aldeguer
Lo statunitense a tre quarti di gara si giocava un posto sul podio con tre rivali: Manuel Gonzales (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™), Ai Ogura (MT Helmets - MSI) e Fermin Aldeguer (Speed Up Racing). Il numero 54, in particolare, stava risalendo dopo essere stato penalizzato, a inizio gara, con un doppio long lap a causa di una partenza anticipata. Nell’arco di pochi giri era precipitato abbondantemente fuori dalla top ten dalla seconda posizione, per poi risalire come una furia e minacciare le posizioni da podio, senza tuttavia riuscire nel colpaccio.

Dennis Foggia -- P17 "È stata una gara difficile, soprattutto nei primi giri. Ieri avevamo fatto un passo avanti, ma oggi ho faticato in partenza: Non avevo feeling e non potevo guidare come ho fatto per tutto il weekend. Voglio ringraziare tutta la squadra per il grande lavoro svolto insieme: abbiamo trovato la strada da seguire, ora continuiamo a lavorare".

Diogo Moreira -- P18 "Sono molto soddisfatto della gara. Abbiamo fatto un altro passo avanti e ora capiamo meglio la moto. Passo dopo passo ci stiamo avvicinando ai leader, dobbiamo continuare a lavorare. Voglio ringraziare la squadra per questo weekend".

Jaume Masia -- P21 "Sono molto soddisfatto della gara di oggi, ho imparato molto. Le modifiche apportate mi hanno aiutato molto in gara. Sono molto contento del risultato, anche se dobbiamo lavorare di più sulla moto per evitare di distruggere la gomma anteriore come è successo oggi. Andremo ad Austin più preparati e con una maggiore comprensione della moto".

MOTO3
Holgado argina Rueda e si conferma re a Portimao

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) vince il Gran Premio Tissot del Portogallo e strappa la leadership iridata della Moto3™ a David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team), che a tre quarti di gara sembrava capace di scappare dal resto del gruppo e involarsi verso il secondo successo di fila dopo aver già incassato 25 punti nel primo round in Qatar. Il colombiano ha invece chiuso al quarto posto con oltre due secondi di ritardo dalla vetta, complice un calo nelle fasi decisive. 
Affare fra spagnoli
Al termine dei 19 giri previsti per la classe cadetta sul circuito dell’Algarve, la seconda posizione a Jose Antonio Rueda: il 18enne del team Red Bull KTM Ajo, scattato dalla pole position, nella prima metà di gara ha fatto la lepre tirando un gruppo che si è ridotto, col passare dei giri, a sei piloti. Prima dell’ultima tornata i protagonisti si sono ulteriormente sgranati, i primi due a giocarsi il gradino più alto del podio con circa mezzo secondo di vantaggio sugli inseguitori. In bagarre con Holgado, Rueda ha tentato il colpaccio alla penultima curva, ma la manovra non gli è riuscita: fra lui e la vittoria, appena 44 millesimi. Sul terzo gradino di un podio tutto spagnolo Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets MSI), partito dalla settima casella dello schieramento e capace di farsi largo fino al bronzo finale.
Nepa in top ten
Quinto dietro ad Alonso, e in ballo per il podio per gran parte della gara, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports). Nella sua scia Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), mentre Stefano Nepa (MTA Team) si è affermato come primo degli italiani in settima piazza. 
Calo e caduta per Rossi
KO invece Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power), che nella prima metà di gara aveva sgomitato nel gruppo di testa. Al decimo giro un primo calo, poi la caduta. 

Adrian Fernandez -- P10 "Un fine settimana difficile che volge al termine. Non ho potuto dare il 100% dal punto di vista fisico perché sono ancora un po' dolorante per l'incidente in Qatar. Oggi vorrei solo ringraziare la squadra, perché mi ha aiutato e sostenuto molto in questo fine settimana. Sono fiducioso che arriveremo ad Austin in piena forma per lottare per i nostri obiettivi!".

Tatchakorn Buasri -- P21 "Ciao a tutti, la gara di oggi in Portogallo è stata difficile per me. Mi sto ancora abituando a guidare con questo pneumatico e ho avuto la sensazione di perdere aderenza in alcuni momenti, rendendo difficile il controllo della moto per tutta la gara. In vista della prossima gara di Austin, spero di sentirmi più a mio agio con la moto e con il mio stile di guida. Farò del mio meglio per guidare meglio, lavorare su aree specifiche e imparare a gestire la moto in modo più efficace. Grazie a tutti per il vostro sostegno. Ci vediamo in America! "

Riccardo Rossi -- NC "La gara è iniziata bene, ho fatto una buona partenza e mi sono trovato subito nel gruppo di testa. Tutto stava andando bene, stavo risparmiando le gomme per la fine della gara e all'improvviso ho perso aderenza al posteriore. Non so esattamente cosa sia successo, ma non riuscivo a continuare. Ho iniziato a perdere posizioni e sono finito in testacoda senza un motivo apparente. La cosa importante del weekend è che la squadra ha fatto un ottimo lavoro. Siamo riusciti a essere sempre veloci e questo è ciò che ricorderemo quando partiremo per Austin, dove cercheremo di recuperare i punti persi oggi".

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 KYT - MARCH 24th, 2024

#PortugueseGP

MOTOGP - SPRINT
Viñales victorious as Marc Marquez strikes late on Martin

Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) is victorious after an exciting Grande Prémio Tissot de Portugal MotoGP™ Tissot Sprint, coming across the line to take a heroic victory in a monumental moment for his season. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) ended the race in second after a brave last-lap overtake at turn five on Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) who was unable to show his full potential in a Sprint that was full of twists across a fast and furious 12 laps.
It was a brilliant start to the race from Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who took the lead on the exit of turn one - storming away on the first lap. Polesitter Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) got swallowed by the front group as the Italian was demoted to P5 following an issue with his rear ride height device. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez was one of the riders who found a way through on Bastianini – jumping into third place after passing Viñales.
Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) hit the front of the race – trying to build a comfortable gap quickly. Marc Marquez soon found his way through to pass Viñales, taking second position to the delight of the #93 fans in the grandstand. Marc Marquez kept second position for a handful of laps before making a vital mistake and running wide at the tricky turn five.
Multiple riders crashed in the early stages of the Sprint including Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR). Before being swiftly followed by Fabio Di Giannantonio and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in a disastrous end to their races.
Aprilia Racing's riders were moving up the field throughout the Sprint as Viñales battled for the win and Aleix Espargaro made his way from 13th on the grid to eighth.
The fastest lap also changed hands throughout the race with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) soon setting the best lap. Martin was pushing to keep his style as the King of the Sprints – overtaking Marc Marquez and stealing the fastest lap from the rookie.
Bagnaia made a big mistake on the entry to turn one, running wide and re-joining in fourth position in a pivotal moment. This mistake blew the Sprint wide open and created an all-out duel for the second Sprint victory of the year. Viñales expertly held off Martin with nothing separating them in what was turning out to be a nail-biting finish at the Portuguese GP.
However, Martin ran wide with just over two laps to go, which gave Viñales half a second of breathing space, and allowed Marc Marquez to plan his attack. The move from #93 came at turn five in a thrilling and brave move that allowed the eight-time World Champion to secure second place in his second weekend with Ducati.

MOTOGP - RACE
Martin wins and Acosta makes history

The 2024 Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal was a stunning lights to flag win for Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) as the number #89 took the victory and the Championship lead with it. But this is the world’s most exciting sport, and there are no single sentence explanations to cover 25 laps of MotoGP™ on the rollercoaster. Martin won, and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) chased him close all the way until a heartbreaking last lap technical issue. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) came though to take second and his first podium of the year. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3) made history as the third youngest podium finisher in premier class history with an incredible charge past Champions past and present. And?
11 World Championships went toe-to-toe, and all of them slid off into the run off area. Riders ok, but in one of the most dramatic incidents for some time, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) collided with only a handful of laps to go. The FIM MotoGP™ Stewards officially deem it a racing incident, but it seems a moment that will be debriefed for weeks, months, if not years to come.
Martin led the field on the entry into turn one, making a perfect start to the Portuguese GP. Chasing Martin out of the gates was Sprint winner Maverick Vinales onboard the Aprilia Racing machine. Bagnaia battled with Marc Marquez early too, with the two riders fighting inches apart for the same piece of tarmac on the opening lap. Bagnaia (in fourth) held off the eight-time World Champion as they settled in for an important race.
Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) lost the front at turn five, ending chances of a good result in lap two of the race. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) crashed on lap five, falling at turn eight.
Meanwhile, Acosta was beginning to make ground in the early stages of the race,  battling with both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machines of Jack Miller and Brad Binder. Miller ran wide on the entry to turn one, dropping two positions and allowing Binder and Acosta to fight.
Acosta was on a charge, passing Binder after an impressive manoeuvre on the brakes, stealing the position from the South African. The rookie soon set his sights now on Marc Marquez, entering the top five in his first year in the class. Acosta was quickly catching Bagnaia, amazing the paddock with his confidence.
However, as the race progressed Acosta would run wide on the entry to turn one, getting sucked into the corner by Bagnaia’s slipstream. At the front however, the trio continued to run a hot pace with Martin leading the race by half a second as Bastianini waited for the right time to pounce from third position.
The fastest lap changed hands many times throughout the race with Acosta setting the pace in the early stages before Bastianini and Bagnaia responded. However, with 10 laps remaining Martin pushed to set a stunning 1:38.830 – extended his lead to the race briefly before Viñales responded one lap later.
Alex Marquez became the next retirement from the race after re-joining after a crash at the beginning of the race.
Acosta made a brave lunge at turn three, launching his attack on Bagnaia with five laps remaining in the race. Amazingly, Acosta checked out, bridging a gap of over two seconds with Marc Marquez now trying to pounce, falling on his first attempt to find a gap in Bagnaia’s defence. And then came the drama.
This time he wasn’t going to try and push it open a la Sprint, either. Four laps to go saw the Gresini remain an absolute shadow, but Bagnaia gained a little breathing space next time round. Just enough that when the #93 did strike, it was another absolute lunge – and it nearly did work. But Bagnaia is Bagnaia and the reigning Champion had anticipated, took back the inside line as tightly as possible… and that was that. The two diverged on the same space, and two into one doesn’t fit. Contact made, they both slid out as the crowd erupted.
Meanwhile, the rider sweeping past to take that fourth place? Acosta. But there was another twist in the tale for another rider up ahead, with fourth about to become premier class history.
Crossing the line for the last lap, Martin had enough in hand to bet on. But Viñales was suddenly slowing, hanging off the bike and then looking down as he headed into the run off. A late technical issue made it a heartbreaking end to the GP race for the Sprint winner, as he then crashed out as it said no more. And that put Acosta on the podium after his gung-ho charge for glory.
At the line, Martin was able to cross the line to win the Portuguese GP after a masterclass ride to win by 0.882. Bastianini came across the line in second ahead of rookie sensation Acosta who was promoted to the podium position in third – becoming the third youngest rider to finish on the podium in the premier class.
Binder and Miller brought their KTM’s to fourth and fifth position in a great day for the Austrian manufacturer. Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) finished in sixth after a solid Sunday for the Italian, ending the race ahead of the top Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ rider, Fabio Quartararo who was seventh. Aleix Espargaro was the sole Aprilia Racing rider to finish and to round out the top eight.
Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) finished ninth to the delight of the Portuguese crowd in the grandstand. Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio rounded out the top 10 as the team turns their sights to America. Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) finished in 11th, ahead of Joan Mir and Alex Rins. Rounding out the point-scoring positions were Takaaki Nakagami (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR).

Enea Bastianini -- P2 “It was a good battle. I never stopped believing until the end, but Jorge Martín pushed very hard and did a perfect race, so I had to settle for second. This is a special result for me, as Portimão isn’t among my favourite tracks. Surely, it’s a really great circuit, but prior to this weekend I had never been able to be really strong here. The three of us at the front did some push and pull throughout the race, but in the end the win was an impossible task today. Having Maverick (Viñales) ahead of me made my life a bit more complicated as he was really strong in the fourth sector, and I was never able to get close enough to him in the rest of lap. Things may have been easier had I been in front of him, but I was a bit nervous in the opening lap and made a few too many mistakes. I would like to thank the team and my family for their support because it wasn’t easy to return to top positions after such a complicated 2023 season.”

Augusto Fernández -- P11 “A big step today. I managed the low grip after a good start and also had some good fights. I made a few mistakes because I wanted to push more but we know we need to make steps and take points. Our pace is here right now but happy to get points and want to keep building. Congrats to Pedro. Incredible!”

MOTO2
Canet completes the dream as Aldeguer carves through the field

After years of hard work and being competitive in the class Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) is a Moto2™ race winner - winning the race by two seconds. Canet finished his masterclass ahead of Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) who completed a brilliant weekend at Portimao. Polesitter Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) rounded out the podium places after a fierce battle for the podium.
As the lights went out, Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) made a start which was too good to be true, leading into turn one but would be handed a double LLP. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) hit the front, launching an attack on his teammate before Aldeguer served the penalty. Aldeguer took his first LLP on lap four, dropping down to 11th before the second on lap seven, dropping to 13th.
Canet set the pace early on, stealing the fastest lap of the race while sitting in second – setting sights on a first Moto2™ win.
Polesitter Gonzalez sat in third position after finding a way through on the fast-charging Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI). Ogura’s fourth did not last long as Roberts and Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) found a way through.
As laps ticked down, Lopez maintained an advantage at the front until lap 11, when the race was blown wide open as the Spaniard lost the front at turn 13 – crashing out of the race. This promoted Canet into the lead and Roberts into second (at the venue the American claimed his first win in 2021).
All eyes were now on Canet in the lead and Aldeguer, who was carving through the field and back inside the top 10 in two laps. The Spaniard soon set the fastest lap, circulating quicker than Canet at the front of the field with 10 laps remaining.
Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was having a ferocious battle with Jeremy Alcoba (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) for seventh position (allowing Arenas to escape in front). They could not match the pace of Aldeguer on his mission to the front, as the #54 flew down the inside and remarkably entered fifth place.
It was beginning to build to be an incredible end to the race with a battle brewing inside the front group. Gonzalez found a way through on Roberts, trying to up the pace and catch Canet at the front.
Now with just three laps to go the gloves were off after Aldeguer launched a brave attack at turn three to pass Ogura briefly before the Japanese rider responded. Meanwhile, Roberts entered second position before (polesitter) Gonzalez quickly responded - putting pressure on the American.
Two laps remained as the dream began to look like a reality for Canet, crossing the line with a lead of almost two seconds with just 2.85 miles to go. You could cut the tension with a knife on the last lap of the race with Canet leading as an all-out battle for the final place on the podium was happening behind.
As the chequered flag Canet, made history, finally becoming a Moto2™ race winner, beginning celebrations on the exit of the final corner. Roberts continues to celebrate success In Portimao, finishing second. Gonzalez finished in third, beating Aldeguer who came across the line to finish in a remarkable fourth position. Ogura dropped to fifth on the final lap after a near highside on the exit of turn four.
Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) battled to sixth place, in yet another impressive race from the Spaniard. Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) showed some impressive late-race pace (ending the race in seventh), finishing ahead of Arenas who dropped to eighth. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) rounded out the top 10 positions.
Alcoba and Arbolino continued their battle to the line but dropped down to 11th and 12th at the end of 21 laps. RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP’s Barry Baltus ended the race and came home to finish in 13th in front of both Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP riders, Senna Agius and Darryn Binder who scored the last points.

Dennis Foggia -- P17 "It was a difficult race, especially the first few laps. Yesterday we had made a step forward, but today I struggled at the start: I had no feeling and I couldn't ride like I have all weekend. I want to thank the whole team for the great work we have done together: we have found the way forward, now let's keep working".

Diogo Moreira -- P18 "I am very happy with the race. We made another step forward and now we understand the bike better. Step by step we are getting closer to the leaders, we have to keep working. I want to thank the team for this weekend."

Jaume Masia -- P21 "I'm very happy with today's race, I learned a lot. The changes we made helped me a lot in the race. Very happy with the result although we have to work more on the bike to avoid destroying the front tyre as it happened today. We are going to Austin more prepared and understanding the bike."

MOTO3 
Holgado resists Rueda after a duel in Portugal

Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) holds on to win the Portuguese GP after a nail-biting duel on the last lap. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Jose Antonio Rueda led convincingly in the early stages but would miss out by 0.044, finishing in second position. Joining them on the podium, was Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) who impressed the field after a smart ride to stand on the podium.
As the lights went out Rueda claimed the holeshot after a cracking start from pole position. Rueda pushed in on the opening lap, immediately building a small gap from Holgado and CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team’s David Alonso.
Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) and Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) both crashed on the opening lap of the race, after Yamanaka lost the front at the tricky turn nine – collecting the reigning JuniorGP Champion.
Slipstream was vital, allowing the lead group to catch Rueda and begin a tense battle as 10 riders fought in the lead group. Inside the front group was MT – Helmets – MSI’s Ivan Ortola who had a thrilling run from ninth to fourth place, setting his sights on the victory.
Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) highsided at turn five, in a similar crash to qualifying. Lunetta was not the last victim of turn five with Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) crashing towards the end of the race.
Alonso (Championship leader) began to carve his way through the field, passing both Ortola and Holgado and lap six of the race. The Columbian was on a mission to win two races on the bounce – setting the fastest lap in the process. However, Holgado responded, fighting back at turn three in a nail-biting move.
Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) was the top Honda in the early stages, battling with Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), just out of touch with the lead group.
Alonso made the first mistake in the front group, saving a crash at turn three and dropping down to fifth place. This led to a remarkable lap as the 17-year-old carved through the group back to second place.
As the race hit the mid-way mark nobody could find a way to match Rueda’s speed in the final sector. This was until lap 10 when Alonso hit the front for the first time this race, creating an explosion in the front group.
Collin Veijer (Liquid Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) now began to get involved in the battle – with the Dutchman attempting to make a magical move around the outside of Rueda.
Holgado was the next rider to hit the front of the race, now leading the train of talent behind. Gloves were off in the final stage of the race with positions shuffling at every corner and the lead battle coming down to a duel. Holgado led Rueda with the two riders able to bridge a gap to Ortola on the final lap of the race.
Rueda did everything he could, showing his front wheel on the entry to the final corner, however, as the chequered flag waited it was Holgado who would cross the line first to win the opening race of the day in Portugal. Rueda was just 0.044 behind in a heartbreaking defeat, as Ortola held onto third after a heroic ride from seventh on the grid.
Alonso was fourth after battling with Kelso on the final lap, losing time in the late stages of the race. Kelso did round out the top five ahead of Veijer (finishing in sixth) who now flies to fourth in the Championship standings. Nepa finished seventh after a race-long battle with Joel Esteban, meanwhile, David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) had a battle with Leopard Racing’s Adrian Fernandez with Muñoz getting the better of Fernandez who rounded out the top 10.
Jacob Roulstone made it points for both Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 machines, finishing in 11th ahead of Bertelle in 12th. Tatsuki Suzuki continued to gain pace on the Liquid Moly Husqvarna Intact GP bike – ending the race in 13th. Vicente Perez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and MLav Racing’s Scott Ogden scored the final points of the race.

Adrian Fernandez -- P10 ”A difficult weekend now comes to an end. I couldn’t give my 100% physically because I'm still a bit sore from the crash in Qatar. Today I just would like to thank the team, because they’ve helped and supported me a lot this weekend. I’m confident we will arrive at Austin in full form to fight for our goals!”

Tatchakorn Buasri -- P21 "Hi everyone, Today's race in Portugal was tough for me. I'm still getting used to riding with this tire, and I felt like I lost grip at times, making it hard to control the bike throughout the race. Looking forward to the next race in Austin, I hope to feel more comfortable with the bike and my riding style. I'll do my best to ride better, work on specific areas, and learn to manage the bike more effectively. Thanks to all for your support. See you in America! "

Riccardo Rossi -- NC "The race started well, I got a good start and was immediately in the leading group. Everything was going well, I was saving my tyres for the end of the race and all of a sudden I lost grip at the rear. I don't know exactly what happened, but I just couldn't keep going. I started to lose places and ended up going highside for no apparent reason. The important thing about the weekend was that the team did a great job. We were able to be fast all the time and that's what we're going to remember when we leave for Austin, where we'll be trying to make up for the points we lost today."

#QATARGP

In occasione del primo Gran Premio Pecco indossa la sua nuova grafica, firmata Starline & VR46, sul nuovo casco racing Suomy S1-XR GP.

Disegnato, progettato e messo a punto in Italia con l’aiuto degli strumenti digitali più avanzati, il casco Suomy è stato sviluppato dal pilota Ducati Corse Campione del Mondo MotoGP Pecco Bagnaia per massimizzare le prestazioni e portarle ad un livello superiore:

• Calotta leggera in tricarboco
• Aerodinamica eccezionale nelle varie posizioni di guida: rettilineo, curva e staccato.
• Sistema di ventilazione efficiente (7 prese aria)
• Campo visivo eccezionale – campo visivo periferico 210° – campo visivo verticale 92°
• Visiera in PC a iniezione, antigraffio, con Racing Lock System
• Pinlock Max Vision 120
• Ergonomia superiore: nuovo tessuto Hydrocool
• Omologazione ECE 2206 – FIM

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On the occasion of the first Grand Prix Pecco wears his new graphic, designed by Starline & VR46, on the new Suomy S1-XR GP racing helmet.
Designed and developed in Italy with the most advanced digital tools, the Suomy helmet was developed by the Ducati Corse MotoGP World Champion rider Pecco Bagnaia to maximize performances and take them to a higher level:

• Tricarboco Lightweight Shell
• Outstanding aerodynamics in various riding positions: straight, cornering and braking position.
• Efficient ventilation (7 air intakes)
• Outstanding Field of Vision – Peripheral View 210° – Vertical View 92°
• Visor in PC injected, antiscratch, with Racing Lock System
• Pinlock Max Vision 120
• Superior Ergonomics – New Hydrocool Textile
• ECE 2206 – FIM homologated

KYT - MARZO 13, 2024

#QatarGP

MOTOGP - SPRINT
In Qatar brilla la stella di Martin: sua la prima Sprint

Tre diversi marchi sul podio della prima Tissot Sprint del 2024, con Jorge Martin che porta alla vittoria la Ducati del team Prima Pramac Racing regolando Brand Binder, sulla RC16 targata Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, e Aleix Espargaro, ufficiale Aprilia Racing. 
Per il numero 89 è il decimo oro del sabato, ottenuto nel Gran Premio Qatar Airways del Qatar, corso in notturna, al termine di undici giri iniziati dalla pole position e trascorsi tutti in testa, dall’inizio alla fine. 
Sui 5,38 km del circuito di Lusail, Binder ha fatto l’elastico mantenendo il distacco entro qualche decimo, ma mai tentando l’attacco.
Per Espargaro, invece, un finale in crescendo che negli ultimi giri l’ha visto risalire dalla quinta piazza e piegare due rivali, fino a minacciare il secondo posto. All’ultima curva della penultima tornata l’iberico in sella alla RS-GP ha infilato il campione del mondo Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), scivolato così fuori dal podio. All’ottava, mentre era quinto, aveva invece approfittato di un errore di Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™). 
Il numero 93, al suo primo Gran Premio in sella a una Ducati, ha chiuso quinto col sorriso: nelle prime fasi un corpo a corpo fatto di sorpassi e repliche con Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), poi un recupero che prima dell’errore (una sbavatura all’uscita della curva 13) l’aveva visto infilare Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) ed Espargaro, poi pronto ad approfittare del passo falso.
Sesto sotto la bandiera a scacchi Bastianini, autore di un inizio promettente ma poi evaporato. A seguire Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), davanti al rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). L’ultimo punto disponibile a Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing), nono.
Di Giannantonio, qui vincitore nel novembre scorso di domenica, è caduto al terzo giro, vittima di un highside alla curva 11.

MOTOGP - RACE
Bagnaia sulla luna: vince il primo GP del 2024 nella notte del Qatar

Che Francesco Bagnaia avrebbe venduto cara la pelle è stato chiaro dalle prime quattro curve del Gran Premio Qatar Airways del Qatar.
Terzo alla prima staccata dopo essere scattato dalla quinta casella, è stato protagonista insieme a Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) di un momento da infarto all’uscita della curva 2. L’italiano all’interno, il sudafricano appaiato all’esterno. La RC16 del numero 33 ha iniziato a scodare e il contatto fra i due è stato solo sfiorato. 
Il campione del mondo in carica due curve più tardi ha strappato la prima posizione al leader Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), per poi guidare tutta la gara. Il momento decisivo al nono dei 21 giri previsti, quando ha dato uno strappo dal quale è emerso con circa un secondo di vantaggio. Un margine che ha poi amministrato fino alla fine, mentre dietro i rivali non si risparmiavano.
A spuntarla è stato Binder, secondo davanti al poleman Martin. Durante la gara la coppia si è scambiata le posizioni diverse volte, soprattutto nella fase centrale: schermaglie, le loro, che non li hanno di certo aiutati nell’arginare la fuga di Bagnaia, primo e intoccabile. 
A due giri dalla fine sembrava che Martin, terzo, dovesse guardarsi le spalle da Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), vicino e minaccioso. Ma è successo l’opposto: l’otto volte campione del mondo non è riuscito ad avvicinarsi abbastanza per tentare l’attacco sul connazionale, mentre il numero 89, vincitore ieri della Tissot Sprint, ha ricucito a sorpresa diversi decimi su Binder, che aveva un margine di circa un secondo. 
All’ultimo giro il secondo posto per lui era alla portata, ma il sudafricano non s'è fatto sorprendere. 
Quinto, dietro a Marc Marquez, un Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) mai realmente della partita, nonostante abbia tenuto il ritmo dei primi nelle fasi iniziali. L’italiano ha poi perso terreno fino alla settima posizione, riprendendosi nel finale. 
Vittime del riminese, nella seconda metà di gara, sono stati Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), che ha chiuso sesto, e Pedro Acosta. L'esordiente del team Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 è stato autore di una prima parte di gara scatenata nella quale ha rimontato dalla parte bassa della top ten alla quarta piazza, infilando uno dopo l’altro i rivali. Dal quattordicesimo giro ha però rallentato, la sua RC16 che sembrava aver finito la gomma posteriore. Ha chiuso nono dietro a Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), settimo, e Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), ottavo dopo aver ottenuto il bronzo, ieri, nella Sprint. 
La distanza di gara era stata ridotta da 22 a 21 giri a causa di un problema che aveva coinvolto, a pochi secondi dal via, Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing), alle prese con alcuni capricci sulla sua Aprilia. L’episodio aveva portato a una nuova procedura di partenza.

Enea Bastianini -- P5 "Sono contento a metà. è stata una gara difficile: Non riuscivo a fermare la moto come volevo e questo mi ha impedito di spingere al massimo. Poi ho cercato di risparmiare le gomme per gli ultimi giri, ma col senno di poi non è stata la scelta giusta, visto che il calo era molto più basso rispetto a ieri. È un peccato perché avrei potuto sicuramente fare qualcosa di meglio, ma devo accontentarmi di questa posizione finale. Le nostre aspettative erano più alte, ma cercheremo di fare meglio nella prossima gara; una volta arrivati a Portimão, avremo un quadro più chiaro su come fare un ulteriore passo avanti".

Augusto Fernández -- P17 "Un po' meglio. So che siamo ancora lontani e che oggi non abbiamo ottenuto punti, ma questa è la sensazione migliore che ho avuto quest'anno con la moto 2024. Sto iniziando a ricevere i feedback e la squadra sta lavorando duramente per darmi ciò di cui ho bisogno e sto lavorando duramente per adattarmi se devo portare qualcosa di diverso per essere più veloce. Prendiamo gli aspetti positivi e abbiamo una base da cui partire a Portimao".

MOTO2
Alonso Lopez a Lusail torna alla vittoria

Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) al Lusail International Circuit nel Gran Premio Qatar Airways del Qatar in Moto2™ con motori Triumph ritrova quella vittoria che gli mancava dal GP d'Australia 2022. Secondo posto per Barry Baltus (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP) che quindi riporta il Belgio a quel podio che nella classe intermedia mancava dal Gran Premio di Germania 2015. Podio completato da Sergio García (MT Helmets – MSI), partito 18º. Sia per il belga che per il pilota del team MT Helmets – MSI si tratta del primo podio in Moto2™.
Scattato dalla seconda casella, Alonso Lopez va in testa alla gara mettendosi alle spalle i due piloti del team Gresini, Manuel Gonzalez e Albert Arenas, con Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) subito dietro. Il poleman Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) scivola indietro, in quinta posizione. Perde terreno anche Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp), partito decimo.
Canet passa Arenas e Arbolino ed è in zona podio, per poi andare al comando. I tre di testa allungano su Arenas, mentre alle sue spalle va in scena un bel duello tra Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI), Barry Baltus e Arbolino. Tony continua a perdere posizioni mentre Aldeguer risale fino all'ottavo posto. In testa alla gara c'è Alonso Lopez davanti a Manu Gonzalez, Baltus, Ogura e García. 
Manu Gonzalez viene passato da Sergio Garcia e Ogura mentre Lopez e Baltus se la giocano fino alla fine. Il sesto posto è di Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team): in top ten anche Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Arenas, Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) e Canet.
I due grandi favoriti nella lotta per il titolo, ovvero Aldeguer e Arbolino, sono rispettivamente 16° e 20°.

D​ennis Foggia -- P19 "Non è stata una gara facile, soprattutto nei primi giri dove ho faticato molto. Ci aspetta una lunga stagione in cui dobbiamo lavorare con l'obiettivo di migliorare e lottare per posizioni migliori. Ringrazio tutta la squadra per il suo impegno".

Diogo Moreira -- P22 "Sono soddisfatto della gara. È stata la mia prima vera sfida in Moto2 e ora abbiamo un punto di partenza da cui continuare a lavorare. L'obiettivo è continuare a migliorare e imparare. Ringrazio la squadra per questo fine settimana. Non vediamo l'ora che arrivi Portimao!".

Jaume Masia -- P25 "È un peccato perché ho incontrato alcune difficoltà che non mi hanno permesso di guidare a mio agio. Insomma, questa è la mia prima gara e il mio primo contatto con la categoria. A poco a poco troveremo la nostra strada".

MOTO3
Alonso, magica vittoria a Lusail

La prima gara dell'anno della Moto3™, quella del Gran Premio Qatar Airways del Qatar, va a David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) che all'ultima curva, all'ultimo giro, batte Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Sale sul podio anche Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), partito 18°.
Al via, problema con la moto per David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) che deve partite dalla pitlane. Il poleman Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) e Ivan Ortolá (MT Helmets – MSI) arrivano alla prima staccata vicinissimi a José Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo). Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) conserva la sua posizione mentre David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) recupera un paio di posizioni e alla fine del primo giro è sesto.
Nelle prime sette posizioni troviamo anche Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) e Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power). Alonso, partito ottavo, è terzo mentre il sostituto di Xabi Zurutuza, Vicente Perez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) fa parte degli 11 di testa. Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) e Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) finiscono a terra in curva 13. Caduta anche per Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI).
David Alonso vince con soli 41 millesimi di vantaggio su Daniel Holgado. Bel podio per Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) - partito 18° - precede Rossi e Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP). 
Nel corso dell'ultimo giro Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) perde il controllo della moto e coinvolge anche Vicente Perez (Red Bull KTM Ajo). In top ten troviamo anche Stefano Nepa (MTA Team), Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports), Ortolá e Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).

Riccardo Rossi -- P4 "È stata una bella gara, anche se difficile perché tutti erano molto veloci e c'erano molti attacchi aggressivi, ma sappiamo che questo stile di guida è tipico della Moto3. Sono molto contento, è un ottimo risultato. Credo che la prossima volta potremmo lavorare sui cambi di marcia perché sul rettilineo facevo fatica. Dobbiamo continuare su questa strada anche a Portimao, sono molto, molto contento e ringrazio il team CIP Green Power".

Tatchakorn Buasri -- P19

Adrian Fernandez -- NC "Non è stata la partenza che volevamo e vorrei scusarmi con la squadra. Mi sono sentito bene fin dall'inizio della gara e sapevo di poter lottare per ottenere un podio oggi. Una cosa è certa: a Portimao mi impegnerò ancora di più".

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 KYT - MARCH 13th, 2024

#QatarGP

MOTOGP - SPRINT
Martin remains the king of the Sprints in Qatar 

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Ducati) took the first Tissot Sprint win of the season, also bagging the first 12 points of the season at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar. The Spaniard adds to his Sprint success with an unstoppable performance, beating Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) by half a second at the line. Aprilia Racing’s Aleix Espargaro had great late-race pace, stealing a podium from reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia in a nail-biting opening Sprint.
Martin got the holeshot into turn one, placing the Ducati ahead of the fast-starting Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who shot from the second row to second place. As the race progressed the front two began to try and create a gap, with Binder taking his first look to try and take the lead on lap two. Binder thought better of this move, remaining in second position.
With just an 11-lap race it was fast and furious with Francesco Bagnaia overtaking fellow Ducati Lenovo Team rider, Enea Bastianini. The Beast battled back, briefly overtaking Bagnaia but ran wide and handed the #1 the position in a fierce battle between teammates.
Martin set the fastest lap of the race earlier on, trying to escape the clutches of the South African. However, the gap began to close with the front six riders bunching together as the race progressed. Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s Fabio Di Giannantonio had an early end to his race after a decent start, the Italian crashing on lap two. The front group continued to battle which allowed Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) to catch the lead group. The #93 qualified in sixth position and was straight on the pace for the start of the Sprint. Marquez found his way through Bastianini and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) with just five laps remaining.
Marc Marquez could sense a Sprint podium, putting pressure on Bagnaia in third position. However, Marquez made a mistake, running wide and allowing Espargaro to catch and pass the eight-time World Champion. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) was having his own battle further down the field with rookie star Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3).
On the final two laps, all eyes were on the front group and Aleix Espargaro who closed the gap to Bagnaia and tried to find a way through. It was a stunning battle and after one failed attempt, Espargaro battled back, passing to take the podium place at the final corner with one lap remaining.
Bagnaia held onto fourth place at the chequered flag, finishing ahead of Marc Marquez who was full of smiles after his first Sprint with Gresini Racing MotoGP™, rounding out the top five. Behind was Bastianini who ended the opening Sprint of the year in sixth. Alex Marquez managed to get the better of Acosta at the line, beating the rookie to seventh position. Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) came across the line to score the final point of the day after coming home to finish in ninth position.

MOTOGP - RACE
Bagnaia back on top after perfection in Qatar

MotoGP™ is finally back in action, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) dominating proceedings, winning the opening Grand Prix of the season and taking the title lead. The Italian came across the line ahead of South African, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who finished one second behind. Joining them on the podium was last year’s runner-up, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Ducati) in a solid result for the Spaniard.
It was a delayed start to the race after Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) had a technical issue on the grid. The Spaniard’s Aprilia was pushed into the pitlane with a new race distance of 21 laps.
Once the lights went out, Jorge Martin made a great start to the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, leading the way into turn one. Brad Binder exited turn one in second, before reigning World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia took the position from him, claiming the race lead.
At the end of the first lap, Bagnaia built a lead of 0.215 from Binder and Martin. Behind the leading trio was eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) who made a great start into fourth.
Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) crashed at turn one, losing the front on the second lap of the race.
The fastest lap of the race went the way of rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) who looked confident in the opening stage of the race - setting a new race lap record. Acosta made his way into sixth, passing Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Ducati Lenovo Team’s Enea Bastianini.
Bagnaia bridged a three-tenth of a second gap, forcing Martin to pass Binder to reclaim second place. The South African fought back before Martin responded on the entry to turn one, in a thrilling battle for second position.
Pre-race favourite, Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) started the race in second position but would drop to ninth. The Spaniard was battling with last year’s winner, Di Giannantonio throughout the race.
As the race progressed Bagnaia stretched his gap to over one second, with a group of four now battling for second. The race hit lap 11 – the distance of Saturday’s Sprint – with the questions about tyre life beginning.
Pedro Acosta continued to show his talent, launching a move down the inside on lap 12, passing Marc Marquez. This forced the #93 to push with the gap to Acosta increasing to half a second. However, Acosta’s rear tyre began to step out, running wide and allowing Marc Marquez into fourth.
Acosta fell further down the field with Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Enea Bastianini overtook the rookie – dropping Acosta to seventh position. The 19-year-old soon fell into the clutches of Di Giannantonio and Aleix Espargaro.
Raul Fernandez’s race went from bad to worse – pulling the Aprilia into the pits with four laps remaining.
The race was now on for the lead to see if Binder could respond to Bagnaia’s one-second advantage.  However, the smooth style of Bagnaia looked strong, and with no mistakes from the reigning World Champion, he would come across the line to win.
Behind the front three, Marc Marquez showed great pace throughout the race, starting strong with Ducati. Behind the #93 was Enea Bastianini who fought his way into fifth, finishing ahead of Alex Marquez in sixth. Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio could not repeat last year’s success, finishing in seventh ahead of Aleix Espargaro who rounded out the top eight.
Pedro Acosta finished inside the top 10 on his MotoGP™ debut, crossing the chequered flag in ninth, beating Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) to the line. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™ Team) finished as the top Yamaha in 11th, finishing ahead of the top Honda, Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR).
Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) was behind in 13th, finishing ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) who scored the final Championship points on Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Enea Bastianini -- P5 "We are half happy. It was a difficult race: I couldn’t get the bike stopped the way I wanted and that prevented me from pushing hard. Then I tried to save the tyres for the final laps, but in hindsight it wasn’t the right choice, as the drop was a lot lower compared to yesterday. It’s a shame because I could have surely done something better, but I must settle with this finishing position. Our expectations were higher, but we’ll try to do better in the next race; once we get to Portimão, we will have a clearer picture on how to make a further step forward.”

Augusto Fernández -- P17 "A bit better. I know we are still far and we did not get any points today but this is the best feeling I’ve had yet this year with the 2024 bike. I’m starting to get the feedback and the team is working really hard to give me what I need and I’m working really hard to adapt if I need to bring something different to be quicker. We’ll take the positives, and we have a base to start with in Portimao.”

MOTO2
Lopez resists Baltus in the battle under the floodlights

Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) wins the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar in a new era for Moto2™ as the Championship completes its first race with Pirelli tyres. Lopez defended from Barry Baltus (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), who finished just 0.055 behind after an epic battle. Sergio Garcia took his Triumph-powered MT Helmets – MSI machine to join them on his first-ever Moto2™ podium.
The lights went out and polesitter Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) had a bad start, allowing Alonso Lopez (Sync SpeedUp) to lead on the entry to turn one. Lopez led from both QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™ riders of Manuel Gonzalez and Albert Arenas. Fermin Aldeguer (Sync SpeedUp) also struggled in the opening stage of the race, dropping down to 13th position.
Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was the rider on the move in the opening stage of the race, battling with Barry Baltus and Zonta van der Goorbergh (RW-Idrofoglia Racing GP), for fifth place.
Aron Canet fought back after dropping down to eighth place to lead the field on lap three of the race. Canet set the fastest lap in the process, trying to stretch the field in an attempt to win his first Moto2™ Grand Prix.
Lopez and Gonzalez eventually caught and passed the #44 machine, allowing the lead group to grow to three riders once again. Further down the order, Aldeguer was having a battle with Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) who was making his way through the field in ninth position.
Ayumu Sasaki (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) was the first faller of the race, crashing out of their debut Moto2™ race at turn one.
The race continued to rage on, with Barry Baltus managing to catch the back of Canet, putting the #7 machine in podium contention. Baltus made the move at the end of lap eight and began to pull away from the pole sitter. The Belgian then battled into second position in a fierce move on Gonzalez to set his sights on the lead.
Arbolino dropped down the order as the race continued with the Italian dropping down to 13th position after some contact with Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team). The Marc VDS rider then continued to drop down the order, outside the point-scoring positions.
All the moves at the front of the field, allowed Garcia and Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI) to join the brilliant battle, with the Japanese rider making a heroic move on Gonzalez for fourth place.
Izan Guevara (CFMOTO Aspar Team) was forced to retire on lap 13, pulling the #28 machine into the pits. Meanwhile, Joe Roberts and his teammate Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) began their battle in sixth and seventh, in a great race for the Triumph-powered American Racing Team.
It was an unbelievable end to the race, with three bikes battling for the lead with only three laps remaining. Baltus looked to make a move on Lopez but could not find a way through due to the Spaniard’s incredible defending, which allowed the SpeedUp rider to win. While it was delight for Lopez, his teammate and title favourite Aldeguer was outside of the points, finishing in 16th position.
Ai Ogura came home to finish in fourth position, in a great first race with the MT Helmets – MSI Team. Manuel Gonzalez rounded out the top five in a solid result for the Spaniard. He was ahead of both OnlyFans American Racing machines, with Ramirez ending the race ahead of his teammate Roberts. The second QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™ of Albert Arenas rounded out the top eight after a thrilling opening Grand Prix.
Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo) finished in ninth, ending the race ahead of pole sitter Canet who was 10th. Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) came across the line to finish in 11th, ahead of Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team’s Jeremy Alcoba. Zonta van der Goorbergh, Bo Bendsneyder (Pertamina Mandalika GAS UP Team), and Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) rounded out the point-scoring places.

Dennis Foggia -- P19 "Not an easy race, especially in the first laps where I struggled a lot. We have a long season ahead of us where we have to work with the aim of improving and fighting for better positions. Thanks to the whole team for their commitment".

Diogo Moreira -- P22 "I am happy with the race. It was my first real challenge in Moto2 and now we have a starting point from which to continue working. The goal is to keep improving and learning. Many thanks to the team for this weekend. We are already looking forward to Portimao!"

Jaume Masia -- P25 "It's a pity because I encountered some difficulties that didn't allow me to ride at ease. In short, this is my first race and my first contact with the category. Little by little we will find our way".

MOTO3 
Alonso amazes in a last lap thriller ahead of Holgado

David Alonso (CFMOTO Aspar Team) wins the opening race of the season at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar after a thrilling move on the entry to the last corner. Alonso won by just 0.041 from Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) who was strong throughout the whole race. Joining them on the podium was Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), after battling his way through the field to a remarkable podium finish.
There was drama before the race started with David Muñoz stalling the BOE Motorsports’ bike on the grid, forcing the Spaniard to start from the pitlane. However, once the lights went out it was pole sitter Daniel Holgado who led into turn one, ahead of Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) in a tight Moto3™ field.
It was just a 16-lap race with passes getting made at every corner, in a thrilling start to the Moto3™ season. Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) was the rider on the move early on, making his way briefly into second and as the top Honda. However, Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) battled back, before the #99 passed Holgado to take the race lead. On lap three of the race Rueda lost the rear, collecting Ortola at turn one. This incident promoted David Alonso to second place, ahead of Fernandez.
The lead group was 11 riders long with all manufacturers in the mix, in a nail-biting opening Grand Prix of the season. Positions within the group were constantly changing, with Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) being the next rider to battle up the order from 10th to fourth position.
Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) were the next riders to go down, after a highside from Farioli on lap six of the race.
Another rider who was beginning to make moves was Japanese rider Taiyo Furusato who battled to fifth after starting from 18th position. Furusato quickly made his way into the podium positions before making a stunning move to take the lead in the Qatar Grand Prix.
Holgado and Furusato had an incredible battle, with the Japanese rider making a mistake, dropping down to fourth position. This allowed the #80 Alonso to begin his attack for the lead with a handful of laps remaining. Alonso briefly took the race lead into turn one before Holgado reclaimed his throne.
Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI) had a big crash after running off the edge of the curb, bringing a premature end to his race.
As the sun began to set in Doha it all went down to the final lap of the race with Holgado leading in front of Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power). However, it did not stay like that for long with it being an all-out duel between Furusato and Holgado. There was also drama behind the leading riders with Adrian Fernandez losing the rear, leaving Vincente Perez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) with nowhere to go.
Alonso made the move for the win at the final corner, leading across the line with nothing separating the front group. Riccardo Rossi came across the line to take fourth position, just 0.186 separating the top four. Dutchman Veijer came across the line in fifth position, in a solid race for the Husqvarna rider.
Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) finished in sixth place, a further 0.078 behind Veijer in a thrilling opening race of the season. Tatsuki Suzuki came across the line in seventh in his debut race with the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP. Australian Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) finished in eighth and ahead of Ortola who made an incredible recovery ride. Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) ends his first Moto3™ race to round out the top 10.
Joel Esteban (CFMOTO Aspar Team) ended the race in 11th, ahead of rookie Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) and MLav Racing’s Scott Ogden. Nicola Carraro (LEVELUP – MTA) and Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) took the final point-scoring positions.

R​iccardo Rossi -- P4 "It was a good race, even if it was difficult because everyone was very fast and there were a lot of aggressive attacks, but we know that this style of driving is typical of Moto3. I'm really happy, it's a great result. I think next time we could try to work on the gear changes because I was struggling on the straight. We must continue on this path in Portimao, I am very, very happy and I thank the CIP Green Power team."

Tatchakorn Buasri -- P19

Adrian Fernandez -- NC "It wasn’t the start we wanted, and I would like to apologise to the team. I felt good from the beginning of the race, and I knew that I could fight to get a podium finish today. One thing is for sure, I will try even harder in Portimao”.

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