The Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC1 racing slicks are available for small capacity bikes.
Sizes are 110/70-ZR17 front and 140/70-ZR rear.
They will be available by Round 1 of the 2019 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship.
Everyone’s favourite race and performance tyre brand, Pirelli has launched the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC1 V3 for smaller capacity bikes.
Smaller capacity classes are ever popular worldwide. We have the underbone a.k.a. cub prix class in Southeast Asia, before stepping up to the 250cc, 300cc and now 400cc classes. One of the biggest problems was finding the correct-sized tyres.
Pirelli recognizes this and debuts the Supercorsa racing slicks in 110/70-ZR17 front and 140/70-ZR17 rear sizes. The new tyres are made with the super-sticky SC1 compound. These are meant for 300cc and 400cc bikes, but the 250cc should find them useful, too.Indeed, Pirelli is the title sponsor and tyre provider for the World Superbike Championship which included the SuperSport 300 class.
Why the need for different tyres? Why not just use bigger rims to fit bigger sizes?
Smaller motorcycles do not have the weight and speed to create the type and of forces like big bikes do. As such, the tyres may not heat up enough and many not be able to retain the heat for optimum performance. Tyres designed for lighter bikes may have the same compounds as their bigger brothers but have slightly different construction.
The new tyres are now available in Europe and the US. BikesRepublic.com got in touch in with the Malaysian Pirelli official distributor Southeast Asia Parts for confirmation. According to them, these new tyres will be available by the first round of the 2019 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) 2019.
Get ready for even faster times in the Super 250 class!
*Note that these are racing slicks and the racetrack is the only place for them. Do not be foolish and mount them for road use!
The Sepang International Circuit will host round 2 of the FIM World Endurance Championship and FIA World Touring Car double-header.
The event will take place from 13th to 15th December 2019.
Malaysian riders and drivers will take place in both motorcycle and auto races.
The Sepang International Circuit will host two international race events back-to-back in December 2019. The FIM World Endurance Championship and FIA World Touring Car Races double-header will end under the floodlights at the circuit.
As announced earlier, the prestigious FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) is set for its debut on Malaysian soil. This is the best opportunity to see your favourite superbikes being hammered to the limits for hours on end.
The 8 Hours of Sepang, as the event is called, will play host to the best Asian motorcycle endurance teams fight to qualify for the infamous Suzuka 8 Hours Grand Finale alongside regular EWC teams and riders.
The signature ferris wheel at Suzuka – courtesy of fimwec.com
Sepang is the 2nd round of the 2019–2020 FIM EWC calendar; preceded by the Bol d’Or and superseded by the 24 Hueres Motos. The schedule is part of Eurosport Events’ reworked winter calendar.
Endurance racing is different from the usual “sprint” races from the aspect of the unknown, from which drama springs. For example, the leading bike may suddenly find the radiator leaking and the crew clamoring like madmen to fix the problem. Fans can expect to see the riders riding as if possessed to make up for lost positions.
But that’s not all. One the very next day, the FIA World Touring Car/OSCARO (WTCR) super-finale takes place under the floodlights for the inaugural time.
Razlan Razali, CEO, Sepang International Circuit, said: “With the departure of F1 in Malaysia, we were tasked to look into other world-class events to include in our annual calendar. Through fan voting and further feasibility study, FIM EWC and FIA WTCR were the top two selected events, both promoted by Eurosport Events.
“This special collaboration with Eurosport Events will make the race exclusive and one of a kind which will create history for Malaysia to host two world championships together in one weekend.
“Both races will take place until sunset and the chequered flag will be waived under the new SIC Circuit Lights. Tickets are now available for purchase through SIC’s website and we encourage all fans to come and witness these exciting world-class championships as they make their #RoadToMalaysia.”
Dato’ Razlan made the statements during the recent Petronas SIC Motorsports Association of Malaysia Award 2018.
Tickets for the FIA WTCR and FIM EWC double-header event are now on sale. Prices start from RM275 for the main grandstand and more information is available from the SIC website by following this link: https://www.sepangcircuit.com/ticketing/wtrc-ewc.
The Vespa Notte Sprint 150 i-Get ABS and Vespa Notte GTS Super 300 ABS were launched today in conjunction with Valentine’s Day.
“Notte” means “night” in Italian hence the “nocturnal” theme of the bikes.
The Notte GTS Super 300 ABS is priced from RM 29,000 while the Notte Sprint 150 ABS starts from RM 17,000.
Official Vespa distributor Naza Premira Sdn. Bhd. launched the Vespa Notte Sprint 150 i-Get ABS and Vespa Notte GTS Super 300 ABS today, in conjunction with Valentine’s Day.
“Notte” stands for “night” in Italian, hence both models were treated to black/black finishing. The black theme even applies to the classic “tie” shield at the front and mirrors. Also blacked out are the front shield, handlebar ends, passenger grab handle and retractable passenger footpegs on the GT Super 300 ABS. Other details exclusive to the Notte are the seats, glossy black rims and muffler guard.
Vespa calls the Notte GTS Super 300 ABS as the “perfect blend of nocturnal style and sporting character.” It features the most advanced Quasar engine platform. The engine is a 278.3cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, 4-valve and liquid-cooled unit. It produces a healthy 21 bhp (15.6 kW) at 7,750 RPM and 22 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM.
Safety is handled by a dual-channel ABS and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control systems.
It is priced from RM 29,000.
As for the “world style icon and symbol of Italian lifestyle” Vespa Notte Sprint 150 i-Get ABS, the engine is a 150cc, single-cylinder, 3-valve, and fuel-injected powerplant. It produces 12.7 bhp (9.5 kW) at 7,750 RPM and 12.8 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM. The bike also features a specially detailed exhaust besides transmission inner casing.
It is priced from RM 17,700.
Both models are available from authorized Vespa dealers nationwide.
Hafizh Syahrin wins Petronas International Rider of the Year Award for 2018.
He was announced the winner at the Petronas SIC Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) Award 2018 on Tuesday evening (12thFebruary).
Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Malaysia’s MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah won the Petronas International Rider of the Year Award at the Petronas SIC Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) Award 2018 on Tuesday evening (12thFebruary).
He was also awarded the Malaysia Motorsports People’s Choice Award. The nominees and subsequently the winner of this category was determined by fans through online voting.
Hafizh became Malaysia’s first ever full-time MotoGP rider in 2018 when he was picked by Herve Poncharal to join his Monster Energy Yamaha Tech 3 team. His consistency meant that he led the MotoGP Rookie of the Year chase until a slew of crashes forced him to cede the title to 2017 Moto2 champion and fellow rookie, Franco Morbidelli by just four agonizing points. Hafizh’s best finish was an incredible 9thin Argentina after starting from the 23rdspot. But perhaps the most emotional result was in Malaysia where he stormed up from dead last on the grid to finish 10th.
Other Malaysian motorsports achievers were also awarded at the gala event.
One rider, Danial Syahni Shahril was awared the KBS Motorsports Development Award by the Youth, Sports and Culture Minister YB Syed Saddiq. Danial was close to winning the final Asia Talent Cup race at SIC when a fellow competitor side-checked his bike. The bump caused him to fall into the path of another rider who smashed into his legs. Danial delivered an emotional note, “I’ve been in hospital for the last three months. Tonight, is the first day I am out of the hospital.” There’s perhaps justice for Danial as the offending rider was docked with a penalty and lost the race and ATC title to rival Billy Van Eerde.
On the four-wheeled front, Jazeman Jaafar won the Petronas International Driver of the Year award with fellow drivers Nabil Jeffri and Weiron Tan.
The trio was the first Asian driver team to win the fourth round of the World Endurance Championship at the 6 Hours of Fuji. They earned the entry to the 2018 Malaysia Motorsports Hall of Fame.
A total of 14 competitive awards were presented to teams and individuals over the course of the evening. Additionally, six honorees were inducted into the Hall of Fame including Kuan Huah Chin better known as Bulldog Kuan; go-kart driver Ng Wai Leong; and rally navigator Allen Oh.
Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in bringing Malaysia into a higher level in automotive and motorsports. It was Tun who started the first national car project, Proton and built the Sepang International Circuit.
Roll of Honour
Lifetime Achievement Award: Tun Dr Mahatir Mohamad Inductees into the Malaysian Motorsports Hall of Fame: Allen Oh, Ng Wai Leong, Jazeman Jaafar, Nabil Jeffri, Weiron Tan, Kuan Huah Chin (Bulldog Kuan) Petronas International Driver of the Year: Jazeman Jaafar (WEC) Petronas International Rider of the Year: Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (MotoGP) SIC Best National Driver of the Year: Mark Darwin SIC Best National Rider of the Year: Muhammad Helmi Azman SIC Best National Team (2 Wheels): SCK Rapido Hi-Rev Honda Racing SIC Best National Team (4 Wheels): Dream Chaser Most Inspiring Female Motorsports Athlete: Leona Chin SIC Best e-Motorsport Athlete: Ady Rahimy & Angeline Lee Most Improved Driver of the Year: Brendan Paul Anthony Most Improved Rider of the Year: Danial Syahmi Shahril KBS Motorsports Development Award: Danial Syahmi Shahril Malaysia Motorsports People’s Choice Award: Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah SIC-MAM-SAM Media Award (Best Journalist): Sukhairi Thani – Berita Harian SIC-MAM-SAM Media Award (Best Photographer): Ridzuan Rizal Ahmad – Utusan Malaysia SIC-MAM-SAM Media Award (Best Electronic Media): Hasnida Hanim Ahmad Kamil and Aji Saregar – TV3
The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport is the flagship of the Scrambler range.
It features many top-of-the-shelve components.
It also has Bosch IMU-based Cornering Traction Control and Cornering ABS.
I made a sudden realization while riding the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport, that the model line has come a long way after the first Scrambler Icon introduction in 2015.
Back then, we found that we needed to wrap our heads around riding a Ducati which didn’t feel like a err… Ducati. For the image and feel of traditional Ducatis have stuck with us: Stiff suspension and steering, seating position which offers our bums to the sky, etc. But most of all, Ducatis are RED.
We got even more confused when we rode out. The engine definitely sang like how Ducatis do but the suspension, handling, seating position were all “foreign.” Those were nothing bad, by the way. It just meant that we were trying to break out of red Ducati box. But we found ourselves attached to it by the end of the ride, as we started to understand the entire philosophy around the model.
Since then, the Scrambler line-up grew from the basic Icon to include different configurations including the Urban Enduro, Full Throttle, Classic, Café Racer and Desert Sled. A 400cc variant called the Sixty2 was also added. Ducati had sold 56,000 Scramblers by this point.
But now, Ducati introduced two new 1100cc models to top off the line. There are two variants, the 1100 Special and the 1100 Sport we tested here.
Introduction to the Scrambler 1100 Sport
The Scrambler 1100 Sport is considered the alpha-bike of the entire Scrambler range.
Its 1079cc, air-/oil-cooled, 2 valve-per-cylinder, L-Twin (90oV-Twin) engine came from the Monster 1100 Evo. It produces 86 bhp and 88 Nm of torque.
However, the Sport stands out by featuring a pair of fully-adjustable and beefy 48mm Öhlins upside-down forks and an Öhlins monoshock. The shock is adjustable for preload and rebound damping. Additionally, the front brake calipers are Brembo M4.32 Monoblocs. These were the same calipers fitted to the Panigale 899.
The two 1100 models also utilize Bosch Cornering Traction Control and ABS. Additionally, there are three ride modes. ACTIVE gives direct throttle response; JOURNEY gives softer throttle response but full power and; CITY which limits power to 75 bhp and soft response. Choosing the different ride modes also alters the traction control (DTC) levels.
Lastly, the exhaust. While other Scramblers have low-slung exhaust pipe tips, the 1100 flaunts them by exiting high, underneath and to the sides of the passenger seat. Our test unit was fitted with the Termignoni option which puts both tips on the right side. They sounded good, so no complaints.
Riding the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport
The seating position is still very much Ducati Scrambler – neutral and natural. But we particularly like the handlebar position which is the same as the Full Throttle’s and lower than the Icon’s. It put our torsos on a slightly forward cant over the fuel tank.
Open the throttle and it’s about the V-Twin torque that Ducati is famous for. Torque, torque, torque. Twist and go. But that didn’t mean the bike was a beast. On the contrary, the throttle response was really smooth and linear compared to even the 803cc engine.
What it did was build up speed almost surreptitiously. That’s actually a good thing because the rider won’t feel overwhelmed by the sudden rush of speed.
The gearbox is so much more improved now, giving that positive feel everytime a new gear went in. There’s no “hunting” feel like that on some other Ducatis and we didn’t miss one gear. But it was still pretty much a Ducati and will go chugga-chugga-chugga if you tried to lug it in too high a gear.
The wide handlebar gave us a lot of control of the front end since it provided more leverage. There’s no question about the handling since those Ohlins took care of everything. The 1100 Sport is more “sportily” sprung, without the floaty feel of the Icon. In fact, it handled much closer to a Monster.
See that decreasing radius corner? Take a wider entry and just chuck the bike in. Then slam open the throttle ignite the rockets out of the corner. Not the ideal way of riding we do but it showed us just what the bike is capable of. Such handling trait is especially useful when you ride through narrow roads such as up Genting Highlands, Ulu Yam, Titi Kelawang.
The suspension is what gave the confidence in corners, while the traction control worked in regulating the rear wheel’s reaction as you grab the throttle while leaned over.
Or in downtown KL.
Swing the bike left, swing the bike right. Accelerate hard while the mechanical orchestra sings to other road users, and rely on the strong brakes and great chassis to help shoot through gaps.
The Scrambler 1100 Sport wasn’t only good when in motion. Its classic yet muscular looks definitely turned heads wherever it went.
Conclusion
The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport is a worthy flagship of the Scrambler line-up. The special bits add not only adds more cool to the bike but also expands its performance envelope.
Head over to Ducati Petaling Jaya to test ride the bike.
An Indonesian man tortured and dragged a cat behind a motorcycle.
The cat’s owner caught the act on video.
Police caught him later and he told them that he heard voices to kill the cat.
An Indonesian man was arrested for dragging a cat behind his motorcycle. He claims to have “head voices” telling him to torture the cat because it was evil.
Diefie Hafiez Maufalia was looking for her ginger-coloured cat, Mio, when she saw the horrific scene involving a familiar-looking cat. She was outraged at the act but was afraid to reprimand the man for fear of his reactions. So she whipped out her phone and shot the video of him dragging the cat behind his motorcycle.
“The passenger was the one who pulled the cat, but I wasn’t sure if the cat was still alive or not,” Diefie told Detik News (Indonesian media).
Ms Didie – Photo credit Detik News
The 15-second video went viral and the police hunted down the perpetrator based on the motorcycle’s number plate.
They revealed an even more disturbing find after questioning.
The man had beaten the cat until it stopped moving before tying a rope around the poor animal’s neck and dragged him behind his accomplice’s motorcycle. He also claimed that he
“heard voices” telling him to carry out the macabre act.
Police sent him to the hospital afterwards to check on his mental state after he kept chaning his story during questioning.
KTM has launched all their MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 teams for 2019.
There will be two teams in MotoGP, but both are using the same bikes.
They are Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing.
KTM launched their MotoGP teams tonight. They are known as the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing teams, respectively.
The “all-in” event also included KTM teams, bikes and riders from Moto2 and Moto3 classes. Additionally, KTM is represented by two teams on factory machinery.
In one corner is the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, with Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco as riders. This team’s KTM RC16 uses the traditional Red Bull KTM livery.
In the other corner is the Red Bull KTM Tech 3 Racing team, with our boy Hafizh Syahrin and Miguel Oliveira as riders. Their KTM RC16 are finished in a new orange, blue and silver livery. Hafizh promised during the special press conference and meet the fans session during the Sepang Winter Test, that the new livery will be replicated on a special edition KTM RC390 in Malaysia.
Both teams will contest on the factory KTM RC16, as the manufacturer is eager to collect twice the data in half the time in developing the bike. Although it still needs much development as Zarco said, Europe’s largest motorcycle maker could not shake their excitement.
After all, KTM’s morale and determination took a huge boost when Pol Espargaro put the bike on the podium for the first time last season in Valencia. Meanwhile, the retention of veteran KTM test rider Mika Kallio and signing of Dani Pedrosa as the new test rider will keep the program rolling at a high pace. Unfortunately, Pedrosa broke his collarbone and is out for three more months. However, KTM are allowed concessions for testing and development under MotoGP rules. Making full use of this leeway, KTM brought out several engines with different specs at Sepang.
The new bikes will hit the track from 20th February. Until then, let’s just enjoy the photos of the RC16 from both camps. All photos are from KTM and published in MotoGP.com.
The MV Agusta F2 Moto2 race bike was unveiled yesterday.
It will use MV Agusta’s chassis with the Triumph Moto2 engine.
Riders are Stefano Manzi and Dominique Aegerter, after Romano Fenati was infamously dropped.
Forward Racing has unveiled the MV Agusta F2 Moto2 race bike.
It signifies the return of the Italian marque after a 42-year absence in GP racing. Forward Racing has a new title sponsor hence the change in colour scheme from black to red/white and the team being officially called MV Agusta Idea Lavoro Forward Racing.
The F2 features MV Agusta’s red-painted steel trellis frame mated to an aluminium swingarm. Suspension is supplied by Öhlins and the engine is the new Triumph 765cc triple.
Team riders Stefano Manzi and Dominique Aegerter unveiled the F2 alongside Giacomo Agostini’s MV Agusta 500cc 4-cylinder championship winning bike.
The team had first signed Romano Fenati to ride the bike this year. However, Fenati went to on to grab Manzi’s front brake lever at Misano after trading hard passes on track. He was immediately dropped from his old Moto2 team and banned for the entire season. MV Agusta CEO Giovanni Castiglioni followed up by declaring that he will not allow Fenati to ride his bikes.
The team will join other Moto2 contenders at the first pre-season tests at the Jerez Circuit in Spain from 20th February and the final test at Losail in Qatar from 1st March. The 2019 MotoGP season kicks off on 10th March.
A total of 850 traffic summonses were issued by the Police and JPJ to motorcyclists at two different locations yesterday.
Offences include not using the motorcycle lane, riding without license, expired road tax, among others.
The number of offences is mind-bogging, to say the least.
Guthrie Corridor Highway
The Malaysian Traffic Police issued 232 summonses in just 3 hours to motorcyclists who did not use the motorcycle lane at Kilometre-2.5 of the Guthrie Corridor Highway. The news was reported by Kosmo! Online yesterday.
The Police sting was part of the Ops Selamat in conjunction with the Chinese New Year road safety campaign, which also involved the Road Transport Department (JPJ). While the number of motorcycle lane defaulters amounted to 232 summonses, a total of 375 were issued including other offences.
While the operations were conducted, there were several hardcore law breakers who turned back and rode against traffic flow to escape the roadblock. The Police resorted to chasing them down on their motorcycles.
One motorcyclist who rode 100 metres against traffic was chased down and found riding without a valid license.
Jalan Duta Toll Plaza
In a separate JPJ operation at the Jalan Duta Toll Plaza, a total of 475 summonses were issued while another 15 motorcycles were impounded from 9pm to 12 midnight. Offences range from not possessing valid license, not wearing a helmet, using non-regulation number plates and expired road tax.
PJ roadblock at Jalan Duta Toll Plaza – Photo credit Kosmo! Online
850 summonses in the space of 3 hours each at two locations is an outrage! Where is this? Afghanistan? This is beyond alarming. What would other vehicle owners think of motorcyclists if this continues? And yet some motorcyclists are critical of how others drive.
While we do not like using the motorcycle lanes due to being shoddily designed and maintained, we still do use them when available. The need of doing so is due to both the law and safety from having to share space with larger vehicles.
Riding without valid license or road tax are offences because there is no insurance cover in case one gets into an accident. However, mishap or otherwise, the law is the law. Our roads will descend into utter chaos and anarchy if no one obeys traffic laws!
Alpinestars published their response to the Munich Court of Appeals’ case.
The court sided with Dainese in their ruling.
Alpinestars maintains that they did not infringe on Dainese’s patents.
Alpinestars (A-Star) published their response to the recent German court decision with regards to a patent infringement case involving fellow Italian gear maker Dainese.
The decision by the Munich Court of Appeals will cause a huge effect to A-Stars’ Tech-Air airbag vests in the German market. In siding with Dainese, the court has issued an injunction against selling the product in the country. In addition to having their products pulled from the shelves, A-Stars also need to pay a huge sum in damages.
A-Stars is challenging Dainese’s charge that the they infringed on the latter’s patents. Judging from the wordings and language in the Press Release, the fight is not over. It’s going to be the Clash of Italian Titans.
The focal point of the contention is how the airbag vest is held in a garment.
Alpinestars’ Press Release
On February 7, 2019 the Higher Regional Court of Munich issued judgment upholding the claim that Alpinestars’ Tech-Air® vest infringes upon patent EP 2 412 257 B1 held by Dainese S.p.A.
Alpinestars wants to clarify that this action never involved the core of Alpinestars Tech-Air® technology; at no point, either past or present, has any action or patent infringement involved the electronic management, algorithm, or deployment mechanism, or any other part employed within Alpinestars entirely unique and advanced Tech-Air® technology.
Furthermore this judgment is limited to the territory of Germany only. It has no bearing on any other territories within Europe or the wider world market where Tech-Air® is available throughout Alpinestars’ Dealer network.
Originally Dainese alleged infringements based on three patents in Germany, none of them refer to Tech-Air® technology: one complaint was withdrawn by Dainese on 22nd December 2016, relating to patent EP 2 373 188, after this patent was revoked by the European Patent Office. The remaining two patents have been contested in Germany. The second, EP 2 373 190, concerning only some specific features of the air bladder used in the Tech-Air® vest, was wholly annulled by the German Federal Patent Court on 15 May 2018. Dainese appealed this decision.
The third, EP 2 412 257 B1, concerning the general installation of an inflatable air bladder construction within a ‘pocket’ of a garment, featuring elastic panels, is the point on which the patent infringement claim was upheld last week. As soon as the Court serves the written judgment, Alpinestars will study the details prior to taking any decision on its next steps.
Alpinestars needs to point out that it has an appeal pending on the validity of this patent (EP 2 412 257 B1) within the German Federal Court of Justice.
As consistently stated throughout this legal process, Alpinestars fully respects and honors third parties’ intellectual property rights and expects the same with respect to its own IP rights. Alpinestars’ highly innovative Tech-Air® products are based upon years of its in house research and development conducted by its own team of leading research and development staff.
Since the very beginning of the Tech-Air® project, which commenced in 2001, the freedom to ride with the most advanced innovations of performance protection has been the objective relentlessly pursued by Alpinestars and the result is uniquely advanced and capable technology. Tech-Air® is the world’s first airbag providing full upper torso protection in a transferable vest which incorporates a completely independent electronic management system, with no reliance on any external devices (sensors or GPS), to give accident detection and full airbag inflation before the first impact, dual charge for the track and off-road capability as demonstrated in the 2019 Dakar Rally.
Alpinestars’ Tech-Air® products represent an enormously innovative contribution to increased rider safety in motorcycling.
Team riders are Khairul Idham Pawi for the Moto2 class, and Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee for the Moto3 category.
Their tests sessions followed in the footsteps of the third official MotoGP test which took place from 6thto 8thFebruary. The PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo put their Yamaha YZR-M1s through their paces for the upcoming season. The Yamaha factory later announced on 7thFebruary that Quartararo will also ride the 2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 like his teammate Morbidelli’s and those of the factory Yamaha team.
Franco Morbidelli at Sepang Winter Test 2019 – Photo credit MotoGP.com
Khairul Idham Pawi #89 – Moto2
Khairul Idham Pawi and his crew continues their work on the new Kalex machine which is powered by the new Triumph three-cylinder engine. The tests will allow Pawi to familiarize himself further to the machine. He improved his pace as the day progressed.
Pawi testing new Moto2 bike – Photo credit PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team
The tests focused on the new engine initially, before moving to chassis, geometry and suspension set-ups.
Ayumu Sasaki #71 and John McPhee #17 – Moto3
The Sasaki/McPhee pairing concentrated on obtaining the optimum motorcycle base settings on the new 2019 Honda. Work focused on learning the new engine, chassis, and chassis geometry.
McPhee testing new Moto3 bike – Photo credit PETRONAS Sprinta Racing Team
Both riders put in many laps to obtain the sizeable data required. Sasaki logged 51 laps while McPhee logged another 38.
Next Tests
Testing continues today and tomorrow. The two Moto2 and Moto3 teams will head to their official tests at Jerez, Spain beginning 20thFebruary and Losail, Qatar from 1stMarch. As for the MotoGP team, the final official pre-season test will begin from 23rdFebruary. The 2019 MotoGP season kicks off in Qatar from 10thMarch.
The MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes hold pre-season tests each year.
But there is an extra immediacy in MotoGP pre-season tests.
It’s especially crucial lately due to the limit on testing and development throughout the season.
There’s so much coverage not just for the regular MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 season these days. But why is pre-season testing so important?
Why do teams pay so much attention to just four sessions over three months, although the race calendar covers 19 venues worldwide over eight months?
The main objective of the pre-season tests is to discover more about the new machinery and gain the all-important data. This term is oversimplified as there are countless number of regimes that the riders, teams, the component engineers, tyre engineers, so forth need to test for and gain the required feedback.
Rossi and Vinalez during the Sepang Winter Test 2019 – Photo credit MotoGP.com
The riders would put in a large number of laps on track while trying to figure out how the tyres and bike work and finding the optimal way of extracting the best performance (i.e. lap times) out of them. The team’s engineers meanwhile, need to figure out what suspension and electronic settings could unlock the bike and its components’ full potential. That data will be useful in the races to come as the teams have a basic idea of what the bike does.
Other suppliers such as helmet and racesuit makers for the riders, exhaust makers, motorcycle component makers, etc. are also keen for feedback to improve their products. This is when they can tailor a certain fit for the rider. That goes for footpeg suppliers, for instance, as well.
However, that still doesn’t explain the immediacy we see these days. That is due to the limits on testing mandated by the GP Commission.
Along with standardized technological specifications, the GP Commission limit the number of official testing events to curb the cost spent by the factory teams, besides giving less time for the bikes to “evolve” over the season.
Marc Marquez at SIC test – Photo credit MotoGP.com
At the conclusion of the fourth and final pre-season test at Qatar, teams without concessions must declare the engine they will use for the entire season. When the engines are produced, they will be crated and sealed by the Grand Prix Commission. Thus, the team will need to use that engine throughout the year.
Therefore, the team is screwed for the entire year if they picked the wrong engine.
The GP Commission made this decision to keep development in check and ensures that teams with more resources (read: money) could not keep upgrading their bikes as the season progresses.
The progress we see these days come from elsewhere such as suspension tuning, electronic strategy, tyres, bike’s suitability to certain tracks and of course, rider skill.
By the way, what does it mean by “teams without concessions”? Under the rule book, teams or manufacturers who have not attained the number of podiums in dry races are given more leeway i.e. concessions to develop their motorcycles throughout the season.
Aleix Espargaro on the Aprilia RS-GP at the Sepang Winter Test 2019 – Photo credit MotoGP.com
This arrangement encourages new teams to join the MotoGP class. Indeed, manufacturers such as Ducati and Suzuki benefitted from this to challenge the Big Two of Honda and Yamaha. They are not without concessions.
On the other hand, Aprilia and KTM are allowed more concessions in terms of fuel limits during the race, more engines per season, more testing and development, and wildcard riders. This will help to fast-track their MotoGP programs to join the upper ranks.
Miguel Oliveira on the KTM RC16 at the Sepang Winter Test 2019 – Photo credit MotoGP.com
Without this rule, the bigger manufacturers will keep staying in front, while the smaller teams or newcomers find themselves languishing at the back of the field.
Andrea Dovizioso sharing a light moment with his crew chief during the Sepang Winter Test 2019 – Photo credit MotoGP.com
