Ten Kate is returning to WorldSBK with Yamaha and Loris Baz.
The team will be supported fully by Yamaha Europe and will have the same equipment as the factory team.
The team was dropped by HRC at the 11th hour last year.
Ten Kate is returning to WorldSBK with Yamaha and Loris Baz this time.
Many were surprised when Honda dropped their long-time WorldSBK partner Ten Kate for the 2019 season. It was already 30th October when Honda made the announcement, which meant that Ten Kate had prepared the race engines, materiel and signed two riders through 2019 and 2020.
HRC’s move forced Ten Kate to lay off their race team and declare bankruptcy.
But it proves that racing is in team principal Ronald ten Kate’s blood as he began talks with other manufacturers. He finally reached an agreement with Yamaha Europe just before Christmas, but the details were only fully confirmed in January.
He decided on Yamaha and Loris Baz as he will be supported fully by Yamaha Europe, hence receive the complete package. It means that he will receive the same factory equipment as the Crescent Yamaha and GYTR Yamaha teams.
However, he concedes that the team could only aim for as many podium finishes as possible since the championship is fully underway. The team will only begin at the Jerez round from 7th to 9th June 2019.
Motorcycle manufacturers do get in the April Fool’s Day pranking act.
We round up a few from this year’s.
Triumph and BMW are the leaders in this.
It’s just not getting punk’d by your office mates, but there are motorcycle manufacturers who couldn’t resist teasing motorcycle fans with April Fool’s Day jokes. It isn’t difficult to illicit a few laughs these days, given the willingness of many in believing everything on social media.
Here’s this year’s April Fool’s Day wrap-up.
Triumph Rocket Mode Thrusters Accessory
Triumph Motorcycles have been pranking us for many years. We remember fondly of “a new model” which replaced the handlebar with a steering wheel from a car.
Introducing the new Rocket Mode Thrusters accessory!
The latest hybrid technology from Triumph Motorcycles with 1,000hp jet engines now available for the Rocket TFC.
So, wouldn’t you like a pair of miniature jet engines that sit inside the exhaust pipes? On a Rocket III TFC, no less! Triumph even posted the blueprint for it. It promised 1,000 hp and available only on 1stApril 2019.
Apple iLid
A motorcycle retailer in the UK named Sportbike Shop announced that they secured the rights to distribute Apple’s HUD smart helmet called the “iLid.”
We’re excited to finally reveal we have exclusive UK rights for Apple’s newest tech venture… into motorcycling. The iLid features a heads-up display and a thumbwheel control to help you access everything you need while riding. Find out more… https://t.co/fdcRpyFpNEpic.twitter.com/2UbKxW4DBy
— SPORTSBIKESHOP.co.uk (@SPORTSBIKESHOP) April 1, 2019
It’s definitely a prank because nothing Apple plans escapes the gaze of tech publications.
BMW iRace
Think BMW Motorrad is all serious? They have been doing April Fool’s Day pranks for a long time.
Check out this “GPS-guided iRace system” for the S 1000 RR. BMW claims it allows beginners to circulate tracks close or even matching their lap records.
Ja, ja, I’d like to lap the Nordschleife with this!
BMW R One T
Another one from BMW, in the shape a mono-wheeled bike photoshopped from the R Nine T. There’s a similar one made by BMW Motorrad Malaysia.
BMW R 1250 GS One Wheel
The copywriting blurb said, “Ready for our latest novelty? A revolutionary design using a single wheel underneath the 1250cc boxer engine.”
Shell Malaysia earns the first “Green Building Index” award for two of their stations.
The index is awarded to buildings that comply to environmentally-friendly measures.
Shell’s green stations are the first among petroleum companies in Malaysia and APAC region.
As the Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd., En. Shairan Huzani Husain said, “It’s not easy to convince people the petroleum companies actually care about the environment.” But Shell Malaysia is now the first petroleum company to have certified “green retail fuel stations” not only in Malaysia, but in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
To Shell, it is their responsibility to care for the wellbeing of the planet, while supplying energy resources to consumers. Truth is, Shell not only researches on better fossil fuels and other petroleum products, but also energy solutions for the future including electric vehicles.
Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd.
As such, Shell Malaysia embarked on a quest to turn their retail stations into environmentally-friendly those with “Green Building Index (GBI)” certification. Two stations have been awarded as such, one in Damansara Jaya and another in Taman Connaught.
En. Shairan further added that Shell Malaysia will reduce the carbon footprint of their stations by 50% cum 2025.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNKK)
Highlights of GBI certified buildings:
Solar Photo Voltaic panels installed on the station’s canopy to generate electricity during daytime. The clean electricity obtained will supplement the station’s energy requirements such as running the air-conditioning, lighting, fuel pumps and so forth.
Adjustments to reduce energy consumption. Such as painting the surfaces of roofs and walls white to reflect solar radiation to reduce interior temperature during the daytime.
Use of Energy Monitoring System (EMS). It allows the station to monitor electricity and water consumption. The station’s crew can react quickly to abnormal consumption.
Waterless urinals and water saving taps replace conventional bathroom fittings. Water usage was reduced by up to 60%. It equals saving up to 600,000 litres per year, per station.
LED lighting with lower power consumption and longer lifespans.
Carpool and green vehicle parking bays to encourage their use.
Strategically placed electronic display board at shop’s entrance which provides detailed information on the station’s energy and water consumption, temperature and carbon intensity reduction.
Red Bull KTM Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal admitted that he was “very angry” at Hafizh Syahrin.
The outspoken Frenchman shared his thoughts during the Argentina MotoGP.
Hafizh Syahrin’s target is to go better than his new teammate Miguel Oliveira this year.
Oh dear, this doesn’t sound good at all. Red Bull KTM Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal admitted that he was “very angry” at Hafizh Syahrin.
The outspoken Frenchman spilled his guts when interviewed by MotoGP trackside announcer Simon Crafar during the weekend’s Argentina MotoGP.
“Hafizh, this is something very strange, but we’ve been through that before,” said Poncharal, alluding to his previous “motivational” talk with the rider at Misano last year.
Herve Poncharal – Photo credit GPOne
“He finished ninth last year for his second race in MotoGP, we know the guy has potential.”
“And yesterday FP1 was a disaster. He was looking almost like you (Simon Crafar) or me riding the bike around the track. I was really angry.”
“But after three laps in FP2, he improved by a full two seconds, which is a lot. Changed nothing on the bike, but clearly there is something is his head. At the moment he doesn’t dare to push, for reasons I can’t explain, he can’t explain.”
However, Poncharal gave assurance that the KTM Tech 3 team is fully behind Hafizh in his quest.
Hafizh Syahrin’s Thoughts
Motosport.com asked Hafizh for his opinion regarding Poncharal’s strong words. “Yesterday morning was (a) similar feeling like Qatar and also in the test. I didn’t find any good grip with the bike.”
“And after that we make a small change (which Poncharal said they didn’t change anything on the bike), and really surprised for me, and I feel a different bike, and we improve.”
Hafizh admits that that he’s still adapting to the bike. “Now I start to understand this bike more or less 90 percent. I just need a little bit more laps.”
Our Take
Before you jump on Poncharal, consider this: MotoGP is business. It’s not some fancy hobby of the rich who employ riders to blast around tracks worldwide. MotoGP is not horse racing and the riders are not horse jockeys.
Now, sponsors have the very right of seeing their logos on the bikes they sponsored and it’s not exactly cheap in MotoGP. These sponsors may say, “We use the top level of motorsports i.e. MotoGP to develop our technologies,” but it’s about brand visibility. Sponsors want to be associated with winners. Would you sponsor a fly-by-night team? You wouldn’t.
Unfortunately, only the front runners and crashers who get the most visibility during a race weekend. The cameras will focus on the front runners 99% of the time; the footage beamed into millions of homes around the world.
In other words, teams and riders at the back of the field are “invisible,” unless they crash. Even then, the front runners who crashed receive more air time. Sponsors will have a hard time justifying the costs to their stakeholders and start pressuring the manufacturer. The manufacturer then pushes the team boss, and the team boss goes down to the pits and start kicking butts.
Sepang International Circuit CEO and Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team principal, Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali was asked about Hafizh Syahrin’s performance during a recent interview. He said that he had a talk with Hafizh at Qatar. “I gave him a stern advice: Do not look at the Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team as a backup, since we’ve signed Morbidelli and Quartararo for two years,” said Dato’ Razlan.
He also added that getting into MotoGP could be relatively easy, but staying in MotoGP is entirely a different matter. “Tech 3’s target for Hafizh in 2019 was to go faster than his new teammate Miguel Oliveira.”
“I also told him to stop comparing the KTM with the Yamaha he rode last year.”
As with Poncharal, SIC supports Hafizh’s venture. “We’ve gone the whole length of trying to help Hafizh, including signing on a sport psychologist for him.
BikesRepublic.com hopes Hafizh Syahrin will rise to the challenge quickly. We understand that being a MotoGP rider isn’t easy but it’s a world based on results.
*NOTE:
Many top riders also suffered with grip at the Termas Rio Hondo circuit in Argentina. Apart from MotoGP, the circuit is hardly used throughout each year. Consequently, the surface lacks grip. Maverick Vinalez qualified second but lost 1.5 seconds per lap to winner Marc Marquez. Alex Rins could qualify no better than 16thon his Suzuki and had to be satisfied with finishing 5th. Johann Zarco on the factory KTM also suffered, finishing in 15th, one place ahead of Hafizh Syahrin. Andrea Dovizioso said he was disappointed in finishing 3rdafter nursing his worn tyres home.
The Yamaha Niken is already funky, but an Australian garage added a turbo.
It should produce 148 hp, compared to the stock 115 hp.
The custom paint job is a nice touch, too.
Power, power, power. It’s never enough, is it? How about the Yamaha Niken, then? Not funky enough? How about adding a turbo sound to you?
That’s exactly what Trooper Lu’s Garage in New South Wales, Australia throught when they built this world’s first turbocharged Yamaha Niken.
Yamaha Motor Australia who shared this post didn’t reveal much details. But we could see a Garrett turbocharger mounted just ahead of the rear wheel where all three exhausts merge, before exiting to the Akrapovic muffler. According to Ride Apart, such set up usually gains some 33 horsepower. The stock Niken engine – which is shared with the MT-09 – produces 115 hp. Hence it should pump out 148 hp with the turbo.
Photo credit Yamaha Motor Australia
The GIVI aluminium top case complete with a pair of flasks is a nice, if not ironic, addition.
Photo credit Yamaha Motor Australia
Other changes include a custom colour that’s a departure from Yamaha’s standard “racing blue.” You could also see the custom KYB forks up front.
Photo credit Yamaha Motor Australia
In closing, a certain motojournalist had wheelied the standard Niken so the turbo in this one should kick the front up even higher!
Marc Marquez destroyed the field in the 2019 Argentina MotoGP.
Valentino Rossi celebrated his 23 years in GP racing by finishing 2nd on the podium.
Andrea Dovizioso finished 3rdafter nursing his worn tyres.
While many had expected reigning MotoGP champion to win at the 2019 Argentina MotoGP, no one had thought he’d destroy the entire field. He left the riders behind him to fight tooth and nail for the last two podium positions, ending with Valentino Rossi claiming second place ahead of Andrea Dovizioso on the final lap.
Putting the nightmares of last season and the start of the weekend behind him, Marquez (Repsol Honda) blasted into the lead from the get-go and never looked back. He led as much as 12 seconds before backing off in the last few laps to take the chequered flag.
The battle for second and third position ensued among Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha), Andrea Dovizioso (Team Winnow Ducati), Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Sepang Yamaha Racing Team), Maverik Vinalez (Monster Energy Yamaha), Danilo Petrucci (Team Winnow Ducati), Jack Miller (Pramac Ducati) and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda).
Photo credit MotoGP.com
The group saw multiple position changes throughout the race, including trading paint and leaving tyre marks on rivals’ leathers.
Early casualty was Crutchlow who was called to serve a ride through penalty due to jumping the start. Dorna and the FIM had installed new jumpstart cameras and caught the Englishman moving forward by just 0.0001s before the red lights went out. He would eventually finish 13th.
Soon, Petrucci was dropped by the group. Rossi, Dovizioso, Miller and Morbidelli were caught in an exciting high-speed duel. Rossi and Dovi managed to pull clear at the end, leaving the men behind to chop and block each other.
Rossi and Dovi exchanged position a number of times, but the Ducati rider couldn’t pull away as he was trying to conserve his worn tyres. Rossi then put a block pass on Dovizioso at Turn 7 on the last lap and took off to take second place.
The podium finish celebrated Rossi’s 23 years of his involvement in GP racing.
Photo credit MotoGP.com
By now, Alex Rins (Suzuki Ecstar) rode a steady race from 16th on the grid to join the group. In the battle than ensued between Miller, Vinalez and Morbidelli, the trip went three wide as they headed into Turn 7. Miller was on the inside, Morbidelli on the outside, sandwiching Vinalez. Miller managed to slip through, followed by Vinalez and Morbidelli. Miller’s block pass means Vinalez had to hold his throttle, causing Morbidelli to smash into Vinalez’s back wheel. Both riders were knocked out of the race with just a few corners to go.
Alex Rins slipped through to claim 5thwith Petrucci behind him.
Photo credit MotoGP.com
Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda) finished 7th to cap off a strong weekend; Fabio Quartaro (Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team) impressed in 8th; Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) took 9th; and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory) rounded out the Top 10.
Further down the field, rookie Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) put in another impressive race to come home in 11th; Jorge Lorenzo (Repsol Honda) had a horrid start and finished 12th; Crutchlow in 13th; Francesco Bagnaia (Pramac Ducati) in 14th; Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory) couldn’t capitalize on his soft tyres and dropped all the way back to 15th; Hafizh Syahrin (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) in 16th; and Andrea Ianone (Aprilia Racing) took the last spot.
