Rider Glenn Irwin topped the combined grid after a day of official British Superbike testing at Oulton Park. The test, carried out in preparation for the second round of the 2024 championship, provided an interesting insight into the teams’ capabilities and adjustments ahead of the next race at the same track. Irwin, who represents Ducati for the Hager PBM Ducati team, set an impressive pace, recording a time of 1:35.068. Just behind him, Yamaha riders Kyle Ryde and championship leader Ryan Vickers took second and third place respectively. Defending champion Tommy Bridewell of the Honda Racing UK team took fourth place. The test at Oulton Park was a crucial opportunity for the teams and drivers to fine-tune their settings and adjust their strategies for the next race. With competition increasing, every millisecond becomes essential to ensure a competitive advantage. In addition to Glenn Irwin, other drivers also showed solid performance during the test. Highlights included BMW – FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team’s Peter Hickman, who came in fifth, and Kawasaki – Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki’s Jason O’Halloran, who finished sixth. With teams working hard behind the scenes to tune their machines and drivers mentally and physically preparing for battle on the track, fans can look forward to an exciting weekend of racing at Oulton Park. Every turn, every overtake and every moment of action promises to keep spectators on the edge of their seats. The second round of the 2024 British Superbike Championship promises to be a fierce battle between the best riders and teams in the world of superbike racing. With so many talents gathered on the same track, spectators are expected to witness exciting races decided by the thinnest of margins. As the season progresses, every point becomes crucial in the title race. With Glenn Irwin leading the times after testing at Oulton Park, he will be determined to turn that lead into success on the track at the next race. The test results provided a fascinating insight into the balance of power within the championship and further raised anticipation for the exciting season ahead. With each race, riders will be eager to push their limits and take victory, offering fans unforgettable moments of action and adrenaline on the tracks of the 2024 British Superbike Championship.
Valentino Rossi’s brutal verdict on Marc Marquez vs Pecco Bagnaia battle
Valentino Rossi provided a candid and detailed analysis of the battle between Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia at the last MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix. The clash between the two drivers made for some thrilling moments in Jerez, with Bagnaia, a graduate of the VR46 Academy, managing to pass Rossi’s old rival Marquez to secure victory. Rossi watched the race from the sidelines and highlighted Bagnaia’s approach to Marquez’s attacks as a crucial aspect of the race. He emphasized the importance of Bagnaia’s immediate reaction to Marquez’s movements, describing how this ability was essential in keeping Marquez in check during the race. “Pecco considers Marco one of his rivals in the championship,” Rossi told Sky Italia. “We’ve seen his approach. He immediately reacts to his attacks. I think that’s very important because someone like Marc tends to devour you. If he sees you’re weakened, he devours you even more.” Rossi praised Bagnaia for his riding ability, especially when riding the Ducati. He highlighted Bagnaia’s ability to complete three perfect laps during the race, which appears to be the best in Italian cycling. “Pecco did three perfect laps today and proved that he is the best of all when he rides a Ducati. He is complete,” said Rossi. Rossi went on to comment on the decisive moments of the race and highlighted the battle between Bagnaia and Marquez as the highlight of the event. He pointed out that Bagnaia was able to respond effectively to Marquez’s attacks, ultimately securing his victory in the race. “The battle with Marquez, without a doubt,” Rossi said when asked about the best moment of the race. “When Marc overtook him at Turn 9, he went a little wide. Pecco managed to recover at Turn 10 with an entry like Marquez usually does. There, in my opinion, he immediately made it clear that he wants to win.” Bagnaia’s win at the Spanish Grand Prix put him second in the overall standings, just 17 points behind leader Jorge Martin. Meanwhile, Marquez is sixth, 32 points behind the leader. Rossi’s candid analysis provides valuable insight into the dynamics of the race and highlights Bagnaia’s ability and determination to overcome an opponent as strong as Marquez. This exciting battle between two talented riders promises to make the MotoGP season even more exciting.
Tarran Mackenzie “doing a pretty good job with what we’ve got”
Tarran Mackenzie shines in 2024 WorldSBK season despite challenges with available equipment. After a difficult start, the British driver put in an impressive performance at the final round in Assen and achieved his best result to date.The PETRONAS MIE Honda team faced problems as they did not have the same equipment as the factory Honda team. This has made good results a rarity in recent years. However, Mackenzie managed to overcome these limitations and produce outstanding results in Assen. For Mackenzie, the wet sessions at Assen were key to his confidence and performance. He emphasized that these conditions leveled the playing field, allowing him to compete more evenly with other pilots. Furthermore, the cooperation with his teammates such as Garrett and Xavi during the competition had a positive impact on his performance.Despite the challenges he faces, including the lack of pre-season testing and adverse conditions at some races, Mackenzie expressed his gratitude for the team’s continued progress and the results achieved so far. He recognizes the efforts of all team members to do the best with what they have available.Looking to the future, Mackenzie is determined to continue to improve and achieve even better results. He emphasizes that despite the limitations, the team is doing good work and that the goal now is to enter the top ten in the next races. With a focused mindset and a united team, Tarran Mackenzie and the PETRONAS MIE Honda team are ready to face the remaining challenges of the 2024 WorldSBK season. Their performance so far is a testament to their determination and ability, and they are determined to continue to surprise on the track.
KTM tipped for shake-up with Pedro Acosta set for a bumper new contract
Pedro Acosta, the new sensation of the 2024 MotoGP season, is ready to secure his future with KTM. After an impressive start to the season, the young Spanish star is in talks to sign a huge new contract with the Austrian side. Acosta’s current contract with KTM expires at the end of this year, but includes a clause to extend the partnership until 2025. However, reports suggest that Acosta and brand bosses met in Jerez last weekend to discuss a new contract. Other manufacturers have shown interest in buying Acosta, but KTM is determined to finalize a new deal by the summer, with the aim of “closing the door” on its rivals. If a new contract is agreed, Acosta will be tied to KTM until the end of 2026, bringing him in line with MotoGP greats such as Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo. In addition to a longer contract, Acosta would also receive an improved salary, long-term stability and an even higher status within the team. Although the final decision to promote him to the factory team is still pending, Acosta is widely expected to make the jump. As for the technical team, Acosta expressed his desire to keep the same personnel around him, emphasizing his confidence and comfort with the current squad. His meteoric rise in MotoGP, becoming the third youngest rider to reach the podium, has made a huge impact, not only because of his riding skills, but also because of his endearing personality. Acosta’s potential contract renewal with KTM will not only confirm his future in motorcycling’s premier class, but also signal the team’s commitment to developing young talent and competing at the highest level of motorsport.
Ferrari’s special livery for the 2024 Miami
“Ferrari fans can look forward to a unique experience during the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, as the legendary Italian team has unveiled a special livery to celebrate its 70th anniversary of presence in North America. Featuring historic blue hues, the SF- 24 be breathtaking on the slopes of the sunny city. The inspiration for this unique design change comes from two iconic shades: Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino. These shades of blue have been carefully chosen to pay tribute to both the history of Ferrari and the tradition of motorsport in North America. Additionally, the special dye isn’t the only new thing fans can expect to see. Drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will parade around the Miami tracks with a completely new look, with blue details on the spoilers, engine cover, halo, mirrors, race numbers and even the wheels, in a tribute to the cars of the decade from 1960. But the celebration doesn’t stop there. Both Leclerc and Sainz, along with the Ferrari team, will wear special gear during the event. The highlight is the Azzurro La Plata, the official racing color of Argentina in the 1950s, which was also used by the legendary Italian driver Alberto Ascari during his most successful years on the track. The Azzurro Dino, a deeper shade of blue, will also be revived by Ferrari in Miami. Favored by several drivers in the past, including Clay Regazzoni in 1974, this color adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the celebration. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed his excitement at the opportunity to celebrate the team’s history in such a special way. He emphasized that the Miami Grand Prix will be unforgettable, not only because of the special livery, but also because of the arrival of the team’s new title partner, HP. With these new additions, fans can look forward to an exciting weekend filled with emotion and nostalgia as Ferrari parades its rich heritage on the tracks of Miami. And for those lucky enough to witness this celebration in person, it will truly be an unforgettable moment in Formula 1 history.”
Ferrari’s special livery for the 2024 Miami
“Ferrari fans can look forward to a unique experience during the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, as the legendary Italian team has unveiled a special livery to celebrate its 70th anniversary of presence in North America. Featuring historic blue hues, the SF- 24 be breathtaking on the slopes of the sunny city. The inspiration for this unique design change comes from two iconic shades: Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino. These shades of blue have been carefully chosen to pay tribute to both the history of Ferrari and the tradition of motorsport in North America. Additionally, the special dye isn’t the only new thing fans can expect to see. Drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will parade around the Miami tracks with a completely new look, with blue details on the spoilers, engine cover, halo, mirrors, race numbers and even the wheels, in a tribute to the cars of the decade from 1960. But the celebration doesn’t stop there. Both Leclerc and Sainz, along with the Ferrari team, will wear special gear during the event. The highlight is the Azzurro La Plata, the official racing color of Argentina in the 1950s, which was also used by the legendary Italian driver Alberto Ascari during his most successful years on the track. The Azzurro Dino, a deeper shade of blue, will also be revived by Ferrari in Miami. Favored by several drivers in the past, including Clay Regazzoni in 1974, this color adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the celebration. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed his excitement at the opportunity to celebrate the team’s history in such a special way. He emphasized that the Miami Grand Prix will be unforgettable, not only because of the special livery, but also because of the arrival of the team’s new title partner, HP. With these new additions, fans can look forward to an exciting weekend filled with emotion and nostalgia as Ferrari parades its rich heritage on the tracks of Miami. And for those lucky enough to witness this celebration in person, it will truly be an unforgettable moment in Formula 1 history.”
