MICHELIN AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX

23 October 2016

Resolute Tech3 pair fired up for the fight down under

Monster Yamaha Tech3 team riders Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith head to the Australian Grand Prix full of confidence and ready to battle, fresh from competing at the Motegi round last weekend. Both riders seek to complete the second back to back flyaway event solidly at the world famous Phillip Island circuit, which has produced many memorable duels over the years.

Pol Espargaro determinedly intends to seal the top independent riders honours in Sunday’s race aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1, after achieving 6^th at the previous GP in what was his 50^th Grand Prix with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team. The 25-year-old currently sits in8^th in the World Championship standings and will be aiming to close the deficit to the leading satellite rider, by finishing as close as possible to the factory MotoGP riders in southern Australia.

Meanwhile, Bradley Smith returns to the scene of his debut premier class podium in 2014, and he will seek to undertake another brave performance in Australia following his comeback in Japan after being forced to sit out three Grand Prix’s due to a severely damaged knee. The British rider showed incredible resilience at the previous round and he courageously defied expectations by concluding the Motegi showdown in 13^th, despite being limited by his injury. He resolutely targets completing the GP in the best possible position on Sunday in what will be another demanding race for him whilst he continues his recovery progress.

Profil

Profil

“Next up is the Australian Grand Prix at the iconic Phillip Island circuit and once again, the team will do everything they can in order to allow Brad and Pol to fight to two solid finishes. The guys both had good results in Motegi. Pol did his best all weekend long and completed the demanding race in 6th, whilst Bradley returned to us after his injury and ended the GP in 13th, and his resilience impressed us all. Therefore, we hope that these performances will boost the boys even more for Phillip Island. For Pol, we expect him to be challenging for the top independent position so that he can cut the gap to Cal Crutchlow in the satellite championship battle and we are fully confident that he can do this. As for Brad, he will have a bit of time in-between the races and we are sure that his knee will improve slightly for the GP, therefore, we hope that he can conclude the weekend in a positive fashion. This event is special for the Tech3 team because we can’t forget that Bradley scored his first ever premier class rostrum in 2014. In addition, the incredible battle between the Tech3 riders, Shinya Nakano and Olivier Jacque, for the 250cc World Championship in 2000 was unforgettable and it still sends shivers down my spine. So let’s see what we can do at the beautiful Australian circuit.”

Pictures for editorial only - Copyright Monster Yamaha Tech3 2016

MICHELIN AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX

23 October 2016

TRACK DATA

Pole position : Left
Length : 4,448 m
Width : 13 m
Corners : 12 (5 right, 7 left)
Longest Straight 900 m
Constructed 1956
Modified 1988

CIRCUIT LOCATION

GPS Circuit Entrance: 38°29'51.81"S, 145°13'46.78"E

HISTORY

Phillip Island, the self-styled home of Australian motorsport, is steeped in motor racing tradition, with the first car races having been held there on public roads in the 1920s. The first motorcycle races took place in 1931 and a permanent track was built in 1956. The circuit fell into disrepair during the late 70s and early 80s until it was bought in 1985 and given a AUS $5m facelift. MotoGP returned in 1989 and 1990 before becoming a regular fixture once more from 1997 onwards. The Phillip Island circuit is blessed with breathtaking scenery and beautiful ocean views and, as one of the fastest, most fluid, tracks on the calendar, it continues to provide some of the most spectacular racing in the MotoGP season.

MOTUL GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN

16 October 2016

Espargaro finishes as leading Yamaha in Motegi - Heroic Smith seizes points

Pol Espargaro delivered a strong performance in front of 52,000 passionate fans at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit to seize 6^th in his 50^thMotoGP race with the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team. The Spaniard sped away from the rear of the third row of the grid when the event began and after navigating his way around the stop and go track on the first lap, he crossed the line in 8^th, having improved on his qualifying position by one place. From here, the 25-year-old quickly set into a strong rhythm, which saw him open up a gap to the pursuing riders as he tried to hunt down Cal Crutchlow in front of him. At the midpoint of the 24 lap sprint, the 2013 Moto2 World Champion was up to 7^th as he maintained his consistency whilst he pushed on as the distance counted down. After producing a tireless effort right until the end of the demanding race, Espargaro met the chequered flag in 6^th which marks a solid conclusion to the round 15 battle.

On the other side of the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team pit box, Bradley Smith bravely rode to 13th at the Japanese Grand Prix, despite not having full race fitness due to his injured right knee. The young Briton, who was making his first MotoGP appearance since damaging his knee in August, began the 24 lap contest from the fifth row of the grid. When the lights went out, he lunged forward but was shuffled back to18^th by the close of the opening lap. However, Smith focused and quickly set into a consistent rhythm, which saw him move back into the points with a third of the total distance having been completed. He dug deep and at the half way point, he was running in 14^th as he continued to lap at a notable pace. Eventually, the 25-year-old crossed the finish line in 13^th, which marks an impressive result when considering his condition, at Yamaha’s Home Grand Prix. Now, Smith confidently eyes up the Australian Grand Prix, which will take place in a week’s time.

Profil

Profil

“It was another great race today and who could have imagined that the two factory Yamaha MotoGP riders would not see the finish flag and Marc would win the championship. With regards to the Tech3 guys, firstly, I want to congratulate Pol because he did the best that he could all weekend long. 6th is a solid position, plus he was also the leading Yamaha, but we know the reasons why. He was a bit too far behind Cal and never got close enough to pass him, so he wisely just kept control of the gap to the pursuing riders, before crossing the line. In terms of the fight for the top independent rider in the championship standings, anything is possible because Cal is only ten points ahead of us and we have three more races to go. On the other side of the garage, I have to say that Bradley did a superb job today and I want to give him very special congratulations because when he arrived here on Thursday, we weren’t sure if he could even do one lap. Not only did he complete all of the practices, but he also qualified in 15th which is quite incredible. However, we didn’t think that he could complete the entire distance. It’s amazing that he did and he scored a good result ahead of some of the regular riders who are fully fit. So I want to give him massive thanks and hopefully, his knee should be a bit better in Australia. Thanks to the whole team for their hard work and let's see what happens down under next week.”

Pictures for editorial only - Copyright Monster Yamaha Tech3 2016

MOTUL GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN

16 October 2016

TRACK DATA

Pole position : Left
Length : 4,801 m
Width : 15 m
Corners : 14 (8 right, 6 left)
Longest Straight 762 m
Constructed 1997
Modified 1997

CIRCUIT LOCATION

GPS Circuit Entrance: 36° 32′ 01″ North, 140° 13′ 39″ East

HISTORY

Located amongst the vast natural beauty of the northern Kanto district, the twin ring circuit at Motegi in Japan consists of a 1.5 mile oval and a 2.9 mile road course constructed to international standards. Built by Honda as the ultimate test facility in August 1997, the road circuit became home to MotoGP in 2000 whilst the oval is designed to introduce American motorsports culture to the country. Twin Ring Motegi is a major attraction for motorsports fans all year round as it is the venue for the Honda Collection Hall, a museum which houses an illustrious collection of motorcycle, car and racing machines from throughout the ages. The complex also includes a safety and riding school, dirt track, go-karts, hotel, restaurant, shops and event halls and currently employs some 300 staff.

MOTUL GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN

16 October 2016

Motivated Tech3 duo head east for Motegi showdown

Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team riders Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith confidently look on to the forthcoming Japanese Grand Prix where they will aim to kick-start the triple flyaway races in a positive manner. The pair will battle at the legendary Twin Ring Motegi circuit, which has produced many memorable duels over the years and they will seek to ride to success at Yamaha’s home GP in the round 15 fight.

Pol Espargaro will continue his quest to reclaim the top independent position in the World Championship by finishing as closely as possible to the factory MotoGP riders in front of his loyal Japanese fans. The young Spaniard, who currently sits in joint 8^th in the standings, returns to Japan full of optimism, after winning the Suzuka 8 Hours event for the second year in succession in July.

Meanwhile, Bradley Smith will get back in the saddle of his YZR-M1 after sitting out the past three MotoGP races due to a knee injury that he sustained in August. However, after a heroic recovery in such a short space of time, the Briton will aim to meet the chequered flag in a solid position in the 24 lap Motul Grand Prix of Japan on Sunday in order to begin the final races of the 2016 season positively. 

Profil

Profil

“Now we will enter the final section of the year and begin the three flyaway races, starting at Motegi, which is a special place for us. Firstly, I want to warmly welcome Bradley back after his time on the sidelines due to his knee injury. He worked really hard and his recovery has been impressive so we must commend him for this. No doubt Motegi will be a tricky event for him after so many weeks without riding, but we will work non-stop to make sure that he can do the best that he can. As for Pol, he will be fired up and determined for the Japanese Grand Prix with his sights set on acquiring the leading satellite honours on Sunday afternoon. It’s important to get a decent start to these three races and we are confident that he can fight as close as possible to the factory MotoGP riders. The support is always amazing in Japan and with it being Yamaha’s home race as well as sponsored by our backers Motul, we will do our best to please everyone so that we can leave the land of the rising sun with a good feeling.”

Pictures for editorial only - Copyright Monster Yamaha Tech3 2016

MOTUL GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN

16 October 2016

TRACK DATA

Pole position : Left
Length : 4,801 m
Width : 15 m
Corners : 14 (8 right, 6 left)
Longest Straight 762 m
Constructed 1997
Modified 1997

CIRCUIT LOCATION

GPS Circuit Entrance: 36° 32′ 01″ North, 140° 13′ 39″ East

HISTORY

Located amongst the vast natural beauty of the northern Kanto district, the twin ring circuit at Motegi in Japan consists of a 1.5 mile oval and a 2.9 mile road course constructed to international standards. Built by Honda as the ultimate test facility in August 1997, the road circuit became home to MotoGP in 2000 whilst the oval is designed to introduce American motorsports culture to the country. Twin Ring Motegi is a major attraction for motorsports fans all year round as it is the venue for the Honda Collection Hall, a museum which houses an illustrious collection of motorcycle, car and racing machines from throughout the ages. The complex also includes a safety and riding school, dirt track, go-karts, hotel, restaurant, shops and event halls and currently employs some 300 staff.

GRAN PREMIO MOVISTAR DE ARAGON

25 September 2016

Espargaro finishes inside the top 8 under the Spanish sun at Aragon

Monster Yamaha Tech3 team rider Pol Espargaro delivered a relentless performance in front of nearly 70,000 fans today at the Aragon Grand Prix which he completed in 8^th. The young Spaniard impressively concluded the morning warm up in 3^rd place, which left him highly motivated for the afternoon. Here, he kicked off his fight from the fourth row of the grid and bolted forwards when the lights went out.Espargaro was shuffled back to 12^th place by the close of the first lap, yet he remained focused and set into a consistent rhythm as he targeted climbing back up through the field. The home hero progressed forward and by the 4^th lap, he was running in 9^th. Following this, he continued to inch closer to the rider ahead and on lap 16 he seized 8^th after moving past Andrea Dovizioso. He then set his sights on closing down the San Marino race winner, Dani Pedrosa and gave his all before eventually crossing the finish line in this position. The 2013 Moto2 World Champion now confidently looks ahead to the Japanese GP where he will aim to clinch the leading satellite honours atYamaha’s home Grand Prix alongside returning teammate, Bradley Smith.

Espargaro was the sole rider for the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team today after Alex Lowes, who was standing in for the injured Bradley Smith, was deemed unfit after being medically reviewed this morning following his crash in FP3 yesterday. In the accident, the young Briton injured his left foot and suffered swelling and contusion, which did not improve overnight and subsequently he was ruled out of the race.

Profil

“Pol’s result was a sweet end to what was a tricky Grand Prix. The whole team worked really hard after all the crashes that happened so to finish 8th was much more satisfying than it usually would be. For sure, Pol didn’t feel 100% physically or in terms of confidence, but he gave everything that he had. He lost a bit of time on the first lap, but was strong and consistent from there onwards and eventually finished less than 20 seconds to the winner, which is definitely a good performance. With a better grid position, I believe that we could have been in the Pedrosa, Crutchlow, Aleix group, but in the end I am very happy with Pol as he did his best and we got some strong points. Our Spanish rider is in a good shape, plus his confidence is returning and next up we are heading to the three flyaway races, that are going to be crucial. We are still on course for the top satellite rider position in the standings, which I know, is important for Pol and everyone at Tech3 will push until the end to try to get that title with him. On the other side of the garage, it is a big shame to end the three GP’s with Alex Lowes in the way it did and he was just really unlucky with the crash in FP3. I would like to thank him once again, he is a great guy who showed his potential and that he is more than capable of riding successfully in MotoGP. We all hope Alex recovers well and I want to wish him luck for Superbike race in France as well as for the remainder of the season. Also, I hope to have him again in the box with us soon. Thanks to the whole team who worked tirelessly, but next up is Japan and I hope everybody gets a good rest before we head east.”

Pictures for editorial only - Copyright Monster Yamaha Tech3 2016

GRAN PREMIO MOVISTAR DE ARAGON

25 September 2016

TRACK DATA

Pole position : Left
Length : 5,078 m
Width : 15 m
Corners : 17 (7 right, 10 left)
Longest Straight 968 m
Constructed 2009
Modified -

CIRCUIT LOCATION

GPS Circuit Entrance: N 41º04.853’, W 0º12.191’

HISTORY

An ultra-modern facility, MotorLand Aragón had its roots firmly established thanks to a solid history of street racing in Alcañiz, which hosted events between 1963 and 2003. Safety advice warning against the continuation of this led to the proposal and construction of a sporting complex dedicated to motorsport. With support from local institutions, renowned German architect Hermann Tilke was commissioned to design the facility. The circuit, which is 5.077km long and has 17 turns, was roundly praised by riders after its first Grand Prix in 2010, and it was rewarded with the IRTA Best Grand Prix of the Year award, the first time a circuit had received the prize in its debut year.

GP TIM DI SAN MARINO E DELLA RIVIERA DI RIMINI

11 September 2016

Espargaro scores top independent rider honours in San Marino

Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team Rider Pol Espargaro delivered a tireless performance in the demanding San Marino GP to finish the event in 8^th place in front of more than 100,000 passionate fans today. The 25-year-old lunged forward from the head of the fourth row of the grid and after carefully picking his way around the first lap, he crossed the line in the same position. Then he quickly built up his pace and his strong rhythm saw him close down Aleix Espargaro in front, whom he powered past on lap 8. The 2013 Moto2 World Champion continued to push as he reduced the gap to Crutchlow and Pirro in the final stages of the race and he eventually met the chequered flag whilst holding 9^th position. However, a time penalty for the rider in front, which was issued after the GP, elevated Espargaro to 8^th in the results, plus as the victor in the leading satellite rider battle. At the Gran Premio de Aragon, the Spaniard will aim to produce another solid performance ahead of the triple flyaway events.

Meanwhile, Alex Lowes suffered bad luck at the San Marino GP as he fell on the 7^th lap whilst fighting for a point scoring result. The British rider, who is standing in for the injured Bradley Smith, kicked off the sprint from 14^th on the grid and leapt forward when the lights went out before concluding the opening lap in 17^th. He set into a consistent rhythm as he aimed to move up and seize another strong finish. Yet, he unfortunately lost the front of his bike at the first corner, with a quarter of the distance having been completed, whilst running in 16^th. The outcome marks a disappointing close to the event for the 25-year-old, who otherwise produced a highly positive and impressive display in only his second MotoGP appearance aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1. Lowes will compete at the 10^th round of the World Superbike Series in Germany next weekend, and will then join the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team once again in Aragon for his final outing due to Smith’s continued recovery process.

Profil

“We knew that it was not going to be an easy MotoGP race for us starting from the 4th and 5th rows of the grid, but altogether we did the best that we could and now we will look on to the next GP. Pol got a decent start, was in the right group from the beginning of the race and was fighting hard with those riders and I am very happy to see him finish the Grand Prix as the top independent rider. He is close to Cal in the satellite rider championship so this is important for us. I would like to thank him for his efforts because he was fast all weekend and it was a bit of a pity about what happened in qualifying. He was still in pain from the Silverstone crash, but I think he showed great determination. For sure, the week off is going to help him a lot and we will see him at full power in Aragon. On the other side of the garage, I was very pleased with Alex in every practice session including qualifying. He has been doing a great job and I was very sorry to see him crash. His performances have impressed Yamaha Europe, Yamaha Japan and the Monster Yamaha Tech3 team. So we would like to take this opportunity to announce that the second rider for our team at the Aragon round will be Alex Lowes. We are really happy with this news and we hope that another MotoGP appearance will continue to boost his career.”

Pictures for editorial only - Copyright Monster Yamaha Tech3 2016

GP TIM DI SAN MARINO E DELLA RIVIERA DI RIMINI

11 September 2016

TRACK DATA

Pole position : Left
Length : 4,226 m
Width : 14 m
Corners : 16 (10 right, 6 left)
Longest Straight 565 m
Constructed 1969
Modified 2008

CIRCUIT LOCATION

GPS Circuit Entrance: 43°57'40.85"N, 12°41'10.24"E

HISTORY

Close to the city of Rimini, the Misano Adriático circuit was constructed in 1972 and has since undergone an array of modifications. A regular scene for Italian Grands Prix throughout the 80s and early 90s, Misano returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2007.With updated facilities, track and grandstands, the Misano Adriatico holds a maximum capacity of 60,000 spectators. In accordance with MotoGP safety regulations, the 4,200m track runs clockwise for the World Championship races.