Latest news with #GoldandGoose
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
As three riders reach Q2, could KTM finally surprise in Aragon MotoGP race?
Though the KTM MotoGP riders may not be feeling overly confident regarding their race chances this weekend at Aragon, it was surprising to see three of the Austrian manufacturer's riders progress to Q2 for the first time in 2025 following Friday practice. Maverick Viñales led the KTM trio into the automatic Q2 spots in third place on the times, followed by factory riders Pedro Acosta in fifth and Brad Binder in seventh. The final KTM rider, Enea Bastianini, missed out in 13th but was only two-and-a-half tenths off cracking the top 10. Advertisement Sounding particularly upbeat, Binder discussed the slight improvements that appeared to make the difference. 'Firstly happy to be straight through into Q2, it's been a while so that's good but in general I think today was pretty positive,' said Binder. 'I was really struggling this morning with a lot of understeer and this afternoon we found something that gave me a lot more front confidence so that was great. 'A lot less understeer so I'm pretty happy about that and in general everything's quite ok. There are things we can try to fix for tomorrow but I think a good step forward for this track.' Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images Advertisement Maverick Vinales was also in good spirits following his pace but outlined that there is further work to be done, much like Binder did. 'One of the Fridays that we can be more positive, that KTM can be more positive,' said Vinales. 'Even though I think we still have some parts of the track to improve that with the medium [tyre] used was way better to ride the bike so it's probably a little bit unbalanced when you put the soft rear, the behaviour of the front always slightly [caused opening] the line and it's so hard to be precise in section one and two and three. Read Also: KTM 'working as hard as they can' to turn around 'disaster' MotoGP season Maverick Vinales visits KTM HQ calling for 'patience, calm' at the MotoGP team Advertisement 'In section four I think we are quite strong as well as in section two but even though I think still we can improve but one and three where you have to do corner speed, wow! It's tough when I put the time attack. With used medium [tyres] I did in the third exit, I feel we have a good potential.' Things appear to be looking up for the KTM squad at Aragon but its riders are putting off final judgment until qualifying tomorrow. To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
"Really tough day" for Fabio Quartararo as Yamaha struggles at Aragon MotoGP
The low-grip Aragon track was a prime suspect to expose the deficiencies of Yamaha's YZR-M1 machine and unfortunately for Fabio Quartararo and the Japanese manufacturer the issue was in the spotlight. There was no shortage of sympathy for the luckless Frenchman whose Yamaha machine snapped and jumped seemingly on the exit of every corner around the track during Friday practice. Advertisement To add insult to injury, Quartararo's Yamaha was joint-slowest through the speed trap, almost 10 km/h (6 mph) slower than Brad Binder's KTM. The inability to put power down on the tarmac was undoubtedly a key factor in the speed difference. With frantic gesticulation while out on track, it was clear that Quartararo wasn't pleased. He left the garage as soon as the session was over, preferring to cool down before he dived into the debriefs. At least Quartararo could see the funny side when he spoke to the media, as he hops from one end of the grid to the other this weekend. 'We almost made the pole position on the other side [at the back of the grid],' joked the Frenchman initially. 'A really, really tough day especially with the soft tyre. We don't understand what really happened with electronics and stuff but not the best day and especially [since] we don't understand why. 'The problem is that you never know when to expect it and in our case, it is not the best when you are on the bike fully in angle and you never know if you're going to lose it on the edge or on the exit and I didn't make any lap. The four laps I did was all cutting and making mistakes so we will have to find a solution.' Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images Advertisement When quizzed on the set-up of the bike, Quartararo was adamant that this was not the issue. 'The set-up is good," said the 2021 MotoGP champion. "We have to just understand why when we change rubber it completely changes our bike, and our electronics become crazy.' Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli was equally disappointed in the session understanding the problem suffered by his riders as Quartararo and Alex Rins finished the Friday in 18th and 15th respectively. 'They are suffering the same problem, it's the rear grip,' Meregalli said. 'They are losing the rear a lot. Every time they try, they lose the rear. So they have to try to understand how to at least reduce the slide and improve the performance. Advertisement Read Also: Aprilia 'would have won more races' with Jorge Martin as it works to fix rift Pramac ride 'on the table' as Toprak Razgatlioglu eyes switch to MotoGP Ai Ogura withdraws from Aragon MotoGP following Silverstone crash 'You know at the beginning of the session I was a bit more optimistic, especially after FP1 but for sure the increased temperature [meant] the grip dropped down even more than before. Honestly I did not hear any comment because Fabio left to go and get changed but I think it was very easy to understand.' There's a lot of work for the Yamaha team tonight to go over the data to see why the soft tyre is causing so many problems. Quartararo will be praying they find a golden fix for the bike's woes. To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Francesco Bagnaia: Ducati needs to start again from zero
Francesco Bagnaia reckons his Ducati team needs to start from scratch after Johann Zarco's victory in Le Mans. Bagnaia admits he has struggled this season as he has been eclipsed by his team-mate Marc Marquez. While the Spaniard has taken three wins, Bagnaia has won only once and finds himself down in third place in the riders' championship. And, following Honda's win in Le Mans, he says he hopes he can soon rediscover his confidence on the bike and his best form. Advertisement Speaking at the British MotoGP at Silverstone, he said: 'I hope he [his best vision of himself] will be back soon because in Le Mans, until Saturday morning, everything was fine. I was happy with my feeling, also with used tyres I was competitive. 'Then, from the qualifying until the Sunday race it was a nightmare, it was a bit of a disaster. We just need to start again from zero, work like we've always done and just try to improve. Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images 'One thing that is super-important is that you don't forget how to ride your bike. This is something very important to remind everyone. We are just working to solve our problems.' Advertisement Ducati has been working hard to resolve the problems the Italian is having with his Desmosedici GP25 as he tries different set-ups. He added: 'Le Mans was the worst moment because I did not take any points, and it is true, right now I am struggling with the bike. 'The front is not helping me and I need much more feeling from it and I am trying to solve the problem. I know Ducati is working hard to give to me what I want because if they know I have this feel, then I can fight for the wins, so will try to solve the problem and I am always super ready to fight.' To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chantra out of French MotoGP after arm pump surgery
Somkiat Chantra will not take part in the MotoGP French Grand Prix having been unable to fully recover from forearm surgery he underwent last week. The LC Honda rider underwent surgery last Wednesday to address issues caused by compartment syndrome at the Dexeus Clinic in Barcelona by Dr Xavier Mir's team. Advertisement Although the procedure went to plan, Chantra was unable to recover in time to be fit for the French round. 'Following a post-operative check-up, Dr. Xavier Mir, who performed the surgery, recommended giving Somkiat more time to fully regain his strength before returning to competition. While his rehabilitation is progressing satisfactorily, he is not yet fit to compete,' the statement read. Somkiat Chantra, Team LCR Honda Somkiat Chantra, Team LCR Honda Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images With the absence of the 26-year-old Thai rider, who is in his rookie season in the premier class, LCR Honda will appear at Le Mans with just one rider, Johann Zarco, as they have not found a suitable replacement. Advertisement In his five MotoGP races, Chantra has struggled to adapt to an already challenging bike that is the Honda. Read Also: How Aprilia and KTM are closer to Yamaha and Honda than to Ducati MotoGP bans 2027-spec bike tests until conclusion of 2025 season His best result so far is a 16th place at the United States Grand Prix, and apart from Jorge Martin, who missed the first four races and was injured again in the fifth, Chantra is the only rider on the grid yet to score points. Interestingly, Pedro Acosta also underwent surgery one day (on Tuesday) to address the same issues, which had been causing him headaches for over a year. Advertisement The KTM rider, however, received the green light from doctors to travel to the French circuit, where the medical team will need to confirm if he is fit to race. To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
MotoGP bans 2027-spec bike tests until conclusion of 2025 season
The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) announced a series of changes to the 2025 MotoGP World Championship regulations earlier this week. The changes, which took effect on April 29, most notably included the introduction of a test day for riders returning from injury and clarified startline procedures sparked by the recent debacle in Austin. In addition to the modified regulations, the FIM also announced an agreement regarding testing of prototype bikes that manufacturers are already developing in anticipation of the 2027 season. A major technical overhaul of MotoGP is coming in 2027, including a shift to 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics and simplified ride-height devices. Advertisement While some manufacturers have already made significant progress on early prototypes for their 2027 challengers, it was agreed in a meeting on the recent Spanish GP weekend that these bikes cannot be tested on track until the conclusion of the 2025 season. According to the FIM announcement, 'An agreement has been made between the manufacturers that they will not test 2027 specification machines during the 2025 season. This means testing a motorcycle of 2027 specification will only be allowed from 17 November 2025.' Michelin tyres Michelin tyres Gold and Goose Gold and Goose The 2025 season concludes in Valencia on 16 November, but the first 2026 pre-season test is scheduled for the same circuit on November 18. Pirelli test unaffected by new rule In addition to the new technical regulations, MotoGP will also welcome a new tyre supplier in 2027: Pirelli. The Italian manufacturer will replace current French provider Michelin as the series' sole tyre supplier. Advertisement Pirelli will carry out an initial test of its premier-class tyre compounds later this season. For the test, MotoGP manufacturers will provide test riders and a 1000cc bike equipped without ride-height devices and with only a basic aerodynamic package. The test, which will be fully funded by Pirelli, is set to take place at the Aragon circuit on a yet-to-be-determined date, though it will be after the Aragon Grand Prix scheduled for 8 June. Read Also: Pirelli to test MotoGP tires in Aragon ahead of 2027 debut Pirelli to replace Michelin as MotoGP's tyre supplier in 2027 confirmed that the Pirelli test remains on track but is still awaiting a final date and is not affected by the new regulation. To read more articles visit our website.
