Danny Kent is World Champion as Oliveira wins in Valencia

Photo: crash.net

After 3 previous chances of clinching the championship, today Danny Kent only needed to finish in 14th place, but after a misfortunate qualifying session, not getting a clear track or chance to push, Danny could only qualify in 18th. It felt like another dose of British bad luck.

Oliveira, now the only rider who could stop Danny winning the title, spent the race out front, needing a win and Kent to finish 14th to become Champion. Fenati, Navarro, Vazquez, were scrapping with the Portugese rider, but Miguel seemed to stamp his authority on the race. Danny rode a very, very cautious race, and after making it to 14th, 13th and 12th, he hovered around that position with his teammate Hiroki Ono. Ono was ahead of Danny, until Danny finally made the decision to make a pass…that was until Hiroki decided to take it back, twice, making the Leopard team extremely nervous at the risk of an accident. 

However, there was no such accident, and after a clumsy crash at the last corner involving Fenati, Antonelli and Vazquez, Danny Kent crossed the line in 9th place. Oliveira rode to yet another awesome victory, his 6th of the year and uqual with Kent. But it wasn’t enough, and Danny Kent has become the first British Grand Prix Champion since Barry Sheene in 1977. 
1. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 40m 9.792s 

2. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 40m 9.990s 

3. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 40m 11.882s 

4. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 40m 11.913s 

5. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 40m 12.767s 

6. Isaac Viñales SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 40m 13.135s 

7. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 40m 13.879s 

8. Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) 40m 19.419s 

9. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 40m 19.706s 

10. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 40m 20.372s 

11. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 40m 20.453s 

12. Nicolò Bulega ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 40m 21.434s 

13. Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 40m 26.533s 

14. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 40m 29.988s 

15. Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 40m 31.323s 

16. Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 40m 31.344s 

17. Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 40m 31.660s 

18. Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 40m 34.906s 

19. Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 35.093s 

20. Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) 40m 35.123s 

21. Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 40m 35.447s 

22. Lorenzo Dalla Porta ITA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 40m 42.765s 

23. Fabio Di Giannantonio ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 40m 42.811s 

24. Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 40m 43.341s 

25. Manuel Pagliani ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 43.745s 

Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) DNF 

Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) DNF 

Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) DNF 

Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) DNF 

Fabio Quartararo FRA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) DNF 

Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) DNF 

Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) DNF 

Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) DNF

Oliveira wins, takes the Championship battle to Valencia, Kent 7th

Photo: crash.net

After a year of ice cool riding, and many wins, Danny Kent arrived in Japan, missed his chance becoming champion, and then again in Australia. But in Malaysia, Danny only needed to finish in the top 5 to guarantee title success. But again he was penalised in qualifying for cruising around and slowing up, and had to start from 9th, and was 16th at the end of the first lap. The front group was home to your typical front runners, Oliveira who could stop Kent winning the title, Binder, Navarro, Bagnaia, Fenati, Antonelli and Kornfeil.

After a brilliant fight through the pack, Danny joined the group he’d been scrapping with all year. With one lap left, Kent was in 5th, after Bagnaia had crashed out. And unbelievably Danny got beaten by the lot of them, with Antonelli passing him back, and Kornfeil slipstreaming him down the back straight.

With Oliveira managing to take a classy, controlled win, albeit with the help of his South African teammate Brad Binder, appearing to be covering anyone trying to take him on the last few corners. 

This incredible championship now goes down to the last race in Valencia, a fortnight away.

Race Results:

1. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 40m 33.277s 

2. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 40m 33.366s 

3. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 40m 33.550s 

4. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 40m 33.582s 

5. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 40m 33.693s 

6. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 40m 33.807s 

7. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 40m 33.867s 

8. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 40m 37.281s 

9. Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 40m 40.267s 

10. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 40m 43.307s 

11. Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 40m 49.405s 

12. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 40m 52.272s 

13. Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 52.276s 

14. Isaac Viñales SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 40m 52.406s 

15. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 40m 52.430s 

16. Lorenzo Dalla Porta ITA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 40m 52.869s 

17. Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 41m 5.330s 

18. Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 41m 6.159s 

19. Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) 41m 6.201s 

20. Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 41m 6.584s 

21. Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) 41m 7.730s 

22. Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) 41m 28.982s 

23. Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 41m 30.839s 

24. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 42m 19.567s 

25. Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) +1 lap 

Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) DNF 

Manuel Pagliani ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) DNF 

Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) DNF 

Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) DNF 

Oliveira wins his 4th Race of Season, Kent misses out on the title…

Photo: Red Bull KTM AJO

After a year of utter stunning riding, and almost sure title success in Australia, Danny Kent yet again missed out on winning the a World Championship, after an incident with Niccolo Antonelli and Enea Bastianini. Meanwhile, Red Bull KTM’s Miguel Oliveira now becomes the man who can stop Kent winning the title after winning his fourth race of the season from Efren Vazquez and Brad Binder. 

After leading and starting from pole position, Brit John McPhee was unfortunately taken out of the race by Hiroki Ono’s replacement, Juan Mir. The Championship now moves to Malaysia, the second to last race of this season.

Race Results:

1. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 37m 34.742s 

2. Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) 37m 34.874s 

3. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 37m 34.903s 

4. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 37m 34.912s 

5. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 37m 35.030s 

6. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 37m 35.748s 

7. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 37m 40.942s 

8. Isaac Viñales SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 37m 40.995s 

9. Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 37m 41.064s 

10. Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) 37m 42.309s 

11. Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 37m 42.315s 

12. Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 37m 44.830s 

13. Manuel Pagliani ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 37m 51.036s 

14. Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 37m 52.534s 

15. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 37m 52.556s 

16. Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 37m 52.947s 

17. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 38m 12.663s 

18. Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 38m 17.205s 

19. Olly Simpson AUS Olly Simpson Racing (KTM) 38m 58.766s 

Lorenzo Dalla Porta ITA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) DNF 

Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) DNF 

Andrea Locatelli ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) DNF 

Matt Barton AUS Suus Honda (FTR) DNF 

Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) DNF 

Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) DNF 

John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) DNF 

Joan Mir SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) DNF 

Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) DNF 

Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) DNF 

Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) DNF 

Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) DNF 

Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) DNF 

Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) DNF

Antonelli wins in damp Motegi Moto3 Race, Kent 6th

Photo: crash.net

After a sloppy start in Motegi for Danny Kent, the Moto3 Championship leader spent the Japanese Grand Prix playing catch up after languishing down in 16th place after he first lap. A drying track meant it was very tricky to find a comfortable rhythm, yet Kent managed to finish in 6th place, pipping title rival Bastianini on the last lap. With 3 races left, Kent leads the standings by 56 points, still needing to finish ahead of Bastianini in Australia to be this year’s Champion.

Niccolo Antonelli was today’s class act with a win that was practically start to finish, with cool rides from Miguel Oliveira and Jorge Navarro completing the 250cc single cylinder podium. 

Race Results:

1. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 28m 3.391s 
2. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 28m 4.444s 

3. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 28m 11.920s 

4. Isaac Viñales SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 28m 14.465s 

5. Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 28m 16.434s 

6. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 28m 18.615s 

7. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 28m 19.264s 

8. Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 28m 20.954s 

9. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 28m 21.544s 

10. Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) 28m 21.947s 

11. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 28m 23.287s 

12. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 28m 24.283s 

13. Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) 28m 28.536s 

14. Andrea Locatelli ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 28m 31.846s 

15. Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 28m 32.240s 

16. Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) 28m 33.379s 

17. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 28m 34.110s 

18. Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 28m 35.340s 

19. Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 28m 35.537s 

20. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 28m 38.439s 

21. Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 28m 50.633s 

22. Manuel Pagliani ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 28m 52.187s 

23. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 28m 52.763s 

24. Lorenzo Dalla Porta ITA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 29m 0.251s 

25. Keisuke Kurihara JPN Musahi RT Harc-Pro (Honda) 29m 3.122s 

26. Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 29m 10.426s 

27. Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 29m 23.012s 

28. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 29m 33.055s 

29. Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 29m 55.696s 

Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) DNF 

Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) DNF 

Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Ryo Mizuno JPN Musahi RT Harc-Pro (Honda) DNF 

Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) DNF 

Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) DNF

Enea Bastianini wins his first Grand Prix at home in Misano

Enea Bastianini stormed to pole position in front of a crowd that couldn’t be more home based, as the man who is second in the standings comes from Rimini…a small 5 miles away. As always in the lightweight class of Moto3, as long as you start in the top 10, get a good start, you’ve a chance of staying with the front group. This is why Bastianini was accompanied in race long battle at the front with Binder, Fenati, Oliveira, and Antonelli. The Leopard Honda’s of Kent and Vazquez were also in the scrap, but Vazquez crashed and Danny dropped back after having to give a place up due to exceeding the track limits and gaining an advantage. 

The last lap saw some colourful manourvers on the last lap, and Oliveira got close to winning but Bastianini rode a perfect last lap, and took his first ever Grand Prix victory, on home soil too…what’s not to love! 

As for Danny Kent, his lead has been reduced to 55 points in the standings.

Race Results:

1. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 39m 43.673s 

2. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 39m 43.710s 

3. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 39m 44.018s 

4. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 39m 44.257s 

5. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 39m 44.310s 

6. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 39m 51.673s 

7. Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 39m 55.327s 

8. Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 39m 55.449s 

9. Isaac Viñales SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 39m 55.512s 

10. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 39m 55.646s 

11. Lorenzo Dalla Porta ITA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 39m 55.860s 

12. Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) 39m 55.887s 

13. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 39m 56.205s 

14. Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 2.933s 

15. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 40m 7.969s 

16. Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) 40m 9.397s 

17. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 40m 9.491s 

18. Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 40m 9.821s 

19. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 40m 9.901s 

20. Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) 40m 10.447s 

21. Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 40m 12.924s 

22. Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 40m 17.859s 

23. Matteo Ferrari ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 19.057s 

24. Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 40m 24.992s 

25. Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 40m 39.892s 

26. Adrian Gyutai HUN Turvital di Vitali Ordeo (TVR) +1 lap 

Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) DNF 

Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) DNF 

Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) DNF 

Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) DNF 

Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) DNF

Going to the British MotoGP at Silverstone this weekend? Here’s a little Guide if you’ve never been…

If you’ve decided to attend the British GP this weekend, you’ve made a cracking decision. Not only could we be seeing our dominant Danny Kent win on home soil in Moto3, but the top two in the MotoGP class, Valentino & Jorge, are now level on points. The fact that Rossi is, to many, the ‘symbol’ of the Sport, has 3 wins to his name this year, and hasn’t been on this kind of form in 5 years is something very special indeed. Especially when you consider the MotoGP class now oozes youth, with current World Champion Marc Marquez at 22, getting beaten by the 36 year old Italian throughout most of this season. 

This awesome combination of British success, and a tensely close MotoGP Championship, will almost certainly make the weekends atmosphere the best it’s been since MotoGP moved to Silverstone back in 2010. 

Take a look at the circuit Map… 

 Unlike Formula One, which use the ‘Silverstone Wing’, the modern Pit & Paddock building which was finished in 2011, and lies between Club Corner and Abbey, MotoGP use the old Pits. This of course is on the now named ‘National Pits Straight’ which is between Woodcote and Copse. MotoGP did use the ‘Wing’ in 2011 and 2012 but reverted back to the old Paddock in 2013, as getting everything and everyone around that end of the track was a logistical pain in the neck. 

‘Where do I watch? I’ve never been!’
If you’re spending the entire weekend at Silverstone, I’d seriously consider watching at the exit of Luffield Corner & Woodcote, perhaps Maggots, and definitely watch a few sessions at Club corner’s Grandstand, if you can find a seat, the atmosphere there is brilliant! For me it’s all about Luffield/Woodcote and Club.

I love to stand at the exit of Luffield, about 150 yards before Woodcote, you see the bikes screaming down into Brooklands, under heavy braking, then flipping over for Luffield, then hard on the power on towards Woodcote, which is a full on corner for bikes, you’re bound to see Marc and Cal go through sideways on more than one occasion! It’s also very interesting to see the difference in riding styles. You’ll see Lorenzo’s effortlessly smooth change of direction here, and Marquez showing of his ridiculously late braking, into Brooklands. Here’s a video I made of the Moto3 Race there. 

As for Club Corner, in the stand it’s superb because obviously you’re quite high up and you see the bikes for quite a long time. You can hear them on the Hangar straight before you see them for the first time at Stowe, then breaking hard for the Vale chicane, a left and a right, plenty of overtaking takes place here! Then the long Club corner, with an edge of tire right kink at the apex, this section is quite technical but by no means boring, some riders use the kerb on the inside of club which can unsettle the bike. Take a look at a clip I made there last year, MotoGP Qualifying.

Aside from the racing, you’ll be glad to know that Silverstone is littered with great facilities, places to eat and things to do! Make sure you attend the Day of Champions, and see the worlds best riders on stage auctioning off racing gear almost anything related to the sport! Also If you’re camping at Silverstone’s own Campsite, Woodlands, (like me) then don’t worry about facilities. They have got it covered, from permanent Toilets & Showers, to Cash Points & Places to eat. There’s a stage with entertainment on every evening, phone charging booths, the Petrol Head pub, and much more!

If you want to attend the race and fancy making a real weekend of it, then check out Sam Lowes’s hospitality experience with Pole Position Travel. Meet Sam, get lunch every day, With Beer and Wine being served by Sam’s Mum and Dad! Click Here , and on the PPT website select British GP, VIP Hospitality, Sam’s Place! As I’m typing this, there is only a few left so act fast!  

Here’s some Silverstone MotoGP stats:

Circuit Length: 3.67 Miles with 18 Corners

Circuit Lap Record: 2’01:941 | Dani Pedrosa | 2013

Best Pole Lap: 2’00:691 | Marc Marquez | 2013

Highest Top Speed: 204.1 MPH | Andrea Dovizioso | 2014

Most Wins: Jorge Lorenzo, 3 wins, 2010, 2012, 2013.

Enjoy your weekend, my reports will be constant on Twitter, expect many Interviews and Session Reports!

🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

Niccolo Antonelli takes his first GP in the Brno Moto3 Race

Photo: Motocyclismo

The Czech Moto3 Race started off with a messy crash involving 8 riders, so a race restart was required, making the distance just 12 laps. Gabriel Rodrgio was taken to Brno Hospital, and is conscious, reporting pain in his ankle. 

After Danny Kent made a proper bogie start in the first start, his second attempt was almost perfect, although it was Jorge Navarro that led into turn one again. As this was now a shortened, sprint style race, riders seemed to be taking greater liberties with overtaking, and the leading pack were taking no prisoners thoughout the race. This time there was 11 riders scrapping it out at the front, but the likes of Binder, Oliveira, Fenati, Navarro, Kent, Vazquez and Antonelli started ease away from the rest. The last lap was everything you could wish for in a close race, but the ever impressing Niccolo Antonelli avoided the banzai overtaking behind him, and finally secured his first podium and race win, a very emotional win at that. 

Danny Kent finished seventh, because at the restart he was having to ride with a used Medium tyre, as there was no fresh soft one left from his weekend allocation. This meant he couldn’t quite stay at the very sharp end of the group. However, he still leads Bastianini by 45 points heading into Silverstone.

Race Results:

1. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 25m 56.866s 

2. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 25m 57.018s 

3. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 25m 57.242s 

4. Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) 25m 57.406s 

5. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 25m 57.426s 

6. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 25m 57.687s 

7. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 25m 58.045s 

8. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 25m 58.054s 

9. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 25m 58.286s 

10. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 26m 0.251s 

11. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 26m 2.617s 

12. Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 26m 2.712s 

13. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 26m 2.776s 

14. Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 26m 3.039s 

15. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 26m 3.134s 

16. Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 26m 4.514s 

17. Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) 26m 4.568s 

18. Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) 26m 5.073s 

19. Lorenzo Dalla Porta ITA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 26m 11.168s 

20. Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) 26m 12.879s 

21. Matteo Ferrari ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 26m 12.993s 

22. Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 26m 13.608s 

23. Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 26m 13.793s 

24. Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 26m 15.833s 

25. Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 26m 28.326s 

26. Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 26m 33.952s 

27. Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 26m 58.531s 

Kevin Hanus GER Team Hanusch (Honda) DNF 

Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) DNF 

Fabio Quartararo FRA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) DNF 

Isaac Viñales SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) DNF 

Maximilian Kappler GER SAXOPRINT-RTG (FTR Honda) DNS 

Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) DNS 

Andrea Locatelli ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) DNS 

Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) DNS 

Niklas Ajo FIN RBA Racing Team (KTM) DNS 

Kent takes fifth Moto3 win of the year in Germany

This year’s most successful British Grand Prix rider Danny Kent started the German Moto3 Race from pole position and firm favourite having set practice times over half a second quicker than anyone else. The opening laps saw him fending off the likes of teammate Vazquez, KTM’s Brad Binder and Karel Hanika, and Championship rival Enea Bastianini. 

Kent and Vazquez left the party early, with Danny developing a gap on the little Spaniard. Vazquez had a three second cushion over the group battling for third place, a battle which was won by Enea Bastianini, pipping Fenati to the podium. 

Danny Kent’s sublime victory means the ice cool Brit is now 68 points ahead of Bastianini.

1. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 39m 29.359s 

2. Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) 39m 36.913s 

3. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 39m 38.962s 

4. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 39m 38.988s 

5. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 39m 39.023s 

6. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 39m 39.166s 

7. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 39m 39.196s 

8. Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 39m 39.625s 

9. Andrea Locatelli ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 39m 39.711s 

10. Niklas Ajo FIN RBA Racing Team (KTM) 39m 40.917s 

11. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 39m 41.136s 

12. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 39m 47.775s 

13. Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 39m 47.785s 

14. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 39m 58.141s 

15. Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 39m 58.251s 

16. Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) 39m 58.317s 

17. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 39m 58.577s 

18. Isaac Viñales SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 39m 58.837s 

19. Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 39m 59.109s 

20. Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 40m 15.203s 

21. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 40m 16.017s 

22. Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 16.139s 

23. Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) 40m 16.199s 

24. Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 40m 16.324s 

25. Matteo Ferrari ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 16.698s 

26. Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) 40m 35.484s 

27. Jonas Geitner GER Freudenberg Racing Team (KTM) 40m 53.796s 

Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) DNF 

Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) DNF 

Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) DNF 

Maximilian Kappler GER SAXOPRINT-RTG (FTR Honda) DNF 

Fabio Quartararo FRA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) DNF 

Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) DNF 

Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Oliveira beats Quartararo & Kent for Dutch Moto3 Glory

Photo: crash.net

Assen’s Moto3 Race was yet another breathtaking one from the field of 250cc single cylinder prototype motorcycles. Your usual suspects scrapped it out at the front, with Bastianini, Fenati and Quartararo barging their way past the likes of Championship leader Danny Kent, Mugello winner Oliveira, Jorge Navarro and Brad Binder. Danny Kent said before the start he’d try pull away like he always tries…but it really wasn’t to be today. 

After a full race of banzai style overtaking, the last lap ended with a second win of the season for Miguel Oliveira, denying 2nd placed Fabio Quartararo his first Grand Prix win. Danny Kent yet again playing it cool, collecting another podium after passing Fenati and Navarro on the last lap. 

Race Results:

1. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 37m 54.427s 

2. Fabio Quartararo FRA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 37m 54.493s 

3. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 37m 54.544s 

4. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 37m 54.606s 

5. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 37m 54.679s 

6. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 37m 54.953s 

7. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 37m 54.967s 

8. Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 38m 15.833s 

9. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 38m 15.899s 

10. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 38m 16.090s 

11. Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 38m 16.120s 

12. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 38m 16.150s 

13. Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) 38m 16.451s 

14. Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) 38m 16.631s 

15. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 38m 17.023s 

16. Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 38m 17.093s 

17. Niklas Ajo FIN RBA Racing Team (KTM) 38m 19.921s 

18. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 38m 21.698s 

19. Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 38m 21.813s 

20. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 38m 28.390s 

21. Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 38m 29.195s 

22. Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 38m 33.168s 

23. Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 38m 46.230s 

24. Matteo Ferrari ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 38m 46.641s 

25. Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) 38m 48.043s 

26. Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) 39m 33.344s 

27. Jorel Boerboom NED FPW Racing (Kalex KTM) +1 lap 

28. Kevin Hanus GER Team Hanusch (Honda) +1 lap 

Andrea Locatelli ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) DNF 

Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) DNF 

Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) DNF 

Isaac Viñales SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) DNF 

Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) DNF 

Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) DNF 

Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) DNF

Oliveria takes his first ever Grand Prix win in Moto3 thriller

Photo: crash.net

I’ve seen some close races before, and we all know how big the front group usually is in Moto3, but today was something quite special. The top 15 riders throughout the race were forming one colossal train. Flying rookie, Frenchman Fabio Quartararo crashed out halfway through the race, never entering the top 5. Some new faces were leading the way at times, namely Jakub Kornfeil and Hiroki Ono who started 2nd. 

The last lap saw some mouth watering racing, and finally we got to see Miguel Oliveira take his first ever win in Grand Prix racing, which was nice to see after I asked him on Friday when his first one will come. Danny Kent almost slipstreamed him to the line but Oliveira’s exit of the last corner was too quick for Danny to catch him. Fenati took Italy to the podium with third, after leading several times. Compatriot Francesco Bagnaia who also led the race, finished in 4th. Karen Hanika collided with Efren Vazquez and they both crashed on the last lap, both unhurt. 

Race Results:

1. Miguel Oliveira POR Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 39m 39.510s 

2. Danny Kent GBR Leopard Racing (Honda) 39m 39.581s 

3. Romano Fenati ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 39m 39.637s 

4. Francesco Bagnaia ITA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 39m 39.640s 

5. Enea Bastianini ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 39m 39.710s 

6. Niccolò Antonelli ITA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) 39m 39.891s 

7. Jorge Navarro SPA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) 39m 41.008s 

8. Isaac Viñales SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 39m 41.086s 

9. Alexis Masbou FRA SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 39m 41.495s 

10. Brad Binder RSA Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 39m 41.649s 

11. Hiroki Ono JPN Leopard Racing (Honda) 39m 44.476s 

12. Niklas Ajo FIN RBA Racing Team (KTM) 39m 44.652s 

13. Andrea Locatelli ITA Gresini Racing Team Moto3 (Honda) 39m 44.670s 

14. Livio Loi BEL RW Racing GP (Honda) 39m 44.671s 

15. Andrea Migno ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 (KTM) 39m 45.160s 

16. Jakub Kornfeil CZE Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 39m 46.760s 

17. Jorge Martin SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) 39m 48.078s 

18. Darryn Binder RSA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 39m 56.740s 

19. Alessandro Tonucci ITA Outox Reset Drink Team (Mahindra) 39m 56.801s 

20. John Mcphee GBR SAXOPRINT RTG (Honda) 39m 56.815s 

21. Maria Herrera SPA Husqvarna Factory Laglisse (Husqvarna) 39m 56.847s 

22. Philipp Oettl GER Schedl GP Racing (KTM) 40m 5.958s 

23. Remy Gardner AUS CIP (Mahindra) 40m 7.613s 

24. Matteo Ferrari ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) 40m 7.646s 

25. Ana Carrasco SPA RBA Racing Team (KTM) 40m 7.686s 

26. Zulfahmi Khairuddin MAL Drive M7 SIC (KTM) 40m 7.732s 

27. Anthony Groppi ITA Pos Corse (FTR Honda) 40m 8.329s 

28. Karel Hanika CZE Red Bull KTM Ajo (KTM) 40m 14.135s 

Efren Vazquez SPA Leopard Racing (Honda) DNF 

Jules Danilo FRA Ongetta-Rivacold (Honda) DNF 

Juanfran Guevara SPA MAPFRE Team MAHINDRA (Mahindra) DNF 

Tatsuki Suzuki JPN CIP (Mahindra) DNF 

Gabriel Rodrigo ARG RBA Racing Team (KTM) DNF 

Fabio Quartararo FRA Estrella Galicia 0,0 (Honda) DNF 

Stefano Manzi ITA San Carlo Team Italia (Mahindra) DNF 

Marco Bezzecchi ITA Minimoto Portmaggiore (Mahindra) DNF 

I write this article in a Team’s Hospitality unit, namely Karel Abraham’s team, Cardion AB Motoracing. You can too by purchasing a team experience with the people who make it possible, Pole Position Travel. Click here