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MATTMind over matter. It’s all in your head. Just believe. All these trite sayings, as applied to riding a bike, can actually – if performed properly – be the difference between life and death.

A bit dramatic for sure, but it’s true, I tell ya! Take it from a professional bike rider who has taken the piss, bent the rules, outright tickled Satan’s sack with a scuffed Alpinestars toe slider – and learned the hard way but also, miraculously, survived the past 35 years of riding bikes on the road. Irresponsibly it has to be said, with an attitude that was careless at best, downright suicidal at worst.

I’m often asked for riding tips, and it’s a subject I want to cover (and definitely will start to do so in the coming weeks on the show) but ultimately, when someone asks for my best riding tip, it boils down to “Never give up.” (But, also, “know when to give up” which complicates matters, but more of that later).01

I know, and have even seen with my own eyes, that many accidents happen that really shouldn’t have happened. The reason was not the bike in any way, it was the rider. And not the rider’s ability, exactly, but his or her belief and sang froid in the moment.

‘Sang froid’ just means, because I live mainly in France at the moment and I want to sound way more clever than I actually am, ‘cold blooded’. It describes the propensity to think in a relatively cool and calm manner in the face of great stress, and this is what you need if you ever find yourself in difficulty on a bike.

It cannot be taught, only experience (numerous racing crashes and an unfortunate amount of bins on the road too, in my case) will help, as will visualisation. 02Visualisation is an underrated way to train your reactions. Thinking about potential nightmare scenarios – whether it be in bed at night before you drift off to sleep, behind the wheel on your daily commute or even sipping a coffee during a break at work – can, I believe, help prepare you for such a dreaded situation if it should ever actually materialise.

The accident that arises most frequently is running wide in a corner, either off the road entirely or across the road and into oncoming traffic. It goes without saying that the punishment for this type of mistake can be extremely severe.03I am convinced that most of these incidents would never have happened, if only the rider had not ‘given up.’ I’m talking specifically of the scenario – usually encountered by the relative novice – whereby they get into a corner at what they think is too fast a speed. 

They panic, do what is entirely natural and look at the outside of the corner where it seems they will crash and then that’s exactly what happens. They climb into the brakes, the bike stands up and they are now doomed to exit stage left at the point on the edge of the road where their eyes are still transfixed. 

If they understood how capable are even a basic bike’s tyres and its chassis’ ability to lean and take a corner then they could force their eyes – in spite of the natural, panicked glance at the outside of the turn – back to a point through the corner on the natural line and exit, and in the vast majority of cases they would make it through the corner.04You can practise this through visualisation, being prepared mentally to deal with what you think is a lost situation like entering a corner too quickly, and it may just give you the confidence and decisiveness to ‘never give up’ and at least attempt the turn.

Ideally you would let go of the brakes entirely, or trail them delicately deep into the corner, but this type of skill takes years to develop and to execute properly needs the benefit of some racing experience. But, even if you do end up using too much brake and you ‘lose the front’ then this low-side type of crash has a significantly increased chance of less severe consequences than does heading off the road still upright, and invariably at greater speed.

At this point it’s worth mentioning that on some rare occasions it is better to know when to give up, although admittedly I may just be confusing the issue for some of you!07This is the type of decision that if you race long enough then you’ll probably have to face at least once. It happened to me at turn two at the previous incarnation of Kyalami’s layout, a good 4th gear 180km/h sweeper. The front end started to fold on me and in responding to the impending crash, probably rather too clumsily, I found myself in the gravel trap upright at a silly speed barely holding on to the bike as the tyre wall loomed.

In what must have been a literal split second I weighed up the relative merits of coming to a very sudden stop against the wall while still on the bike or jumping off and cartwheeling through the gravel.

I jumped off. I walked away from the crash. The bike returned to the pits on the back of a truck and nearly bankrupted me when I had to fix the ridiculously heavy damage.

That was a case of knowing when to give up. It happens less frequently on the road, but situations can still arise where you need to make a similar call. Being mentally prepared can give your decision making that extra bit of speed that could save you even if it is at the expense of your bike, which can always be repaired or replaced.

The finest example of never giving up I have ever witnessed was in Northern Ireland at an old World War II airfield that had been converted into a circuit around which I and the journalist behind this website were racing a Yamaha R6 in the British Endurance Championship.08Because it was Northern Ireland it was pissing down, a proper epic kind of deluge that had soaked you through to the skin within the first lap, waterproofs on or not. And because it was Northern Ireland and I had set up the team we were hungover from a pre-race night on the Guiness. 

The spray generated by the other bikes made visibility almost zero and we were wondering when they were going to red flag the race. They didn’t. Our third rider came in and out went Bill, muttering to himself and anyone who would listen about the madness of riding in such conditions and how he was probably going to be dead within minutes.

Leaning on the pit wall I watched his first few laps, although he had a couple of decades of drag racing on the international stage under his belt I think, if memory serves, this was his first circuit racing experience. He was, despite the weather, obviously enjoying it because his times were getting quicker and he was overtaking people.

But then he got a bit carried away, and lost concentration for the briefest of moments. Slipstreaming two bikes down the start-finish straight the spray was worse than ever and he found himself in the process of barrelling past them just as the second gear left-hander at the end of the straight appeared.

As he later admitted he frightened himself half to death at the sudden realisation that he was on the outside of them as he entered the corner hard on the brakes but still carrying what he thought was too much speed for the turn.

But rather than giving up and heading off into the tall grass he decided to “lob it in, let go of the brakes and hope for the best.” We gasped in amazement on the pit wall, almost convinced that the whole overtaking around the outside move was planned – badly – because we didn’t expect him to emerge from the cloud of spray on the corner exit, but he did.

Even if it was a near fatal mistake it still ranks as one of the best overtakes I’ve seen, and it all came down to the experience needed to believe in the bike and the tyres and having the presence of mind to not give in to the temptation to panic and run off the track, but to at least try and make the corner even though at the time even he was convinced he was effectively in the act of crashing.

Preachy waffling over. There’s some potentially life-saving info in there somewhere, but essentially it all boils down to “never give up.” So don’t; you might as well crash trying to make the corner, don’t you think?

Mat Durrans

Watch all of   The Bike Show   videos on our You Tube channel 

THE BIKE SHOW
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KTM National Motocross round 4 Rover EC Captured by Justin Reinecke for www.zcmc.co.za 183Red Bull KTM - Motocross National Championship Round 4

Red Bull KTM put in a stellar performance in the sand of Rover MX track this weekend when the fourth round of the National Motocross Championship took place in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.KTM National Motocross round 4 Rover EC Captured by Justin Reinecke for www.zcmc.co.za 1First mention has to be standout performance from Tristan Purdon as he stormed to the overall victory in both MX1 and MX2 classes in a near-perfect run only finishing in second in one of the four respective heats. Purdon clearly on high after his wins commented: “It was a great day on the bike, bring on the next round”.

Cameron Durow who was only ten days post-op after suffering a broken collarbone proved he was tough as nails by deciding to ride still and try consolidate some points to stay in contention for the overall championship. Visibly in pain, he still managed third in both MX1 and MX2 classes. “I went into the day not expecting anything really, I qualified first in MX2 and second in MX1 with my collarbone holding up well” he said. He went on to say: “I made a big mistake in the first moto where both my feet came off the pegs landing on the bike that hurt me quite bad and had to manage the pain and effort from there.” KTM National Motocross round 4 Rover EC Captured by Justin Reinecke for www.zcmc.co.za 85It was a case of “what could have been” for Jonathan Mlimi after getting a great start and leading the race had the bad luck of a red flag coming out after some riders crashed hard forcing a restart. Mlimi’s second start was not relatively as fast and he had to fight back only to suffer a significant crash that sent him to hospital calling a harsh end to his day.

Luke Grundy has been untouchable in the high school class and executed another flawless event with 1st place in both moto’s securing yet another 1st overall.KTM National Motocross round 4 Rover EC Captured by Justin Reinecke for www.zcmc.co.za 146Trey Cox was a sensation in the sand securing top spot overall after a superb show throughout the day. “PE did not disappoint, I wasn’t feeling it but after getting a good start I managed to control the race” Cox commented. Cox crashed on the second lap of the last moto but after a heroic comeback still managed to catch and pass Neil van der Vyver to take the overall win.end bike test


hells angels sonny bargerSonny Barger, a leader of the Hells Angels who was key to bringing the outlaw motorcycle club to international notoriety, died on Wednesday from cancer. Barger was 83.

“If you are reading this message, you’ll know that I’m gone. I’ve asked that this note be posted immediately after my passing,” a post on Barger’s official Facebook page said. “I’ve lived a long and good life filled with adventure. And I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club.

“Although I’ve had a public persona for decades, I’ve mostly enjoyed special time with my club brothers, my family, and close friends. Please know that I passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer,” Barger also said. “But also know that in the end, I was surrounded by what really matters: My wife, Zorana, as well as my loved ones. Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honour.”end bike test


THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK 2022> THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK starts on Monday, July 4th
> The main challenge? To complete 1,000 km or more in a week
> There are daily prizes and a unique experience to be won at the end
> Download the RISER app and make sure you register for the event now

THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK is the right excuse to hit the open road. The main challenge: to complete 1,000 km or more in a week’s riding. To join, simply download the RISER app, accept THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK in the Upcoming Challenges section and start recording your rides.THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK 2022
During THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK, there will be daily challenges, with participants completing them entering a draw for daily prizes including:

Day 1 | July 4
Challenge: SHARE ANY RIDE ON SOCIAL
Day’s Prize: HORNET ADV HELMET

Day 2 | July 5
Challenge: RIDE THROUGH 890 M OF ALTITUDE
Day’s Prize: TERRA ADV JACKET

Day 3 | July 6
Challenge: CHECK IN AT A KTM DEALER
Day’s Prize: KTM EXPLORER HELMET

Day 4 | July 7
Challenge: COMPLETE 1290 M OF ELEVATION
Day’s Prize: TOURRAIN WP V2 JACKET

Day 5 | July 8
Challenge: 5 DAYS OF SADDLE TIME
Day’s Prize: COROZAL DRYSTAR BOOTS

Day 6 | July 9
Challenge: RIDE 390 KM IN ONE GO
Day’s Prize: SIDE BAG SET

Day 7 | July 10
Challenge: RIDE WITH YOUR BUDDIES
Day’s Prize: UNBOUND HYBRID ZIP HOODIE

At the end of the week and for six adventurous riders who complete 1,000 km and at least three out of the seven daily challenges, KTM will offer them the chance to live a unique experience.

The first five finalists drawn will win an all-expenses paid invitation to join a pure KTM riding activity, where they will get to test the next generation of KTM ADVENTURE machinery. A sixth and final spot will be given to the rider with the greatest number of kilometers completed.

All riders who successfully complete 1,000 km or more during the week will receive a personalized award by KTM. To get involved, check out theworldadventureweek.com.THE WORLD ADVENTURE WEEK 2022 1end bike test


1ab1ba20c eb8e c244 b0d2 63d59f328bbfA day to frame at the Cathedral for Marco who, as a rookie, gives the Mooney VR46 Racing Team the first podium in its history in the Top class. Tougher race for Luca Marini, 17th, after a contact at the start that damaged his Ducati Desmosedici GP26a063b0 b6f3 74cd 3d78 00540d0b986fAssen (Netherlands), June 26th 2022 - A Sunday full of emotions and a really solid race on the Ducati Desmosedici GP for Marco Bezzecchi, the 46th Italian on the podium in the Top class. The rookie of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team crosses the finishing line of Dutch GP in second place, hitting the first podium in MotoGP of his young career and the first in the history of the Team. Race compromised at the start, after a contact that damaged one of the winglets of his bike, for Luca Marini in P17.8def9440 e264 c2ac ea49 743af136d2d2Starting from the P4 after an excellent qualifying session and always at ease on the Dutch track in the free practice sessions, Marco keeps the contact with the very first ones after the start and moves up to second place after five laps. Capable of a constant and precise race pace, he is second under the checkered flag, first among the rookies. With today's points, he climbs to P14 in the general standings (55 points) confirming himself as the leader among the rookies.

Step back after a very positive trend in the recent weeks for Luca, 13th yesterday in qualifying and forced to an uphill race after the start due to an accident that irremediably damaged his Ducati. He closes out of the Top15 and is in P15 in the general standings (52 points) on the eve of the summer break and before the British GP scheduled for next August 7th. 7e92ddb3 9c1f d014 d46f 7245663e8797end bike test


2022 220622JWDRP10244 previewThree-time 500cc Grand Prix champion Wayne Rainey was reunited with his 1992 championship-winning YZR500 in an emotional display at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event marked the first time Rainey, who was paralysed from the chest down in an accident at the 1993 Italian Grand Prix, had ridden a race bike since his career-ending crash.

The 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed saw one of Yamaha’s most iconic champions return to the saddle of one of the most legendary Yamaha race machines as Wayne Rainey rode up the famous hill climb aboard a specially modified version of his 1992 championship-winning YZR500.2022 220622JWDRP10563 previewIt was the first time Rainey, who won the 500cc Grand Prix World Championship for Yamaha three-times back-to-back between 1990 and 1992 before his career-ending crash at Misano in 1993, has appeared at the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed – a celebration of everything motorsport held on the picturesque Goodwood Estate near Chichester, England – and the Californian did it in style, marking his first time riding a race-specification motorcycle in almost 30 years.2022 220622JWDRP10566 previewThe 1992 YZR500 was specially adapted by Yamaha Motor Company engineers in Japan, who modified the gear shift system so Rainey could change up and down the gears by controls on the left handlebar.

After a private test session earlier in the week, Rainey rode up the hill for the first time to rapturous applause on Thursday alongside his compatriot, fellow Yamaha champion and his Marlboro Yamaha Team Roberts boss Kenny Roberts Snr, as well as former 500cc rivals Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan. Rainey will complete two runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to Goodwood’s bustling crowd.2022 220622JWDRP10956 preview

Wayne Rainey: 
“I was quite nervous about riding the YZR500, as when I rode the R1 it was all quite straightforward as the bikes these days have so much electronics on them but it’s a bit different with a 500cc Grand Prix bike! But, to be honest, it felt like an old friend. It was always a challenge to race the bike at that level, fighting for race wins and championships, but being here 30 years later, being able to get on the bike and ride it up the hill in a nice, easy gentle setting is fantastic. The bike was there for me back then and it’s there for me today, so I’m thrilled.

“I didn’t know what to expect, I couldn’t really go there as I had no idea what it would feel like but when I put my helmet on and they started the bike, I was like ‘it’s on’. Being able to ride up the hill and through the corners, looking down and seeing that I was on my Grand Prix bike again after all those years felt like I was in a completely different world, and to do it alongside those guys, Kenny, Kevin and Mick, I could not have asked more than sharing this experience with them. A huge thank you to the Duke of Richmond for having me and to Yamaha for taking the bike out of the museum and adapting it for me to ride.”

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2022 RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO SUCCESSFUL KTM TEAM In an extended weekend packed with action at the infamous Iron Giant in Austria, KTM enjoyed a vast amount of success at the 2022 edition of the iconic Red Bull Erzbergrodeo.

Ensuring a truly memorable return to the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo for KTM, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler claimed an emphatic victory at the 26th edition of the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo aboard his KTM 300 EXC.

After hitting the front of the race soon after the start, the young German maintained his lead right through to the checkered flag, securing his first ever win at the iconic Austrian event. In addition, Manuel’s victory marked his second consecutive FIM Hard Enduro World Championship race win of 2022 following victory in Serbia last month, his first international outing of the year after a lengthy lay-off following knee surgery.2022 RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO 3RD PLACE FOR TRYSTAN HARTFirst competing at the Erzbergrodeo back in 2014 when he became the event’s youngest finisher, in 2022 Mani not only topped the podium, but thanks to his father’s victory back in 2015, he also became the first and only rider to have shared race-winning success with his father. With Mani winning on the all-conquering KTM 300 EXC this year, it marked KTM’s 19th Red Bull Erzbergrodeo victory, the first coming thanks to the efforts of KTM-mounted South African Alfie Cox in 1995.

The iconic Iron Giant also served as the backdrop for the international launch of the new KTM 300 EXC ERZBERGRODEO special edition, which, in the highly capable hands of eight-time AMA GNCC Champion Kailub Russell, topped the time sheets of the qualifying Iron Road Prologue. Visiting the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo for the first time ever, Kailub gave the KTM 300 EXC ERZBERGRODEO an unforgettable debut outing, ahead of Mani’s history making main event win!2022 RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO IRON ROAD PROLOGUE WINNER KAILUB RUSSELL After a solid qualifying performance that saw him post the fifth fastest time on the Iron Road Prologue, Manuel Lettenbichler safely earned his front-row start for Sunday’s main race. A strong start off the line put Mani second into the first corner and after quickly making his way to the front, the KTM 300 EXC rider began to stretch a lead over the chasing pack.

As the first rider to face each and every section, Lettenbichler had to pick his own way through, creating his own lines through the ultra-technical terrain. Despite the disadvantage, Mani was able to maintain his lead and stay ahead of competition.

Exhausted, Lettenbichler successfully reached the famous finish line in just under three hours, having raced through some of the most gruelling sections seen on the FIM Hard Enduro calendar. Missing the first round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship due to recovering from surgery to his knee, Mani now has two wins from two starts in this year’s series and now lies third overall, trailing the championship leader by just five points.

Manuel Lettenbichler: "I think this year's race will definitely go down as one of the hardest editions in history, especially the sections that they changed overnight - none of us really knew what to expect and the organizers certainly delivered. To take the win means so much to me. After my dad did it in 2015, I always said I wanted to bring another winner's trophy back to the house and now I have done it! Another one ticked off the bucket list, that's for sure."2022 RED BULL ERZBERGRODEO WINNER MANUEL LETTENBICHLER

In only his second Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Trystan Hart unquestionably made his mark on the world of hard enduro with his third-place finish – the first ever Canadian to podium at the Iron Giant and placing as one of only eight finishers in this year’s event. A tough start saw Hart battle past a number of riders to make his way to third place, but once there he was able to stick to a strong pace through the many tough sections on his way to the finish.

Although Trystan isn’t racing the full FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, he will line up for Red Bull Romaniacs, Red Bull TKO, and Red Bull Outliers later this season. The 25-year-old will undoubtedly be looking to mix it with the championship regulars once again.

Trystan Hart: “I set out to put Canada on the map and I think I managed to do that in style. They definitely stepped things up this year, we had walked a lot of the new sections, but as always, they changed them for the race, and some were near impossible. We all had a challenge today and I think if things had fallen a little differently, I could have been in contention for the win, but I’m so happy with third place and already looking forward to racing some more rounds of the Hard Enduro series.”end bike test


KTM PACKTALK EdgeThe KTM PACKTALK Edge is the top-of-the-range mobile communication and connectivity unit for riders and has been especially created for ‘orange bleeders’ ready to share their experiences whether ripping up the tarmac, terrorizing a trail or getting ruthless with a rut.

KTM’s alignment with Cardo Systems means the KTM PACKTALK Edge comes with a distinctive KTM color and graphic but many other attributes. First of all, the Bluetooth unit is water, dust and mudproof and comes with unique ‘Air Mount’ which means it can be quickly and easily magnet mounted to any helmet. Forget about tools and antennas also: the KTM PACKTALK Edge is as easy to handle as any KTM model.KTM PACKTALK Edge 2The Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC) software means up to 15 bikes can hook-up to the same signal with an 8 km range (1.6 km rider to rider). Deep wideband intercom quality is fused with speaker excellence provided by renowned supplier JBL and a new generation of noise cancelling microphone. The mic itself benefits from the Natural Voice operation engine meaning the KTM PACKTALK Edge can be activated by a simple voice command. 13 hours of battery life comes courtesy of a 1-2 hour charging period (through a USB-C port) and full compatibility with KTMconnect or other App options.

Cardo Systems was established in 2004 and has pioneered the vast majority of innovations for Bluetooth motorcycle communication systems. In 2015 it introduced the world’s first mesh powered communication protocol into the motorcycle market. The company’s products, now available in over 100 countries, are the world’s leading communication devices for the motorcycle industry. KTM PACKTALK Edge 3Federico Valentini, KTM Head of Global Marketing: “Our alliance with Cardo means we can celebrate two things that are really important to us at KTM. The first is equipping KTM riders with leading technology to maximize their riding experience and we know that Cardo are one of the best partners to be able to achieve this. The KTM PACKTALK Edge is a great piece of kit that will really help make a difference to any shared trip with say a KTM DUKE or KTM ADVENTURE. The second is making sure that any journey with a KTM is as fun and thrilling and memorable as it can be. If this is done with friends or bike buddies then even better and where the KTM PACKTALK Edge becomes pretty indispensable.”

Shachar Harari, VP of Business Development at Cardo Systems: “It is an absolute pleasure to join forces with KTM to offer riders the most advanced PACKTALK EDGE KTM-branded device. As a motorcyclist, as soon as you see orange, your mind instantly knows it’s KTM. Alongside its broad range of powerwear, riders are able to express their brand loyalty all the way through to their communications device.”

The KTM PACKTALK Edge will be available from KTM and Cardo retailers from July onwards. Alternatively, it can be ordered directly from Cardo.
Please find further information about KTM PACKTALK Edge here.

KTM and Cardo PackTalk Essential info
// Special Edition KTM PACKTALK Edge of the Cardo Systems PACKTALK bold device
// Waterproof, dustproof, mudproof external unit attached with a magnetic system to any helmet
// High-end Bluetooth device with voice operated system and control, JBL-spec and quality speakers
// Connects up to 15 riders across an 8 km range
// Two hour fully charged for 13 hours talk timeend bike test


cq5dam.web.2000.2000 1Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen put in a stellar ride to take his first victory with the team in a thrilling MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at Road America. Jake Gagne finished fourth despite challenging conditions in today’s shortened race in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Declared a wet race, riders shod their Superbikes with rain tires, but the 4.048-mile track started to dry out, making for tricky track conditions. Petersen matched his start from yesterday and was battling upfront straight away. It turned into a three-rider fight with several lead changes over the eight laps. The South African was shuffled to second at the start of that final lap, but he countered back to reclaim the lead in Turn 5 and then distanced himself from the competition. Petersen ultimately saved the best for last, setting the fastest lap of the race to secure his first win aboard the Attack Performance Yamaha R1 and also his second-career Superbike victory.cq5dam.web.2000.2000Gagne quickly recovered to fourth after a bad start from pole position in the challenging conditions. The reigning Superbike Champion put his head down but was unable to close the gap on the lead trio in the shortened race and finished comfortably in fourth to score valuable points for the championship. 

The Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing Team returns to action in three-weeks time for Round 5 of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington, on June 24-26.cq5dam.web.2000.2000 2

Richard Stanboli – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager

“Our Yamaha R1s continue to set the standard, and I cannot say enough about the performance of the entire team. They did an amazing job ensuring that we remained a permanent fixture at the front of the field.

“Cameron did a great job this weekend racing at the front and winning Race 2. He has shown to be a quick study in any condition. Jake once again was the dominant force and the pace setter, but unfortunately, a bad start and a shortened race made it difficult for him to bridge the gap to the front group. We are looking forward to our next race at The Ridge, where last year we finished 1-2. Our goal is to repeat that result, and we will be working hard to achieve that.”cq5dam.web.2000.2000 3

Cameron Petersen – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing

“It was a wild race! I knew I had those two guys behind me, and we went back and forth a little bit. About four laps into the race, it was pretty scary on these wets (tires). We were spinning everywhere, all the way down the straightaway and just tucking the front everywhere. It was so much fun racing these guys, and I’m so stoked to get the win! I knew PJ (Jacobsen) might have the opportunity to draft me to the line, so I just did everything I could on that last lap. I had a few scary moments out there, but I wasn’t going to give up that easy. I wanted this so bad. Yesterday was a bit of a bummer, but to bounce back like this is incredible.

“The team once again did an amazing job. I’m just feeling at home on this motorcycle. This is the first weekend where I’ve really felt connected with the bike. Once again, I did it in sketchy conditions, so it would be nice to get a win in a dry race, but we’re chipping away at it every single weekend. I trust in the process, listen to what these guys have to tell me, and sooner or later, I know we will get there. I’m so happy right now. Let’s keep this rolling.”end bike test


20220605 rnf catalunya db 06 previewMonster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo stunned the MotoGP field this weekend, extending his championship lead after flying to a sensational victory at the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya by over six seconds.  

After confirming a two-year contract extension with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team on Thursday, Quartararo secured a commanding second win of the season on Sunday, taking the chequered flag 6.473 seconds clear of his nearest rival.  2022 MEYM GG14556 previewStarting the 24-lap Grand Prix from the front row, Quartararo made the perfect start, taking the lead on the long run to Turn one. Avoiding the opening turn collision, the French rider settled into his rhythm and instantly began to gap his rivals. Sitting comfortably ahead at the mid-way stage, the rider from Nice continued to push on, all while managing the drop of his Michelin medium rear tyre in the soaring Spanish sun.  

The 23-year-old controlled the race, setting consistent laps in the 1’40s, continued to grow the gap as he ran a lonely but faultless race. Quartararo crossed the line to take a career third GP victory in Barcelona, seeing him extend his series lead to 22 points.   2022 MEYM JRB2823 previewWithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team’s Darryn Binder secured more points in his debut season with a strong 12th in Barcelona. The South African started the race from the eighth row and capitalised on the first lap collision, finishing the opening tour in 13th.  

Working his way to the cusp of the top ten by lap 12, Binder found himself hard in battle with Jack Miller and his fellow rookie Remy Gardner. Working his way back up the order after relinquishing positions, the South African crossed the line in 12th place, narrowly missing out on top rookie and securing four World Championship points.  20220604 catalunya saturday ad 09 preview It was a challenging weekend for Italian Franco Morbidelli, who after a promising start on Friday, fought back into the points in 13th. Losing time in the opening corner after avoiding a collision, the number 21 rider dropped to the back of the field. Determined to score a positive result for the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team, who shared the event title sponsor, he then began his comeback through the field.

Pushing his way through to 16th, Morbidelli quickly worked his way into the points, passing Andrea Dovizioso and Pol Espargaro on lap 13. Pushing on, the Italian was unable to make any further headway, crossing the line in 13th, securing three crucial championship points. 

Andrea Dovizioso had a Catalan Grand Prix to forget after the Italian retired from the race on lap 16 due to an issue with the front tyre.  20220604 catalunya saturday ad 03 previewA maximum 25 points sees Fabio Quartararo extend his championship lead to 22 points, with 147 points in total. Franco Morbidelli heads to Germany in 19th with 22 points, as Darryn Binder moves into the top 20 with ten points. Andrea Dovizioso lies 22nd in the overall standings.  

After taking on the Catalan test on Monday, the MotoGP paddock will take a short break before heading to Sachsenring, Germany, for round ten at the shortest circuit on the calendar.  

Fabio Quartararo – Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, 1st

"Being on the attack right from the start had to be the plan for today. Our pace was great, and I knew I had to manage my rear tyre, but I also knew that, if I got into first place, the race was going to be great. I braked super late in the first braking zone, and I thought that I was going to go super wide, but I managed to defend my position well. It was a really long race. I was leading from the first corner to the end, so this was a very constructive victory. Of course, I did feel a drop. I was pushing so hard in the opening laps, but I felt like I had more to give during this race. I had a bit of a margin left. I'm so happy to have this victory in the bag! I'm really satisfied. I'm feeling at my 100%, and I'm riding the bike like I was riding my scooter at home - it's mine! I love it, and I‘m enjoying it so much. I'm always improving on the bike and the really good thing is that I can think while riding and that is something really difficult when riding at that speed."

Darryn Binder – WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Team, 12th

“It was a good race for me today. I knew that my Qualifying position yesterday didn’t really indicate what I was capable of. Anyway, I got off to quite a good start. I was a bit unsure during the race about how much to push in the beginning because I knew the tyre was going to wore off, but I wasn’t really sure about how much. I still had a really good race, I battled with some really big names that have achieved a lot, so I really enjoyed it a lot. Remy got the better of me on the last lap and I just didn’t have anything left to get back at him, but it was cool. Step by step I feel like I’m heading in the right direction. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s test to try to improve on the soft tyre for Qualifying to get a better starting position, which should make my life easier on a Sunday.” end bike test


 

 

 

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