Cycle News Staff | September 24, 2023
2023 Indian MotoGP
Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) made a statement and a half as he destroyed the field at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India. The Italian put in a true masterclass to escape in the lead, coming home over eight seconds clear to scythe right back into the title fight after some seriously hot pace.
The fight for the podium behind, if possible, was even hotter. Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) had to first contend with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the reigning Champion stalked and passed him, but there was a shocking crash out of second place for Pecco not long after, rider ok. There was then some drama as Martin lost time re-doing his leather suit after a Dashboard Message to do so after it was open… and by the end of the race, he was being absolutely hounded by Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). The Pramac rider just held on after a stunning last lap duel, in doing so cutting Bagnaia’s Championship lead to just 13 points.
Bez blitzed them in India to reignite his title hopes.
The top trio in the title fight led the way on Lap 1 as Martin and Bagnaia got lightning starts to jump polesitter Bezzecchi. Bagnaia was in full attack mode in to ensure Martin didn’t pull away.
When Pecco went for a move on the brakes, Martin tried to resist but ran wide and dropped back, gifting Bagnaia the lead. Bezzecchi then saw his opportunity to make a move, and once he hit the front, he truly did not look back. As he put in searing lap after searing lap, the fight behind began to light up.
Martin made a lunge with 17 laps to go, and it was a brutal one – sitting up the Italian. But Bagnaia regrouped, and just behind them, Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was trying all he could to put himself in the mix as he watched on from fourth place.
The first crash drama at the front hit for the number 93 though as he suffered an agonisingly slow off at Turn 1, getting straight back on but dropping right down out the points.
In the fight for second, Martin tried all he could to break away but Bagnaia wasn’t going anywhere. The Italian made his move with eight laps to go with a poetic sweep past the number 89, but it wouldn’t last long.
Soon after, the #1 machine suddenly slid out, with Pecco up and ok but remonstrating with himself in the gravel. And understandably so, with Bezzecchi leading Martin – the two closest in the title fight.
Second place for Martin brings him within striking distance of Bagnaia in the title.
As the laps ticked down, Martin started to fade, lost time doing up his leathers, and then found himself right in the crosshairs of Quartararo on the last lap. The Frenchman struck and the battle was on, but Martin forced his way back past. Still, Quartararo tagged back onto the rear wheel and tried all he could to find a gap, running out of corners as the duo ultimately crossed the line split by almost nothing.
We didn’t see much of the race leader Bezzecchi as he brought home an incredible victory, taking a 25-point chunk out of Bagnaia and his third win of the season. Behind, Martin held off Quartararo, and then came Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and another last lao scrap. He was embroiled in an epic battle with Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) for 4th place and the South African got the better of the Spaniard, or more didn’t enable Mir to get the better of him, after flying his way through the pack from 13th on the grid. For Mir, however, it’s still a best result by far with Honda, and a return to the top five for the factory.
Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) bagged P6 ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), the latter of whom was sent well wide at Turn 1 and had to dig in. Teammate Aleix Espargaro suffered a technical DNF.
On Marc Marquez watch, the number 93 made an incredible recovery to take ninth place, slicing back through the pack to finish seven seconds up the road from Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) who rounded out the top 10.
2023 Indian MotoGP Result
| 1 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Mooney VR46 Racing Team) |
|
| 2 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+8.649 |
| 3 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+8.855 |
| 4 |
Brad Binder |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+12.643 |
| 5 |
Joan Mir |
(Repsol Honda Team) |
+13.214 |
| 6 |
Johann Zarco |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+14.673 |
| 7 |
Franco Morbidelli |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+16.946 |
| 8 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+17.191 |
| 9 |
Marc Marquez |
(Repsol Honda Team) |
+19.118 |
| 10 |
Raul Fernandez |
(CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team) |
+26.504 |
Moto2
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) put in an inch-perfect performance to take victory at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India. The Spaniard controlled the race perfectly as he cleared off at the front, but there were still positives for title rival Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) as the Italian took his first podium since the German GP. Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) was embroiled in an epic last-lap scrap with rookie Sergio Garcia (Pons Wegow Los40), just coming out on top as the American made a return to the Moto2™ rostrum.
As the race got underway it was all-drama into Turn 1 with big moves being made. It all got a bit heated when paths crossed between a number of riders and a big pile-up saw the red flags come out. Riders ok, and the track was cleared for the race to get back underway. But Jeremy Alcoba (QJMotor Gresini Moto2™) got a Long Lap for his part in the incident, that he then didn’t serve on the restart, so it became a double.
It was all action on Lap 1 as Alonso Lopez (GT Trevisan SpeedUp) fired his way into Turn 1 to push Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) wide, paving the way for Garcia to take the lead. It all got very hectic as the elbows came out, and Acosta quickly pounced on Garcia, eager to hit the front as soon as possible.
Easy job for Pedro Acosta in Moto2.
Meanwhile, Arbolino in 3rd was keen to get past the Pons machine as well. A couple of exchanges eventually saw the Italian get the better of the rookie. It was too little too late for the title contender however as Acosta had already stretched out over a second lead to break away from the chasing pack.
It was curtains early on for Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40), Sam Lowes (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team), and Ai Ogura (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) who all went down at Turn 4.
The Lopez-Dixon needle then went one step further as the Brit tried to make a move on the Spaniard. The door was then left slightly ajar on the corner exit which excited the Spaniard a little too much as he powered into the side of the Brit seeing both riders hit the deck. Lopez was later given two Long Laps for the incident.
Meanwhile, Acosta had stretched out a two-second lead over Arbolino, who had also pulled away from Garcia in 3rd. That battle for the podium was then well and truly on though as Garcia had Roberts for very close company.
The American showed Garcia a wheel with two laps to go, and the gloves were off as Roberts pounced ahead of the last lap.
Onto that last lap though, Garcia made his intentions quicly known, shooting up the inside at Turn 1. The pair began to swap and change positions, absolutely glued together and with some spectacular moves including that instantly awesome Turn 8, until the Spaniard then went just slightly wide. That ensured the podium for the American, as he made an important return to the rostrum.
Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) got the better of Zonta van den Goorgbergh (Fieten Olie Racing GP) to round out the top five after the pair were swapping paintwork mid-race. The Dutchman took his first point-scoring finish in Moto2™ in P6. Darryn Binder ( Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) was next up in a notable P7, ahead of Barry Baltus (Fieten Olie Racing GP), Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) and Filip Salač (QJMotor Gresini Moto2™).
2023 Indian Moto2 Result
| 1 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
|
| 2 |
Tony Arbolino |
(Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) |
+3.543 |
| 3 |
Joe Roberts |
(Italtrans Racing Team) |
+6.506 |
| 4 |
Sergio Garcia |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+7.377 |
| 5 |
Manuel Gonzalez |
(Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) |
+7.903 |
| 6 |
Zonta van den Goorgbergh |
(Fieten Olie Racing GP) |
+11.437 |
| 7 |
Darryn Binder |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+11.644 |
| 8 |
Barry Baltus |
(Fieten Olie RacingGP) |
+12.255 |
| 9 |
Marcos Ramirez |
(OnlyFans American Racing) |
+12.578 |
| 10 |
Filip Salac |
(QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) |
+12.790 |
Moto3
The gauntlet has been thrown down and the heat turned to the maximum in the 2023 Moto3™ title battle! After a dominant display from Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India, the Spaniard is now equal on points with his title rival Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) with both riders on 174 points. Holgado, on win count, stays ahead. Kaito Toba (SIC58 Squadra Corse) took his first podium since 2022 in second as he came out on top in a three-rider fight to complete the podium behind Holgado, with Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) sits just one point behind the Spanish duo as he took 3rd place in a dramatic last-lap scrap.
Masia got the perfect start from pole and took the holeshot, but he had Sasaki all over his rear wheel as the chasing pack scrapped it out behind. Masia put the hammer down right from the off though, beginning to stretch out the field in the opening stages. Sasaki wasn’t letting Masia out of his sights however as the Japanese rider latched himself onto the Leopard machine to pull away from the chasing pack.
That left an enthralling battle for third as a group of riders battled it and swapped paintwork for the final rostrum honours. David Alonso (GASGAS Aspar Team), Toba, Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets MSI), and Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Ajo) were all in the mix until Veijer found an extra gear and really began to motor on, taking Toba along for the ride.
At long last Masia converted for a Sunday win.
Up at the front, Masia’s relentless pace proved too much for Sasaki and the Japanese rider, after a couple of moments, faded back into the Veijer-Toba battle for the two remaining places on the podium.
With 3 laps to go, Toba pushed his way past Veijer to slot himself in between the two Husqvarna machines. Toba’s sights were now set on Sasaki, and he made a move on his compatriot but it didn’t last long as the number 71 bit straight back.
The trio swapped and changed positions until it hit boiling point in the final sector. Sasaki attacked his teammate, Veijer tried to defend and the two made contact Dutchman out of the race.
Toba capitalised on the mayhem and got the better of Sasaki on the final lap, with the SIC58 rider taking his first podium of the season taking 2nd place ahead of his compatriot.
Holgado picked up the pieces to win the battle for 4th place after climbing his way up from 19th on the grid. The title contender got the better of Alonso, with David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) getting the better of Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) for P6.
2023 Indian MotoGP News—Saturday
Ducati admit Marquez in Gresini talks
For the first time Ducati management has admitted Marc Marquez is in negotiations with the Gresini squad about a sensational switch to Ducati machinery for 2024.
Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti said as much on Saturday. “As far as Gresini goes, I think it looks like they have this opportunity and they are waiting for Marquez’s decision. (But) I see Marquez is very fast here with the Honda,” said the Italian.
Marc Marquez took a podium in the Sprint Race, but will it be enough to convince him to stay at Honda?
From Ciabatti’s understanding, a meeting with HRC bosses next week in Japan will be critical to Marquez’s decision. “He will talk to Honda management in Japan and make a decision. But it’s something up to him and the team. We as Ducati have our four contracted riders [two at the factory team, two at Pramac].”
Team Manager Davide Tardozzi also stated the Bologna factory would have no problem welcoming Marquez into its ranks. But the eight-time Champ remained tight-lipped. “I say already in Misano test only 1, 2, 3 people around me know what I’m thinking,” he said. “I know what I need, what I want. Just I’m looking for the best for everybody, not only for me.”
Yet more Turn 1 chaos
FIM Stewards should serve up heftier penalties for riders guilty of causing first turn pile ups. That was the view of Aleix Espargaro, after a further first corner incident affected the outcome of the Sprint race.
It was yet another chaotic first turn crash in MotoGP.
Luca Marini took himself out when riding into the back of team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, fracturing a left collarbone in the process. Behind, Stefan Bradl also took down Pol Espargaro.
This was discussed at length in Friday evening’s Safety Commission, with riders concerned by the Buddh International Circuit’s tight Turn 1. Espargaro believes, “Tere is a very, very, very easy solution. A strong penalty on the corner one. I said every single Safety Commission, but strong.” Asked if the penalty should be a one-race ban, the Catalan responded, “Strong, very strong. You will see that they will brake earlier. It’s easy. You just brake early. Easy. Very strong.”
Alex Marquez KO’d
The grid for the Sprint was one rider light as Alex Marquez broke three ribs (the sixth, seventh and eighth on his left side) in a nasty Turn 5 highside during Q1. The Catalan rider admitted he was at fault for the crash that has ruled him out of this weekend, as well as next week’s race in Japan.
Alex Marquez got body-slammed in his crash and will be out for the next two races.
“Apart from the pain that I have in my ribs that are broken and painful more I’m sad for the team to miss India and to miss also Japan. Just I did a mistake when I went into Turn 5 a little bit faster and I was on the dirty side. I opened the throttle and just had a big highside.
“It was my mistake. I’ll learn from this moment. It’ll make us stronger and I’ll try to come back in Indonesia.”
Saturday MotoGP
History was made on Saturday at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India as Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) won the first Tissot Sprint on Indian soil, making it three victories in a row for the Spaniard – two Sprints and one GP. The Pramac rider put on a dominant display to deny Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), but the Italian showed his almost customary ability to bounce back from what seemed like a tougher Friday to bank another big haul of points. Still, the gap was cut once more. Meanwhile in third, it was a welcome return to the Sprint rostrum and a continuation of the positive form so far in India for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) as the eight-time World Champion held off Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) for P3.
It was a lightning start for Martin, who took the holeshot into Turn 1 and almost unbothered by the chasing pack. There was big dram for Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team), however, as he lost buckets of time – dropping through the order due to Turn 1 contact from Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) which saw the number 10 crash out. The comeback charge, for Bezzecchi, was on.
Meanwhile, at the front, Martin had Bagnaia for company as the reigning champ was eager to latch himself onto the rear wheel of his title rival. Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) also got a brilliant start from 5th on the grid to put himself into P3 on lap 1. It wasn’t long before he fell into the clutches of teammate Marc Marquez however as the eight-time champ put himself into the top three.
Binder was a man on a mission in the opening stages too as the South African flew his way from 13th to 5th to latch himself onto the Repsol Honda duo, who were shadowing Bagnaia’s every move.
Disaster then came for Mir after his early charge, as a mistake saw him drop it at the same slow, slow Turn 3 that had bitten teammate Marc Marquez earlier in the day. Rider ok, but chance lost on Saturday.
Martin had the bit between his teeth in the lead as he flew away from reigning Champion Bagnaia, stretching the gap to two seconds and controlling his lead to the chequered flag.
Bagnaia tried all he could to chase down the Spaniard and subsequently pulled away from the clutches of Marc Marquez to bring home crucial points in P2. Behind them, there was plenty yet to be decided.
With the laps ticking away, Marc Marquez had plenty on his hands as Binder was breathing down the his neck. With the chequered flag drawing nearer and nearer it felt as if it was only a matter of time before the South African was going to make a move…
Martin made light work of the field in the Sprint Race in India. He’s currently the form man in MotoGP.
And yet. The number 93 dug in and said his later Sprint pace was positive, and it was certainly positive enough as he managed to hold off Binder. A good recovery from the South African, but a seriously needed return to the top three for both Marc Marquez and the Repsol Honda squad.
After it seemed all could be lost following that Turn 1 drama, Bezzecchi put together an incredible recovery after dropping down the order. With six laps to go the Italian had already pushed his way into the top 10, and by the end of his awesome scything through the field he managed to pip Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) for a top five finish. Bezzecchi also put in the fastest lap of the race on the final lap – beating his own previous best. His pace will raise eyebrows for Sunday.
Quartararo himself enjoyed a positive Indian Sprint. The Frenchman finished just 4.327s back from the victory and was under two seconds away from the top three as he brought home P6.
Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) moved well up the order to snap up 7th place ahead of Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing), with Raul Fernandez (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) taking the final point in P9.
Marini was subsequently passed unfit due to a collarbone fracture sustained in the Turn 1 crash, and to add – metaphorically speaking – insult to injury, the Italian will also have a Long Lap to serve on his return.
2023 Indian MotoGP—MotoGP Sprint Race
| 1 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
|
| 2 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+1.389 |
| 3 |
Marc Marquez |
(Repsol Honda Team) |
+2.405 |
| 4 |
Brad Binder |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+2.904 |
| 5 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Mooney VR46 Racing Team) |
+3.266 |
| 6 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+4.327 |
| 7 |
Jack Miller |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+7.712 |
| 8 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+8.798 |
| 9 |
Raul Fernandez |
(CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team) |
+10.530 |
| 10 |
Fabio Di Giannantonio |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP) |
+10.826 |
Saturday Moto2
A damp Buddh International Circuit played into the hands of Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) as an exchange of fast laps with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) saw the Brit come out on top with a 2:01.924, taking pole by just 0.032s. Sergio Garcia (Pons Wegow Los40) was also setting red sectors after fighting his way up from Q1. Getting those extra laps in the earlier session helped the Spanish rookie take his first Moto2™ front row.
Dixon took his own little slice of history with the first Moto2 pole in India.
Zonta van den Goorbergh (Fieten OlieGP) was another who came through Q1 and put his extra track time to good use as he took P4, joined by Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and Alonso Lopez (GT Trevisan SpeedUp) who took 5th and 6th. Tony Arbolino (Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) didn’t show the wet-weather form we know he’s capable as the Italian finished a second off the pace in P7. He’ll want a lot more on Sunday after topping the timesheets on Friday.
Arbolino is joined on row three by Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), with Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) rounding out the top 10.
2023 Indian Moto2—Qualifying
| 1 |
Jake Dixon |
(Inde Gasgas Aspar Team) |
2:01.924 |
| 2 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+ 0.032 |
| 3 |
Sergio Garcia |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+ 0.268 |
| 4 |
Zonta van den Goorbergh |
(Fieten OlieGP) |
+ 0.347 |
| 5 |
Darryn Binder |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+ 0.678 |
| 6 |
Alonso Lopez |
(GT Trevisan SpeedUp) |
+ 0.940 |
| 7 |
Tony Arbolino |
(Elf MarcVDS Racing Team) |
+ 1.034 |
| 8 |
Joe Roberts |
(Italtrans Racing Team) |
+ 1.338 |
| 9 |
Somkiat Chantra |
(IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) |
+ 1.446 |
| 10 |
Celestino Vietti |
(Fantic Racing) |
+ 1.450 |
Saturday Moto3
Saturday at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India saw torrential conditions delay proceedings ahead of Moto3™ Q2, after right after Q1 had taken place largely in the dry. Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) excelled in the rain as the Spaniard put on a dominant display and got to grips with the conditions to set the fastest lap of the session on his final tour with a 2:09.336. Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) bagged 2nd place, 0.727s back from the polesitter, with Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) taking a much-welcomed front row.
It wasn’t a great day in the office for Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3) as the Championship Leader failed to fight his way through Q1 and will have to start the Grand Prix of India from P19 – and after passing a medical review ahead of the race.
Masia’s pace in India was scintillating.
On the second row, it’s Scott Ogden (VisionTrack Racing) leading the way in P4, with Kaito Toba (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets – MSI) joining him in 5th and 6th. Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) had a decent wet-weather showing and snapped up P7. Joining the Italian on the third row will be Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) in 8th and 9th, with David Salvador (CIP Green Power) rounding out the top 10.
As well as Holgado’s crash in P3 and then subsequent check up, there was also drama for Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in the morning. He didn’t follow the protocol after a crash at Pit Entry and then ignored a black flag, so he was given a back of the grid start and a Long Lap penalty to create a real mountain to climb on Sunday.
2023 Indian Moto3—Qualifying
| 1 |
Jaume Masia |
(Leopard Racing) |
2:09.336 |
| 2 |
Matteo Bertelle |
(Rivacold Snipers Team) |
+0.727 |
| 3 |
Ayumu Sasaki |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+0.768 |
| 4 |
Scott Ogden |
(VisionTrack Racing Team) |
+0.790 |
| 5 |
Kaito Toba |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+1.399 |
| 6 |
Diogo Moreira |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+1.447 |
| 7 |
Stefano Nepa |
(Angeluss MTA Team) |
+1.516 |
| 8 |
Taiyo Furusato |
(Honda Team Asia) |
+1.531 |
| 9 |
Collin Veijer |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+1.632 |
| 10 |
David Salvador |
(CIP Green Power) |
+1.682 |
2023 Indian MotoGP News—Friday
Track gets approval and paddock arrives – but only just
There were many doubts heading to the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. About the venue and its safety. And most of all, about whether all the paddock could get visas in time despite a laughably antiquated application process.
Yet after many delays and flight changes – Moto2 rider Sam Lowes only arrived in India on Thursday afternoon – all riders from all three classes were present on Friday.
The Buddh track snuck through in the nick of time for approval.
And the Buddh International Circuit, which was homologated just this week, was deemed safe enough to ride. “I think we were a little bit too hard before to come here and see what really was. I think it’s much better than we all expected,” said Pol Espargaro on Thursday. Jorge Martin only saw one point – Turn 10 – as particularly sketchy. “It’s a bit on the limit,” he said.
“We arrive so, so fast in third gear, almost on the limit. If you crash there it’s quite dangerous. For sure we’ll ask next season to improve.”
Buddh International Circuit – a unique challenge
Designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 2011, the 5.01km Buddh International Circuit became the 74th different track in history to host a premier class race, India the 30th different country.
The track offers a unique challenge.
Efforts to clean the track surface – used infrequently since Formula1’s last visit in 2013 – were largely successful in the weeks leading up to the GP. And its unique layout proved a hit with MotoGP riders, who could be seen frequently running into the gravel at Turn 1 – “one of the most critical corners that I’ve ridden,” according to Brad Binder – throughout Friday’s sessions, extended to 70 minutes to help get everyone up to speed.
Jack Miller likened some of the blind turns to the Sachsenring and the fast chicanes to Mugello. “The only place you’ve got those fast chicanes is Mugello. But all that blind stuff is like Sachsenring where you’re aiming for the apex miles before you can even see it. It’s so far away from where you need to be. You kind of end up riding on feel more than anything.”
Honda riders seeking a different direction
The one-day test following Misano could yet be critical for the imminent fortunes of the Repsol Honda riders. Did HRC show enough to convince Marc Marquez – continually linked to the vacant seat at Gresini Ducati for next year – to stay? And could the new bike aid Joan Mir’s bid to find some form of comfort?
For one, Mir believed the ’24 prototype, which featured a new chassis and revised riding position but the ’23 engine, should have been brought to India for him to ride. It wasn’t as Honda wanted to check it over in Japan post-test, something which angered the Majorcan.
Marquez isn’t a fan of the 2024 Honda chassis.
“I was a bit more optimistic because I could ride more comfortable,” he said of the ’24 prototype. “It’s a shame to not have it here. We know the potential of this (current) bike.
The new one will not be worse.”
Yet Marquez disagreed. “It’s not enough to fight for the top positions for next year. It can be a bit better, but we are not looking for one tenth. We are looking for six or seven tenths per lap.” On Mir’s comments:; “if you prefer the new one and you finish top of the standings, then I understand. But that wasn’t the case.”
Friday MotoGP
The first ever day of MotoGP™ action at Buddh International Circuit threw up a treat, with the timesheets incredibly tight at the top. The stage is certainly set for a barnstorming IndianOil Grand Prix of India as Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) put down a stunning 1:44.782 to lead Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) by just 0.008s, and the gap didn’t get much bigger down to third either as Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) started his weekend in P3 just 0.051 off Marini.
With Friday afternoon’s Practice session deciding who goes through to Q2, the riders spent the majority of the session working on their race packages before tucking in for their late time attacks.
The top 10 go through to Q2, and it was a mad rush as the soft tyres went in with fifteen minutes to go. The times really began to tumble but it was late charge in the final moments that saw Marini set the benchmark with the fastest time of the weekend so far.
Marino topped the first day of riding in India.
Martin was the man to beat for the majority of the session though, and did move the goalposts by half a second ahead of time-attack war before just being denied by Marini at the end, with yellow flags out and little time remaining.
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was one of those threatening the top spots as well. Red sectors came in from the eight-time champ, but the ask was a little too much for the Repsol Honda to take over on top. Still, he took a positive P4. Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) was also looking strong after topping Friday morning’s Practice 1, but couldn’t put himself any higher than P5 in Practice.
Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was very much in the danger zone as the clock was ticking away in the final 10 minutes. The Championship leader was sat outside of Q2 contention and had some work to do, with the pace getting hotter and hotter. Bagnaia hadn’t been setting the world on fire throughout the day, but with the question asked of the Italian, he got the hammer down to bag P7 and an important Q2 spot just behind Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing). Is the champ struggling or keeping his cards close to his chest?
Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) enjoyed a fairly positive day onboard his Yamaha M1. The Frenchman finds himself in an automatic Q2 spot in P8, and is looking confident with the new circuit leveling the playing field that little bit more. He suffered two mechanical issues in FP1 butstill took that all-important place in Q2.
The Frenchman’s compatriot Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) finished just behind in P9, with Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) also returning to Q2 with a much-needed top 10. It was close there though, with yellow flags out in the final few minutes and that causing both Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) to have their best laps scrubbed off, both of which would have easily seen them sail into Q2.
Behind Mir, it’s Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) the first to miss out after finishing Practice in P11 following those lap cancellations.
Diggia, Binder and Augusto Fernandez will be joined in Q1 by the likes of Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), Miguel Oliveira (CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team) and Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in a hotly-contested session on Saturday morning.
2023 Indian MotoGP—Friday MotoGP
| 1 |
Luca Marini |
(Mooney VR46 Racing Team) |
1:44.782 |
| 2 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+0.008 |
| 3 |
Aleix Espargaro |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+0.051 |
| 4 |
Marc Marquez |
(Repsol Honda Team) |
+0.335 |
| 5 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Mooney VR46 Racing Team) |
+0.420 |
| 6 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+0.431 |
| 7 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+0.498 |
| 8 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+0.509 |
| 9 |
Johann Zarco |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+0.523 |
| 10 |
Joan Mir |
(Repsol Honda Team) |
+0.550 |
Friday Moto2
Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) is back with a vengeance! The Italian topped the timesheets on Day 1 of the IndianOil Grand Prix of India as his 1:52.105 saw him snatch the top spot right at the chequered flag. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) heads the chasing pack after falling just 0.018s short of his title rival’s time, with his flying lap coming in just seconds after Arbolino’s. Ai Ogura (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) is looking strong at the Buddh International Circuit and ends day 1 in P3.
Tony Arbolino bounced back to take P1 in Moto2 on Friday.
Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) recovered from a difficult Practice 1 session to go over 2s quicker in Practice 2 as he took 4th place on the combined timing sheets. Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), who topped P1, went a tenth quicker in P2 to round out the top five, with Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Mastercamp) slotting in just behind in P6.
Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) put down some red sectors in the closing stages but lacked pace in the middle of the lap and ultimately took P7. Filip Salac (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) then took P8 with Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) and Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing) rounding out the top 10.
2023 Indian Moto2—Friday Moto2
| 1 |
Tony Arbolino |
(Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) |
1:52.105 |
| 2 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.065 |
| 3 |
Ai Ogura |
(IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) |
+0.083 |
| 4 |
Celestino Vietti |
(Fantic Racing) |
+0.214 |
| 5 |
Somkiat Chantra |
(IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) |
+0.346 |
| 6 |
Manuel González |
(Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) |
+0.504 |
| 7 |
Jake Dixon |
(Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) |
+0.537 |
| 8 |
Filip Salac |
(Gresini Racing Moto2™) |
+0.610 |
| 9 |
Aron Canet |
(Pons Wegow Los40) |
+0.695 |
| 10 |
Marcos Ramirez |
(OnlyFans American Racing) |
+0.717 |
Friday Moto3
Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) found an extra gear in the second session of action at the IndianOil Grand Prix of India as he went top to lead the way with a 1:59.566. The Dutch rookie was the first rider to break the 2-minute barrier and put in consistent laps on his own to chip away at the benchmark time. Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) was looking as strong as ever as he joined the Dutchman as the only other rider in the 1:59 club though, just +0186s shy of the top, with Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team) rounded out the top three after keeping himself consistently in the top half of the timing sheets.
Collin Veijer’s impressive form continues as he tops Moto3 on Friday.
Despite taking a tumble, David Alonso (GASGAS Aspar Team) had another strong showing to take P4 on day 1, and having taken three wins in the last four races, you can bet the rookie will be a force to be reckoned with come Sunday. Riccardo Rossi (SIC58 Squadra Corse) rounded out the top five ahead of the Brazilian Diogo Moreira (MT Helmets-MSI).
Second in the Championship, Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) bagged P7 to kick off day 1 of the flyaway run, with rookie Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team), and title contender Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) rounding out the top 10.
It was a tougher start to the weekend for the Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3). The Spaniard suffered an off towards the end of the session and finished the day in P13 with the all-important Q2 spots up for grabs on Saturday…
2023 Indian Moto3—Friday Moto3
| 1 |
Collin Veijer |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
1:59.566 |
| 2 |
Jaume Masia |
(Leopard Racing) |
+0.186 |
| 3 |
Stefano Nepa |
(Angeluss MTA Team) |
+0.556 |
| 4 |
David Alonso |
(GASGAS Aspar Team) |
+0.629 |
| 5 |
Ricardo Rossi |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+0.762 |
| 6 |
Diogo Moreira |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+0.797 |
| 7 |
Ayumu Sasaki |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+0.846 |
| 8 |
Jose Antonio Rueda |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.964 |
| 9 |
Matteo Bertelle |
(Rivacold Snipers Team) |
+0.972 |
| 10 |
Deniz Öncü |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+1.041 |
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