Month: November 2021

#JEREZTEST Day2

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

Dovizioso chart quicker pace on second and final day of MotoGP’s official pre-season tests in Jerez

As Day 2 of MotoGP’s official pre-season tests concludes, WITHU YAMAHA RNF MotoGP TEAM ended things here on a positive note thanks to the progress made by Andrea Dovizioso.

Despite the clear weather, today’s conditions at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto proved a tad challenging compared to yesterday due to strong winds returning towards midday, as well as the low track temperatures which affected tyre grip levels throughout the day. Nevertheless, Dovizioso managed to chart plenty of progress astride his machines.

For Dovi, the veteran 35-year-old Italian and his crew continued where they left off yesterday with their prototype factory-spec (2022) Yamaha YZR-M1 test machine. Despite the aforementioned returning winds and cooler track temperatures, Andrea was still able to rake in slightly more mileage – 58 laps in total – whilst also heightening his pace.

Initially, Dovi remained eighteenth in the standings just after midday before upping the ante later in the afternoon, lapping the famed 4.4km-long circuit with a quicker new personal best time of 1 minute 38.029 seconds. In turn, said effort allowed Dovi to elevate his rank in the standings up to thirteenth by day’s end.

As the first pre-season test concludes has learned much from each other on what also stood as a historic on-track debut for the newly-formed WITHU YAMAHA RNF MotoGP TEAM. If anything, the road towards the 2022 season has only just begun for the squad, and the rest of the premier MotoGP class.

MotoGP will now undergo its customary year-end break before testing resumes once more in February 2022 in both Malaysia (Sepang) and Indonesia (Mandalika) prior to the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix night race in March.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 13

“Overall, today was not bad, especially in the afternoon where I was able to ride a bit better. With the new bike, I have better braking and a bit more power, but the DNA of the bike feels the same. At this moment, I am focused on adapting and understanding the bike, but it feels good to feel more power. The work of these two days went perfectly, and I am happy to go into the next test in Malaysia with this feeling”.

#JEREZTEST Day1

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

First chapter for MotoGP’s newest independent squad sees it revel in plenty of positives and firsts with Dovi.

The opening day of MotoGP’s first official pre-season test saw WITHU YAMAHA RNF MotoGP TEAM chart its historic debut appearance on track at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto.

Together with rider Andrea Dovizioso, MotoGP’s newest independent squad immersed itself into a day full of firsts and positive notes. The squad began taking to the track just before midday to capitalise on the clear weather and optimum temperature conditions the day brought forth.

For Dovizioso, the veteran Italian rider and his crew had their hands full at familiarising with their prototype Factory-spec (2022) YAMAHA YZR-M1 test machinery. Though strong winds through parts of the day proved to be a challenge, plenty of steps were taken towards identifying the perfect base setup to work upon further.
By day’s end, Dovizioso would go on to log in a total of 53 laps whilst his fastest time of 1’38.598 sees him placed Eighteenth on the leaderboard too.

With the first day done and dusted, Dovi is poised to continue his progress tomorrow as MotoGP’s first official pre-season enters its second and final day in Jerez.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 18

“It’s always nice to try a new bike! It was a good day today for me with the bike, especially with the braking and corner entry. The winds made it a little difficult to be precise, but overall it was a good test. I am also working with different chassis components compared to the factory team to try to find the best package for next year. We need to fix a few more things tomorrow, but the bike does not feel too different from the 2019 bike, and to go into the next test in Malaysia with this base is really good”.

#JEREZTEST Preview

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

MotoGP’s newest independent squad poised for an exciting debut during the first official 2022 pre-season test at Jerez this week

As the thrilling 2021 MotoGP World Championship season concludes, preparations for the 2022 season kicks off almost immediately this week with the first two-day official pre-season test session in Jerez, Spain.

Notably, said occasion will also mark the highly anticipated debut of the all-new WITHU YAMAHA RNF MotoGP TEAM. Led by Team Principal Razlan Razali and Team Manager Wilco Zeelenberg, the Yamaha-backed independent squad features renowned Italian veteran Andrea Dovizioso paired alongside promising South African rookie Darryn Binder to form its riders roster.

Despite taking a sabbatical from competition for over half-a-season, Dovizioso showed improvement of pace when he returned for the final five races of the recently concluded 2021 season aboard a then Spec-A (2019) Yamaha machinery. For the upcoming test in Jerez, the highly experienced 35-year-old Forlimpopoli native will familiarise himself with a new factory-spec (2022) Yamaha YZR-M1 machine.

With new materials and personnel at hand, this week’s official test will serve as a key shakedown of sorts for WITHU YAMAHA RNF MotoGP TEAM. Nevertheless, through the abundance of potential it holds at hand, the squad has set its sights at becoming one of the most competitive independent teams in the new era of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

This week’s official MotoGP pre-season test takes place on November 18 and 19 at the famed Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. Located in Spain’s Andalusia region, the fast and technical 4.4km-long course with a total of 13 turns stands both as a regular fixture in the MotoGP world championship calendar and top favourite amongst riders.

Besides this, two more official pre-season test sessions will be held throughout February next year in Malaysia (Sepang) and Indonesia (Mandalika) specifically for the premier class. After which, the 2022 season is set to go underway under the floodlights of the Qatar Grand Prix in March.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04

“I am really happy to be in Jerez just four days after the final 2021 race in Valencia. We had a good weekend there, and we are heading to Jerez in the best situation. Over five races, we did the maximum and I adapted myself quite well with the bike and now, I’m very keen to try the new bike”.

#VALENCIAGP Race

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

It was the end of an era today at the Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana.

Andrea Dovizioso made it a double points finish for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team in their final race, crossing the finish line 12th.

Dovi, who started 13th, gained two places in the opening corners. The Italian had some early on-track battles, which pushed him down to 14th on the fifth lap. Mounting a recovery, he made it through to 12th before the midpoint of the race. With a gap to the riders ahead, ‘Dovi’ worked hard to reduce the deficit but ultimately wasn’t quite able to close up to those in front and crossed the line 12th.

The ValenciaGP signals the end of PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team’s three years in the MotoGP championship.

Now we will ahead to the official MotoGP test in Jerez to getting ready for the 2022 season.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 12

“We were much closer than we have been in other races today, so I’m happy to finish the season with that speed. We also worked well to improve the bike under braking, which meant I could take different lines. It was good for me that I could follow ‘Vale’ [Rossi] and Franco [Morbidelli] to learn how they ride the Yamaha, as they are very experienced with it. I’m very happy with today and it was a good way to finish the season.
To be a team-mate of Rossi was strange, as I have always been in different teams to him, but it has been enjoyable. I tried to beat him but he was very strong and he always has something more to give in a race. It has been really nice to share the box with him at his final round and I feel lucky to have been part of it”.

#VALENCIAGP Qualifying

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team’s Andrea Dovizioso will start the Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana from 13th.

After completing a long-run at the beginning of FP3, Dovizioso was able to improve upon his best time set yesterday to 1’31.377. Although only 0.848secs shy of the fastest rider, it put him 18th in FP3 and 19th overall.
A strong performance in Q1 saw Dovi challenge for a place in Q2 and record his best Qualifying result since making his MotoGP return. Completing his fastest lap in 1’30.859, he ended the session third – just 0.071secs shy of a Q2 place – and will start tomorrow’s race from 13th.

Dovi will be back out on track at 9.40am tomorrow for Warm Up, while the 27-lap MotoGP race will bring the ValenciaGP and the 2021 season to a close at 2pm local time.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 13

“I’m not too happy about the position today, but the speed is a bit better. I’m happy about that because from the first session yesterday we have been faster and have been closer to the quickest riders. This is what we need and I was only two tenths shy of the fastest Yamaha rider, which is really good. I’m happy and let’s see what happens tomorrow. I know that I am closer to the group of riders ahead of me in the times, but Valencia can be a strange race as you use the left side of the tyre a lot and it will affect the race more than at other circuits. I’m not sure what I will be able to achieve tomorrow, but my pace isn’t too bad. It will be important to gain positions at the start and then be consistent until the end”.

#VALENCIAGP Free Practice

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

The last race of the season starts in a positive way for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team’s MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso who finished ninth.

Waiting 15 minutes before heading out in FP1, to see what the rain would do, Dovi used the time to adjust to the conditions, before setting a 1’42.182 lap at the end of the 45 minutes. Andrea ended FP1 in 18th place.

The drier conditions of FP2 suited the Italian, who was able to stay inside the top ten for the majority of the session. Dovi momentarily held second with a 1’31.597 lap, but ultimately ended FP2 ninth.

FP3 for Dovi will begin at 9.55am local time tomorrow, with the first of the two MotoGP Qualifying sessions getting underway at 2.10pm local time

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 9

“Today isn’t important but I’m still happy to be inside the top-ten. From the start I had a good feeling and I was able to do a good lap time. I don’t think every rider showed their true pace, especially as the conditions were tricky, but overall it has been better today. Let’s see what happens tomorrow when everyone is pushing at 100%. Everything is new for me at each track, but I think this one is okay for our bike. However to have good speed is one thing, to be consistent for a whole race is another matter. Tomorrow it will be important to try to be in Q2, but also to work on our race pace”.

#VALENCIAGP Preview

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

This weekend is set to be an emotional one as the 2021 season concludes for Andrea Dovizioso with the Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana.

Dovi will be aiming to achieve another points-scoring finish, having finished in the top-15 in all but the first of his races with PETRONAS Yamaha SRT.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo is somewhere that has provided the Italian with some good memories in the past, including a win in 2018. Despite only joining the Malaysian squad towards the closing stages of the season, Andrea has made good progress and hopes to end 2021 on a high.

FP1 will get underway at 9.55am local time on Friday,while the 2021 season will come to a close with the 27-lap MotoGP race at 2pm local time on Sunday.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04

“I’m hoping that this weekend we can continue adapting to the bike more, as we made some small steps forward last time out at Portimão. It will be important to maintain this and continue working in the right direction in Valencia, to end the season as best as we can. My main target is going to be to gain more confidence on the bike, as this is also very important for me to do before the end of the season. Although I’m enjoying riding again and gaining experience, I am happy to finish the season – hopefully with some more points – because I’m looking forward to starting the 2022 one”.

#ALGARVEGP Race

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

It was a points finish for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team’s MotoGP rider today in Portugal, with Andrea Dovizioso crossing the line 14th in what became a shortened Grande Prémio do Algarve.

Dovi had a strong start to the race, claiming one place off the line to take the first corner in 20th. Gaining another place in the early stages, the Italian had his work cut out to reduce the deficit to the main field. Able to find more pace in the final stages of the race,  he moved into 16th with five laps to go. Making further progress to find himself one place behind team-mate Rossi in 14th when the race was brought to it’s early end, Andrea made it a double-points finish for the team.

Andrea will now travel across the border to Spain for the final round of the season: the Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana.

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 14

“It has been a good weekend in terms of my personal progress, because every practice has been dry, I have been able to work on the way I ride the bike and I feel that I’ve made some improvements. This has given me the possibility to be quite fast in the middle of the race and until the end. This is good because it means we are going in the right direction. Of course 14th isn’t the position I want and my speed can still be improved, but overall it has been a positive weekend. There are still things to be improved, with both myself and the bike, because we don’t have the grip we want and it means we can’t stay with the other riders or ride in a smooth way”.

#ALGARVEGP Qualifying

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team’s MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso will start the Grande Prémio do Algarve – the penultimate round of the season at Portimão – from 21st.

Dovi was also quick to start reducing his lap time in FP3, as he also worked on improving his feeling with the bike. The Italian set a best lap time of 1’40.364, placing him 20th in FP3 and 22nd overall. Qualifying saw ‘Dovi’ set a series of solid laps early on and he continued to reduce his lap time throughout the 15 minutes. On his final flying lap he was able to set a time of 1’39.918, which saw him finish Q1 11th and will see him start the race from 21st.

Dovi will be back out on track at 9.30am tomorrow for Warm Up, before the AlgarveGP concludes with the 25-lap MotoGP race at 1pm.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 21

“I’m happy because I was able to go faster this morning and also this afternoon, when I was with the group. However, the position isn’t the best so I’m not happy about that. I was able to improve the way that I was braking, which is good, but it is very difficult to stay in the middle of the group. We need something more though to make more gains. My speed is there when I’m in the group, but I think it will be difficult to gain positions and make overtakes tomorrow. I think everybody will have a really good pace, but the race is long and we will see what happens. Our target is always to try to finish in the points”.

#ALGARVEGP Free Practice

Posted on by Nicoletta Salvador

The final back-to-back GPs of the 2021 season got underway today with the opening day of the Grande Prémio do Algarve for PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, with MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso 22nd.

Experiencing Portimão aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 for the first time in FP1, Dovi was able to use the morning session to understand the feeling of the bike. The Italian’s fastest lap of 1’41.392 saw him end FP1 19th.
Opting to focus more on gaining track knowledge in the afternoon’s FP2 session, Andrea chose not to undertake a time-attack run and ended the day 22nd. However, he was still able to improve upon his FP1 time and set a best lap time of 1’41.214.

Track action will begin tomorrow for Rossi and Dovizioso with FP3 at 9.55am local time, while the two MotoGP Qualifying sessions will begin at 2.10pm local time.

 

Andrea Dovizioso #04
P 22

“The first day here in Portimao wasn’t easy and I didn’t feel too good today, but the track is nice – albeit a little strange. I’m still not feeling 100% with the bike and I think there are a few reasons, for example I’m not smooth enough and in some areas of the track I am not fast enough. It means that when you want to push to gain some time, you make a mistake. We will see tomorrow what the conditions are like and what we can do in FP3 and Qualifying. We have room to improve.”.