F1 News - Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi to stay at Alfa Romeo in 2021
https://ift.tt/2JjRD2K Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi will remain at the Alfa Romeo team for the third consecutive year in 2021. Raikkonen, who at 41 this year broke the record for number of Grand Prix starts, will be going into his 19th season in F1. Giovinazzi did enough this season to convince Ferrari, who control one of the Alfa seats, to keep him in a drive. He is also Ferrari's reserve driver. Alfa Romeo said the line-up highlighted the team's "commitment to continuity". The announcement comes a day after Alfa Romeo confirmed its commercial deal to brand and back the Swiss-based team that started its life in F1 as Sauber in 1993. Team boss Frederic Vasseur said: "I still see the passion and motivation in Kimi every time I see him at work. "He can be trusted to deliver 100% of what the car can produce and he is a true leader for the people working around him. "Antonio finished last year's campaign strongly and he picked up where he left off and kept improving throughout 2020. "From the track to the engineering briefings, Antonio has played a crucial role for our team and he has thoroughly deserved a new contract for 2021. His work ethic, commitment to the team and contagious enthusiasm are a huge asset." Alfa Romeo are eighth in the constructors' championship with five races to go this season and have spent much of 2020 battling towards the back of the field with Williams and Haas. Raikkonen, who made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2001, before moving back to them in 2019 after being dropped by Ferrari, said: "It is more than a team to me; it is like a second family. "So many of the faces that were around me when I made my F1 debut in 2001 are still here and the unique atmosphere of this team is what gives me that extra motivation to keep going. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in the team's project and in what we feel we can achieve together. "This is a team that values hard work over words and this fits well with my style: I am looking forward to next year and hopefully making some steps forward towards the front of the midfield with the team." Giovinazzi added: "The team has put a lot of faith in me and I have done my best to repay this confidence with hard work and commitment: we have achieved some good results and I feel I have done my part to make the team progress, but the road ahead is still long and there is much more we want to achieve together." #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 October 30, 2020 at 04:06AM 10/29/2020 Best Motorcycle Jeans- Motorcycle News
Motorcycle News - Best Motorcycle Jeans
https://ift.tt/2TDjUTC It’s a little strange that, considering how long people have been wearing jeans and riding motorcycles, the idea of riding denim is still relatively new. Nonetheless, we’re happy apparel manufacturers far and wide have developed jeans we can wear both on and off the motorcycle. In case you’re not aware of why this is important, allow us to fill you in. Your standard pair of Levis may be really comfortable, but regular denim is terrible at protecting you if you fall off your motorcycle. When denim meets asphalt, it shreds to pieces in seconds. Not to mention that it provides no impact protection to your knees or hips. Riding denim addresses these issues by incorporating some kind of reinforcing fiber to greatly bolster the jean’s ability to withstand road rash. Built-in pockets are made to accept different levels of armor to protect your knees and hips from impact with the ground. The tradeoff is a slightly heavier garment with a little less airflow, but overall riding jeans are a more comfortable alternative than dedicated technical riding pants. Below are our picks for some of the best motorcycle riding jeans on the market today. Table of Contents
Aerostich PROTEKT JeansPeople know Aerostich for its world-famous Roadcrafter coverall suit. But did you know Aerostich makes jeans, too? These are the Protekt jeans, and while the name might be spelled a little weird, the overall fit, finish, and quality are top notch. We even wrote a review of the Protekt jeans. But if you want the elevator pitch for them here it is, straight from Aerostich: Clean, simple, old school straight leg blue jeans…with a great trick: TF3 Impact armor-holding pockets at the knees (sold separately), accessed via a hidden zipper. Armor is removed or replaced in seconds, easily, while wearing the pants. All the rest is classic denim jean spec., with fit and cut similar to Levi’s 501s. Specifically, these are carefully sewn of unwashed dark blue 100% cotton 14 oz denim fabric, which is a bit heavier-duty than the more common 10-12 oz denim, but it still shrinks-to-a-custom-fit after a wash or two, which makes these pants extra comfortable and wear a lot longer. For protektion there are three generous hidden areas of abrasion resistant Breathable-Waterproof HT 500D Nylon (…as used in many Aerostich suits) located at the seat and knees. For ‘commando’ comfort this extra-abrasion-resistant fabric is backed by soft 100% cotton. As you’d expect there are five traditional pockets, five belt loops and a reliable metal fly zipper, too. But as you wouldn’t expect, the hidden seat-protective breathable-waterproof abrasion layer means you can sit on a freshly rain-wetted saddle and not get a wet butt. Nice! The optional knee armor is positioned in the correct location when riding, and when you’re off the bike it’s comfortably flexible and easily removable. Stitching is double and triple wherever needed, and a crotch gusset provides extra ease and comfort that’s great when mounting up and also as you move around in the saddle. Alpinestars Copper DenimThe Alpinestars Copper Jeans look just like your favorite pair of casual jeans yet pack a serious punch in the protection department. With no external seams or awkward zippers, the Copper Jeans are constructed of 13oz denim reinforced with aramid fiber panels in the seat and knees. Removable hip and CE-certified knee armor gives you the option to add impact protection if you want it, or to take it out when you want to go incognito. The Copper Jeans are perfect for urban commuters, long haul cruisers, and any two-wheeled enthusiast that prefers a more casual appearance. ScorpionExo Covert JeansUniversal style and brazen protective capability make the Covert jean a uniquely versatile riding pant. With motorcycle specific features that include an abrasion-resistant fiber lining made with Kevlar and knee armor pockets, the Covert Jeans are as comfortable on the bike as they are on a Saturday night out on the town. For the fashion-forward rider who doesn’t want to sacrifice good looks with real-world protective precautions, the Covert jean is worth a look. KLIM K Fifty 1 Riding PantKlim has got an excellent reputation for its off-road apparel, but did you know the company makes riding jeans, too? With the K Fifty 1 riding jeans you get heavy-duty Cordura denim construction that combines nylon and cotton for a comfortable yet durable finish. It has a stonewashed finish and a YKK fly zipper to keep things closed. For abrasion protection, the Fifty 1 jeans feature Kevlar-reinforced panels and integrated D30 hip and knee armor to protect against impact damage. These have five pockets like normal jeans with belt loops along the waist to fine-tune the fit. There’s even a sweat-wicking comfort liner to help keep the rider comfortable. Dainese Men's Strokeville Riding JeansThese stonewashed denim jeans come with aramid internal reinforcement to better resist road rash. The fit of the denim fabric skews towards the slim side and is integrated with reflective inserts and a special adjustable Pro-Armor protector at the knee (soft protectors are CE certified according to standard EN 1621.1). The Strokeville jeans are made to accommodate under-foot straps and feature practical Pro-Shape pockets at the hips for additional padding. Joe Rocket Men's Accelerator JeanThe Joe Rocket Accelerator jeans are made from 12 oz heavy-duty denim and are Kevlar-reinforced in the seat, hip, and knee panels. Aramid fibers are a class of ballistic rated body armor fabric to help the jeans keep their integrity from abrasion for longer. There are pockets for knee armor (sold separately) plus an added cotton comfort layer. Stretch panels at the knee and upper seat areas give the rider increased comfort and flexibility, and the cut of the Accelerator is perfect for the riding position. There are seven pockets including two zippered pockets, with reflective striping on the legs and tailbone for better visibility at night. The Accelerator jeans are available in regular and short lengths. Speed and Strength Savvy Women's Street Motorcycle PantsWomen need riding jeans just as much as men, and the Speed and Strength Street Savvy Moto Pants provide a slim-straight fit casual look but offer protection riders need on the street. Built with a cotton-poly blend, the Savvy Moto pants protect the knees with removable Vault C.E.-approved knee armor. Aramid fiber thread is weaved into the seat and knee areas to make the jeans more resistant to abrasion from the ground. The side zip opening from the hem to the knee expands to allow riders to pull their jeans over tall boots. Bull-it SR6 Vintage Style Women's Motorcycle JeansThe Bull-it SR6 jeans have a vintage style and feature 12.5 oz. dark blue denim with a light faded wash and 100% cotton outer. It comes with a traditional five-pocket design with an additional coin pocket. A black leather belt patch with embroidered Bull-it logo helps you stand out, as does the Covec sew-in label in the rear right-hand pocket. Further touches include brushed metal matt finish buttons and front pocket rivets. For durability, the side and rear seam construction is triple stitched, with the genuine YKK locking front zipper making sure things stay closed. Inside, you’ll find your own little microclimate, as the airflow felt by using the Bull-it Covec structure and cool mesh liner will keep you warm when it’s cold and cool in the summer. The Covec thermal barrier inside also limits heat transfer from sliding along the road. There are knee and hip armor pockets built-in for the optional CE 1621 approved protectors. Finally, the finish is water repellent so you don’t have to worry about light splashes. Fly Racing Women's Fortress JeansFly Racing began as a manufacturer of motorcycle handlebars and helmets. Since then, the brand has quickly developed into one of the fastest-growing powersports apparel brands in the market. With the women’s Fortress jeans, we have a pair of jeans cut specifically for a woman’s shape. Made from heavyweight 12-ounce Kevlar-reinforced denim with over 70% coverage, these jeans will stand up to abrasion. Impacts are absorbed with CE Level 1 knee armor. There are also pockets for detachable hip armor (sold separately). Plaid pockets add to the interior trim detail, as does the key chain attachment in the front pocket. SportBike Chic Protective Motorcycle Jeans for WomenSportBike Chic jeans are strong, durable, and stylish, coming in a mid-rise style with a skinny fit. Sizes range from 0-20. All jeans are made with 11.5-ounce cotton with spandex (allowing for stretch) with Kevlar aramid lining for added protection. Additional protection comes from the CE Level 1 armor included in the hips and knees. Practical touches include extra-deep pockets to make sure none of your stuff falls out and an extra-long lip in the back to prevent your plumber’s crack from showing. We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews and other articles. Learn more about how this works. Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here. The post Best Motorcycle Jeans appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO October 29, 2020 at 06:56PM
MotoGP News - Crutchlow "happy with career" if 2020 is his final MotoGP season
https://ift.tt/3e7d8yV Cal Crutchlow says he'll be "happy" with everything he has achieved in his MotoGP career should he not find a ride for the 2021 season after losing his LCR seat. Crutchlow will be moved out of the LCR Honda squad at the end of the current season to make way for Alex Marquez, who is being moved from the factory team having extended his HRC contract for two more years. The Briton's future remains uncertain, but it is understood he has a pre-agreement in place with Aprilia for 2021 - who publicly is still sticking by Andrea Iannone while he awaits to see if his 18 month doping ban will be overturned by mid-November. Crutchlow stepped up to MotoGP from World Superbikes in 2011 with Tech3 Yamaha, before serving a one-year stint with Ducati in 2014 and then moving to LCR, becoming a factory-contracted Honda rider in 2018. In his time in the premier class, Crutchlow has become the most successful British rider since Barry Sheene, winning three races and scoring 16 further podiums. While Crutchlow still has a desire to race in 2021, he'll be satisfied knowing he "left nothing on the table" should he stop racing after this season. "I have to look at the whole situation," Crutchlow said when asked about his future plans. "I think I'm in a good situation, I think I'm in a good situation in my life, I feel I've done everything I can in MotoGP. "I've tried my best every time I got on my bike, and if - if - I stop now I'd be happy with what I've done because I've left nothing on the table, I've given 100%. "Now, I didn't win the world title but I gave absolutely everything. "Of course, I still want to race, I still think I'm competitive, and if there's an option available I will look at that at the time. "But at the moment, there isn't an option available. And then it depends... I don't think there's a shortage of investment in Aprilia, I think they're doing a great job and continue to grow their project. "They have a great leader with Massimo, and I think they have a good rider with Aleix [Espargaro] and I think technically they are doing better year on year. "So, it's absolutely something I would look at." Outgoing Ducati rider Andrea Dovizioso was also linked to the Aprilia seat alongside Espargaro, but the Italian was never interested in the option. Last week Honda and LCR confirmed Crutchlow's current team-mate Takaaki Nakagami will remain with the squad for two more years and will receive factory machinery. Aprilia will field a revised line-up of Espargaro and test rider Lorenzo Savadori for the final three rounds, the latter replacing Bradley Smith, who has been deputising for Iannone since Jerez. The Italian marque is yet to give a reason for the change, but insists Smith remains its test rider. Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei October 29, 2020 at 06:06AM 10/29/2020 Alfa Romeo name to remain in Formula 1 for 2021 season after Sauber deal extended - F1 News
F1 News - Alfa Romeo name to remain in Formula 1 for 2021 season after Sauber deal extended
https://ift.tt/35YYuGD The Alfa Romeo name will remain in Formula 1 next season after the Italian car company extended its deal with the Sauber team by one year. Alfa has had a commercial arrangement with the Swiss team since 2018, when the famous brand returned to F1 for the first time since 1987. The team have not confirmed their driver line-up but Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi are set to stay on. An announcement on Raikkonen and Giovinazzi is expected soon. Alfa Romeo are eighth in the constructors' championship with five races remaining in 2020 and have spent the majority of the season battling with Williams and Haas at the back of the grid. Team principal Frederic Vasseur said: "Both parties always intended for this relationship to bear fruit in the long term: we have laid some solid foundations in the last three season and we aim to reap the rewards of this work in 2021 and beyond." Alfa and Sauber are in talks about extending their partnership into the period beyond 2021 but no agreement has yet been reached. On the driver front, Sauber decided to keep Raikkonen at the age of 41 because the 2007 world champion continues to perform well and adds profile to the team. Ferrari has the right to decide the driver in the team's second seat as part of its engine partnership with them and sources indicate Giovinazzi will remain in his position. The Italian has had an up-and-down season, with strong performances interspersed with the odd high-profile error, but Ferrari believe their reserve driver has done enough to justify another year. Ferrari's decision means Mick Schumacher, a member of their driver academy who is leading the Formula 2 championship with two races to go, is poised to make his F1 debut next year with Haas. The second seat at Haas is tipped to go to Russian Nikita Mazepin, a front-runner in F2, whose father, the billionaire businessman Dmitry Mazepin, will bring significant funding to the team through his chemicals company. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 October 29, 2020 at 04:48AM
Motorcycle News - Best LED Lights for Motorcycles
https://ift.tt/37TpaLg Why is it that OEM lighting too often seems subpar? That’s not to say every brand or model on the road these days has a headlight that comes up short, but in my experience, on two wheels or four, manufacturers rarely put an emphasis on their vehicle’s ability to provide ample lighting. Thankfully, there are a handful of companies out there making great auxiliary lighting options for motorcycles. Some are new, and some have been well-tested over time in rigorous conditions. If you’re looking to add some lumens to your stock setup, here are some of the best LED lights for motorcycles. Table of ContentsBaja Designs Squadron SportSpeaking of tried and tested lights, Baja Designs, “The Scientists of Lighting”, have been making auxiliary lighting (and headlight replacements by way of dual-sport kits) for more than 25 years, with its first LED unit hitting the market in 2004. In our review of the Baja Designs Squadron Sport, we noted that every professional and amateur motorcycle and ATV winner for the last 15 years has used Baja Designs products. Pretty impressive. What we like about the Squadron Sport lights is the versatility, quality, and performance of these lights. The powder-coated aluminum housing uses a hard-coated polycarbonate lens keeping the units lightweight and robust. The four LEDs in each lamp crank out 3,150 lumens. The lenses are also interchangeable to provide different light spreading capabilities for different purposes. These lights come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty. Denali D4 2.0 TriOptic LEDThe Denali D4s claim a blinding 4,375 lumens out of each lamp. These powerful lights also come with three beam options for spot, spot-hybrid, and True-Hybrid light spreads. The lights are also compatible with Denali’s DataDim controller that will automatically switch the lights between half and full intensity with your vehicle’s original high beam switch. The lights, switches, and wiring harness are water and weatherproof while the Impact PC polycarbonate bezels are designed to be robust and prevent corrosion and fading. LiveActive thermal management keep the LEDs cool preventing the loss of light output from overheating. Denali makes a wide range of lighting for different applications. JW Speaker 6045Designed to replace four-inch fog lights found on many cruiser models, the JW Speaker 6045 can be had with chrome or black inner bezels. Each lamp cranks out 750 lumens. The 6045 is sold in pairs and comes with a wiring harness making installation a cinch. The Model 6045 is said to outperform bulb-based fog lights with superior visibility, extreme durability, and unmatched longevity and are made right here in the U.S. of A. PIAA 530 LED Driving LightA staple in automotive and two-wheel lighting, PIAA was established in 1963. The new PIAA LED Fog light kit offers the beam control of a halogen light with the low power consumption and durability of an LED light. Unlike most LED lights currently on the market that position the LED aimed straight out forward, the LP530 Lights aim the LEDs at the reflector. PIAA claims the orientation of the light source allows for far better beam control and output than the conventional layout. Each light uses two 3W LEDs producing a very white beam with a color temperature of 6000 Kelvin. LEDs with a computer designed multi-surface reflector gives a true high-performance fog pattern in a lightweight, durable light that uses a fraction of the power required by comparable halogen lights. Rizoma LED Fog Auxiliary LightSimple and sleek, that’s how Rizoma does it. These small LED fog lights are no different. Whether on a back road adventure or dicing through the urban sprawl, the Rizoma Fog Lights provide a combined 818 lumens. These lights are sold in pairs and come with a switch, wiring harness, and mounting hardware. Corrosion-resistant high-quality projector lenses are used to keep light pointed where it’s intended without spreading. Made in Italy. We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works. Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here. The post Best LED Lights for Motorcycles appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO October 28, 2020 at 07:25PM
Motorcycle News - Norton Trademark Filings Hint at Companys Future Under TVS
https://ift.tt/3e7ECVq Norton Motorcycle has filed trademark applications for several names from its history that may portend the company’s future under the ownership of TVS Motor. The trademark applications, filed this week with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, are the first potential model names registered by the British company since TVS acquired it this April for 16 million pounds (US$20.8 million). The applications are for “Norton Electra“, “Norton Fastback“, “Norton Navigator“, “Norton Nomad“, “Norton Ranger” and “Combat“. The Electra, Fastback, Navigator, Nomad and Ranger names were all previously used by the company in the ’60s and ’70s. The Navigator was a 349cc Twin produced from 1960 to 1965. The Electra was an offshoot, with the same engine bored out to 383cc in 1963 (which means it predates the 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide). The Fastback was a name applied to the Norton Commando 750 in the 1970s. In 1972, the Commando received a new engine named the “Combat”. Norton produced the P11A Ranger from 1967 to 1969 while the Nomad was even earlier, dating back to the ’50s as a derivative of the Norton Dominator. More recently, the Nomad and Ranger names were used as variants of the Norton Atlas, a 650cc scrambler first announced in 2018 and currently listed on the company’s website as being available in 2021. So, what do we make of these names? In each application, the names were filed for use with “vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land; motorcycles; mopeds; scooters; mobility scooters / motor scooters; parts and fittings for motorcycles and vehicles,” suggesting TVS intends to use these names for new vehicles. This also rules out the theory these names will just be used on various merchandise celebrating the brand’s history, as that would also be listed in the application for intended use in goods and services. The Stuart Garner-era Norton Motorcycle Co. is best known for its retro-styled models like the Commando and Dominator (pictured above), but the company no longer lists them among its current range. As of this writing, Norton lists only four models, the Atlas Nomad, the Atlas Ranger, the V4 RR sportbike and the limited edition V4 SS. The absence of the Dominator and Commando leaves an opening for a new range of roadsters with classic British styling. Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here. The post Norton Trademark Filings Hint at Company’s Future Under TVS appeared first on Motorcycle.com. Motorcycles via Motorcycle.com https://ift.tt/2Std7JO October 28, 2020 at 05:39PM
Motorcycle News - Dark art: A stripped-back Ducati 999 from Freeride Motos
https://ift.tt/2Gb53Nk
So if it’s that great, why customize it? For Pierre Dhers at Freeride Motos, the answer is simple: it was the best possible donor for this project.
“The project was quickly defined,” says Pierre. “No umpteenth 900 SS cafe racer, but rather a real transformed superbike. Performance, with a nasty look and high-end equipment.”
Aesthetically, Pierre’s first thought was to remove all of the 999’s stock bodywork. But after some back and forth with his client, the call was made to retain some of the original 999 DNA by keeping the OEM fuel tank. As for the rest, Pierre hand-shaped a number of aluminum pieces to re-dress the Ducati.
Out back, Pierre fabricated a new cafe-style tail unit, which sits on a new bolt-on subframe and features an integrated taillight. The leatherwork is particularly noteworthy; Freeride Motos is based in Graulhet, in the southwest of France, which is an industrial town known for its leather. And Pierre wanted to show that off.
The last couple of hand-made parts include a pair of radiator wings and a generous belly pan. It’s not just for show though—Pierre repackaged the Ducati’s wiring, and the belly pan now holds the vital bits along with a lithium-ion battery.
But Pierre did more than just slap on that air box and call it a day. He also painstakingly tacked together a custom stainless steel exhaust system, paying particular attention to the header lengths. Then he handed it over to Armand at Atelier Bam to do the final welding.
Pierre’s also upgraded the Ducati’s running gear to suit. The ‘base’ model 999 didn’t come with the Öhlins suspension of the top-spec 999R, so that was the first thing on the list. On went a set of Öhlins forks from an Aprilia Tuono, held in place by a set of custom-machined yokes
An Öhlins rear shock was installed too, and all the suspension components were stripped and refinished in black and red. The brakes were upgraded with Brembo parts and new hoses, with a custom rear disc made to size. Pierre kept the 999’s stunning Marchesini rims, but had them repainted.
There’s a lot more to take in—from obvious details like the cross-sectioned engine belt covers, to hidden upgrades like a full complement of stainless steel fasteners.
And if you’re a Ducati mega-fan that’s gone into apoplectic shock at the sight of this, relax: the owner has a stock 999 in the garage, too. Freeride Motos Racing | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Kevin Abelard Video by Fabien Goncalves and Kevin Abelard (Love Machines Documentaire) Motorcycles via Bike EXIF https://ift.tt/2Mf9b0c October 28, 2020 at 12:28PM
F1 News - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: Italian government bans spectators from Imola
https://ift.tt/3mBovCx The Italian government has banned spectators from attending this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the historic Imola track. Imola had hoped to allow 13,000 spectators into the track on Saturday and Sunday but the rise of coronavirus cases across Italy has forced a U-turn. The government has banned crowds at events among a raft of other measures to slow the spread of the virus. F1 said it "understands and respects the decision taken by the authorities". Imola is returning to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2006. It held 27 consecutive races from 1980, first as a one-off stand-in for Monza as the host of the Italian Grand Prix and then from 1981 as a second race in the country with the title San Marino GP. The circuit has won a place this year as a result of the major changes to the schedule caused by the pandemic, which has forced F1 to hold a largely European calendar. The race will be held over a compressed two-day schedule over the weekend, with just one practice session on Saturday morning before qualifying in the afternoon. The race is at 13:10 local time (12:10 GMT) on Sunday. #F1 via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6 October 28, 2020 at 10:00AM
MotoGP News - Miller thinks MotoGP yellow flag rules are "stupid"
https://ift.tt/37OxrAj Pramac's Jack Miller says MotoGP's yellow flag rule and the way it is enforced is "stupid", following an incident in qualifying for last weekend's Teruel Grand Prix. After a number of riders improved lap times in qualifying for the Spanish GP through a yellow flag zone, a rule was introduced from the Andalusian GP to stop this happening by cancelling the sector time for a rider who has gone through an active yellow flag zone. At the end of Q2 at Aragon last weekend, six riders - including Miller - had their fastest laps cancelled for passing through a yellow flag on their final laps, only for those times to be reinstated later on. This was put down to miscommunication between the marshals and Race Direction, with the latter's system showing the yellow flag was out for Johann Zarco's Turn 16 crash longer than it actually was. Miller has been critical of Race Direction for the delay it takes to cancel yellow flag laps in sessions and says its system is "flawed" following last Saturday's incident. "It just shows the system is flawed, like I said to Race Direction," Miller said about the yellow flag rule. "Their system is not working, plain and simple. I think it was a stupid rule when it was invented and enforced, and I still think it's a stupid rule now. "At the end of the day we're racing motorcycles, it's a dangerous sport. For sure, when you see a yellow flag you try and button off. "But if you think it's in a relatively decent spot, for example in FP3 where you're not really at risk to head towards them, then by all means push. "I think there should be a rule that says if you crash in the same corner as somebody else and the bike head towards them, like with Marc [Marquez] at Silverstone [in 2013], then a penalty should be enforced because you obviously pushed too much. "But many of the laps, the crash is not really in a dangerous position, you roll out anyway, you're not taking the maximum risk as you do in the other corners, but still the lap is faster and you get cancelled, which is I think quite stupid." LCR's Cal Crutchlow, who also had a lap cancelled and the reinstated in Q2 at Aragon, echoed Miller's thoughts and believes the rule is at odds with MotoGP's desire to make FP3 "a qualifying session" to determine the Q1 and Q2 starters. "The rule is stupid, no matter what anybody says," Crutchlow added. "Yes, we race motorcycles and we can crash. To an extent, I agree with the rule in one way, but in another way the media and the people at home and the TV, they want the show. "They want FP3 to be a qualifying session, so if there's a crash every lap in qualifying they get to see nothing because of the yellow flags. "Every week, the riders are complaining about. Like Remy [Gardner] in Barcelona, he crashed and got docked all his positions. "He crashed because he shut the throttle and he went into Turn 2 a lot slower, he shut the throttle and he fell off the side of the bike. "It's not an easy one for them and not an easy one for us. Of course, when we come to the last corner we're not all going to shut off, we're on our fast laps. "Unfortunately, that's the reality of the situation. Now, we all know we can crash." Motogp Motorcycle Racing News via MotoGP news - Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei October 28, 2020 at 09:30AM
Motorcycle News - British Impersonator – Hoxton Moto XS650 Scrambler
https://ift.tt/3mvbjPw Every self-respecting motorcycle aficionado knows of the Yamaha XS650. Built by the Japanese to take on British motorcycle manufacturers it featured the most advanced engine design of its time. The bike’s 650cc parallel-twin was also built tough and often praised for its bulletproof reliability. Yamaha kept the XS650 in production for 17 glorious years from ’68 through to ’85 and they sold them in droves worldwide. For a long time, the XS650 was also the poster child of the custom scene, before earlier model bikes like the SR500 stole the spotlight. Motorcycles via Return of the Cafe Racers https://ift.tt/2M9riRb October 28, 2020 at 08:06AM |
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