Table of contents for 6 April 2022 in MCN

‘I didn’t expect it would take me so long...’ALEIX WINS AFTER 200 RACES MOTOGP SHOCK Aprilia’s big fairy-tale comes true Underdog victories often happen in compromised racing conditions. Wet races, flag-to-flag farces, first-corner pile-ups robbing the field of the fastest talent... But in Argentina, Aleix Espargaro took the perennial underdog Aprilia all the way to the top step for the firm’s first victory – and his own in 200 attempts in the premier class – all won fair and square, without even a sniff of mitigation. P70 TOP STORY Guilty Garner escapes prison It’s been one of the biggest stories in biking – and doesn’t have a happy ending. When former Norton boss, Stuart Garner, was removed from power as the company collapsed, the full horror of the firm’s finances…

Four months after MCE Insurance Company Limited fell into administration, and two months since the administrators cancelled policies, riders have started to receive partial refunds from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Underwriters MCE IC Ltd’s permission to write insurance was suspended on November 5, 2021, and on November 19, the company was placed in administration. In January, administrators Kroll announced their intention to ‘disclaim’ all policies after examining the financial position of the company. Customers who paid for their policy in full, or who had paid a monthly amount that took them past January 31, were told they would be eligible for a refund of up to 90% of the unused portion of the policy from the FSCS. Now the cheques are beginning to arrive, some two months since…

‘It came close to going into fullscale production’ Sammy Miller MBE, riding legend and owner of the Sammy Miller Museum, has just finished the restoration of arguably his rarest bike yet – the one-off, eponymously named, ‘Miller’. Although most famous for his 11 British trials championships, being fundamental to the development of the two-stroke trials bike in the 1960s with the Bultaco Sherpa and later also developing trials machines with Honda, it’s less well known that he once designed a trials bike with the intention of mass-producing it under his own name – hence the Miller. After working for Honda, Sammy decided to turn his hand to his own trials machines and in 1978 teamed up with Andrea Mosconi who supplied the Hiro two-stroke, single cylinder, 310cc engine. Sadly, despite…

It’s been three years since Harley-Davidson announced their tie-in with Chinese bike firm Qianjiang to create a range of small-capacity machines. Now a new 500cc twin has been spied in showroom-ready form to suggest the deal is about to bear its first fruit. Originally, Harley’s plan was to create a small parallel twin model, the 338R, based on the Benelli 302S. Sharing the same frame as the Benelli, it was intended to use the bigger bore from Benelli’s 499cc twin to reach a 338cc capacity, although during development that was upped to 353cc. It’s a project that still appears to be underway, with VIN details for the bike recently emerging on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, suggesting that it will be sold in the USA as well as…

I’m writing this email whilst suffering with from cold. No, I’m not looking for sympathy and it’s not sympathy that clients of former Special Forces man Titch Cormack and team on BBC2’s Speedshop series are after either. They just want to be able to ride motorbikes despite horrific injuries suffered through service in the Armed Forces. They display amazing determination and will to succeed, making this a great feelgood programme to watch on a Sunday evening. I wouldn’t have got much sympathy from them for my cold either but they give me plenty of inspiration. Graeme Martin, Kent Ed: Turn to p36 for the inside story on Speedshop Be our Star Letter writer and win this QBag Tail Bag worth £69.99 available exclusively at www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk…

‘Glasgow group ride’ R5K MEMBER JEN McLEAN Riding from Glasgow to Aberfeldy alongside my friends Alex, Derick, and Michael. We covered 249 miles – starting and ending in Glasgow. We didn’t pass a single car on the B846/847 between Pitagowan and Aberfeldy and the views were amazing. ‘Cat and Fiddle evening’ R5K MEMBER BARRY THOMPSON I don’t do selfies, but I wish I had a better camera at times like this! This was a great ride along the Cat and Fiddle, on Spring Saturday evening. As you can see, it was pretty special. ‘Leading the charge to Hornsea’ R5K MEMBER JADE CLARKE I led a rideout with the Yorkshire Lady Riders Facebook group from Squires to Hornsea. It was an awesome day for it! We had 26 bikes in all…

£11,499 KTM 890 Adventure £12,349 Husqvarna Norden 901…

Before tackling Everest, Kazama took on a neighbouring peak, Pumo Ri, the year before, and learned some vital lessons about what was required from a bike capable of taking on the world’s highest mountain. A modified Honda TLR trials bike was his weapon of choice, and lightness was key in reducing the effort required to control a constantly spinning and sliding bike at such high altitudes. For much of the way, Kazama was actually riding up a glacier. Each part of the TLR was shaved of weight by any means possible. The engine was bored out to 250cc and Keihin made a special carburettor that allowed for quick and easy adjustment of the main jet size by turning a dial. The bike also had specially designed Yokohama tyres fitted with…

There’s not much that can beat spending Sunday evening on the sofa in the company of great biking stories, as you try to ignore the inevitable arrival of another Monday. And to make Sundays even better, the BBC have invested in a bike-laden engineering series called The Speedshop, during which Special Boat Service veteran, Titch Cormack, creates unlikely builds, tells emotionally-charged feelgood stories and had adventures we’d all love to experience. S-Bomb vintage workshop The series is set at Poole’s S-Bomb Vintage Workshop which houses a workshop, café, bar and even hosts live music at weekends. The rustic – and intentionally rusty – venue is the brainchild of 47-year-old Titch, who wanted to fill his life with hobbies once he finished military service. “I joined the Marines when I was…

When the sun is out, few things in life are as pleasurable as hopping on a relaxed retro and taking a gentle trip to a local pub or seaside venue. Lacking a sportsbike’s demanding nature, retros allow you to step back and just enjoy the sensation of two wheels, rather than focus on controlling 200bhp. If you like the idea of life in the more sedate lane, here is our pick of sub-£6000 retros. YOUR EXPERT Jon Urry is MCN used bike guru and has been a motorcycle journalist for over 20 years. He owns a collection of classic bikes, some of which start. £4500-6500 Triumph Bonneville T100 An iconic British machine reinvented When ‘Hinckley’ Triumph brought back the famous Bonneville name in 2001 they did it with the greatest…

It’s clear to see by watching his face when he’s asked: Michael Ruben Rinaldi is feeling the pressure from Axel Bassani – both young Italians, the former is in the factory Ducati team and the latter is vying for his place ahead of another year with the Motocorsa customer squad. As if things weren’t complicated enough, enter Philipp Oettl with GoEleven. It’s a hazardous situation for Rinaldi. Rinaldi is one of WSB’s sweetest guys – but don’t be fooled by the smile. The 26-year-old from Rimini has a fire burning within him. Remember the words that came out of his mouth when he finished second to Toprak Razgatlioglu in Misano’s third race, having won the previous two? “I hate finishing second.” He really meant it. That’s another reason frustrations have…

Remember when keyboard warriors banged on about how World Supersport was ‘dead’? They’ve not got a leg to stand on now! For 2022, ‘Next Generation’ offers the biggest shake-up the class has ever seen. The new rules have generated, interest from a plethora of new firms. Yamaha aren’t too pleased; their R6 was the class of the field but, with more bikes now available, some teams have taken up different options, leaving Yamaha with fewer customers. Organisers have introduced minimum bike/ rider weight limits and have the ability to adjust torque maps, rev limits and restrictors. Dominique Aegerter is back to defend his title with Ten Kate while former Moto2 race winner Lorenzo Baldassarri joins Evan Bros. Supersport 300 stars Huertas, Booth-Amos, Buis and Sofuoglu Jr.step up while Oli Bayliss…

Apart from the colour scheme, it’s all-new at Honda. New brakes: Brembo out, Nissin in. New suspension: Öhlins out, Showa in. And did we mention two new riders? Bautista returns to Ducati, Haslam to BSB. In their places are fresh-faced Spaniards, Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge. There’s one slight hitch, though: neither of them have superbike experience. The fact the Iberian duo have no superbike track record isn’t necessarily bad. They can learn the nature of a superbike (a much softer-sprung machine from the stiff, prototype GP specimens they’re accustomed to) by adopting HRC’s rigorous principles right from the beginning. They have no idea what the bike felt like in its previous guise, so there’s no having to adapt in the way Scott Redding is after moving from Ducati’s V4…

It was a case of promise unfulfilled in the first two races of 2022, but Jake Dixon now has a result worthy of his potential, after he fought through the Moto2 field for an impressive fifth place, just missing out on a podium in the process. The 26-year old’s resilience was evident in Argentina after the crushing disappointment of the previous race, when a crash ruined a victory push. Despite not feeling entirely comfortable around a track he had visited just once before, Dixon recovered from an early mistake at turn five to feature in a stirring comeback, clawing back more than two seconds to finish within 0.8s of the podium. Only lead pair Celestino Vietti and Somkiat Chantra were faster in the closing laps. “On the first lap I…

It is an understatement when I say that the official Ducati Lenovo factory team has, up until now, performed well below expectations. After the first three GPs, the two factory riders Miller and Bagnaia are at P11 and 14 in the overall standings, while three other Ducati riders are now ahead of them. So, what’s going wrong? If it isn’t broke… In the latter part of 2021, the Ducati-Bagnaia combination was that good that I am convinced that even if they had barely improved that bike over the winter, they would have been back at the front again now. But no, a whole package of new parts was developed in the Bologna factory and so the riders mainly spent the winter tests trying new parts. But a good bike is…

Aprilia’s road from also-rans to race winners and leaders of the 2022 title race has been an arduous one. Since their return to MotoGP there have been some tough times; initially data gathering with their CRT machine, which led to the first prototype RS-GP, although it delivered little. Increased investment from the Piaggio group and a restructure at the Noale factory began to yield results, and we’ve seen positive signs during the last two seasons, however the 2022 RS-GP is a different animal. Years of perfecting what was an underpowered package means that the RS-GP chassis now turns like an inline four whilst delivering the power to match the fastest V4 machines on the grid – qualities highlighted by Espargaro slipstreaming past the Ducati with the smallest rider on the…

A lifetime biker can celebrate his 75th birthday this week on two wheels thanks to support from the National Association of Bikers with a Disability (NABD). Retired church minister John Schofield, 74, has had bikes of one variety or another since his first Jawa moped at the tender age of 16 but feared it was all over after he lost most of the use of his right hand. Having unsuccessfully tried to give up biking in his sixties thinking he was “getting a bit old” (he lasted just three months), John heard about blood bikes. Swiftly taking a BikeSafe course followed by passing his IAM test, he was soon making deliveries for Freewheelers EVS. However, shortly afterwards John began to have trouble with his right hand, which was eventually found…

Two collections of classic bikes, including machines as diverse as a 1949 Norton International, 1952 Sunbeam S7, 1978 Kawasaki KH250 triple and even a rare Morgan threewheeler, are among the stars of an 80-strong line up of bikes being put up for auction next month. A P&M Rob North Triumph, 1993 Suzuki RGV250 and Yamaha ‘Fizzy’ are also among the varied lots. They’re all part of the Cheffins Vintage Sale which takes place in Cambridge on April 22-23. The two motorcycle collections are the 11-strong Iverley Collection, as amassed by a Norton enthusiast during the 1960s and 1970s – and the eightstrong Chichester-Miles Collection, of the late Chris Chichester-Miles. The Iverley Collection includes six classic Nortons including a 1949 490cc International Model 30 with an estimate of £15-£20,000, and a…

Moto Guzzi have released a limitedrun version of their V85TT retro adventure bike marking 75 years of their partnership with the Italian Cuirassiers’ Regiment – a special Carabinieri unit responsible for the safeguarding of the President of the Italian Republic. Called the V85TT Guardia d’Onore, the special edition will arrive in dealers at the end of April and comes finished in a glossy mix of black with white graphics along the mudguard and fuel tank. As with the V85TT Travel, you also get a tall touring screen – with other trinkets including a centrestand, engine bars, additional LED lights and more. It’s yours for £12,500. Guzzi first started working with the Carabinieri – Italy’s national police force – in 1946, so just 1946 numbered units will be produced, with each…

We have teamed-up with Yamaha to give away one brand-new R7 worth £8200 – PLUS up to £1800 worth of Genuine Yamaha Racing Technology accessories to one lucky MCN reader. MCN’s Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves, who has already ridden one, says: “The new R7 is sporty, friendly and with a voracious appetite for corners, making it the perfect machine for new riders to start their sportsbike journey when it’s full licence time. In fact, the R7 is for everyone and neatly proves you don’t always need lots of power and tech to enjoy yourself.” Based on the tubular steel frame of the MT-07 and featuring adjustable KYB upside down forks and shock, the R7 comes from good stock handling-wise. Its super-power is corner speed – with its beefed-up suspension,…

Readers Lukasz and Joanna – aka TheVegieBiker The trip Best of Wales in nine days How many miles? 1200 Best time to go May-September Don’t miss… National Cycle Route 81 from Devil’s Bridge Falls as the views are stunning. When the weather is fantastic you need to visit Blue Lagoon where they had the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series – you can jump into this big pool from the surrounding remains of the mine. Don’t miss Great Orme in Llandudno and Conwy Castle. If you need one day off the bike go to Aber Falls, which are in my opinion the most beautiful waterfalls in all UK. We discovered the dragon sculpture at Y Ddraig Dderw near the A5, and there is a bay where you can park. On…

What’s happening? If you’ve never been to a grasstrack event, it might be time to start with Bantasia 2 kicking off this weekend. The thrill-packed race will see some of the finest grasstrack riders in the country take on the oval circuit, doing battle over mud grass and stones without any brakes. As well as the on-track action, there will be stalls to browse, food to eat and a beer tent as well as plenty of entertainment for the kids. The essentials The event takes place on April 10 (Sunday) at Whaddon Farm, Owslebury (SP21 1JJ). Practice starts at 11am with the first race kicking off at 12.30pm. If you want to camp, then it’s free from Saturday lunchtime so you can make a real weekend of it! With 40…

In the world of the maxi scooter Yamaha’s TMAX is king. Ever since its release in 2001 it’s been adored by high-speed commuters from Paris to Milan to Madrid, and even some in the UK (108 sold here last year). As well as being practical, it’s light, stiff and agile, so it goes, stops and handles like a ‘proper’ motorcycle. It’s also packed with the kind of creature comforts that wouldn’t look out of place on a top-spec tourer. Last updated in 2020 with a capacity hike from 530cc to 562cc, this eighth incarnation TMAX comes with even more glitz than ever. 1 It’s still a mover Like the previous model, it’s powered by a Euro 5-friendly, 562cc parallel twin, producing 47bhp and 41lb.ft with belt drive and a CVT…

Originally from South Africa and ‘up to no good’, Toby Gutteridge came to the UK in 2006 to join the Marines. After two tours in Afghanistan, he joined the SAS – but was shot in the neck on his first tour, leaving him paralysed from the neck down. After a lot of surgery, a coma and rehab, and while being permanently ventilated on a breathing machine, Toby managed to get healthy. Now 37, he’s back in society, has written a book and even started his own apparel company, Bravery. “I met Titch while serving at the unit, ” Toby says. “I asked him how I stay involved and keep doing my passions, and we weren’t too sure. But once the show came up, we took it further and decided to…

APRILIA TUAREG 660 ‘Planning big miles both on and off the tarmac’ Rider Saffron Wilson, Reporter Contact saffron.wilson@motorcyclenews.com After trying off-roading for the first time recently, I’m keen to improve my skills and put the Tuareg through its paces in all manner of environments. But, I’m also keen to take it on longer road trips to see if it’s effective as a touring machine. SUZUKI GSX-S1000 GT ‘Knockhill via the Highlands sounds good’ Rider Emma Franklin, Deputy Editor Contact emma.franklin@motorcyclenews.com After years of owning out-and-out sportsbikes, I’ve finally stopped lying to myself and reached the conclusion that they’re no good in the real world (slow learner, eh?). But as I’m still not completely comfortable with the idea of giving up on performance just yet, so I’m hoping Suzuki’s new K5-powered…

Any fears that Dennis Foggia was going to run off and dominate the 2022 Moto3 season were eased on Sunday, as Sergio Garcia produced a final lap for the ages to claim his first victory of the season. The 19-year-old’s brilliant late salvo on Leopard duo Tatsuki Suzuki and Foggia at turns nine and 13 demonstrated his championship credentials. In Indonesia, Aspar team boss Gino Borsoi was incensed that his riders – Garcia and Izan Guevara – fought amongst each other, allowing Foggia to escape. Yet they worked together in Argentina to break clear early on. And when caught, Garcia showed the aggression and dazzling late-braking ability to halt his rival’s momentum. There was disappointment for Scott Ogden, who was on course for another solid haul of points in Argentina…

The old maxim that titles are won on your bad days was at the forefront of Brad Binder’s mind on Sunday. The South African dug deep in a gutsy display to rescue sixth after a complicated weekend for KTM. All four RC16s suffered from a lack of grip and rear traction, and a mistake in qualifying left Binder 12th. Yet he managed the low grip levels on Sunday better than the others to regain second in the championship. He believes that once they get to circuits with higher grip levels, KTM will be strong once again and can remain in contention.…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR ‘You can’t start P10 and be on the podium’ALEX RINS The emergence of Suzuki rider Alex Rins from a long slump in form is the latest episode in a compellingly unpredictable season. Rins ended a nine-race absence from the podium with a dashing third in Argentina with teammate Joan Mir in his slipstream for fourth. On a day where Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia made history, the result was further evidence of the GSX-RR’s dynamic race pace in the crowded house of GP podiums. It was also a sign that Suzuki are yet to find a solution to the qualifying riddle which threatens what should be a competitive campaign for the championship. “In MotoGP you can no longer start P10 and be on the podium, ” Rins warned. Last…

The Argentine Grand Prix was a wake-up call for defending world champion Fabio Quartararo and the inherent weakness of the Yamaha M1 as pack racing and low grip are beyond even Quartararo’s deep reserves of talent on an under-powered bike. The eighth-place setback came just one race after his inspiring second in the wet at Mandalika with a grippy track and soft rain tyres. But in low-grip conditions the M1 remains vulnerable, as it was in the Qatar opener where Quartararo was a distant ninth. Quartararo was unhappy but resigned to his unrewarding recovery from the calamitous opening laps when he slumped to 13th from sixth on the grid. “The first three laps were a nightmare. I had absolutely no grip, so different from practice, ” he said. “For the…

The former owner of Norton Motorcycles, Stuart Garner, has received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years after pleading guilty to illegal pension investments. The 53-year-old appeared before Derby Crown Court on Thursday, March 31, for sentencing and received three 12-month sentences, reduced to eight months, to be served concurrently. These were then suspended for two years. “This is not just financial harm, ” said Judge Nirmal Shant QC. “I have read statement after statement on the damage you have done to the people involved. The fact that banks and other institutions were not prepared to loan to your business should’ve been an alarm bell to you as an experienced businessman.” An estimated £11million was invested into the Norton business across three pension contribution schemes – Dominator 2012, Commando…

‘The M could get the full Pikes Peak treatment’ There are three new GS models in the not too distant future, all confirmed by BMW’s own servicing website. We’ve suspected for some time that a new model was in the works, after spyshots emerged of a new bike being tested at BMW’s off-road facility, but now it seems BMW have been hard at work. Until it was fixed after the error was pointed out, BMW’s website allowed people to book servicing for the R1300GS, R1400GS and M1300GS. So what are these models? Let’s start with the M. This is the one we’ve known about the longest and arguably the easiest to understand. With the success of BMW’s M cars and now their M1000RR, an M GS is the logical next…

A consultation that could spell the end of green laning as we know it is shortly to close, with riders being urged to make their voices heard. The National Motorcyclists Council is willing riders to respond to the consultation on the green road network that it is feared could be used to help ban motorised vehicles from unsealed and minor tarmac roads. The Government has issued a consultation on the back of the ‘Landscapes Review’ into National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It includes questions on whether there should be legislation to restrict recreational motor vehicles on unsealed and unclassified roads. Those who oppose vehicles on unsealed roads often complain of damage, illegal trespass and anti-social behaviour. The consultation closes on April 9 and can be found on…

Almost as soon as we revealed the patents for a future range of Can-Am electric motorcycles, the company confirmed that the bikes are on schedule to reach dealers in mid-2024 – becoming the first production two-wheelers to wear the Can-Am badge since 1987. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser video that showed shadowy images of four new electric bikes; a naked street bike fronts the range, with a clearly identifiable adventure-style machine beside it. Further back in the shadows sit what appears to be a cruiser or retro model and a faired sports-tourer with an unusually wide-looking fairing, suggesting it might even be a tilting three-wheeler. José Boisjoli, President and CEO of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Can-Am’s parent company, said: “With the motorcycle industry shifting to electric, we saw…

Yamaha have pulled out all the stops for next month’s Devitt MCN Festival. The Peterborough show not only boasts 11 Yamahas on the test fleet, but you’ll get an exclusive first look at the exciting new Ténéré 700 World Raid. The massive Yamaha fleet at the Festival has something for every taste, from the TMAX Tech MAX sports scooter to the blisteringly fast MT-10 and MT-09 SP. With such a wide array of machines available you could easily spend the whole weekend just test riding the Yamaha fleet. The Devitt MCN Festival is the first opportunity to ride the 2022 MT-10 in the UK, so head over to the Yamaha stand early to get on one of the most exciting new models of the year. Yamaha’s stand will also feature…

People who have shaped our world He’s one of the greatest adventure riders of all time, with feats of endurance and daring that make other overlanders look like they’re on a package holiday. If you’ve never heard of Shinji Kazama you’re forgiven, as although he’s celebrated in his native Japan, most of us in Europe know little about his achievements – triumphs that have taken him from the top step of the Dakar podium to the rooftop of the world, via both Poles. In 1993 Kazama became the first man to have reached both North and South poles on a motorcycle. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In 1985 he reached the greatest height ever achieved on a bike when he rode up Everest. He was also the…

You’ll have doubtless noticed that this isn’t your common or garden Honda CB1000R. Built at 5Four Motorcycles by the hand of Guy Willison, who you may have seen on the telly with straggly-haired Henry Cole, it’s dotted with bespoke goodies. There’s a carbon flyscreen, hand-stitched seat, retro paint, tail tidy and Racefit titanium exhaust, not to mention machined aluminium parts from LSL. And yet you can buy one by simply wandering into your friendly local Honda dealer. Yes, you read that right. The CB1000R 5Four is an officially approved product, bought through Honda with all the same warranty as a standard version. It even qualifies for their hire purchase and PCP finance deals. A limited run will be built to order at £16,954 a pop, each numbered and supplied with…

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ Sealey 3L Ultrasonic Parts cleaning Tank £287.94 ‘The result was stunning’ Tested by Simon Relph for four months For years and years, I have toyed with getting one of these ultrasonic tanks. With a collection of old bikes, the odd one gets left alone for a while, then it takes a bit of re-commissioning, especially with modern fuel drying out and the residue it leaves behind causing problems. Well, in the past few months, the very neat 3-litre Sealey Ultrasonic tank has seen some serious action. I am currently restoring a 1949 Triumph 5t. The engine is done, the frame painted, wheels built, but the carburettor has been sitting festering in a cardboard box, and needed some serious attention. It looked fit for the bin, but to replace an…

BMW’s signing of Scott Redding shows how serious the German firm are about winning World Superbikes. Last year, the Munich-based marque planted their legendary ‘M’ branding on a motorcycle; originating from ‘motorsport’, the letter has been associated with cars since 1972, but never previously on bikes. The pressure is on to succeed but, as their new rider acknowledges, it won’t happen overnight. “I’m leaving it all to Jacey, I just need to turn up, ” Redding laughs. He’s on good form as he discusses the upcoming wedding with his beloved Jacey Hayden. The scene will be her native California in December. Although he’s putting a brave face on it, the former MotoGP podium finisher, 2019 BSB Champion and 2020 WSB runner-up isn’t 100%, suffering with a crocked disc in his…

If you were putting your last tenner on this year’s World Superbike Championship, you’d be tempted to give Alvaro Bautista a shot. Ever since the Spaniard jumped back on the Ducati, straight after flying back from the Indonesian season-closer, his confidence has gone not just through the roof but to the moon and back. He really could be a title challenger this season but – and we say this through gritted teeth – he needs to avoid the crashes he endured in his first Ducati campaign. Rewind to 2019. Bautista joins WSB from MotoGP and dominates the first 11 races on an all-new Panigale V4 R. Then it all goes very wrong thanks to a series of mishaps which he now admits was down to a lack of understanding of…

Tenth place wasn’t the result Sam Lowes had envisioned, especially after a warm-up session where the 31-year-old’s pace suggested he could fight for the podium. In higher track temperatures of 42 degrees for the race, the Englishman struggled with a lack of rear grip early on the track’s five left turns. “It’s not what I expected, ” said a frustrated Lowes. “At the start I really struggled on the left side to find any confidence. I nearly crashed a few times with rear coming round. I know when the track isn’t grippy, I’m not as fast. But something was out of range. We need to figure out what it was. We got some points, but it’s 10th place, we’re not doing cartwheels.” It was far from a straightforward weekend for…

Italian rookie Marco Bezzecchi scored an impressive top 10 in just his third MotoGP race for Valentino Rossi’s fledgling VR46 Ducati squad. It was a daredevil ride to ninth after being swamped to 20th on the opening lap, with Bezzecchi finishing ahead of fancied factory rivals Jack Miller (Ducati) and Indonesia winner Miguel Oliveira (KTM). Bezzecchi’s other victims included Qatar winner Enea Bastianini (10th) and teammate Luca Marini (11th) who faded from third on the front row. KTM rookies Raul Fernandez (16th) and Remy Gardner (17th) were just ahead of RNF Yamaha newbie Darryn Binder (18th).…