Table of contents for 3 July 2024 in MCN

Norton have expanded their dealership network again, announcing a partnership with Yorkshire's Teasdale Motorcycles. One of the region's largest bike sellers, it will stock Norton's full range, including the Commando 961, V4SV and the V4CR. Norton branded apparel will also be on display in the showroom. Auction for life The Two Wheels for Life annual charity auction and rider concert will return to Donington Park this July. The event will be held during the UK leg of the World Superbike championship this July 12-14 and promises a host of goodies up for grabs, with lots ranging from Scott Redding's race worn boots from Misano to a Kawasaki team hospitality experience. Visit twowheelsforlife.org for more. Stoner stars in Ducati podcast Ducati UK have announced the creation of Ducati Diaries, a brand-new…

The time to have your say on the Government's classic vehicle consultation is coming to an end, with the final date to respond set for tomorrow (Thursday, July 4). The process seeks to gather the views of drivers, riders, enthusiasts and industry bodies on how vintage vehicles can be preserved into the future by potentially altering how classic vehicles are registered. The changes could make it easier to register vehicles, modify classics and retrofit different powertrains, such as EV conversions. Go to gov.uk and follow the links to have your say on the future.…

PART 10: MENTAL FITNESS When it comes to getting the most out of your time on two wheels, there is an advantage to being physically fit, but that's not the whole story. Curiosity Whether you passed your bike test last week or last decade, you can still refresh your skills by going on courses and trackdays or by grabbing extra time in the saddle with riders you admire and respect and by asking them for tips. Staying curious could help you progress from where you are right now to where you want be. Go slow to go fast Practising mindfulness offers you the space to strip everything away to its core so you can see the things that weren't obvious, when you were busy thinking, planning, worrying or preparing for…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews STAR LETTER ‘Where were the fans?’ I just read in today's MCN about the amazing Monster Energy/Silverstone legends trackday. An incredible event, but where were the spectators? An event like that would have sold out in hours and would have given those lucky to attend an unforgettable experience. I guess there were good reasons, but why were fans not admitted? It could have been a charity thing for Riders for Health and potentially raised millions. As bikes seem to be off limits for Silverstone apart from the soulless GP, did they just choose to hog the limelight and snub fans again? Imagine those guys going around Donington Park. Now that WOULD have been worth seeing! Ian Cole, email Inspirational WoMCN How great to see another WoMCN…

1 July 7 Bristol bike night July 7 Bristol bike night Friday night is bike night at Fowlers. This month, Philip Weston – President of the UK IronButt Association – is the special guest. Expect a BBQ, ice cream and music. www.fowlers.co.uk 2 July 5 An evening with Simon Pavey If you're near Swansea, get down to Woodrow's MC and take in an evening with off-road expert Simon Pavey. Tickets £10. www.woodrowsmc.com 3 July 6 Rufforth autojumble For £2 entry you can browse up to 350 pitches at Rufforth Park in York (YO23 3QH) and find the bargain of a lifetime. There's a café to keep you fuelled, too. rufforthautojumble.com 4 July 8-11 Southern 100 July 8-11 Southern 100 The Isle of Man is playing host to another exciting chapter of road racing. The…

03000 ‘Day two and counting’ JIM HILL Day two of this year's European adventure. After landing at the Hook of Holland it was steady run through Holland into Germany, stopping some 330 miles later in Germersheim. 08000 ‘Chasing the sun’ MARTIN BUCK The BMW parked up at the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea. Better weather than the UK, apparently. ‘New miles to cover’ RICHARD COOMBS Here's a picture of my new bike which I got on Friday. I've already done 102 miles today (Monday) and a total of 159 so far. Roll on the first service! 00159 04200 ‘Our own Dave tribute’ MARTIN AND VERA POTTS Last weekend wifey and I went to stay for a couple of nights on Piel Island, Barrow-in-Furness. We paid tribute to Dave…

Although not as plentiful as adventure bikes, there are still lots of great tall-rounder options out there. Alongside the Versys 1000 SE, Kawasaki sell a less tech-heavy standard Versys model for £11,051 or the S for £13,751, which is identical to the SE in spec but has conventional suspension. Each Versys model has the option of a Tourer (£750 extra) or Grand Tourer (extra £1700) variant, which adds luggage and touring-targeted official options. If you want something lighter weight, the Versys 650 is £8021 and also has the option of Tourer or Grand Tourer variants. ● BMW's S1000XR starts at £16,790 for the base model or you could go for the F900XR, which is £10,350 in standard trim with lots of accessory options. If you want the ultimate tall-rounder, the…

When unveiled in late 1988, the K1 caused a sensation for its radical, all-enclosing bodywork, but in truth it wasn't the only 1000cc, four-cylinder sports tourer so equipped. Honda's CBR1000F had been introduced as a big brother to the CBR600F in 1987, which had then been updated, improved and facelifted for 1989. The result, if not quite as slippery or aerodynamically efficient as the K1, was slick and smooth, stable and well equipped. Even better, the Honda could take luggage easily, a pillion without having to faff about with a fiddly seat cover, was better looking than the K1, faster (being capable of 160mph), more powerful (with 130bhp) and cheaper, too!…

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance BRUCE DUNN MCN's expert technician 1 Remove the calipers If you've noticed a juddering at the brake lever when you pull it in it could be your brake discs at fault. This feeling is often the result of a warped disc, caused by wear or damage. To check the discs’ condition, put the bike on stand/s so the wheels can be freely spun. Next, undo the brake calipers and secure them to one side with a cable tie or bungee. BRUCE'S TIPS It's worth ordering a new set of pads at the same time as the discs BRUCE'S TIPS A crack can often be difficult to see so take your time 2 Do a thorough inspection Inspect the disc carefully, looking for cracks or other…

JOSH CLOSE INSIGHT Bringing you the inside line on the 2024 title fight 1 Tommy back on top “A few people are lunching on their words and trying to gulp down their humble pie at the minute… and to be fair, I'm one of them,” John McGuinness said in his MCN column after Knockhill. He was of course talking about Tommy Bridewell's triumphant return to the top of the podium and, more importantly, the championship for the first time since joining Honda. Many suggested that Bridewell would regret the move and that the season would be a disaster. Well, it's turning out to be the opposite and the Bridewell/Honda package is getting better and better. Six consecutive podiums, pole at Knockhill and the aforementioned win, Bridewell is riding the crest…

BMW's R20 boxer prototype will be strutting its stuff on the Goodwood course as one of a number of road bikes taking part. The machine, which made its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este show in late May, will be ridden in the ‘First Glance Road Bikes’ group by BMW Motorrad CEO, Markus Flasch, potentially using the venue as a chance to showcase a future model. This isn't something that's unheard of at Goodwood, with Yamaha last year teasing a DB40 concept that quickly became the incredibly popular XSR900GP retro sportsbike for 2024. The BMW concept builds on the existing boxer twin found in the company's R18 – boosting capacity by around 200cc in a far more focused roadster package. Performance is yet to be confirmed, but the capacity…

Ducati have revealed more details about their World Ducati Week celebration, which returns to Misano for the first time since 2022 from July 26-28. Now entering its 12th iteration, the global coming together of ‘Ducatisti’ promises to be “an unparalleled experience for motorcycling fans” according to Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali. Headlining the event is the Race of Champions, in which 15 Ducati racers, holding 20 world titles between them, will be pitted against each other around the Misano Circuit, all equipped with standard Panigale V4 superbikes to level the playing field. Among the riders competing is British Superbike front-runner Glenn Irwin, who will rock up alongside MotoGP rivals Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Jorge Martin, and Franco Morbidelli. ‘Marquez will line up on a Panigale V4’…

SAVE £3000 £15,499 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo Now in its third generation, KTM's Super Duke is the epitome of growing old disgracefully. It's still a lairy, bonkers wheelie machine, but now with more refinement than ever, and totally manageable to boot. Being the R Evo, it also benefits from electronic suspension and a quicker action throttle. shirlaws.com £9499 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE SAVE £1500 Combining sorted ergos, a smooth motor and an off-road friendly wheel set, the 800DE is a bike that you could buy one day and head off around the world the next. johnsofromford.co.uk • Engine 776cc • Power 83bhp • Weight 230kg • Seat height 855mm £10,749 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX SAVE £1400 With its grunty inline four, slick steering chassis and comfortable cockpit, the Ninja 1000SX…

The Ardingly Classic Bike Show & Jumble returns to the South of England Showground on Sunday, July 14. This year's theme is Classic Women, with a display of historical info covering women riders and their motorcycles. You can grab a ticket, either via www.elkpromotions.co.uk or at the gate for just £7 (under 16s go free). Learn from Brad Former MotoGP rider and current BMW Motorrad Test Rider Bradley Smith will join the instructor lineup at the BMW Motorrad Academy at Mallory Park on July 10. Led by Chief Instructor Taylor Mackenzie, Bradley will instruct alongside a host of British Superbike racers. Mackenzie said: “I'm thrilled to have Bradley join us. It shows how the BMW Motorrad Performance Academy leads the way.” Take the TET down through Morocco Fans of the…

Laser soldering iron station, hot blower & torch kit £129.55 If you're partial to tinkering with the electrics, this nifty kit could save space in your toolbox and time on the job. Powered by butane, it's an all-in-one soldering iron, gas torch and hot air blower, with up to an hour's run time and a max temp of 1300°C. Storage box converts into a mini workstation. lasertools.co.uk Pyramid Extenda Fenda EXTRA for BMW R1300GS £68.99 Owners of BMW's latest GS can give their engine extra protection from the elements with this front mudguard extension from UK accessory specialists Pyramid. Made from durable ABS, it attaches to the front caliper mountings and adds 250mm to the trailing edge. A two-piece extension for the rear spray guard is also available at £79.99.…

Q ‘Hidden cost of loan bikes’ I recently left hospital following an accident with a car and received a call from a company offering me a replacement bike while mine is being fixed. I'm still recovering from my injuries so I don't really want to ride until I am better. What should I do? Sam, Manchester A You need to find out if the offer is on a ‘courtesy’ or ‘credit hire’ basis. If it is courtesy then it is straightforward as it will likely be paid through your insurance and not arranged through a separate company. If it is credit hire then you need to be careful. Credit hire is the supply of a like-for-like vehicle on a credit basis, which means the cost of hire is much more expensive.…

Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Readers Simon and Emma The ride Chepstow to Olu Deniz in Turkey, avoiding all motorways, via France, Germany, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Italy and Greece When to do it We left on April 22 and it was very cold until we reached Greece How many miles? 2000 How long do you need? We took 15 days Tell us about the trip… We had no room for waterproofs so the plan was to stop an extra night if it rained. It only rained once and we spent an extra night in Nancy. Saw hardly any other bikes through Switzerland and it was a little daunting going up Julier Pass while it was snowing. Lake Como was beautiful as was Lake Garda. Took a detour to San Marino, which…

BMW Motorrad Days Calling all BMW owners. Fancy a cross-continent adventure? After last year's gathering at the BMW plant in Berlin, normal service is resuming this year at BMW Motorrad days. Located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, right on the border of Germany and Austria and surrounded by Alpine passes and curvy streets, the mega party is kicking off on July 5 and running until July 7. With exhibitors, test rides, beers, and plenty to explore, it's a packed weekend all surrounded by local culture and motorcycles – what's not to love? Visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk for more information…

UK'S TOUGHEST TEST £15,741 (£17,269 Grand Tourer tested minus luggage) Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE ● 1043cc liquid-cooled inline four DOHC 16v ● 118.3bhp @ 9000rpm ● 257kg (kerb) £14,799 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX ● 999cc liquid - cooled inline four DOHC 16v ● 149.9bhp @ 11,000rpm ● 232kg (kerb) £18,340 BMW S1000XR TE ● 999cc liquid-cooled inline four DOHC 16v ● 167.6bhp @ 11,000rpm ● 227kg (kerb) Go to any bike meet at the moment and the parking area will be bursting at the seams with adventure bikes of all shapes and sizes. In fact, nearly a quarter of all new bikes sold in the UK last year fall into this category. But while adventure bikes are undeniably extremely practical and very sensible choices when it comes to ease of use, not…

Despite these three tall-rounders all having similar 17in wheel sizes, they feel very different machines to ride and that determines their role in life. The Versys is by far the most relaxed and easy-going of the trio. A solid and dependable machine, it won't do anything to surprise you and is ready to turn its hand to any challenge you set it. While not the sportiest handling due to its chunky weight, it is more than happy to roll through bends and soaks up the miles. If you are after a relaxed but sporty tourer, it ticks all the requirements and pillions love them too. Upping the performance stakes is the GX. A bit unrefined and with a definite aggressive feel when the pace ups, it's good value but not…

‘There was no strategy behind it!’ Although most famous for being BMW Motorrad's Head of Design from 2012 through 2024, when he oversaw the creation of key machines such as the R1200 and R1300GS, R nineT and R18, Edgar Heinrich's career at BMW actually started with the K1, as he recalled in this recent interview… “I started working for BMW in 1987, first as a freelancer for a year, then they hired me. In the design department there were three employees at that time: Karl-Heinz Abe (who styled the Racer concept), Wolfgang Seehaus and Glynn Kerr, who left in 1989 and whose position I took over to participate in the facelift of the K100RS. “As I was quite good at drawing, maybe even a bit better than the others, I…

MCN VERDICT I'd expected the ZS800 to be a pointless frippery built for wealthy egotists as a conversation starter to brag about the matching car, their bank balance, sexual prowess and whatever else. And yes, it's a bloody expensive way to own what boils down to a W800 hardtail bobber, but it's no cynical lash-up: it's a genuine piece of top-flight engineering designed and built by a man with a passion for the company he works for, its heritage, and bikes. Heck, Jan was given the green light on the proviso he designed and built it in his own time – he did, and still does. And Praga say the bikes are going to more buyers intending to ride than to park them: those that do will get a unique…

6 months ON TEST Brühl MD1400 Single Turbine Dryer £129 ‘Loud, but impressive’ Tested by Dan Sutherland for six months I started using this Brühl dryer in the depths of winter to help keep my Suzuki GSX-8S long-termer rust free. Riding on a near daily basis come rain or shine, I needed something to dry the bike off before popping it in the garage – either after rinsing off the salt after a quick wash or dispersing any lingering rain water at the end of a wet trip home. The MD1400 has been the perfect companion for this, and I've since gone on to use it for my own sport and classic machinery after every wash. It takes up minimal space in the corner of the garage, and uses a…

Gone are the days where you had to buff your new brake pads with sandpaper prior to installation to help bed them in. These days, pads are manufactured to provide adequate stopping performance right from the first application of the brakes. However, when fitting new discs, it's still wise to go though a gentle bedding-in process on your first ride as you may find braking performance is significantly reduced until the new rotor loses its outer coating. The trick is to brake lightly but often for the first 50 miles or so, then gradually apply the brakes for longer periods and apply more pressure each time. The aim is to positively mate the pads to the discs without creating extreme heat early on (which can damage both the rotors and…

JOSH CLOSE INSIGHT Looks ahead as the 2024 championship hots up Rewind to 2023 Sprint 1 Martin 2 Bagnaia 3 Miller GP 1 Martin 2 Bagnaia 3 Zarco The 2023 German round was somewhat of a statement weekend from Jorge Martin as he completed the Sprint and GP double by beating Pecco Bagnaia in a head-to-head fight. The GP was especially exciting, with the pair exchanging positions multiple times and even making contact when Bagnaia clipped the rear of Martin on the exit of the final corner. Eventually, Martin pipped Bagnaia to the line by a tantalising O.064s. Elsewhere, KTM continued to be Ducati's main challenger. Aussie Jack Miller podiumed on Saturday before coming home sixth in the main race the following day, and led in the early stages of both races.…

COLIN YOUNG INSIGHT Paddock veteran delivers his verdict on the Assen round ‘They could put down a super-fast pace, we just burnt the tyre’ BRAD BINDER What a difference a year makes. KTM's insipid campaign for the 2024 MotoGP championship suffered another sobering setback at the Dutch TT last weekend. Just eight races into the season and KTM have not laid a glove on Ducati. So it looks like they'll be keeping the champagne on ice at least for another year. Main man Brad Binder was comprehensively outgunned at Assen, finishing seventh and a full 16 seconds behind by Ducati's winner Pecco Bagnaia. A year ago an aggressively fast Binder crossed the line just 1.5s behind Bagnaia, although he was later demoted to fourth after being slapped with a track limits…

The concept of motorcycle racing is simple: start the race, ride as fast as you can, try to pass anyone in front of you and hope to see the chequered flag first. MotoGP is a bit different now, thanks to its minimum-pressure tyre rule: if your front tyre pressure (rear pressure isn't an issue) is below the 1.80 bar minimum, you'll need to slow down and invite the rider behind to come past and warm your front tyre, increasing its pressure. The rule was fully introduced last year to stop teams running super-low pressures that could lead to tyre failure. A rider under the minimum for more than half the race gets a 16-second penalty. When Marc Marquez waved Fabio Di Giannantonio past in Sunday's race to warm his front…

NEIL MORRISON INSIGHT Going behind the headlines in the 2024 MotoGP paddock TEAM NEWS On track there hasn't been a great deal for Yamaha to shout about in MotoGP 2024. But off it, the Japanese factory has been quietly assembling the pieces to ensure it will taste glory in the premier class in the years to come. After acquiring some important personnel from Ducati and securing Fabio Quartararo on a two-year contract extension, it has just pulled off another coup. Signing with Pramac for a multi-year deal will give Yamaha a second team for the first time since 2022. Unlike KTM's Tech3 and Aprilia's RNF, and indeed it's own satellite teams of old, Pramac will be Yamaha's second factory team and will enjoy the same spec Factory YZR-M1 bikes as…

MICHAEL SCOTT INSIGHT At the heart of the MotoGP paddock for more than 35 years TOP STORY Pecco Bagnaia was untouchable at Assen. And he revelled in it. “I love fast corners. I enjoyed everything this weekend – I was very precise, very fast.” A self-assessment nobody could dispute. His rivals must cling to another truth. This third straight win, and third in a row at Assen, doesn't make him unbeatable – even if it currently looks that way. So just how can he be stopped? It's a question Martin, Marquez, Bastianini and Viñales will be pondering in the small hours. The double champ was in imperious form – a different animal from the very human rider who for the last two years has had to come from behind to…

THIS WEEK A two-day on-track extravaganza is set to take place at Cadwell Park this September, celebrating 90 years of the undulating Lincolnshire circuit plus numerous landmark bike anniversaries. Cadwell Moto will take place on Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, promising a weekend of trackday sessions and parades, plus live music, club and trade stands, a planned off-road adventure bike course in partnership with RallyMoto, and a number of famous racing names from the history of the venue. On top of this, the event will honour a number of Honda and Ducati anniversaries, with lunchtime parade sessions on each day. Milestones include 30 years of the Honda RC45, and RVF400, as well as 50 years of the Honda Gold Wing family. From Bologna, there's also 20 years of…

GET 6 ISSUES FOR JUST £5! Subscribe to MCN now at: greatmagazines.co.uk/mcn-offer Europe's highest motorcycle rally, the Stella Alpina, has been consigned to the history books after almost six decades of running. Reportedly, Italian officials have insisted that in order for the event to continue, its organisers would have to adopt operational liability. Event organiser, Alberto Borello said: “It would mean being liable, civilly and criminally, for whatever happens. It would mean imposing a participation fee. Stella Alpina has always been about freedom and friendship, self-management.” The now former event was a free to attend, annual gathering and ride up the Colle del Sommeiller in the Italian town of Bardonecchia. It offered riders access to the highest motorable track in the Alps at 3009 metres and typically drew hundreds of…

Boasting three possible track layouts, multiple buildings and more, Northern Irish race circuit Bishopscourt has just been put up for sale by its owners. The vendors say they are open to offers over £2million, with Bishopscourt being one of just two fixed racing circuits in the province – sharing the honours with Kirkistown to the north. Located not far from the coast in the Downpatrick area, it plays host to a number of high-profile motorcycle racing events each year, including the Sunflower Trophy which attracts big-name British Superbike stars. Having begun life as an RAF base for bomber aircraft in WW2, racing began in the 1960s. ‘The track could be yours for £2million’ “With a rich history that includes recent upgrading, this facility now boasts three race circuits ranging from…

WHAT'S NEW IN TECH Back in 2022 Kawasaki announced they would have more then 10 electric or hybrid bikes by 2025. With that deadline months away, it's clear multiple electrified models are imminent and among them we expect to see hybrid versions of the Eliminator bobber and Versys road-going adventure bike. More of the same Kawasaki have four electrified bikes in the range – the all-electric Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 and the hybrid faired Ninja 7 and naked Z7. Even if you were to count the Elektrode kids’ balance bike and the optioned-up ‘Sport’ variants of the Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 as standalone models, that only comes to seven. And after a years-long development programme costing millions, the hybrid powertrain of the Ninja 7 and Z7 is sure…

‘Happy Birthday to the Hayabusa’ This year Suzuki's GSX1300R Hayabusa turns 25, which is incredible as it only seems a few minutes ago that we were all left open-mouthed at not only its radical aerodynamic styling but also its ability to hit mind-bending speeds. Remember, those first bikes not only lacked speed restrictors, they also had analogue speedos that showed 220mph! And knowing the inaccuracy of Suzuki's speedos in general, I'm sure a dedicated few managed to get the needle near this outrageous number. I love being given the keys to a Hayabusa and have had some very memorable rides on them. From hitting a genuine 214mph on a turbo bike to triggering a rolling police road-block on a German Autobahn, plastering a road with black lines, racing a Radical…

OUT AND ABOUT THE UK'S HOTTEST RIDES MCN Staffers share their favourite riding routes WIN A Yamaha MT-09 simply by getting a quote at www.mcncompare.com Since discovering Stang Lane a couple of years ago, I've been back several times, making the two-hour slog north just for the thrill of this eight-mile stretch. From Scotch Corner, the anticiaption builds along the A66. Turn left then burst out of the trees, try not to jump Rutherford Bridge, downhill left, uphill right, catch your breath while brushing the hedgerows on the short, narrow straight before the next sequence of bends through the trees as the road climbs, drops and twists its way south into the Yorkshire Dales. Steep gradients (17% at one point), tight, blind bends and a bumpy surface make Stang Lane a…

ICONS ‘Bodywork comprised seven interlocking glassfibre panels’ THE FACTS In the late 1980s it's fair to say BMW were seen as the most worthy and sensible of all motorcycle brands. Yet in spite of this, they came up with arguably the most ambitious machine of modern times – the K1. And although not a commercial success, the K1 remains, one of BMW's most significant machines for introducing new tech. Quite simply, without the K1, today's BMW wouldn't be the same. Although the liquid-cooled, K-series (which started with the 1983 K100RS, then the K100, and also included the K75 triple and touring K100RT) had been a success, they weren't as big a success as hoped. Initial sales had been good, but by 1986 they'd dropped off. BMW also faced growing calls…

MCN's website has expert opinion and buying advice on hundreds of used bikes, regularly updated and packed with insight. Here are three of the latest – visit motorcyclenews.com for dozens more. 2020-CURRENT Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Owners’ rating Replacing the Z1000SX and upping the tech level, the Ninja 1000SX, owners love the inline four engine as well as its equipment level but the shock comes in for some criticism. 2022-CURRENT Honda NT1100 Owners’ rating Honda's do-it-all scores 3.8/5 with owners highlighting a lack of cutting edge tech (there is no IMU), cluttered switchgear and poor quality suspension. A shame as it's great value. 2022-CURRENT Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Owners’ rating The Suzuki was the UK's best-selling sports-tourer in 2022. Overall it scores well across the range with no major faults it also no really…

The state of your suspension linkage plays a pivotal role in the operation of your two-wheeled pride and joy. Positioned right at the bottom of the machine, linkages suffer a great deal of abuse, especially when exposed to the endless onslaught of road crud. When a particularly ‘clunky’ Yamaha YZF-R125 was presented for an MoT test at Doncaster Motorcycles, chief spannering surgeon Kevin Hollingsworth quickly noticed that its tired linkage needed more than just a clean and regrease. The little Yamaha also needed a fresh front disc and front caliper overhaul with new seals to pass muster. Hollingsworth said: “The story goes that the guy had purchased it recently from someone who hadn't quite looked after it as he should have. The new owner wanted to get it back on the…

Watching Pecco Bagnaia top every session and win both races was impressive – especially the consistency he showed lap after lap, running at record pace. To do that I think you've got to be really confident and really happy in your life. Obviously, you need a good setup, too. Martin threw everything at him and kept him honest, but if Pecco needed respond he could have done. The consistency of his lap times was insane and from the outside looking in – it's just ‘wow’. But in his head it would have been easy, although he'd never say that, because he's humble. He just didn't make any mistakes as well as being unbelievably dominant in qualifying where he did it by doing his own thing and not wanting to get…