September 2020

SOUTH AFRICAN and WORLD racing NEWS and VIEWS

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Mickey Thompson 400MPH Mickey Thompson 4 • September 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Loeb Back In Business WRC Sebastien Loeb will make his second outing of the 2020 WRC season in the Rally Turkey. The nine-time champion will join Hyundai’s full-season drivers Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak for the Marmaris-based event at the wheel of a third i20 Coupe WRC. It will mark Loeb’s first top- level outing since January’s Monte Carlo Rally, one of three events this year to take place before the COVID-19 pause, in which he finished sixth. Craig Breen took over the third Hyundai for the following round in , while Dani Sordo made his first and so far only confirmed outing of 2020 in Mexico. The WRC will resume in Estonia, where Breen will return alongside Neuville and Tanak, before Turkey hosts the fifth round of the season on September 18-20. Home hero Tanak dominated TEAM MATE: The nine-time champion will join Hyundai’s full-season drivers Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak for the Marmaris-based the Estonia warm-up event, the event at the wheel of a third i20 Coupe WRC. Louna-Eesti Ralli, winning all bar one of its eight stages and WRC of Kalle Rovanpera. beating teammate Sebastien Ogier driver Esapekka Lappi, who was Picture: Red Bull Content Pool ending up some 13 seconds clear Finnish driver Rovanpera was to second place, while Neuville piloting a JanPro Racing-prepared of nearest rival, the Toyota Yaris the only other driver to win a stage, finished fifth behind M-Sport WRC privateer Ford Fiesta WRC.

for me. The past two seasons have been a big learning curve for us all and unfortunately, for various reasons, we haven’t quite achieved what we hoped. Massa Shock Move “Despite that, it’s been a driver Stoffel Vandoorne, with 15th in his rookie campaign in something completely different lot of fun and I wish the team Venturi releasing a statement on 2018-19. from what I’m used to, so first of all nothing but the very best of luck FORMULA E the former Sauber, Ferrari and His best FE finish was the I want to thank [Venturi president] for the future. I look forward to Venturi announced that ex- Williams F1 driver’s exit before the third place he took at the 2019 Gildo [Pastor] and [team principal] announcing my future plans in Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa podium procedure got underway at Monaco E-Prix. Susie [Wolff] for their faith in me. due course.” will leave the team, minutes Tempelhof airport. “Leaving a team is never “It’s been an honour to be part Wolff said: “Felipe has after the 2019-20 Formula E The 39-year-old leaves the team an easy decision to make,” said of the only motorsport team from brought a lot to the team. Having season ended in Berlin. a year before his three-year deal Massa. “We’ve made some good the Principality, and representing someone of his profile, calibre Massa finished 16th in the was set to end, finishing 22nd in memories together and it’s given them on the podium at the Monaco and experience has been a big race that was won by Mercedes the 2019-20 standings after coming me the opportunity to learn E-Prix was a definite highlight help in driving the team forward. Rossi Speed Problems Rossi was the top Yamaha years, he noted it was worse in the “Already last year it was like “This weekend everybody MOTOGP finisher, coming home fifth in the Styrian GP as more riders were this, and we push a lot to improve fixed the problems and they were Austrian GP and then ninth in the able to “put on the ground” their the situation, but also this year the able to put on the ground the Valentino Rossi says it’s Styrian event. power advantage. situation is very similar. So here extra power compared to us and “difficult to manage” the is arguably the “We know that in this track we you have a lot of long straights and nobody make mistakes and the Yamaha’s top speed deficit to Yamaha M1’s weakest circuit due have to suffer because here it’s very he have to suffer. first Yamaha arrives P9. its MotoGP rivals right now to its top speed deficit compared to important the top speed, and this “For me personally, strange “It’s difficult, because more after struggling with this in the Ducatis of around 10km/h. year the difference in the top speed races because last week I was able or less the problems are similar the Styrian Grand Prix. Though Rossi says this has is huge, very difficult to manage,” to do P5, but also because we had a as the last years.” In both Austrian races, been the case for the past few Rossi said. lot of crashes in front. Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 5 Espargaro Last Lap Giveaway MOTOGP Pol Espargaro says he and Jack Miller wanted MotoGP Styrian Grand Prix victory “too hard” in their last-lap duel and “gave it” to Miguel Oliveira. The KTM rider led from lap seven to the final tour, but an overly defensive line at Turn 3 allowed Pramac’s Miller to overtake him on the run into the corner. Espargaro scythed up the inside of Miller at the penultimate corner, with the latter attempting a move up the inside into the last turn – though both ended up going wide and allowing Tech 3’s Oliveira to sneak through to claim a shock maiden win. Commenting on his race, Espargaro says he was forced into defending hard on the last lap owing to the Ducati’s strength in braking and on acceleration. “When I crossed the line, I saw on my pit board ‘plus zero’, so I didn’t know how much distance I had to Jack,” Espargaro said. “I just needed to block the inside of that corner. Maybe I block a little bit too much, that’s true. But “So, I needed to be very slow in who wanted to win harder. For sure LOST: Pol Espargaro says he and Jack Miller wanted MotoGP I needed to do it, especially with the middle and then use the body to too much because at the end we Styrian Grand Prix victory “too hard” in their last-lap duel and the Ducati, because they brake hard put the front down. didn’t take the victory, we gave it “gave it” to Miguel Oliveira. and they accelerate very hard. “But then it was a matter of to Miguel. Picture: KTM Calls Off Event October 8-11. scheduled to be round six on a the rally has not featured. Formula 1’s Imola race. WRC The Bostalsee-based Tarmac revised schedule, but bosses have As part of the latest in a series of It is also felt that by event in south-west Germany decided against running it due enforced calendar changes, which bringing the gravel counter Rally Germany organisers have becomes the latest WRC casualty to ongoing regional government had already led to the introduction forward, the chances of warmer, announced the cancellation of the COVID-19 outbreak and restrictions that prohibit mass of new events in the shape of Rally more settled weather on the of October’s World Rally joins , , Finland, gatherings of more than 350 people. Estonia and Rally Ypres, Rally Mediterranean island of Sardinia Championship event, while Kenya, New Zealand, Wales Rally Having been introduced to the will now run from 8-11 October. will be improved. Another Rally Italy has been moved GB and on the sidelines. series back in 2002, this will only The WRC promoter says the notable benefit is additional three weeks earlier to The German event was be the second time since then that switch avoids a date clash with daylight hours. Ducati Disappoints Dovisioso Following his Austrian Grand Petronas Yamaha rider heading to when you have that feeling and you This has never happened to me MOTOGP Prix win, Dovizioso was a damage- the next triple-header in September. have a lot of ups and downs, you and us in the last four, five years, limiting fifth at the second Red But the Italian rider doesn’t don’t have control of the situation,” and I’m struggling with that and Andrea Dovizioso doesn’t feel Bull Ring race on Sunday after a feel Ducati has fixed its Dovizioso said. “So, I don’t have I’m very disappointed about that Ducati has “the situation under late mistake dropped him out of inconsistent form with the 2020 a good feeling in this moment because nobody until now from control” to be a consistent podium contention. Desmosedici, which has left him because I don’t feel we have the the first round is consistent and I 2020 MotoGP title challenger, With championship leader Fabio “very disappointed”. situation under control to push in think it’s something unusual. despite closing in on the points Quartararo only 13th, Dovizioso is “For me, the situation in the some tracks. “And every race you “So, I don’t have the answer lead in the Styrian Grand Prix. now just three points adrift of the championship is good, but I mean can have a lot of ups and downs. and I don’t like that.” 6 • September 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Biggest Change In History FORMULA 1 Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 is set for the “biggest transition” in its history after all 10 teams signed up to the new Concorde Agreement last week. F1 announced that the entire grid had met the early-sign deadline for the new Concorde Agreement, committing to the revised commercial terms that will last from 2021 to 2025. Mercedes had been in a stand-off with F1 over the new Concorde Agreement, feeling its contribution to the sport and recent success had not been reflected through negotiations. But Mercedes team principal Wolff said at the that the team had moved into a position where it was ready to put pen to paper on the new terms, meaning it could meet the early- sign deadline. Wolff said that it was no surprise to see all 10 teams sign up, but he nevertheless felt pleased to see talks get across the line. Wolff also predicted that the all that surprising,” Wolff said. biggest transition F1 has ever seen. DIFFERENT: Toto Wolff believes Formula 1 is set for the “biggest new agreement would bring some “But we’re happy that we could “This will reward agile, open- transition” in its history after all 10 teams signed up to the new of the most sizeable changes in bring the negotiations to a minded teams who can adapt Concorde Agreement last week. F1’s history. positive conclusion. successfully to the demands of the “We have always said that “We are committed to our sport new rules.” we wanted to stay in F1, so the and we’re looking forward to the Picture: Supplied agreement wasn’t necessarily upcoming years which will see the

will comprise around 300km “ has a great tradition of special stages across three and passion for rally, evidenced by days, including a Power Stage the number of Belgians in various featuring elements of the iconic roles – drivers, mechanics, team Japan Rally Axed Spa-Francorchamps circuit. principal, journalists – in the this year’s schedule when the FIA but has had to be called off due to “We’re very disappointed Rally WRC. revealed a refreshed calendar in ongoing border restrictions. Japan will not happen this year due “The route will showcase the WRC the wake of multiple events being Now the date has been take to the pandemic, in particular given DNA of the rally as it crosses Rally Japan has been axed cancelled in the wake of the global over by the asphalt-based Ypres all the hard work undertaken by the the country by linking Ypres to from the 2020 WRC calendar coronavirus pandemic. Rally, giving Belgium a round of Japanese authorities, the Japanese Spa-Francorchamps, two iconic and been replaced by a new The East Asian country’s first the world championship for the Automobile Federation and the venues of Belgian motorsport.” event in Belgium. WRC event since 2010 was due first time. organising team,” said FIA rally Japan had kept its slot on to take place on November 19-22 A statement said the rally director Yves Matton. Vinales Ignored Brake Advice The hard-braking nature of the Yamaha was hit hardest by still had some problems for the “From the fourth lap I noticed MOTOGP Red Bull Ring caused numerous brake problems in the Austrian GP, Styrian round. that I was running out of brakes,” riders to suffer from overheating with Fabio Quartararo forced into a Vinales opted against following Vinales said on Sunday. “I was Maverick Vinales ignored brakes during the Austrian GP recovery ride when he ran off track this advice, and in the Styrian GP taking precautions not to take advice from MotoGP brake weekend. and dropped to 20th, with all M1 began to suffer with intermittent anyone out ahead and suddenly, supplier to run a new Brembo brought new material riders experiencing issues across brake fade. On lap 17, his front at Turn 1, the brake exploded. system for the Styrian Grand for the Styrian GP to cope with the weekend. brake failed completely at Turn 1 “I couldn’t do anything and Prix after Yamaha riders this, and advised all teams to use Despite running the new and he was forced to jump from that’s why I threw myself off. suffered numerous issues in it to avoid any problems during the material, Valentino Rossi, his Yamaha at 140mph, with the It’s something that had never the Austrian GP. second Red Bull Ring round. Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli incident bringing out the red flag. happened to me.” Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 7 Costcutting Haas Key next five years. FORMULA 1 Steiner said that while F1 remained expensive to do for a Formula 1 owner Liberty private owner like Haas, the arrival Media’s push to cut costs and of a budget cap and a more equal level the playing field were key payment of commercial rights to Haas staying in grand prix income for smaller teams meant it racing, says team boss Gunther made sense to stick around. Steiner. “I guess Gene (Haas) looked The future of the outfit had at it and Formula 1’s still a very been up in the air, with owner good tool for getting his brand Gene Haas admitting at the start of name, Haas Automation, out in the the year that he was only interested world,” said Steiner. “It works – in continuing if he saw a chance of otherwise he wouldn’t be doing it. being competitive. He loves the sport as well. He suggested that a drop in “Even if it is a big financial form could be enough to make commitment, with the new him decide that he did not want to regulations coming in, it should commit his team to F1 for another make the playing field more even five years. and the commercial aspects better “I’m just kind of waiting to for the smaller teams – so as a see how this season starts off,” he result he has decided to continue. said “If we have another bad year, then it would not be that favourable Picture: Pirelli [to stay].” But despite Haas having a MONEY: Formula 1 owner challenging start to the delayed Liberty Media’s push to cut season, it confirmed last week costs and level the playing that it had signed up to the new F1 field were key to Haas staying Concorde Agreement, which will in grand prix racing, says team keep it in the sport for at least the boss Gunther Steiner. Quartararo Losing Confidence Spanish and Andalusian Grands Dovizioso of Ducati. this year. more problems and we are MOTOGP Prix at Jerez last month, Quartararo The Red Bull Ring is arguably “Yes, of course we are a struggling. registered a seventh at Brno, an Yamaha’s weakest track on the title contender, but I don’t feel “Ok, is a tough Fabio Quartararo admits he eighth in the Austrian GP and calendar, with its long straights as confident as in Jerez,” the track for us, but last year I doesn’t feel “as confident” could only muster 13th in Sunday’s working against the down-on- Petronas rider said when asked if had a really nice feeling and I a MotoGP title contender Styrian GP at the Red Bull Ring. power M1. he could confidently call himself finished third, I finished on the as he did following his two The poor run of races has nearly But Quartararo finished third a title contender amidst Yamaha’s podium. And it was so different Jerez victories after a tough wiped out Quartararo’s once- in last year’s Austrian GP and current dip. [this year to] the feeling from /Austria handsome points lead, the French says he had a “really nice feeling” “In Jerez everything was ok, last year. triple-header. rider now sitting just three points compared to what he’s had in the everything was going so well. But After dominating the opening clear of second-placed Andrea two races at the Red Bull Ring it looks like every time we have Entry Reduced To 59 due to have been driven by Ben business reasons; there’s nothing Carlin conceded that it was Cetilar Racing. LE MANS Barnicoat, Jack Manchester and more to it than that. looking unlikely that the team will In GTE Am, the withdrawal one to-be-confirmed driver for the “The Automobile Club de be able to return to the ELMS with of the Kessel Racing Ferrari 488 Carlin has withdrawn its LMP2 same financial reasons that have l’Ouest [Le Mans organiser and the for either of the two GTE has been counter-balanced Dallara from what would have prevented it from racing in the WEC promoter] have been really remaining races after Le Mans. by a third Ferrari entry from Iron been its maiden Le Mans 24 opening rounds of the European Le supportive and helped us in every The withdrawal of Carlin has Lynx, to be driven by Andrea Hours assault, reducing the Mans Series. way possible to be there. Our reduced the LMP2 class to 23 cars, Piccini, Matteo Cressoni and entry list to 59 cars. Team boss Trevor Carlin intention is to return and we are leaving only one other Dallara in Rino Mastronardi, keeping the The British team has said “Our sponsors have had to prepared to do whatever it takes to the field - that of regular FIA World class at 22 cars. scratched the Dallara P217 withdraw for COVID-related earn the right to go.” Endurance Championship squad 8 • September 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Lategan And Cummings Toyota) rounds off the top ten in ten points. the Overall Production Vehicle Looking at the FIA Class Drivers Championship with Championship Lategan/Cummings nine points. (70 points) have a healthy lead Looking at the Overall but behind them things look a bit Production Vehicle Navigators’ different due to the chopping and Keep Control Championship, Danie Stassen, who changing of driver and navigator sits next to Visser is now second combinations. In the class consecutive victory this season issues at the recent event and (38 points) behind Cummings championship competitors score SACCS for the defending champions Henk Brian Baragwanath (Century with Möhr, who read the notes five points for starting a race and it Lategan/Brett Cummings (Toyota Racing CR6) kept his fifth place for Baragwanath at the opening made a difference in some aspects. The break of just over five Gazoo Racing SA) they are still in with the same amount of points round, now third (30 points) after De Villiers (51 points) is still months between the first two control of the overall and the FIA as Woolridge. he scored a healthy haul of points second with Visser (48 points) three rounds of the 2020 South African Class standings with 60 points. Shameer Variawa (Toyota navigating De Villiers to their third points further back in third place. National Cross Country Series Behind them things changed Gazoo Racing SA) is sixth (20 place at Bronkhorstsprui Lance Woolridge and Baragwanath (SACCS) fuelled the various as team-mate points) followed by the new Class Elvéne Vonk who teams up both have 37 points with Variawa title battles in the Production teamed up with Juan Möhr for the T leader, Terence Marsh (Red- with Lance Woolridge, dropped five points in arrears (32 points) in Vehicle Category and with most Bronkhorstspruit 400 as his regular Lined Motorsport Nissan) after a to fourth only three points behind sixth place. of the teams back in action it navigator, the Spaniard Alex first victory this season. Möhr and four points ahead of The Fourie couple, Marius became clear the gauntlet has Bravo, could not participate due to The Horn brothers, Johan/ Bravo (23 points). and Jolinda (Ford Ranger) could been laid down. the COVID-19 travel restrictions. Werner (Malalane Toyota) Variawa’s navigator, Dennis not finish at Bronkhorstspruit, The standings changed De Villiers holds onto second could not see out the distance Murphy, moved up to sixth (20 but Marius (18 points) has moved somewhat after the recent in the Overall Production Vehicle at Bronkhorstspruit. Johan the points) while Taye Perry, who had up a position to seventh with the Bronkhorstspruit 400 and for a few Drivers’ Championship (41 points) second Class T driver on the a baptism of fire in the navigator same score as Clint Weston (King teams, it is back to the drawing while Chris Visser (Total Excellium overall standings trails Marsh by a seat next to Baragwanath, scored Price Xtreme) who despite a roll board if they want to ensure a turn Toyota) found himself on the single point. enough points (15) to be in seventh at Bronkhorstspruit still finished of events during the second half of podium (38 points) after finishing Gareth Woolridge (Ford place. Letshego Zulu is eighth and eighth in class. the shortened season. second at Bronkhorstspruit. Castrol Cross Country Team) who the leading Class T navigator (11 In the Production Vehicle Lance Woolridge (Ford Castrol made his debut in the FIA Class points) in the overall standings Picture: Nadia Jordaan Championship the names at Cross Country Team) dropped at the Bronkhorstspruit 400 level followed by Werner Horn and the top of the leader board did to fourth place (27 points) after pegs with Horn on ten points. Boyd Dreyer who reads the notes not change and after a second experiencing a few mechanical Gary Bertholdt (Total Excellium for Gareth Woolridge, both with

TOP AGAIN: The names at the top of the leader board did not change and after a second consecutive victory this season for the defending champions Henk Lategan/ Brett Cummings (Toyota Gazoo Racing SA) they are still in control of the overall and the FIA Class standings with 60 points. Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 9 Special Vehicle Leader Change racing, it was not possible. dropped from the lead to third SxS) who dropped from fourth to leading the Class A championship, SACCS And while some had to watch place overall. seventh overall and now have the but only eight points separate them from the side line how they They are three points behind the same amount of points (15) as Peter from the Joncks (40 points) in The Special Vehicle Category dropped down the standings, there Joncks and six points ahead of Nico Walter/Shaun de Villiers (Can-Am second place. Gibson/Smith (35 of the South African National was joy for others as the situation du Rand/Rikus Hattingh (Can-Am Maverick SxS) who missed the points) are not too far behind in Cross Country Series (SACCS) benefitted them. Maverick) who are now leading the opening round, but finished fourth third place meaning the Class A has new overall leaders after After finishing the opening race Class G SxS championship. overall at Bronkhorstspruit. podium can easily change after the the Bronkhorstspruit 400, as the overall and Class A runners- The winners of the opening Simon Murray/Achim next event. the second round of the 2020 up, victory at Bronkhorstspruit round, Dean Bradbury/Timmy Bergmann (Total Excellium Can- Two starts, but no finishes championship that took resulted in KZN crew Tim Howes/ Botes (Canon Rotex) dropped Am Maverick) made a good start yet, puts André Fourie/Hendrikus place on 14 and 15 August Gary Campbell (Zarco Magnum) from third to fifth on the overall at their first outing of the season Pienaar (BAT Spec 3) in fourth spot after a lengthy hiatus under taking the overall (53 points) and standings (18 points) while and their first ten points on the (10 points) with John Thomson/ lockdown conditions. class lead. they are now second in Class G scoreboard put them in ninth Maurice Zermatten and Trace Price Different teams are now leading They also opened up a little after they could not finish the place overall with Kent/Archie Moor/Shaun Braithwaite all on five both Class A and Class G and the gap to the husband and wife Bronkhorstspruit 400. Rutherford (Red-Lined Motorsport points in Class A. standings have a totally new look pairing of Sandra Labuscagne- A class victory and third overall Can-Am Maverick) and Hanno The Class G SxS Championship which only means one thing – Jonck/Jaco Jonck (Total Agri for defending Class G champions, Bierman/Pieter de Beer (Can-Am is looking as exciting and teams fiercely competitive racing at the Porter) who finished second Werner and Leon Mostert (Elf Maverick) with nine points behind will have to take the bit between remaining events of the season. at the Bronkhorstspruit 400. Renault Can-Am Maverick) saw their names. their teeth and go for gold as the Like the rest of the world, teams The couple soared four places them move up three places on the Competitors score an title is up for grabs. With a blanket and sponsors have been hard hit to second overall from where overall standings.They are now additional five points in the class of only six points covering the by the impact of the world health they trail the overall leaders by equal with Bradbury/Botes (18 championships for starting an three teams at the top of the leader crises and although all the teams 20 points. points). event and although this changes the board, red-hot action is guaranteed that participated in the opening Clint Gibson/Alaric Smith The remaining overall top ten points somewhat, the standings are at the next race. round at the beginning of the 2020 (Stryker) won the opening round, consists of Theo Erasmus/Edward not yet affected. season would’ve liked to continue but missed the second event and Odendaal (Can-Am Maverick Howes/Campbell (48 points) are Picture: Nadia Jordaan

FRONT RUNNER: After finishing the opening race as the overall and Class A runners-up, victory at Bronkhorstspruit resulted in KZN crew Tim Howes/Gary Campbell (Zarco Magnum) taking the overall (53 points) and class lead. 10 • September 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 No Manager For Vettel FORMULA 1 Sebastian Vettel has no intention of hiring a manager, despite the uncertainty surrounding his Formula 1 future. With Ferrari deciding not to extend Vettel’s contract beyond the end of this year, the German is weighing up options on whether to continue in F1 or do something else. His options in F1 are limited though, but he has been most closely linked with a move to the Aston Martin team for next year, potentially as a replacement for Sergio Perez. Despite the complicated situation he faces over what happens next, allied to some challenging times at Ferrari, the four-time world champion says he has no intention of hiring anyone to help plot his next move. Vettel has famously always elected to handle his own affairs, helped deliver a race win for Speaking in an interview with “Some people come and go. UNKNOWN: Sebastian Vettel and has relied on support from Toro Rosso and titles for Red former grand prix driver Ralf There are a lot of people who has no intention of hiring trusted individuals like Red Bull Bull Racing. Schumacher on Sky about if he felt pat you on the back, and a few a manager, despite the advisor Helmut Marko. Vettel’s media affairs are that now was a good time to get weeks later the same people are uncertainty surrounding his He got to know Marko well managed by Britta Roeske and a manager, Vettel said: “Maybe it criticising you. Formula 1 future. when he was part of Red Bull’s he uses lawyers to help finalise helps here and there. [But] I think Picture: Pirelli young driver programme and paperwork and contracts. this is the path I have always taken. Marco Plays Down His Chances next year has been opened up year. DTM drivers Wittmann and “What’s going to happen in Bavarian marque’s stable next FORMULA E by Alexander Sims moving to Auer have both tested BMW’s FE 2021, I have no clue at the moment. year even if staying in the DTM Mahindra. car in the past, but neither driver So I think first of all [about the] is no longer an option. Marco Wittmann and Lucas BMW is thought likely to fill the suggested they were targeting the DTM then we see where we will be The Austrian driver also Auer have both played down spot alongside Maximilian Gunther seat left open by Sims’ departure. racing next year.” contested the third round of the their chances of securing the with one of its existing factory Asked about the prospect of a Auer, who represented BMW Nurburgring Endurance Series BMW Formula E seat vacated drivers, especially given that the switch to FE, Wittmann said: “To be in the Formula E rookie test for customer team ROWE by Alexander Sims for 2021. DTM’s future beyond 2020 in honest, I didn’t consider this so far. in Marrakesh earlier this year, Racing, sharing a M6 GT3 said that whatever happens he is A seat in the German doubt following Audi’s withdrawal At the end I’m fully concentrated with Nick Yelloly, prior to the confident he will remain part of the manufacturer’s squad for from the series at the end of this on DTM at the moment for 2020. DTM season. Oliveira Predicted The Future MotoGP’s latest winner in the GP last month and bettered with a “Just screaming and pure joy Portugal’s first premier class 900th premier class race after sixth in the Czech GP. to have done it finally,” Oliveira race winner was cut adrift of the MOTOGP stealing victory from Pol Espargaro The Tech 3 rider had shown replied when asked what was going podium battle before the race was and Jack Miller when both ran podium potential at the Andalusian through his head when he took the red-flagged for Maverick Vinales’ Tech3 MotoGP rider Miguel wide at the last corner of a dramatic GP when he qualified fifth, but chequered flag. crash, but the halt to proceedings Oliveira says he “saw” his Styrian GP. was taken out on lap one by fellow “I saw this coming already quite allowed him to switch from the maiden premier class victory at Oliveira’s best result of his KTM rider Brad Binder, and was a few races ago. I felt we had the medium to the hard front tyre. the Styrian Grand Prix coming rookie season last year came at on course for his first rostrum potential to do it, so finally to be “quite a few races ago”. Red Bull Ring when he was eighth, in Austria when he collided able to do it is a huge boost to be The Portuguese rider became which he matched at the Spanish with Espargaro. able to continue like this.” Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 11 Morbidelli Feeling Shy MOTOGP Franco Morbidelli admits he was “a little bit shy” early in the MotoGP Styrian Grand Prix at Turn 2 a week after his horror Austrian GP accident with Johann Zarco. Morbidelli escaped a near- 200mph collision with Zarco at the fast Turn 2 kink without serious injury during the first Red Bull Ring race and was back on his Petronas Yamaha for the Styrian GP. Though he said on Friday that he had no issues going through that section of the circuit, Morbidelli admits he was more cautious while running in the pack in the early laps of the race – but believes everyone was doing the same. “I was a little bit shy in Turn 2,” Morbidelli admitted when asked if he was steadier through Turn 2 in the first few laps. “But I think [I was ] like everybody, not just me, because I also saw Johann making a similar overtakes that he did with me in Turn 2. “But he was keeping a tighter the accident was more careful in up to 14th having had to overtake CLOSE CALL: Morbidelli escaped a near-200mph collision with line than in Turn 2. That means that corner.” Morbidelli at one stage. Zarco at the fast Turn 2 kink without serious injury during the going in he was rolling off and he Zarco was handed a pitlane first Red Bull Ring race and was back on his Petronas Yamaha for was keeping more margin. start for causing the collision, Picture: MotoGP.com the Styrian GP. “So I think that every rider after and eventually worked his way

Sims is expected to be joined his 2017/18 campaign with DS at Mahindra by , who Virgin. replaced Porsche-bound Pascal “I’m delighted to be joining Sims On The Move Wehrlein for the final six races Mahindra Racing and continuing Indian manufacturer. 2019/20 season. of the 2019/20 Formula E season my Formula E campaign,” said FORMULA E Sims moved to Mahindra after It is unclear who will replace in Berlin. Sims, who was also part of two years with the BMW Andretti Sims at BMW, but the Munich- The British driver made two BMW’s M8 GTE programme Alexander Sims will leave BMW team, during which he scored based manufacturer could deploy superpole appearances and bagged previously. “It is an exciting Andretti to join Mahindra one victory and another podium one of its DTM drivers to partner a best race finish of fifth during that opportunity to bring on the Racing for the 2020/21 finish but couldn’t quite match Gunther, who announced this period, and has been retained by team’s package and challenge Formula E season, with Jerome the performance of teammate morning that he will stay with the the outfit for what would be his first for strong results. d’Ambrosio departing the Maximilian Gunther in the marque in 2020/21 season. full season in the category since Verstappen Teammate Terminator Formula 1 standings since he was season Verstappen has outqualified teammates the last two years, “He is doing an exceptional FORMULA 1 paired with Daniel Ricciardo in Albon on all six occasions, and he has just annihilated them,” job. I would love to see him go 2017, and even then Verstappen finished ahead in every race he has said Button. up against Lewis [Hamilton] is outqualified the Australian 13-7. completed. “I haven’t seen that in in a championship fight. Those “annihilating” teammates That qualifying balance blew That head-to-head record is motorsport for a very long time, two, top of their game, it’s what in a way not seen since the out to 15-5 in Verstappen’s favour something Button finds deeply probably back to the Ayrton Senna we all want to see. Is it ever likes of Ayrton Senna and the following season, while Pierre impressive, the 2009 world days, and Michael Schumacher going to happen? I don’t know.” Michael Schumacher, says Gasly and Alex Albon were only champion telling the In the Fast days. I don’t think there’s been Jenson Button. able to outqualify Verstappen once Lane podcast that it reminds him of a driver that’s annihilated their The Dutchman hasn’t been each during the 2019 season. greats Senna and Schumacher. teammate like he has in a very beaten by a teammate in the In the six races so far this “You compare him to his long time. 12 • September 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Hulkenberg Has No Interest FORMULA 1

Nico Hulkenberg has no interest in taking a test or reserve driver role in Formula 1, despite putting himself back in the spotlight after his brief Racing Point return. The German made a surprise comeback to F1 for the two Silverstone races earlier this month following Sergio Perez being sidelined because of coronavirus. He failed to start the because of a mechanical problem, but finished seventh in the 70th Anniversary GP a week later. While his form impressed many people and put him in the frame for either a race or reserve role in 2021, Hulkenberg has made clear that he is only interested in competing. Speaking to German channel Sport1, Hulkenberg said that after his long career in F1 there was little desire for him to do anything other than race. “I personally do not see myself in the role of reserve driver,” he said during an appearance on the AvD Motorsport Magazin show. “I sat in a race cockpit for 10 years and stood at the start lights, That’s not the path I want to take.” talks about a 2021 drive have STILL DRIVING: The German made a surprise comeback to F1 so accepting a step backwards Hulkenberg has been linked not accelerated as a result of him for the two Silverstone races earlier this month following Sergio without much chance of getting to seats at both Alfa Romeo and racing again. Perez being sidelined because of coronavirus. back in makes little sense to me. Haas since his return, but he says Picture: Pirelli

impressive career that includes winning the 2015 DTM title with Mercedes and a two-year stint Pascal Gets A Porsche in Formula 1 with Manor and Wehrlein moved to Formula stepped down from his seat prior Friday, just over 12 hours after the Sauber in 2016-2017. FORMULA E E in the 2018/19 season with to the final six races of the season conclusion of the 2019/20 season. “It is a great honour for Mahindra, scoring a pole position in Berlin. Wehrlein will team up with me to represent Porsche in the Porsche has signed former and a podium finish in his debut The German driver was widely Andre Lotterer, who has been 2020/2021 ABB FIA Formula Formula 1 driver Pascal season en route to 12th in the expected to join Porsche for the retained for a second campaign E World Championship,” Wehrlein for the 2020/21 drivers’ championship. Weissach manufacturer’s second after being recruited from DS Wehrlein said. Formula E season, replacing He stayed with Mahindra for season in Formula E, and the Techeetah, replacing Jani. Neel Jani in its driver line-up. a second season in 2019/20, but move was officially announced on He joins Porsche after an

Miguel [Oliveira].” KTM’s Espargaro, who was third after being pushed wide at the last corner by Miller and allowing Tech 3’s Oliveira to come through Sympathy For Mir for a shock maiden win, said the Mir had looked one of the fresh medium front tyres left for “To be honest, I’m gutted for Styrian GP was “Mir’s race”. MOTOGP strongest riders throughout the the 12-lap restart, and so had to Mir because he was riding really “It was a beautiful race, fighting Styrian weekend, and was in complete the second race on tyre strong,” Miller said. I tried to from the beginning to the end,” MotoGP Styrian Grand Prix total control of the race with a he’d already put 16 laps on. follow him for nine laps, I did but Espargaro said. “I feel that this podium finishers Jack Miller 2.4-second gap to the chasing pack Pramac’s Miller - who finished that’s all I had. race, it was not our race, it was and Pol Espargaro offered when a brake failure for Maverick second - says he is “gutted” for Mir “I was done. Unless he had Mir’s race.”He was very fast from sympathy for Joan Mir after the Vinales brought out the red flag on as he felt the Suzuki rider “had the tyre problems towards the end, he the beginning and he was going red flag denied the Suzuki rider lap 17 of 28. thing sorted” having been unable to had that thing sorted. But, gutted away. It’s a pity for him because he a maiden victory. The Suzuki rider had no more do anything more than follow him. for him, but really happy for was the fastest today.” Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 13 Morgado Stars At iDube places in the other two heats versus another local lad, Shrien Naidoo KARTING two fourth places for the young who emerged victorious on Sunday gun, secured the top class win for evening, with his second and fourth The opening round of the the seasoned home hero on the day. race wins. 2020 South African Rotax Max Another local lad, Robert That was enough to keep race 3 Challenge national karting Whiting impressed with a trio winner Charl Visser, Brett Waldon, championship proved some of thirds and a second to take a Jason Coetzee, heat 1 winner way beyond expectations at close third for the day behind Tate Bishop and local karting lass iDube near Pietermaritzburg. Liebenberg, while Jamie Smith’s Riley Horner at bay, while another Not only did the well run second heat third place saw him local lad Dane van Heerde also event attract an entry close to that beat Jason Coetzee to third overall impressed racing an aged chassis of last year’s race run in normal on a tie break, with Sebastian Boyd he shared with his mum, who also circumstances, in spite of it next up from Nicolas Spanoynnis, raced it in the Masters class. running without spectators to strict Niko Zafiris and Divan Braak. Talking Max Masters, Sean lockdown rules, but some cracking Pretoria driver Nick Verheul Foley beat Richard van Heerde racing on the day also proved made no mistakes as he trotted to a two races to one to take overall hugely entertaining. maximum score with four race wins honours in the chain-driven class At 41 years old, Durban hero un the over-30 DD2 Masters over for older and bigger-boned drivers Cristiano Morgado is very much the SA champion Jonathan Pieterse. with Richard Horner scraping in Valentino Rossi of South African Shane Foley ended up third overall for third ahead of Dane’s mum karting and the multiple Rotax Max ahead of a spat for fourth between Beverley van Heerde, Dean and World Champion was at it again as Eric Marzoppi and Ryan Wilde, Allan-Jon Rice. he beat among SA’s finest young resolved in Marzoppi’s favour, racers to top class DD2 gearbox while Cody Sherratt rounded out Picture: Motorsport Fanatix kart honours on Sunday the top six. NEVER TOO OLD: At 41 years old, Durban hero Cristiano Morgado shared two wins Open class chain-drive Senior apiece with multiple SA DD2 Morgado is very much the Valentino Rossi of South African Max was another star attraction of karting and the multiple Rotax Max World Champion was at it champion Bradley Liebenberg, but the day, with three different drivers the older driver’s second and third again as he beat among SA’s finest young racers to top class DD2 winning the four heats, but it was gearbox kart honours on Sunday.

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OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 14 • September 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Folger Makes Barcelona Debut WSBK Ex-MotoGP rider Jonas Folger will make his World Superbike debut in next month’s Barcelona round, as he targets a full-time move to the series. The 27-year-old German will ride a privateer Yamaha YZF-R1 for the MGM Racing squad as a one-off at the Spanish track on September 19-20. It will mark his first world championship outing since last year’s , the last of five appearances for the Petronas Sprinta Moto2 outfit. Folger kicked off his Superbike career with a double-win in the season opener of the German- based IDM series at Assen last weekend, and says it’s his intention to make the step up to the world championship next year. “I want to come back to world championship [level] and, I’ve also had some wildcards in Moto2 but I wasn’t feeling great in the smaller categories,” he told the official WSBK website. “I knew that if I want to come a 1000cc bike and a Superbike, as Superbike and I will do everything RACE TIME: Ex-MotoGP rider Jonas Folger will make his World back to racing in any category, that is what I can do well. That’s that I can to be good in Barcelona.” Superbike debut in next month’s Barcelona round, as he targets then I need to come back and race why my new goal is to go to World Picture: WorldSBK.com a full-time move to the series. Romeo Returns For Season had pulled out of the championship pressing ahead with its plan to re- sole driver has not been revealed to racing and the way we live at the end of the last season and join the grid, but it will downsize but it is known that the team our passion,” Michela Cerruti, WTCC was even planning to sell both of its operation to a single car. has signed a former WTCR race Romeo Ferraris Operations The Romeo Ferraris squad has its Alfa TCR cars to a buyer. The WTCR had required winner. Manager said. announced that it will return However Romeo Ferraris teams to field a minimum of two It fielded Kevin Ceccon and Ma to the FIA World Touring had been plotting a return to the cars since 2018, but this rule Qinghua in 2019, with the latter Car Cup with its Alfa Romeo grid, prompted by a cost-friendly was dropped earlier this year to delivering its sole win of the season Giulietta TCR car ahead of the calendar which features just six bolster the grid numbers amid the at . start of the new season. rounds in Europe. coronavirus pandemic. “A lot of things have changed in The race-winning Italian outfit The team confirmed that it is The identity of Romeo Ferraris’ recent months, but not our approach Tsunoda Sooner Or Later current prospects from Japan. Silverstone, while logging another into F1, and last year two-time driver that both and Red FORMULA 1 He finished ninth in his rookie two feature race podium finishes Super Formula champion Naoki Bull would like to promote. season in the FIA F3 series last and taking pole at the second Yamamoto was given an FP1 Thus far this year he has had AlphaTauri Formula 1 boss year, having scored one race Austrian event. session with the then Toro Rosso the edge on Carlin teammate Franz Tost expects to see victory in the Monza sprint Tsunoda currently lies fourth team at the Japanese GP. and fellow Red Bull-backed Japanese F2 racer Yuki event for the unfancied Jenzer in the championship, in line However, at 32, Yamamoto - driver Jehan Daruvala, while Tsunoda driving one of the Motorsport squad. with the target needed to obtain also a title-winner in SUPER GT the prospects of Juri Vips team’s cars “sooner or later.” The 20-year-old moved up to a superlicence, 39 points behind - is generally regarded as having earning a superlicence have been Tsunoda is a protege of both F2 with Carlin this year, winning series leader Callum Ilott. missed his opportunity to switch compromised by COVID-19 Red Bull and Honda, and is the Sunday sprint race at the 70th Honda is understandably keen to F1. impacting his ability to race in widely regarded as one of the best Anniversary Grand Prix meeting at to fast track a Japanese driver Tsunoda has emerged as the Super Formula. Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 15 Bosses Need To Make Changes FORMULA 1 believes pressure needs to be placed on Formula 1 bosses so that changes are made to avoid boring races such as the . Hamilton eased to a dominant victory at the Circuit de Spa- Francorchamps leading every lap of the race ahead of Mercedes teammate . But a need for tyre management meant there was little action at the front of the field, with Hamilton, Bottas and Max Verstappen spending the entire race unchanged as the top three. Red Bull driver Verstappen called the race “boring”, and lamented the fact he had to manage his tyres for around 38 laps of the 44-lap race. Mercedes’ performance advantage over the rest of the field has also led to a lack of competition at the front, something Hamilton compared to the dominance enjoyed by Michael Schumacher EXCITEMENT: Lewis Hamilton believes pressure needs to be placed on Formula 1 bosses so that changes are made to avoid boring and Ferrari in the early 2000s. races such as the Belgian Grand Prix. “I can’t speak for the fans but “As soon as the start was done with these drivers, they’re very, definitely not the most exciting. I because I think everyone wants to having been a fan, growing up, and the restart, you generally very consistent. feel exactly the same as Max. see us all battling together.” having watched the Schumacher know that I don’t make too “It’s very difficult to overtake “I hope the next races. I really era of course, I know what it’s many mistakes, and the same in this circuit, so I can imagine it’s hope that we have more of a race, Picture: Pirelli like,” Hamilton said.

July 31 - August 2. The Estoril organisers are yet to decide whether to allow fans and media to the circuit or not, with a decision expected to be Misano Out Estoril In taken closer to the race. The 2020 WSBK calendar has World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, new fixture on the calendar, having Meanwhile, WSBK also WSBK already been revamped several although this round was marked as hosted a round in the inaugural announced that it has secured times following the outbreak of TBC by the series. season of WSBK in 1988, and a new three-year contract with The World Superbike coronavirus, with all flyaway The WSBK has now announced again five years later in 1993. Misano, despite the cancellation Championship has announced rounds and several popular races in that Misano will be dropped The addition of Estoril means of this year’s race - the final in that Estoril will replace Europe scrapped in recent months. altogether from the calendar and Portugal has two rounds on the its current deal. This will mean Misano as the final round As per the last version of the replaced by a new round at Estoril WSBK calendar for the first time the 2021 Misano race will mark of the COVID-19-disrupted calendar, the 2020 season was on October 16-18. in the championship history, the 30th year of WSBK at the 2020 season. due to conclude at the Misano The Portuguese circuit is not a following the Portimao round on Italian track. Racing Point Not Worried month that it will be tweaking the Racing Point was found to But Racing Point team boss The reason we don’t have 700 FORMULA 1 regulations from 2021 to clamp have illegally copied the rear brake Szafnauer does not believe the or 800 like some of the bigger down on car copying, preventing duct design of the 2019 Mercedes, changes to the regulations will teams is that we lack in-house The upcoming clampdown teams from reverse engineering but will fight the case in the FIA’s have any impact on the Silverstone- manufacturing. “But if you just from the FIA on car copying other designs through photography. International Court of Appeal. based squad’s business model compare us to everyone else in Formula 1 will have “zero It comes in the wake of the Both FIA head of single-seaters moving forward. in design, development, aero impact” on Racing Point’s controversy surrounding Racing Nikolas Tombazis and secretary “I don’t think it changes our personnel, we are the same. business model, according to Point’s design approach for the general for motorsport Peter Bayer business model at all. We’re We’re the same as the big teams. Otmar Szafnauer. RP20 car, which is based on the have confirmed they will put an not the most affected team,” The FIA announced this title-winning Mercedes W10 end to car copying by updating the Szafnauer said. from 2019. regulations for next year. “We’ve got 500 employees. 16 • September 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Davies Looking At Options WSBK Chaz Davies admits he is “looking at other options” for the 2021 World Superbike season while he waits for Ducati to begin renewal negotiations. Davies has been a Ducati rider in the production-based series since 2014, finishing runner-up in the championship in 2015, 2017 and 2018, while winning 26 races. The Welshman’s current deal expires at the end of the season and so far there has been no apparent urgency from Ducati to finalise its 2021 line-up – though Scott Redding has been signed to a single-year deal. Over the coronavirus-enforced break in the WSBK season several rider market developments occurred, with Kawasaki retaining Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes, while BMW has snapped up Michael van der Mark for 2021. Asked about the progress of talks with Ducati for 2021, Davies from them, some response just to I have to look around. I am not NEW RIDE?: Davies has been a Ducati rider in the production- said: “I’m waiting for them pretty understand their position. That getting a response yet, nothing based series since 2014, finishing runner-up in the much. Obviously the conversation is as far as we have got. A lot of concrete. There is only so long I championship in 2015, 2017 and 2018, while winning 26 races. has been raised, but nothing has things have to be spoken about, but can wait for them and I am looking been discussed in detail. naturally I would like to stay. at other options. “I am waiting on some direction “I am not wedded to Ducati, Picture: WorldSBK.com Indy Return Good News Todt, who was in Indianapolis event went on hiatus. When F1 Asked if a potential return to have taken the lead, and I was FORMULA 1 to attend the 104th running of the returned to America, in 2012, it Indianapolis is something the FIA very impressed with what Indy 500, spent the morning at raced at Circuit of The Americas in would support, Todt replied: “Well I saw this morning. All the Jean Todt, president of the IMS and in the company of Roger Austin, TX where it has remained you know the responsibility of the improvements have been done FIA, says he believes that Penske, who bought the hallowed ever since. calendar is with the commercial in a very short time; Roger has Formula 1 returning to facility, along with the IndyCar However, the U.S. GP, rights holder, but clearly already achieved quite a lot Indianapolis Motor Speedway Series, last November. along with the other North and Indianapolis has all the ingredients with facilities that were already would be very good for the The IMS road course hosted South American F1 races, have of a Formula 1 venue, all very impressive. sport because it “has all the Formula 1’s U.S. Grand Prix fallen victim this year to the the facilities. ingredients” of an F1 venue. from 2000 through ’07, before the COVID-19 pandemic. “Roger Penske and his group Schumacher Joins Carlin nephew of seven-time world Now it has been announced them all the best for the future. filled by Leonardo Pulcini in the FORMULA 3 champion Michael, announced last that Schumacher will see out of the “I look forward to this new previous Barcelona round. week he had split with the Charouz season with Carlin, starting with challenge now with Carlin and will Pulcini had been called David Schumacher has Racing System squad. this weekend’s Spa round. be pushing hard to end the season up to replace Ben Barnicoat, joined the Carlin team for the It followed a difficult start of “I haven’t quite had the season with some strong results.” who himself was a substitute remaining three rounds of the the campaign for the F3 rookie that I hoped for so far,” commented Schumacher will become the for Enaam Ahmed for the two 2020 FIA Formula 3 season. yielded no points and a best finish Schumacher. “I want to thank the sixth different driver to race for Silverstone rounds after Ahmed The 18-year-old son of ex- of 12th in the second Red Bull Ring Charouz team for all their efforts Carlin in F3 so far this season, parted ways with Carlin. Formula 1 driver Ralf, and feature race. over the last few months and wish and is expected to take the seat Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 17 The Reece And Ryan Team motorcycles again. ENDURO The entries were outstanding, according the organizer Kym Both riding in the same Hodgskin, as they normally get far Clubman class Reece Hunt more entries from neighbouring tackled his first full enduro countries but lock down put a stop event with his father Springbok to that as they were unable to cross and Multiple Motocross SA the borders. National Champion Ryan Hunt. The event had a multi number . “On his first event, I did not of classes catering for all types of expect the clubman class to be that riders, juniors, beginners, all the tough, so riding in the same class smaller capacity motorcycles, high was a good call,” said SA l n Ryan school, a large number of Club who is also a co-sponsor of these classes catering for junior, senior, popular Lowveld Enduro Events masters, Pros, Ladies riders etc. “Reece did exceptionally well to finish the race without too many Released by Vermont Sales/ hiccups and both Husky’s did not Tork Craft 011 314 7711 and miss a beat. More of the fathers Digger Marketing should enter races together with their sons in the same class, firstly it is a lot of fun and the kids will learn a lot more, have the security and it will also certainly give them a lot more confidence having dad close by,” said Hunt. Both finished mid field, which FATHER AND SON: Both is not too shabby for Reece’s first riding in the same Clubman race, this popular well attended class Reece Hunt tackled his series had over 148 entries from all first full enduro event with his over the country KZN, Limpopo, father Springbok and Multiple Gauteng, Mpumalanga all who Motocross SA National could not wait to get back on their Champion Ryan Hunt. Bagnaia Gets Rossi Vote it had offered Bagnaia a new two- return. would recommend him to go to the Prix, but is expected to return MOTOGP year deal to remain within the Ducati says it is looking to works team. at Misano. Rumours suggest Italian marque’s ranks for 2021, finalise its 2021 plans ahead “In Team Pramac they are Zarco will remain at Avintia Valentino Rossi says he hopes with Johann Zarco also set to stay. of the San Marino Grand Prix certainly all very good, but the with additional Ducati support, to see his protege Francesco With Andrea Dovizioso with Yamaha rider Rossi hoping factory one has something on paper with either Luca Marini or Enea Bagnaia “dressed in red” for quitting the works Ducati team Bagnaia gets the nod to step up more. I hope to see him dressed in Bastianini stepping up from the 2021 MotoGP season as for 2021, the seat alongside Jack from Pramac to the works squad. red next year, because it would be a Moto2 to join Jorge Martin – Ducati nears a decision on its Miller now looks set to go to either “I think they [Pramac] are really great opportunity whose deal is yet to be formally future works team line-up. Zarco or Bagnaia – though Ducati really close to Ducati, but I really Bagnaia has been sidelined confirmed – at Pramac. During the Styrian Grand has not ruled out three-time world hope for Pecco that his future is since fracturing his knee in a crash Prix weekend, Ducati confirmed champion Jorge Lorenzo making a in the works team,” said Rossi. “I during FP2 at the Czech Grand Riders Demand Stewards Consistency to Johann Zarco for the Styrian green painted run-off on the exit of Suzuki’s Joan Mir felt – after he Marquez in 2015, with double MOTOGP GP after his horror collision with Turn 8. was forced to drop a place on the 500cc world champion Freddie Franco Morbidelli in the Austrian As it was on the last lap, opening lap for running off at Turn Spencer heading up the panel of Leading riders have called GP the week before. any abuse of track limits is 1- KTM’s Pol Espargaro should three from last year. for more consistency from In the Styrian GP, penalties automatically punished by a drop also have been demoted from third “I would say it’s not an easy MotoGP stewards following awarded in the Moto2 race for of one place – though some felt for running off at the final corner on job they are doing, but I’m not numerous incidents across track limits abuse were called into promoted winner Bezzecchi should the last lap. confident in the Stewards,” Zarco the Austrian and Styrian question, as several riders felt Jorge also have been penalised as he too The current Stewards’ panel said after his penalty was handed Grand Prix weekends. Martin – who was stripped of his ran off track at the same place. was set-up in 2016 following to him.“I don’t think it’s the right Opinion was split on the win – gained nothing over Marco The debate on track limits the controversial Sepang clash people in the right place. You pitlane start penalty awarded Bezzecchi when he ran onto the raged after the MotoGP race, as between Valentino Rossi and Marc should have other people.“ 18 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Offroad Leading Ladies has been competing in the SACCS OFFROAD Production Vehicle Category for a few years. Baragwanath invited Perry to read the notes for him RACING in the left-hand drive, two-wheel drive Century Racing CR 6 at the Many would say motorsport in recent Bronkhorstspruit 400 and all forms is still too male dominated, the pair finished fifth overall in the but that is not necessarily the extremely competitive FIA Class. case in the South African Cross More regular racing couples Country Series where four ladies include Ramon and Maret finished in the top 12 at the recent Bezuidenhout, who are well-known Bronkhorstspruit 400. names in the SACCS as well as And as August was Woman’s Bernard and Minette Johnstone Month, we pay tribute to all the who started competing during the ladies that are involved in the sport 2019 season. Hats off – or helmets – from competitors, officials and off – to the competing ladies on all organisers to families, supporters levels of racing who are willing to and those behind the scenes put the high heels away for a few while we also think about all the days and do what they love. ladies who played a role in the And while the ladies are sport in some or other way over battling it out either behind the many years. wheel or in the navigator’s seat on Cross Country motor racing a race that spans over two to three has since its inception in the mid days and totalling between 400 and 1960’s, been a family orientated 1000 gruelling kilometres, there sport and it is evident in the number are more who fill important roles of husband and wife, father and behind the scenes to ensure that daughter and brother and sister events run smoothly. teams that have participated and “Cross Country racing can excelled in the sport over the years. proudly say that ladies form an This family bond can also be integral part of our sport and seen in the designated service we extend our appreciation and park (DSP) where mothers, gratitude to each and every one, past wives, daughters, aunts, nieces DESERT QUEEN: The tiny motorcycle rider Taye Perry, earned the nickname of South Africa’s and present for their contribution and granddaughters all pitch in to Desert Rose when she started and finished the epic 2020 in the motorcycle category. to the sport,” said SACCS CEO ensure the team is well looked after Navigators’ Champion. This A Champions. the epic 2020 Dakar Rally in the Archie Rutherford. and that all the essential tasks are season she navigates for the The tiny motorcycle rider motorcycle category. performed before, during and after double Class T champion Lance Taye Perry, earned the nickname She has now also had her Pictures: Nadia Jordaan the race. Woolridge (Ford Castrol Cross of South Africa’s Desert Rose baptism by fire next to quad racing This does not only include Country Team) in the Production when she started and finished champion, Brian Baragwanath, who providing the much needed Vehicle category after sitting next nutritional sustenance but extends to Schalk Burger Jnr in 2019. to assisting with refuelling, A number of ladies in the changing tyres, cleaning helmets Production Vehicle Category are and visors and watching the also not scared to mix some mud stopwatch to make sure the team and dust with their make-up. does not overstay their allocated Letshego Zulu, a former Survivor time in DSP resulting in costly South Africa finalist and self- time penalties. confessed adrenalin junkie has This year, the SA National Cross navigated as a celebrity guest for Country Championship has quite a Terence Marsh in the Red-Line few lady competitors of which the Motorsport on 2018 SA National Special Vehicle various occasions. Navigators’ Champion, Sandra This year, the seat is Labuschagne-Jonck, is one. permanently hers and the team Sandra, a veterinarian by claimed their first Class T victory profession, earned her Protea of the season at the recent Colours in 2018 and moved from Bronkhorstspruit 400 and are now the navigator’s seat of the Total the new class leaders. Agri Porter to the driver’s seat Jolinda Fourie, wife of Marius when dad Coetzee retired after Fourie and daughter-in-law of more than two decades of racing. Class A driver, André Fourie, is With hubby Jaco now reading the an accomplished business women notes, Sandra is learning fast and and navigates for Marius in their enjoying every second behind Ford Ranger. The couple joined the wheel. the Cross Country family in the Another lady who earned the Special Vehicle Category in 2010 green and gold, is Elvéne Vonk, and are the 2017 SA National RACE READY: Letshego Zulu, a former Survivor South Africa finalist and self-confessed adrenalin who is a Protea Rally Navigator Special Vehicle Overall and Class junkie has navigated as a celebrity guest for Terence Marsh in the Red-Line Motorsport Nissan and a multiple SA National Rally Navara on various occasions. Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • September 2020 • 19 Sykes Stays With BMW WSBK

BMW has announced it will continue with 2013 World Superbike champion Tom Sykes for the 2021 season. Sykes joined BMW for its factory WSBK return last season following his departure from Kawasaki and tallied up four podiums on the all-new S1000RR on his way to eighth in the standings. The Briton’s future at the team was thrown into some doubt when BMW announced it has secured the services of Michael van der Mark, who will quit Yamaha at the end of the current campaign. In a so-far difficult campaign for both BMW riders, Sykes has had the edge over teammate Eugene Laverty, outscoring him by 31 points across the four rounds held in 2020 – with Sykes managing a pole at Phillip Island and a best of sixth on three occasions. BMW has decided to partner pillar of this project”, said “This gives us continuity, which TOM SYKES: Joined BMW for its factory WSBK return last season 34-time race winner Sykes with Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad is very important for the successful following his departure from Kawasaki and tallied up four van der Mark for 2021, citing Motorsport Director. development of a project.“We have podiums on the all-new S1000RR on his way to eighth in the continuity as a main factor in “We are pleased to be able already achieved a lot together, and standings. his renewal. to continue along the common the goal is now to definitively close “Tom has been part of our path in 2021, which we embarked the gap to the front-runners. WorldSBK Team from the upon with the first tests back in very start and is an important December 2018. Picture: WorldSBK.com

maximum two or three years. We part thanks to his World RX have a good relationship with the campaign last year. Hungaroring and I think that’s the “The sport is growing in Hungary In The Frame first step, to get a good connection Hungary as more and more with the sport.” drivers race in World RX events, Szabo pushing to have a home Hungaroring branding on his i20. While World RX has never especially in Euro RX. My RALLYCROSS event. “I really hope that in the near visited Hungary, the European appearance in World RX last Szabo raced full time in future Hungary will organise a rallycross championship was a year raised the attention of a lot The Hungaroring is in the World RX last year with a Mattias World RX race and it will be at regular at the Nyirad circuit from of people. Hopefully if we can frame to host a round Ekstrom-owned Audi S1, and is the Hungaroring,” Szabo told 2006 to 2013, the final Euro RX arrive in Hungary with a race of the World Rallycross contesting selected events this Motorsport.com. event to date at the venue being there, a lot of fans will come. Championship within season in a GRX SET Hyundai i20. “I’m trying to bring a race to won by Timmy Hansen. the next few years, with During the opening rounds of Hungary, to have a home race for Szabo says rallycross is growing Hungarian driver Krisztian the season in Sweden the Szabo ran me. Hopefully that will happen in in popularity in his homeland, in Ferrari Disappointed And Angry far Ferrari’s struggles continued with the second dropping him to both aerodynamic efficiency and over this difficult period. FORMULA 1 into the race at Spa as both Charles last place after Ferrari had to top power at Spa, noting it as a difficult “It’s the only way we will get Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel up the pneumatic pressure on his point in a trying year. out of this situation.” Ferrari was left finished outside of the top 10. power unit. “We are disappointed and Leclerc explained after the “dithesappointed and angry” Leclerc ran as high as eighth in Leclerc recovered to 14th at angry, as indeed are our fans and race that Ferrari was so far down by its display in the Formula 1 the opening stages after making a the finish, crossing the line two with good reason,” Binotto said. on power that he even struggled Belgian Grand Prix after failing good start, but quickly fell down the seconds behind teammate Vettel, “It’s a difficult moment in a to overtake when using DRS to score any points, according to order as Ferrari’s lack of straight- who did not spend a single lap of season that we knew from the start on the Kemmel Straight.”It was team principal Mattia Binotto. line speed left him powerless to the race inside the top 10. would be a tough one, but it’s at extremely frustrating, as it has been After slumping to its worst keep cars behind. Ferrari F1 chief Binotto said times like this that we need to stand a very difficult weekend for us,” qualifying result of the season so Leclerc had two slow pitstops, the team was “severely lacking” in firm and look ahead in order to get Leclerc said. 20 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 2020 Championship Battle Resumes gaining ground in Round 2 and INEX will be eager to diminish the deficit even further at Zwartkops. Former South African and Legends World Champion Devin Robertson is set to make his first 2020 Following an enforced break of appearance as well as Anton six months, the 2020 Liqui Moly Repsold who last competed in the INEX Legends Championship penultimate round of 2019. Other resumes at Zwartkops Raceway drivers who will be making their on September 11-12 with six first appearances for 2020 are drivers all within a one-race- Johan and Neels Jooste, win margin of the lead. Larsson and Seef Fourie. The national lockdown, brought Round 3 will form part of the on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Extreme Festival with three races also sees the current season scheduled for the Saturday. reduced to four rounds, effectively The provisional times are: making Round 3 the penultimate 09:50: Race 1 – 10 Laps round of the 2020 championship. 12:05: Race 2 – 10 Laps Reigning champion Jagger 16:45: Race 3 – 10 Laps Robertson (1100 Points) took the Due to the agreed regulations Championship lead in Round 2 between Motorsport South Africa following a strong performance at and the National Government Zwartkops Raceway and is tipped as well as the stipulations for to consolidate his position. Early Level 2 of the Risk-Adjusted leader Gerhard Roux and Justin Strategy to ease the lockdown, Robertson are tied on 1045 points no spectators will be allowed at while Richard van Heerde (1000 the event. Please follow the Liqui Points) slid down one position to Moly INEX Legends Facebook fourth place. page (http://www.facebook.com/ Charl Roux (990 Points) and INEXLegendsSA) for all the latest Ian Upton (940 Points) found news and results on the weekend. themselves in a host of front-end INEX Legends South Africa battles in the early part of 2020 would like to thank Liqui Moly already and could well be causing COMPETITIVE: Jagger Robertson will start Round 3 at Zwartkops as the Championship leader. South Africa, Autozone, Rubro a few upsets to find themselves in Construction, Big Boss Auto the lead of the Championship at the and Global Roofing Solution for end of Round 3. Johann de Venter making their 2020 season possible. (780 Points) has also steadily been Photos: Reynard Gelderblom

2020 DEBUT: Anton Repsold will make his first Legends THE CHASERS: Justin Robertson and Gerhard Roux are currently tied for second place. appearance for 2020. Performance & Accessories

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