November 2020

SOUTH AFRICAN and WORLD racing NEWS and VIEWS

KARTING SA CROSS COUNTRY DTM Photo: Heinrich Sauer Photo: Nadia Jordaan Photo: dtm.com See Pages 12 & 13 See Page 17 See Page 16 MERCEDES SLAMS HAMILTON CRITICS See page 9 Photo by: MotoGP.com Retro Rewind Loeb Signs Exclusive Dakar Deal Page 10 Page 14 Live Your Best Life With TyreLife Solutions

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EDITOR IN CHIEF MARKETING MANAGER Robbyn Ramsay - [email protected] Stewart Ramsay - 082 570 2995 MANAGING EDITOR [email protected] Craig Ramsay - [email protected] PUBLISHER LETTERS Topic Publishing (Pty) Ltd - Phone: 082 570 2995 [email protected] DESIGN WEBSITE Blankpage Design & Advertising www.motorsportworld.co.za 4 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Max Has More To Offer he has finished. He also has more FORMULA 1 than double the points tally of his team mate after 11 When burst races. But Horner says this is just onto the Formula 1 scene in the beginning for his star driver, 2015 he instantly impressed who is now competing in his sixth with his speed behind the full F1 season. wheel, despite being just “Is there more to come from 17-years-old at the time. Max? Look, I think just as he gains Since then he has gone on to experience he’s just maturing as a become one of the most exciting driver,” Horner said. drivers in the sport – but his Red “He’s only just literally turned Bull boss Christian Horner says 23 years of age, but he’s got a there is still a lot more to come significant amount of races behind from the talented Dutchman. him now and he’s just growing and Verstappen famously won the growing. You can see that maturity on his debut in the car, in his racing and I for , after being promoted think there’s exciting times ahead mid-season from the Toro Rosso of him.” team, to become the youngest Picture: winner in F1 history – he was just 18 at the time – and has since added eight more wins to his tally. This season he has become the MORE TO COME: When Max only real challenger to Mercedes Verstappen burst onto the drivers and Formula 1 scene in 2015 he , beating the pair to instantly impressed with his victory in the 70th Anniversary speed behind the wheel, Grand Prix at Silverstone, and despite being just 17-years-old making the podium in every race at the time.

He was absent from last it’s great,” Stoner said. “It is weekend’s Aragon GP and will really difficult to be in someone sit out the Teruel round after else’s mind. testing positive for COVID-19 “For me, when I was Rossi A Sad Sight last Thursday. competing against Valentino, he Speaking to Motorsport. was a winner, a killer. He did a top five or a podium “like grand prix world com, Stoner notes Rossi “seems everything possible to win races. a victory”. champion scored a third-place to be struggling to win” now as “Now, however, a top five or MOTOGP Rossi will continue his finish in July’s Andalusian Grand he commented on the Italian’s a podium is like a victory for him Prix and three more top five finishes decision to remain in MotoGP and this is sad for me. He always Double MotoGP world MotoGP career into 2021 after since – though registered three- next year. “I think it all depends did everything possible to win champion Casey Stoner says signing a new deal with Yamaha successive DNFs from the Emilia on Valentino; if he still enjoys the the races and today he seems to it’s “sad” for him to see to join Petronas SRT with full Romagna to the Catalan GP. sport and maintains some speed, be struggling to win.” celebrating factory support. The nine-time Hybrid Gets Go Ahead As well as giving crews a power stiffness in the case of a roll. Side The FIA’s Rally Director, “Introducing the hybrid WRC boost on the stages, the technology impact protection is also being Yves Matton, said: “Looking to car was key to getting the is set to be used on road sections. beefed up, with more material the future, the key is the elements manufacturers’ commitment of the Rally1 philosophy: first, The next generation of Test work on the new system, being introduced into the door bars. for 2022 and this is why it was hybrid and sustainable technology; World Rally Championship which was awarded to German Other changes introduced by not possible to think about second, improvement in safety; and cars will adopt a bespoke firm Compact Dynamics in March, the World Motor Sport Council postponing the introduction of third, cost reduction. 100kW plug-in hybrid is expected to begin next February. include reducing the number of this technology in the World “These are even more system after the final ‘Rally1’ To improve safety, Rally1 cars engines each crew can run in Rally Championship. important now than when we technical regulations were will feature a secondary hoop built the WRC from three to two, and started with these rules two agreed by the FIA’s World into the roll cage behind the driver removing the anti-lag system’s years ago. Motor Sport Council. and co-driver to increase torsional fresh air valve, to push costs down.

VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT Follow the 2020 hero’s click here Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 5 Repsol New Deal and Honda was set to be signed MOTOGP imminently. HRC President Yoshishige Spanish oil giant Repsol has Nomura said: “It is always a great confirmed a two-year extension feeling to extend our partnership of its title sponsorship of the with Repsol, this time for a further Honda MotoGP team, beginning two years. from 2021. “Together we have achieved The Repsol Honda tie-up has incredible success and formed been one of motorsport’s most a partnership which is unique enduring partnerships, with HRC’s in motorsport. factory squad first featuring Repsol “Working as one we have, branding back in 1995. and will continue, to overcome Since then, the Repsol Honda all obstacles and hardships which partnership has celebrated 15 riders’ are presented to us. “2020 has championships courtesy of Mick been a difficult year for the world, Doohan, Alex Criville, Valentino but together with Repsol we Rossi, , Casey Stoner have continued to work towards and Marc Marquez. our goals. Rumours emerged from Picture: Quickpic the MotoGP paddock in recent weeks that Repsol would not be renewing its deal with Honda, with speculation suggesting a possible title partnership between HRC and STAYING PUT: Spanish oil one of its current primary sponsors giant Repsol has confirmed a Red Bull. two-year extension of its title However it was revealed last sponsorship of the Honda week this was not the case and a MotoGP team, beginning from new two-year deal between Repsol 2021. Evans Happy With Top Five Evans finished fourth on the not closer and meant Evans ended “Of course, you always want “We have come away from WRC antepenultimate round of the what was a frustrating weekend more than fourth place, but we the weekend as best as we could championship to retain top spot on the Mediterranean island on a knew coming here and starting first really. We were put out of the World Rally Championship in the drivers’ standings, although high note. on the road was going to be tough, fight on Friday with our road leader Elfyn Evans says a top- his lead over Toyota teammate “I didn’t get as many points on and we were almost out of the fight position and it didn’t make five performance on the Rally Sebastien Ogier was trimmed to the power stage as I would have for the podium by the end of the first sense to take big risks to try Italia Sardinia was what he 14 points. liked, but all in all at least we day. We continued to push but the and be faster and probably end expected to come away with Two bonus points from the secured the result and came away times were close. In the end I think up in the same position at the due to his tricky road-opening power stage ensured the gap with solid points at the end of the fourth was realistically the most we finish anyway. duties on the gravel event. between the two Yaris men was weekend,” he said. could achieve.

develop hybrids, but that the merits of the technology were not being promoted well enough. “I believe we are not telling Wolff Wants Better Story the hybrid story well enough,” well enough. on the grid supplying power units brought forward. The series’ bosses Wolff said. “With 50% thermal FORMULA 1 Following Honda’s - Mercedes, and Renault remain committed to using hybrid efficiency, and the complexity announcement last month that it - and there is no interest from any power units with a fresh focus and technology that exists Mercedes team principal would be quitting F1 at the end of possible new OEMs to join at on synthetic fuels at a time when in these cars with the energy believes Formula 2021 due to its plans to become this time. much of the automotive industry recovery with kinetic energy or 1 remains a “good showcase” carbon neutral by 2050, the series’ F1 is set to introduce a new is pushing increasingly towards exhaust gases, the batteries that for hybrid technology, existing power unit formula has power unit solution in 2026, but electrification. Mercedes team boss we’re using and the technology but is not telling the come under fresh scrutiny. Honda’s Honda’s exit has prompted some Wolff feels F1 was still a good within them, we are a pretty good story of its power units exit leaves just three manufacturers figures to question if this should be platform upon which to market and showcase for hybrid technology.

Repsol Honda’s Alex Marques test rides VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT Portimao Circuit click here 6 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Ferrari Going Backwards And Forwards “Furthermore, the rear Formula 1 of the car will be affected by regulatory changes that the FIA Ferrari will spend its are introducing to reduce the development tokens on a aerodynamic load in order to limit revamp of the rear end of its the stress on the tyres. Formula 1 car next season in its “As a result of these [floor] bid to move up the grid. changes, all teams will lose a The Italian outfit has endured number of points of downforce, a challenging 2020 season with its and it will be essential to work to SF1000 suffering from too much recover as much as possible. All of drag allied to a drop in performance this makes us believe that the most from its engine. important area in which to spend Work is already underway at development tokens is the rear.” Maranello to develop a new power As part of cost-cutting unit, while Ferrari’s head of chassis measures introduced in the wake engineering has of the coronavirus pandemic, F1 revealed that the outfit’s focus on teams are strictly limited in terms improving the car for next year will of how much they can change their revolve in one area. chassis for 2021. “We will redo the rear of the Picture: Pirelli car,” said Resta in an interview with Italian publication Autosprint. “We DRAG PROBLEM: Ferrari will think that this is the area that will spend its development tokens allow more room for development on a revamp of the rear end of between chassis and aerodynamics its Formula 1 car next season for 2021. in its bid to move up the grid Yamaha Team May Quit completed his first full season Baz had previously divulged would partner Garrett Gerloff at its my hands. Some people promised in WSBK with Ten Kate this talks about moving up to Yamaha’s junior outfit GRT, made no mention me a lot of things, we’ll see if it WSBK year after embarking on a partial factory team next season, but of Baz or Ten Kate. Speaking finally happens. says that far from campaign with the former Honda the Crescent Racing-run outfit during the Estoril season finale, Baz “I said from the beginning, having signed a deal to stay squad last year. ultimately settled on World suggested that his hopes of staying [moving to the] factory team was at in World He scored four podium Supersport champion Andrea on with Ten Kate for a second full something I considered, but also Superbike next season, he finishes on his way to eighth in Locatelli as its choice to partner campaign next year are becoming I always said staying at Ten Kate isn’t certain the Yamaha the final standings, second-best incumbent Toprak Razgatlioglu more remote. could be really important for me satellite team will even be on of the independent riders behind for 2021. Yamaha’s statement, in “More far every day,” said Baz and I think we can be stronger the grid. Go Eleven Ducati’s Michael which it was also revealed Japan when asked if he was any closer with the factory support, factory Ex-MotoGP rider Baz Ruben Rinaldi. Superbike ace Kohta Nozane to signing a 2021 deal. “It’s not in bike, the same package.

“We always finish about 10, 12, 14 seconds from the winner, which is not super far, but it’s always like this. This doesn’t Aleix Top Speed Problem make me happy.” Espargaro raced a fresh engine Espargaro has finished inside Espargaro calls Aprilia’s close than 10 seconds at the end in the Aragon GP and claimed on MOTOGP the top seven at Aragon since he inability to break this barrier of the race. I pushed like hell, I Saturday that it offered him up to joined Aprilia in 2017, but could regularly its “limit” and insists he gave everything that I had. But 10km/h more on top speed than Aleix Espargaro says “it’s only manage 13th las ar Aragon. can do no more on the 2020 RS-GP. it’s always the same result, I can’t the unit he’s been running in not easy to be positive” as The Aprilia rider has only “For me it’s not easy to be go faster. previous races. he “can’t go faster” than he finished within 10s of the victory positive because I cannot be fast,” “Some races the KTMs are currently is on the Aprilia once this year, though this was in he said in reply to a question from fighting for the podium, some following his 13th at the the restarted 12-lap Styrian GP Motorsport.com. races the , some races MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix. in August. “It’s like a limit, I can’t go the Ducatis.

VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT Review of the 2020 Italian WRC Rally click here Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 7 Title Surprises Rea of the championship,” said Rea WSBK on Saturday after wrapping up the title. says he “couldn’t “And during lockdown, when imagine” winning his sixth I saw the [revised] calendar, if consecutive World Superbike I could pick any seven tracks to crown after a poor start to the finish the season it wouldn’t be the season and a calendar he feels seven we raced at, because they are didn’t play to the strengths of not the strongest tracks for me or his Kawasaki bike. the machine. Rea came into the Estoril finale “We did an incredible job with as the overwhelming favourite the team, we worked very hard, to wrap up a record-extending we maximised every opportunity sixth straight title, needing only we had. Even coming into the three points from the opening final round of an eight-round race on Saturday to put the prize championship with a large gap beyond the reach of Ducati rival [over Redding] is testament to Scott Redding. all the hard work done behind Despite dramatically crashing the scenes.” in qualifying, Rea recovered to finish fourth in that race to further Picture: WorldSBK.com underline his status as the most successful rider in WSBK history. It marked a turnaround from the opening round of the season at Phillip Island, prior to the season being put on hold for the AGAIN: Jonathan Rea says he COVID-19 pandemic, where he “couldn’t imagine” winning crashed out of the first race and was his sixth consecutive World left trailing teammate Superbike crown after a poor and Redding in the standings. start to the season and a “I couldn’t imagine being here calendar he feels didn’t play to six or seven months ago after the strengths of his Kawasaki crashing out in the first round bike. Pace Scares Morbidelli opening two laps of the Aragon GP The Suzuki is always a strong shape in this race,” Morbidelli behind them is they have MOTOGP before Rins passed him on the third bike the second half of races due to said. “When you see them in their unbelievable grip and tour at Turn 1, with the Suzuki rider its excellent tyre preservation, but ‘mode’ so early in the race, you unbelievable drive out of the Petronas SRT Yamaha’s leaping up from 10th on the grid. generally takes a few laps at the have to be scared. corners, and they are able just Franco Morbidelli says he was The Petronas rider would fall start to settle into strong pace. “I was scared because I was to ride on a different level “scared” by the pace MotoGP victim to the sister Suzuki of Joan However, after seeing Rins expecting the Suzukis, but not this compared to you.” Aragon Grand Prix winner Mir in the following laps, before come by him in Suzuki’s “mode” early in the race. Rins overtook Alex Rins displayed in the eventually finishing sixth after so early, Morbidelli says “you have me on, I think, the third lap - I was early stages of the race. LCR’s pipped to be scared”. impressed by that. Morbidelli ran in third on the him for fifth late on. “I saw a Suzuki in a really good “What you see when you’re Drivers Want Penalties Changed deemed that the world champion race ban. about the system and how some “I raised this question in FORMULA 1 had conducted pre-race practice However, following further seemingly innocuous offences the drivers’ meeting about the starts outside the designated zone, discussions with after the race the automatically earn points in driving points,” said Daniil Formula 1 drivers are pushing and he was given two five-second stewards changed their decision on the same way as more obvious Kvyat. “How sometimes they for a review of the licence time penalties plus an automatic the basis that the Mercedes team dangerous driving infringements, give them to someone, then they penalty point system in the two penalty points on his licence. had informed Hamilton that he such as causing collisions or retire those points. I think this wake of Lewis Hamilton’s The decision temporarily put could start beyond the pit exit, and speeding under yellow flags. thing needs to be a bit reviewed. practice start transgression at him onto 10 points for the 12-month thus he was not solely to blame. The The subject was a major topic the Russian GP. period – and thus within two of the penalty points were withdrawn. of conversation at the drivers’ In Sochi, the FIA stewards 12-point limit that triggers a one- The affair has begun a debate briefing at the Eifel Grand Prix. 8 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 No Solution For Maverick Vinales notes whenever he focuses MOTOGP on improving the bike’s weak points “we don’t make a good Maverick Vinales admits the race”. “weak points” of the Yamaha As a result, his full focus now won’t be made better and will will be on maximising the M1’s now focus fully on the “DNA” main strength of corner speed and of the M1 after the MotoGP front-end stability. Aragon Grand Prix. “We understand now we need Vinales led for the opening to make… the weak points we seven laps of the Aragon race won’t make stronger, but the strong before an unexpected rear tyre points we can make stronger,” drop on the left-hand side left Vinales, who is now just 12 points him powerless to stop eventual off the championship lead, said winner Alex Rins, Honda’s Alex on Sunday. Marquez and the sister Suzuki “So, we’re going to work on of Joan Mir coming through to the line that the Yamaha likes to go relegate him to fourth. on track and see if next race I can The Yamaha rider had been start again first, to push and have a amongst the strongest on race faster rhythm. pace throughout the Aragon “For me, it looks like every GP weekend and had shown time we try to improve the weak no similar tyre wear issues in points we don’t make a good race. practice long runs. Tyre wear and traction have Picture: Yamahamotogp.com been typical problems for the FLAWS: Maverick Vinales admits the “weak points” of the Yamaha won’t be made better and will Yamaha in recent years, and now focus fully on the “DNA” of the M1 after the MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix. Redding Questions Ducati The Bologna marque announced 34-time WSBK race winner and new teammate will make the job of garage is good. We both feel good WSBK in the run-up to the Estoril season three-time championship runner- finding a development path for the with each other, we’re both big finale that it had chosen to promote up Davies, who turned around a V4 R harder. riders and we have the same issues, Scott Redding has questioned Italian youngster Rinaldi, who won difficult 2020 campaign to finish “It could make my job a little which means we have the same the wisdom of the Ducati World his first race earlier this year on third overall and end up only 32 bit more difficult, trying to develop goal. Rinaldi, I cannot compare the Superbike team’s decision a Go Eleven-run Panigale V4 R, points down on Redding in the the bike, race the bike and win a data with him. I see his data, and to replace with to its works line-up for next year final standings. Ex-MotoGP racer championship, it could be hard,” sometimes I just think, ‘F***…’ Michael Ruben Rinaldi for the alongside Redding. Redding fears that the difference said Redding. It’s so different to me that we cannot 2021 season. It comes at the expense of in size between himself and his “Having Chaz next to me in the even compare. VW5 Super Six £2million each. champion Iain Sanderson bought history. The Vanwall story is untold 1958 championship winning MOTORSPORT Founded by Tony Vandervell, the naming rights from automotive to many, but it is a great British car with six 100% accurate Acton-based Vanwall became parts supplier Mahle in 2012. tale of innovation and achievement and authentic continuation HISTORY the first British team to win its The marque’s revival will now be and shows what happens when the cars is a fitting tribute to their home grand prix – with Moss/ spearheaded by the six continuation right team come together and push historic success. Six continuations of the Brooks scoring victory at Aintree VW5s, built by eminent historic themselves fearlessly to reach a The DNA that made those Vanwall VW5, in which in 1957 – but ceased racing after race car restorer and preparer Hall clearly defined goal. cars so successful also serves as and Tony Brooks an ill-fated 1961 Intercontinental and Hall – which was heavily “On this [62nd] anniversary, we an inspiring foundation for the won the inaugural Formula Formula season. involved in the filming of RUSH. think the time is right to celebrate future of 1 constructors’ title in 1958, Now listed as the Vanwall Sanderson said: “The Vanwall this great British story of success. will be built and sold for Group, offshore powerboat racing name is too important to consign to Faithfully recreating the iconic

VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT Retro Racing Rewind – SA Superbikes click here Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 9 Hamilton’s Critics Slammed “Winning races and winning FORMULA 1 championships is always in this sport a team exercise, but you need Toto Wolff believes drivers to put yourself in a position that critiquing Lewis Hamilton’s you end up in the best car. success in Formula 1 by “You can see lots of putting it down to the talented and skilled drivers took dominance of Mercedes should wrong decisions, or not well- question themselves. advised decisions. Hamilton drew level with “In that respect, it was him ’s record who joined Mercedes in 2013, and of 91 grand prix victories by it is him that sits in the car and is winning the Eifel Grand Prix at the able to execute on track with a Nurburgring last Sunday, and is set tool that we provide to him.“But to match his tally of seven world it’s always a tool. We couldn’t titles this year. achieve the records that we have It has led to increased debate and he probably couldn’t achieve about Hamilton’s standing among the records without the right car, F1’s greatest drivers, with three- full stop. time world champion Sir recently saying it was Picture: Pirelli “hard to justify” if Hamilton compared to the likes of Jim Clark and . Hamilton has scored 70 of his 91 victories with Mercedes, which has dominated in F1 since 2014 and helped the Briton to win five of his six titles. But Mercedes F1 boss Wolff RECORDS: Hamilton felt it was wrong for Hamilton’s drew level with Michael high win percentage of 34.87% Schumacher’s record of to be used against him in the 91 grand prix victories by argument about his place among winning the Eifel Grand Prix at racing’s greats. the Nurburgring last Sunday, “I read that, and in my opinion, and is set to match his tally of that’s not quite fair,” Wolff said. seven world titles this year.

GP the week before effectively thing to do for us at this point ended his hopes. in time. “I already gave up that ghost “Definitely expected more Miller Title Hopes Gone last weekend,” he said of his from [the race]. When I saw the ghost” at Le Mans. soft rubber. This never happened, title aspirations. “I mean, it was a likes of [Alex] Marquez and the MOTOGP The Pramac Ducati rider however, and Miller could do no long shot anyway, but all I’m going Suzukis, how much smoke was struggled in the opening stages at more than ninth having started from for now is trying to get myself back bellowing off the back of their Jack Miller says his ninth in Aragon for rear grip on his medium fifth. But he says this result hasn’t on that podium and try and get as bikes exiting Turn 10 and last the Aragon Grand Prix didn’t rear, but was anticipating to come impacted his title challenge as he many points towards the end of corner, I thought we were on impact his MotoGP title hopes on strong as the frontrunners admits his “inevitable” engine- the season. for a rostrum at least. But that as he “already gave up that suffered a drop with their related retirement from the French “I think that’s the only realistic wasn’t to be. Irish Move May Happen the Irish Sea in 2021. Recently a spokesperson for the By comparison, other global Northern Ireland Taskforce – a WRC Having refused to entertain the Department for the Economy said: sporting events held in Northern new body established last year idea for many months on the grounds “Tourism Northern Ireland has Ireland such as last year’s Open to highlight the commercial Senior government and it did not represent good value for very recently received alternative Golf Championship at Royal value of two- and four-wheel tourism bosses in Northern money in the current climate, the costings from the promoter [but] Portrush cost the public purse sport – believes Northern Ireland Ireland are considering “in Department for the Economy and it is not possible to comment considerably more, with some stands to gain considerably detail” a fresh business case Tourism Northern Ireland appear further until this new information estimates putting it at three times in what would be its 100th for moving the UK World Rally to have softened their approach to has been considered in detail.” as much. anniversary year. Championship round across the idea of welcoming Rally GB to Those familiar with the business North Antrim MP Ian Paisley, the province. case put the cost at £2million. who is also the chairman of the 10 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Retro Racing Exclusive Opportunity Cars, Superbikes, Rallying, racing ever recorded covering CIRCUIT Formula Ford, Formula GTI, Sport all the key events, series and Prototypes and VW Polo Cup. class categories. Featuring SA legendry drivers in Retro Racing Rewind RACING action such as Hennie vd Linde, productions have now made this Tony Viana, Ben Morgenrood, complete program available to a Retro Racing Rewind are Willie Hepburn, Mike Briggs Chris potential partner/sponsor who can offering an exclusive affordable Aberdeen, Grant Mc Cleery, Shawn have exclusive ownership to the opportunity to own the rights & Etienne van der Linda and Deon total program. to this motor racing program, Joubert, added to this many of the As a sole sponsor you could own and score big rewards on the top older drivers that are still very this current program on Face Book, overall coverage active and racing successfully and You Tube at a very affordable Retro Racing Rewind on Face today, such as Sarel van der Merwe, monthly fee of R10 000. This could Book and You Tube capturers Scheckter, Morgenrood, Moss also be shared by the sponsors key the Glory Years of South African and Hepburn. brands and various products. motorsport (1990 to 2006). This All this famous motor racing The package and opportunities can now be viewed on Face Book footage was rescued and digitised include full naming rights and and You Tube for free 24/7 by all by the legendry TV motorsport branding, your own opening and fans, who can now view some of producer Rob Weightman, closing images and billboards, the best motor racing ever filmed in investing in the latest equipment logos, product images, brand line SA? Classes such as the Modified from overseas to save and convert up for the group, dealer, customer INVESTMENT: Retro Racing Rewind productions have now Saloons, Wesbank V8’s, Production over 525 racing programs and over lists and contact info can be listed. made this complete program available to a potential partner/ Cars, Stannic Group N, Touring 200 hours of the most spectacular The program can be linked to sponsor who can have exclusive ownership to the total program. their own Face Book and Web Digby Wesson on 083 449 5589, site or any links they may want, e mail digby@diggermarketing. it can announce and introduce co.za new products dealers, promotions, “I viewed a number of the shows, new brands, specials, new sample video clips on the Retro services etc. Racing Rewind on Face Book The sponsor will also be able and You Tube and it was totally to communicate to over 0000 mind blowing, the most exciting Retro Racing Rewind customers racing I have ever seen, I had and viewers, run banner ads, really forgotten just how good brand and product film clips, run and competitive these races were PR news copy and new company back then,” said Roger Mc Cleery. announcements. New services, Who features in most of the competitions, possible new race commentaries, every clip I viewed footage or past race events can also showed some of the best racing, be added. stacked with spectacular crashes, The program will also include incidents and great interviews, one a full ongoing PR campaign. The has got to view these action-packed team will also tailor make your film clips, and will certainly want program to tie into any existing to see more.” What Rob at Retro marketing campaign, strategies, Racing Rewind has done and and plan achieved, has saved SA motorsport View it all on Face Book and heritage featuring some of the best You Tube under RETRO RACING racing ever to be staged in this REWIND and see for yourself what country.” said Mc Cleery can be achieved. Rob Weightman can also show you all that is Images thanks to Tony Alves available and confirm all that can For more information contact Rob be done and achieved. Weightman on 083 252 0138 or e If you are interested in meeting mail him on [email protected]. Or with Rob and the team for a short Digby Wesson on 083 449 5589, presentation, please call Rob email REWIND: Retro Racing Rewind on Face Book and You Tube capturers the Glory Years of South Weightman on 083 252 0138 or e [email protected] African motorsport (1990 to 2006). mail him on [email protected]. Or

Retro Racing Rewind SAMCAR Modified VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT V8 Salons click here Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 11 No Tactic Change For Mir “It’s true that we are showing MOTOGP serious consistency,” Mir said when asked by Motorsport.com New points leader Joan Mir if he now sees himself as the says he cares less about the strongest title challenger. “It’s MotoGP title currently than other probably the most difficult part in riders and won’t change his race- this championship to always be by-race approach after finishing on the podium, even with some third in the Aragon Grand Prix. problems. It’s easier I think when The Suzuki rider leads the the bikes goes perfectly... it’s not championship for the first time in easy, but it’s more easy when the 2020 by six points after finishing bike and everything comes your his podium finish at Aragon, while way to make a win. erstwhile standings leader Fabio “But the important thing is Quartararo plummeted to 18th when you struggle to get good owing to a front tyre issue. results to get podiums, and this is Mir has scored the most why I’m the leader at the moment. points of any of the leading four This was the key in all the races. title protagonists since August’s And, also the way I’m approaching Czech GP and has scored the most the championship. I go race by podiums with five – though he is the race, I don’t care a lot about only one of Quartararo, Maverick the championship. Vinales and not to have won yet. Picture: MotoGP.com He admits “every race I care more” about the title, but his main priority remains securing his debut POINTS LEADER: New points leader Joan Mir says he cares less about the MotoGP title currently MotoGP race victory. than other riders and won’t change his race-by-race approach after finishing third in the Aragon Grand Prix. Ricciardo Has Been The Key Abiteboul also said that they part company at the end of very important for everyone to put believe that it was the right thing FORMULA 1 Ricciardo’s third place at the this season, when Ricciardo moves the commentators at bay and show to do at the time.” Nurburgring, which was the first to McLaren. “It’s equally important why it made sense at the time. Yes, Abiteboul said that a Renault Formula 1 boss Cyril podium finish for the Enstone to the team, to Daniel, to myself it was disappointing last year, you below-par 2019 season, and a Abiteboul believes that the team in five years, answers critics also,” said Abiteboul. “We’ve been could argue that it was one year push from proven race winner Eifel GP result reflects the who have suggested that it was questioned about this decision of too early. “But you know, there Ricciardo, helped to move the positive contribution that a mistake for the two parties to him joining us and also his decision are not that many opportunities to team forward. has made to team up. He stressed the value of of joining the team. So in both have a driver like Daniel, who was the since he joined last season. logging a podium together before directions, really. “I think it was available on the market. So I still Is Great News fans of the competition. several events because of the global Dani Sordo and Sebastien Loeb confirmed Rally Monza will WRC Monza becomes the third coronavirus health pandemic. who won there in 2010 and 2011 adopt a “short format schedule”, entirely new event to join rallying’s These included rallies in Portugal, respectively. with the Friday and Sunday Six-time champion Sebastien top flight after Rally Estonia – the Finland, Wales, Kenya and New Its profile has been further legs consisting of track-based Ogier believes the decision to home round of defending World Zealand. strengthened by repeat appearances tests with crews competing on extend this year’s FIA World Rally champions Ott Tanak and Taking place in early December from MotoGP legend Valentino closed roads in the Lombardy Rally Championship season Martin Jarveoja – and Belgium’s at the iconic Autodromo Nazionale Rossi, although he has already region on the Saturday. In with the late addition of Rally Ypres. de Monza, the all-tarmac affair indicated that he has no plans to be total, the route that has been December’s Rally Monza is They were called upon has attracted a number of WRC there this time around. drawn is said to cover 137 “great news” for teams and following the quick-fire loss of drivers over the years, including The WRC Promoter has competitive miles.

Fernando Alonso talks about his return VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT to Renault click here 12 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Portugal Tickets To Ride time. Erich Heystek ended fourth KARTING from Ntiyiso Mabunda and Ethan Deacon. Motlekar picked up his ticket to Portugal. The 2020 South African Yet another local lad, Reese National Rotax Max Challenge Koorzen came out on top of a close karting championship wrapped three-way fight to take under-11 up at Killarney in Cape Town on Micro Max for the day. He beat Saturday. Local drivers did the Jozi visitors Mohammed Moerat Cape proud with a dominant and Caleb Odendaal. That was not display at their home circuit, enough to prevent Odendaal from while the champions collected swiping the championship to claim their tickets to race for the SA that ticket to Portugal. Keagan team at the Rotax Max Grand Beaumont ended fourth from Finals in Portugal in January. Joshua Smit and Jordon Wadeley. Jurie Swart won three DD2 Jack Moore won two brilliant heats to take the day from fellow races in a magnificent day of Capetonians Sebastian Boyd and baby Bambino racing to take the race 2 winner Jason Coetzee, and day from race 3 winner Rafael KZN star Rob Whiting. Boyd did da Silva and final heat victor MJ enough to clinch the South African Thekiso. Caleb Moss ended up championship from Whiting. fourth from Mattao Mason, Frade Both drivers earned a ticket to the Santiago and Kai van Rensburg. Grand Finals. That was good enough for the latest Pretoria driver Nicholas Verheul scion of the Moss racing dynasty, had already wrapped up the over- Caleb to take SA’s youngest 2020 30s DD2 Masters title. That did not racing championship. prevent him from taking three heat DD2: Jurie Swart won three DD2 heats to take the day from fellow Capetonians Sebastian Boyd wins to clinch the Cape victory too. Pictures: Heinrich Sauer and race 2 winner Jason Coetzee, and KZN star Rob Whiting. Boyd did enough to clinch the South He beat local lads, heat 1 winner African championship from Whiting. Both drivers earned a ticket to the Grand Finals. Conor Hughes and Jason Greyling. Verheul’s efforts earned him the Masters ticket to Portugal. Local lads Tate Bishop and Charl Visser shared out the Senior Max wins with KZN driver Shrien Naidoo on the day, with three more locals, Andrew Rackstraw, Storm Lanfear and Jason Coetzee next up. Double winner on the day Bishop did enough to wrap up the SA title in the process. He also takes the Senior tickets to Portugal’s ‘Olympics of Karting’. There was a turn-up for the books, when Cape Town’s 2019 SA champion Troy Dolinschek raced his first national of the season. He proceeded to take a dominant, but hard-earned four-win under-15 Junior Max victory for the day. That was never going to be enough to stop Jozi lad Muhammad Wally from taking the title with four straight seconds. KZN kid Troy Snyman was third each time, while Andre le Riche ended fourth for the day from Dhivyen Naidoo and Kyle le Riche. Jozi kid Ghazi Motlekar had already wrapped up the under-13 Mini Max title. Saturday was however all about Cape driver, Joaquin de Oliveira. He stormed to four straight wins over KZN lad BAMBINO: Jack Moore won two brilliant races in a magnificent day of baby Bambino racing to take the day from race 3 winner Troy Snyman and Reza Levy each Rafael da Silva and final heat victor MJ Thekiso.

VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT Meet Ed Murray – South Africa’s Mr Karting click here Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 13 Alibhai Toughs It Out settle into it and started to work my at the races,” Pietermaritzburg Karting way up the field. “The highlight of lad Troy smiled. “I spent the day my race was overtaking 6 people in jumping out of the big Junior kart Ormonde youngster Aqil one corner! From there, I worked straight from weigh-in and running Alibhai did South Africa proud my way up to finish eighth. “I to hop into the little Mini chassis with a come from behind eighth needed a lap more to finish top five, and racing without a break at all. in the Vortex Rok World Kart but that’s racing! It was great fun — I love the Finals in Brescia, . “Thanks to Richard Blom for challenge of adapting from the Alibhai endured a tough damp the great set-up on my kart and my heavy, powerful Junior that I must weekend of hard knocks, but he team RKT for always having my wrestle all the way, to the little made it onto the Senior Rok Final, back. It was a great week all round, Mini that wants to be driven with qualifying 16th, before delivering a with great experience gained and absolute precision. “I was happy fine drive to end up eighth overall some awesome karting memories. with my results too — we lacked for the week. “It was a tough The season isn’t quite done yet the ultimate pace in both karts, so weekend with changing conditions — we still have a few regionals second overall in Mini and third throughout,” Aqil reported. “It and the Rotax Max African Open. in Junior was a good haul for started with qualifying in the rain, Let’s see if I can make it a hat trick the weekend. but my bigger challenge was that and find a way into the Max Grand “We had a difficult time earlier I never had any speed down the Finals in Portugal that weekend!” in the season, so I was happy to just straight. So I qualified to start all 3 Meanwhile Troy Snyman kept race and make the best of it. “There qualifying heats in 18th. I made it himself busy at the 2019 SA Mini are still a few cool opportunities up to tenth in the first heat, 12th in Max karting champion and once left to win this year, so I’m looking the second and the third was good again did double duty as he raced forward to that. Thanks to Ralph - I managed to get all the way up eight heats in both Mini and Junior and my folks — I truly appreciate to sixth. “That put me 16th on the Max at the Rotax Max Challenge all their support!” Final grid, but there was chaos at Finals at Killarney in Cape Town. GREAT RACING: Ormonde youngster Aqil Alibhai did South the start as always and I slipped He took a double-podium while Picture: Supplied Africa proud with a come from behind eighth in the Vortex Rok back to 18th. “I took a lap or two to at it. “It was another hectic day World Kart Finals in Brescia, Italy.

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OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 14 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Loeb Signs Prodrive Deal coronavirus crisis. DAKAR Dani Sordo and Craig Breen will share Hyundai’s third i20 WRC Nine-time World Rally during the final two rounds of the champion Sebastien Loeb will 2020 season in Italy and Belgium, return to the Dakar Rally in with Breen’s Rally Ypres outing 2021 after signing a deal with announced earlier on Thursday. the Prodrive-run Bahrain Raid “BRX have got big ambitions Xtreme team. for the and I’m Loeb will be a part of BRX’s excited to be a part of the journey two car line-up in the top-tier T1 with the team,” Loeb said. category alongside 2014 winner “There is an immense amount of , whose appointment experience in each area of the team; was confirmed by the squad the best in the field with Prodrive, last month. a track record of success from Loeb contested the Dakar as David Richards, and Bahrain’s rich a factory Peugeot driver between history in motorsport. 2016-18, securing a best finish of second during the three-year Picture: Red Bull Content Pool stint, before entering the rally as a privateer in 2019 following the French manufacturer’s withdrawal from the . The Frenchman, who remains the most successful driver in the WRC, missed the 2020 edition of the Dakar - the first to be held in - and continues READY TO WIN: Nine-time to search for his first victory in World Rally champion the event. Sebastien Loeb will return Loeb recently concluded his to the Dakar Rally in 2021 partial 2020 WRC campaign with after signing a deal with the Hyundai, which was cut short to Prodrive-run Bahrain Raid just two events in the wake of the Xtreme team. Sainz Continues His Raid Dakar for Mini, both having joined Mini’s first victory in the marathon of my victories of which I am very have become even better.” DAKAR the marque in 2019 following since its four successive triumphs proud. The upcoming Dakar will “I am looking forward to Peugeot’s withdrawal from the between 2012 and ‘15. certainly be another great event being part of the X-raid team The X-raid Mini team has rally raid as factory entrant. “I am looking forward to – after this year’s experience – again at the upcoming Dakar. I retained and Sainz and Peterhansel will drive competing again together with probably even better. couldn’t win the last Dakar, but Stephane Peterhansel for X-raid’s two Mini JCW Buggies, X-raid at the upcoming Dakar. “Concerning the MINI JCW I still have good memories of it: the 2021 Dakar Rally in with the line-up for its additional Of course I will try to defend my Buggy, despite the difficult time we The team spirit was great and Saudi Arabia. 4x4 entries yet to be announced. victory of 2020,” said Sainz. were able to find some areas that the Buggy was also very good to This will mark the duo’s Sainz won the 42nd edition “Now that some time has we could improve on. The team drive,” said Peterhansel. third consecutive outing in of Dakar back in January, scoring passed, I must say that this is one has done a great job and I think we Saudi Arabia Once Again historic rally which will be held some of the towns and cities that fans on the edge of their seats. The something in the tank for later. DAKAR from January 3 to 15, 2021 hosted the bivouac last January competitors will arrive a few days The sporting teams in charge Registrations open on June 15, will be returning, the rally will take after the rest day in Ha’il, where of preparing the 2021 edition After the first edition held with the Dakar teams inviting the place in a loop course this time the Saudi rally-raid community of the rally have focused on in the Kingdom of Saudi competitors to an e-Dakar Tour on around, beginning and ending in comes together every year. fleshing out the new navigation Arabia in January 2020, the two dates: June 16 for a French- . On the shores of the Red Riders, drivers and co-drivers system introduced last January competitors and crews will be English-and Arabic-speaking sea, the vehicles will rev up their will have to marshal all their and slowing down the vehicles heading back to Saudi Arabia virtual meet-up, and June 17 for the engines and open the first gaps on a physical, mental, technical and to make the race even safer, but for the 43rd edition of the Spanish-speaking one. Although spectacular course designed to keep strategic resources… while leaving no less exciting. Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 15 Cox And Moore Crowned second time in his career. Drawing blessing for the team! everyone gave 110 % and it payed made this dream come true for CROSS on the inspiration of his father I am so proud of the riders off in the end. We will now regroup everyone,” said KTM South and racing legend Alfie Cox, the and the team for all their hard and start planning for the 2021 Africa’s Marketing Manager young multi-disciplined talent has work and dedication throughout season. Thanks so much to all our Louwrens Mahoney. COUNTRY been determined to make a name this challenging year. It was a riders, their family and everyone in Brother Leader Tread KTM’s for himself in all facets of South demanding weekend of racing, but the team for all the sacrifices that Picture: KTM South Africa Bradley Cox and Charan African motorsport. Moore have officially been With his sights set on dreams crowned 2020 National Cross as big as racing the Dakar Rally Country champions. in the near future, the victory The riders received top this weekend was an important honours as the series ended with steppingstone for Cox. an exciting double-header round “It takes a village to make in Mid-Illovo. this dream happen - thanks to The victory marked a everyone who has been a part of significant milestone for Moore my circle! Hours and hours of hard who snatched up the first OR1 work goes into this and to see it national title of his career. payoff is always so rewarding,” Having only been recruited by commented Cox. the team at the start of the 2020 A cherry on the top of what season, the rider has bolstered his was a phenomenally successful status as one of the front runners season for the team was a second in this sport. place from Jarryd Coetzee. The “I put everything I had into OR2 rider fought tooth and nail this championship. This KTM to defend his 2019 title and will family and team made it all the certainly return to try reclaim the sweeter! Thank you all for helping top step next year. make this possible,” said an “What a season it’s been! From elated Moore. not knowing if we’d even be able Brother Leader Tread KTM to race again this year, to walking teammate Bradley Cox stormed away with the OR1 and OR3 LIKE FATHER LIKE SON: Brother Leader Tread KTM teammate Bradley Cox stormed to national to national OR3 glory for the National championship – it is a big OR3 glory for the second time in his career. Botterill Dominates Delmas George Smalberger/Anrico Toyota Yaris S2000, having SA RALLY Opperman, Shield VW Polo conquered the mechanical gremlins finished in second ahead of Michael from round three, put up a good Round three and four of McGregor/Robbie Coetzee, VW fight for second place a mere 11 the South African National Polo. 2019 SA Rally Championship seconds ahead of Coertse/Godrich. Championship was held in runner up, AC Potgieter and stand Putting their problems from Delmas over the weekend of in Navigator Rikus Fourie had to the previous day behind them, 16th/17th October. take a ten-minute penalty when AC Potgieter/Fourie took the top Once again, the organisers had they were unable to repair a boost step of the NRC2 class podium, opted for a compact rally of six pipe that had come loose in the followed by previous days stages on each day within close allotted service time. winner JJ Potgieter/Du Toit and proximity to the service park. Benjamin Habig/Barry White, Mcgregor /Coetzee. Guy Botterill/Simon Vacy-Lyle, VW Polo Cup, had their hopes Overall, the competitors have Toyota Gazoo /Wildcat Energy of another round win when a enjoyed the more compact format, Toyota Etios R4, took control from malfunctioning shock mount saying that there is no room for the first stage, 22 seconds ahead of forced them to retire in stage three error, and they must come out the the next competitor. Unable to repair overnight, starting gate at full pace to stay They continued their dominance before round four, they did not ahead of the field. by winning the remaining enter round four. Youngster Jayden Next up at the end of November five stages Els/Armand du Toit, VW Polo Cup, will be two more rounds to wrap up Chris Coertse/Greg Godrich, shows growing form by finishing the season for 2020. The TracN4 Rally Technic Hyundai i20 R4, fifth overall in round three and Rally will take place around the showed they were coming to grips seventh in round four. Mpumalanga towns of Dullstroom with their new car by posting Round four on Saturday and Belfast. some good times and ending the once again belonged to Botterill/ Picture: Andre Laubscher day second overall. Third overall Vacy-lyle with them winning all was Johan Strauss/Elzaan Strauss, six stages. FLATOUT: Guy Botterill/ Subaru Impreza. Four wins from four rally’s Simon Vacy-Lyle, Toyota Gazoo Rally host and local farmer, JJ has given them valuable seat time /Wildcat Energy Toyota Etios Potgieter/Tommy Du Toit, Ford ahead of their 2021 Africa Rally R4, took control from the first Fiesta R2N, took the round three Championship campaign. stage, 22 seconds ahead of the win for the R2N class Theuns Joubert/Carl Peskin, next competitor. 16 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Mercedes Return Predicted “Audi will be there with four DTM cars obviously entered by privateer teams,” Berger said. “BMW will be ITR chief there with a delay because of the expects Mercedes to rejoin the later homologation date of the new DTM with customer teams when M4, maybe some teams will be the series adopts the GT Pro already running an M6 before that. regulations in 2021. “I expect Mercedes-AMG to The DTM’s move to GT3-based be there as well. About the other cars in 2021 has opened up the manufacturers [Aston Martin and championship to a whole host of McLaren], we are involved in potential new manufacturers, after close conversations. the current season featured just “But the regulations have not two marques in Audi and BMW been finalised yet, there’s still some competing with the more expensive details that need to be worked out. Class One cars. Once that has been done I think the Mercedes was a core part of the negotiations and discussions can DTM since the rebirth of the series get even more intense. So I think in 2000, but it elected to withdraw from four weeks now we’d be in a from the championship after 2018 position to say a lot more.” to compete in the all-electric Formula E series. Picture: DTM.com However, Berger expects the new so-called ‘GT Pro’ regulations COMEBACK?: ITR chief to entice the Stuttgart-based marque Gerhard Berger expects back to compete against Audi and Mercedes to rejoin the DTM BMW - both of which have already with customer teams when pledged support for the new rules. the series adopts the GT Pro regulations in 2021. Marquez Decision Debated The 2019 Moto2 champion 2020 with a second in a wet French “No, I think Honda jumped “Now, as you can see Alex MOTOGP was signed by HRC to replace Grand Prix before repeating that on their instincts,” Crutchlow deserves his seat in MotoGP, he the retiring for performance in the dry at Aragon said when asked if Honda made definitely deserves his seat in LCR’s believes 2020 at the factory team, but was having fought for the victory with its decision too soon regarding the team he’s in. Honda was not wrong in moved out of the Repsol-backed Suzuki’s Alex Rins. Marquez’s future. “Now, I will say as you moving Alex Marquez out of garage for 2021 before the first HRC’s decision, then, could “They moved on their instincts know, he’s on a Honda contract, its factory MotoGP team for race of the year to make way for be seen as being too hasty, but of what they know and what they he’s going to get a factory bike 2021 before the season had Pol Espargaro. Crutchlow, who will be moved out know about the championship. next year. begun, despite his recent In the last two weeks, Marquez of LCR to make way for Marquez, I don’t think there’s any form. gave Honda its first podium of disagrees with this. wrong move. Haas Driver Guessing Game Steiner says that the candidates for the drives, unless I think the guys were good with us year.” Steiner acknowledged that commitment to make a change was there’s a change of plan and the in the last years. “We said we’re it wasn’t easy to drop two drivers FORMULA 1 made “two or three weeks ago” team opts for one experienced not going that way, we’re going to who had been with the team for so and communicated to the drivers driver like Nico Hulkenberg or do some changes, and therefore we long. Haas Formula 1 team boss by him last week in order to give Sergio Perez. want to tell them so they’ve got a “It is very difficult,” he said. Gunther Steiner says that no them a chance to find alternative “I think we wanted to be fair chance to find something else. “As much as we’ve had ups and decision has been made on employment. to them,” said Steiner of today’s “If we tell them only whenever downs in our relationships, in the next year’s drivers, despite Rookies and announcement about Magnussen we decide who is going to drive end you don’t stay with people for the confirmation that Kevin , both of whom and Grosjean. the car, it could be the end of the this long time, four and five years, Magnussen and Romain are associated with a commercial “We could have kept it for us year, and they would have a lesser if you don’t like them. So it’s Grosjean are leaving. package, are believed to be the top for a while, and then just do it. But chance to find something for next always difficult to do these things.

HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan VIRTUAL MOTORSPORT Dakar Message click here Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 17 Henk And Brett Crowned a faulty GPS. (Total Excellium ) They were, however, only 20 also had to fight from the back seconds behind Roberts/Köhne after a problematic qualifier and and had two minutes 57 seconds they were fourth in Class T and on Clint Weston/Gerhard Snyman 13th overall in the Production Champions (King Price Xtreme Mercedes) Vehicle Category. who had a better outing than the Newcomers Philip Botha/ newly crowned Production Vehicle Villiers/Haro after a cautious race. previous day to round off their Roelof Janse van Vuren (Penta SACCS Champions, Henk Lategan/Brett The winners of the Ford Parys season with an eighth place in the Motor Group Nissan Navara) were Cummings (Toyota Gazoo Racing 400 on Friday, Chris Visser/Danie FIA Class. 14th overall with Johan van Staden/ The South African National Hilux) who claimed their fourth Stassen (Total Excellium Toyota The Fourie couple, Marius and Leander Pienaar (Elf Renault Cross Country Series (SACCS) overall victory of the season while Hilux), finished fourth overall and Jolinda (Ford Ranger) also had a Duster) having to settle for 15th ended on a high note with the they also walked away as the FIA in the FIA Class (3:23:43) despite better final round to finish 10th place overall, they lost more than Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Vaal 400 Class winners. They finished in a a flat tyre with Gareth Woolridge/ overall and ninth in the FIA Class. an hour with a problematic jack. which took place on Saturday, total time of 3:17:57. Boyd Dreyer (Ford Castrol Cross The Class T title battle was There was also some bad luck 24 October at Parys in the Free Their team-mates, Giniel de Country Ranger) rounding off hard fought and the Fourie’s were for Lance Woolridge/Elvéne Vonk State and while championship Villiers/Alex Haro, who competed the top five after a clean race, followed by three Class T teams (Ford Castrol Cross Country titles were clinched, there was together again for the first time since two minutes 11 seconds behind with Malcolm and son, Frans Ranger) who qualified fifth, but the disappointment for others after the Mpumalanga 400 in February Visser/Stassen. Kock (Neil Woolridge Motorsport left front suspension failed a mere a day that formed the second of this year, posted the fastest time They were followed by Shameer Ford Ranger) who stepped onto four kilometres from the finish and two demanding days of racing. after the Pirelli Qualifying Race Variawa/Dennis Murphy (Toyota the second place of the Class they had to limp home. The Toyota Gazoo Racing SA and opened the road, but lost time Gazoo Racing Hilux) (3:30:22) and T podium. There was also heartache in Vaal 400, the fifth and final round when they encountered two closed Ernest Roberts/Henry Köhne (Red- Terence Marsh/Letshego Zulu the Neil Woolridge Motorsport of a shortened season consisted gates while they also lost time with Lined Motorsport Nissan Navara) (Red-Lined Motorsport Nissan camp when Jacques van Tonder/ of a 14km Pirelli Qualifying Race a flat tyre. who were sixth and seventh overall Navara) had the ride of their lives Sammy Redelinghuys rolled their early in the morning to determine They were eventually only two and in the FIA Class respectively starting from the back of the field Ford Ranger while teammates, the starting order for the main race minutes and nine seconds behind after both lost time with a flat tyre. after not being able to complete Wors Prinsloo/André Vermeulen, where teams had to complete a the double champions. The overall The Class T winners and the the Pirelli Qualifying Race. They winners of the Ford Parys 400 168km loop twice. and FIA Class podium was rounded new Class T champions, Johan and rounded off the Class T podium on Friday could not see out Hot, dusty and windy conditions off by Brian Baragwanath/Taye Werner Horn (Malalane Toyota with only 62 seconds separating the distance. added to the nerve-wracking Perry (Century Racing CR6) who Hilux) finished eighth overall after them from the Kocks. conditions and in the end, it was the were only 40 seconds behind De a few technical issues that included Gary Bertholdt/Geoff Minnitt Picture: MotorPress

WINNERS: Hot, dusty and windy conditions added to the nerve-wracking conditions and in the end, it was the newly crowned Production Vehicle Champions, Henk Lategan/Brett Cummings (Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux) who claimed their fourth overall victory of the season while they also walked away as the FIA Class winners. 18 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Special Vehicle Produces the Special Vehicle Category and SxS); Coenie Bezuidenhout/Jaco rounded off the Class A podium Schutte (Can-Am Maverick SxS); with the fastest SxS after the the outgoing SxS champions, qualifier, Dean Bradbury/Dewald Werner/Leon Mostert (Elf Renault Els (Can-Am Maverick) seventh Can-Am Maverick) and Christo New Winners and the third SxS home\ Rose/Arno Olivier (Can-Am by Nico du Rand/Rikus Hattingh SxS champions. They were followed by the class Maverick SxS). SACCS (Can-Am Maverick SxS) who André Fourie/Hendrikus winners of the fourth round, Simon were fifth overall and second in Pienaar (BAT) had the best outing Murray/Achim Bergmann (Total Picture: Nadia Jordaan In the Special Vehicle Category Class G, but they are also the new of their season and finished sixth in Excellium Can-Am Maverick in the last event of the 2020 South African National Cross Country Series (SACC which took place at Parys in the Free State there were brand new winners with Boela Botes/ Jay Pretorius (Schalk Burger Motorsport Porter)taking the overall and Class A victories. They were, however, only three minutes 16 seconds ahead of Class P winners, Trace Price Moor/Shaun Braithwaite (BAT) with the winners of Class G for Side-by-Sides (SxS), Theo Erasmus/Edward Odendaal (Can-Am Maverick) rounding off the overall podium. After a consistent season that included two Special Vehicle Category and Class A victories and two runner-up results, Tim Howes/Gary Campbell (Zarco) could not complete the race after an altercation with a rock, but despite losing the battle, they won the war as they clinched the 2020 overall and Class A titles. The rough route added to the challenge for the Special Vehicle and SxS teams and all eyes were on the outcome and how it would affect the championship standings. Lance Trethewey/Adriaan Roets (LT Earthmovers BAT) posted the fastest qualifying time in the morning, but a flat tyre and mechanical issues resulted in them finishing second in Class A and FIRST TIME: In the Special Vehicle Category in the last event of the 2020 South African National Cross Country Series (SACC which fourth overall. took place at Parys in the Free State there were brand new winners with Boela Botes/Jay Pretorius (Schalk Burger Motorsport Porter) They were closely followed taking the overall and Class A victories. Hamilton Record Breaking Problem win – beating the record previously but I had to somehow get through it “I had a good start but then Hamilton said: “It’s going to take FORMULA 1 held by Michael Schumacher. because it is what it is. You can’t going into turn seven I had a huge some time for it to fully sink in, But it was not all plain sailing lift the whole lap.” oversteer moment. And, you know, but you know I was still pushing Lewis Hamilton has revealed for the Briton, who said that he Hamilton’s victory came I didn’t know what was next. flat out coming across the line. that he had to lift off several faced a battle with his right calf despite a tricky first lap where he “So I really backed off I’m still very much in race mode times on the start-finish muscle towards the end of the race. fell down the order on the opening massively and arguably I should mentally. But yeah, I can’t find straight in the closing stages “You know it’s an incredibly lap as he struggled to get his have probably tried to defend the words at the moment.” of the physical sport but I had a cramp medium tyres up to temperature on from Valtteri, but I was like, ‘No, Hamilton’s victory meant he after suffering from leg cramp. in my right calf,” he said after the slightly damp track. I’ll come back later on’. And further extended his lead at the The world champion delivered his victory. “They said it was going to fortunately, that’s what I was able head of the world championship a dominant performance at the “So I was lifting quite often rain straight after the race but we to do so.” over teammate Valtteri Bottas to Algarve circuit to grab a record- down the straight because it was got some spitting just at the start,” Asked what it meant to take the 77 points, with five races to go. breaking 92nd Formula 1 career about to pull. [It was] pretty painful, he said. record-breaking 92nd career win, Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Motorsport World • July 2020 • 19 Pressure Beat Nakagami pressure from the outside and I MOTOGP couldn’t manage it. “So, this is the reason why I Takaaki Nakagami says the made this stupid mistake and that’s “incredible pressure” he felt it. I have to learn from my mistake from starting on pole for the for the future.” first time led to his “stupid” He added: “I knew that Franco crash on lap one of the [Morbidelli] was behind and that’s MotoGP Teruel Grand Prix. why I had to close the door from Nakagami became Japan’s Turn 1, and all the corners - I tried first premier class polesitter in 16 to save the position. years when he topped qualifying “Then I lost the line and it was at Aragon, and was branded an easy mistake. Then I couldn’t favourite for victory by many control very well and even for me riders owing to his strong race I was a bit surprised I had a crash pace throughout practice. at that corner because all practice I But the LCR Honda rider’s never had this feeling. race lasted just five corners when “But in the race it was maybe he crashed under braking for too nervous, or maybe I couldn’t Turn 5. control my feeling. I was too sharp “It was such a shame,” on the first part of the braking.” Nakagami said afterwards. “I made one mistake [and it] Picture: MotoGP.com cost me massively. I’m really disappointed. I had to try my maximum performance after the start and I was too fast. That’s it. “For me, even now I couldn’t TALENTED: Takaaki Nakagami believe I made the mistake. So, says the “incredible pressure” I’m disappointed in myself. But, he felt from starting on pole fortunately I’m OK, no injury. for the first time led to his “Before the race it was the “stupid” crash on lap one of first time I felt this incredible the MotoGP Teruel Grand Prix. Ferrari Talk Is Rubbish equal machinery. may not be running its cars in the “Seb and Charles’ cars are more from the second driver.” FORMULA 1 Another difficult weekend for same specification for both drivers. identical, no doubt,” he told Ferrari is currently sixth in Vettel at the Portuguese Grand But Binotto has moved to shut Sky Italia. “I sincerely hope that the constructors’ championship, Ferrari Formula 1 team Prix left the German at a loss to down the conspiracy theorists, as Sebastian will be able to qualify but being 33 points adrift of principal explain why he is so far off the pace he made clear his hope is for Vettel better in Imola, and show more Racing Point in the battle for has rubbished any talk that compared to his teammate. Vettel’s to lift his game so that the team can of what he is capable of during third, it needs both its drivers up and Charles comments have been interpreted by make the progress it needs up the the race. “Charles is certainly very there in the points to having any Leclerc are not getting some as him suggesting that Ferrari constructors’ championship order. good, but maybe you expect even hope of grabbing that spot. Quartararo Has No Idea place in the second Aragon round session on Sunday morning. amazing races with the medium/ soon as I was opening [the throttle] MOTOGP on Sunday, losing further ground However, he says from the medium on the Yamaha. So, the I was losing grip so aggressively to third-placed Joan Mir at the top opening lap he was losing grip tyre choice was good. and this is why I was not really Fabio Quartararo says he of the standings – his deficit now “aggressively”, but doesn’t blame “Not happy because in the happy because in the morning I has “no idea” why he “lost 14 points. his medium/medium tyre choice as morning we found something quite was so happy about the work we everything” in terms of feeling The Petronas SRT rider has that was the combination teammate positive that we felt fast. But in the did, but as soon as I arrived to the with his tyres on his Petronas struggled across both Aragon Franco Morbidelli dominated the race I lose everything, the feeling race from the first lap [I had] no SRT Yamaha in the MotoGP weekends to get the tyres to grand prix on. from the front.” feeling, no grip, no traction. Teruel Grand Prix. work, but felt like his team made “The tyres were ok,” Quartararo “When I was behind, I wanted “It’s so, so strange, I have no Quartararo struggled to eighth a breakthrough in the warm-up said. “Franco won and made an to do like I was doing in FP4, but as idea why but this strange.” 20 • July 2020 • Motorsport World Advertising Tel: 082 570 2995 Bloemfontein Delivers National Champions KTM rider Jonathan Mlimi won SA the final six 125 cc High School races on the trot to clinch that title. His closest rivals, Christian MOTOCROSS Celliers and Miguel de Waal shared The Bloemfontein’s double out most of the seconds and thirds header Cannabis Energy this past Bloemfontein weekend. SA National Motocross Celliers did enough to take the Championship finale delivered provisional championship second, thrilling title cliffhangers by just two points. and nine new South African Two seconds on Saturday and a Motocross Champions. couple of wins on Sunday were not Tristan Purdon is the 2020 enough for Wian du Plooy to catch SA MX1 champion, David Saturday’s race 2 winner Bryce Goosen took the MX2 title, Ian Petersen in the under-15 85 cc Topliss came up on top in MX3 Pro championship. and Kayla Raaf is the SA ladies That, despite Petersen retiring Motocross champion. from the first race of the weekend. Jonathan Mlimi took the 25 cc It was enough for du Plooy to beat High School title, Bryce Petersen the consistent Lucas Venter to under-15 85 cc Pro, Liam Botha second in that title race. under-13 85 cc Junior, Neil van Liam Botha took three wins der Vyver is the under-11 65 cc and a third to clinch a dominant SA champion and Trenton Kretzman under-13 85 cc Junior Motocross took all the baby 50 cc crown. championship. Pieter Brink KTM MX1 star Tristan Purdon however broke Botha’s unbeaten took three moto wins and a third run of wins this season with a to clinch a dominant 2020 premier Saturday race 2 win. Botha did MX1: KTM MX1 star Tristan Purdon took three moto wins and a third to clinch a dominant 2020 class MX1 title. The on-form enough to pip Ryan Adler to second premier class MX1 title. Anthony Reynard was second four in the title chase over the weekend. times in a row. Neil van der Vyver took all Which meant that Maddy Malan four under-11 65 cc victories as had to win the final race to ensure he raced to a second consecutive he clinched that title third by just a championship for Husqvarna. His point from Reynard. David Goosen closest title rivals, Jordan van Wyk meanwhile did enough over to hold and Trey Cox swapped the seconds on to second in that championship. and thirds throughout the weekend. Championship outsider Last but not least, Trenton Anthony Reynard was in imperious Kretzman took all four form as he marched to four 250 cc Bloemfontein baby 50 cc moto wins MX2 wins on the trot. It was just over Brody Bircher. Kretzman took not enough however. that championship from Bircher David Goosen overcame a and Chase Bekker. Saturday retirement to provisionally That wraps up the Covid- hold on to the championship by a shortened 2020 SA Motocross single championship point! Slade Championship Smith was second in most of the The 2020 SA South African weekend’s races, but just lost the National Motocross Championship championship second to Reynard is proudly presented and sanctioned in a Yamaha 1-2-3. by Motorsport South Africa Ian Topliss beat Brett Bircher in partnership with Cannabis and Alec Combrink to an over- Energy, TRP Distributors, Prepsol, 40 MX3 clean sweep in all four Bridgestone, Thor, Gaerne, FMF, races.Topliss steamed to the Pro Taper, 100%, Fly Racing, Ogio, championship in the process. Racestar Graffix and the Sunoco Kayla Raaff and her Kawasaki Race Shop. went unbeaten in Ladies Motocross All the 2020 Cannabis Energy this year as she stormed to another SA South African National SA title. Jadene de Lima delivered Motocross Championships are a quartet of seconds to draw level subject to official MSA ratification. with Natasha Rugani in the ladies title chase to take the title second. Pictures: Ruben Louw MX2: David Goosen overcame a Saturday retirement to provisionally hold on to the championship by a single championship point!