Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Takaaki Nakagami at Jerez Moto2 testing
Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Takaaki Nakagami at Jerez Moto2 testing2014 Moto2 Preseason TestingThe final Moto2 preseason test wrapped up Thursday at Jerez, and one rider dominated all three days – Takaaki Nakagami.
The Japanese rider was quick Tuesday and Wednesday, but reduced his best lap time even further Thursday for a 1:42.206 around the Spanish circuit. The Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider finished just under two-tenths of a second ahead of Kalex of Dynavolt Intact GP’s Sandro Cortese.Though he was quickest, Nakagami was unable to complete extended race-simulation runs due to experiencing problems under braking and having “strange” feelings with the design of a new fuel tank.Taking the third- and fourth-quickest times were both Suter machines with pilots Tom Luthi (Interwetten Paddock Moto2) and Xavier Simeon (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), respectively.Luthi was also unable to perform any race-simulation runs due to feeling the effects from a crash that occurred on Wednesday, his team reports.Fifth went to AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing’s Johann Zarco, who trailed Nakagami by four-tenths of a second. Zarco’s teammate, the American Josh Herrin finished 21st, 1.416 off the top time.Rounding out the top 10 were Luis Salom (Pons HP 40), Lorenzo Baldassarri (Gresini Moto2), Alex de Angelis (Tasca Racing Moto2), Dominique Aegerter (Technomag CarXpert) and Simone Corsi (NGM Forward Racing).This year’s possible Moto2 title contenders Maverick Viñales and Jones Folger missed the top 10 aboard their respective Pons HP 40 and Argiñano & Gines Racing teams. As for the Englishman Sam Lowes, the Speed Up pilot ended his impressive week 14th quickest. Lowes is battling through the pain of a swollen tendon.With reigning champion Pol Espargaro having stepped up to MotoGP, the battle for the vacant Moto2 crown will commence as the teams and riders head to Doha ahead of next weekend’s season-opening Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!